UT HB0307

Amends the standard for awarding attorney fees in civil actions under Section 78B-5-825, requiring courts to find both that the action or defense is frivolous/without reasonable basis AND that it was brought to harass, cause unreasonable delay, needlessly increase litigation costs, or abuse the judicial process

Replaces references to "bad faith" as defined in Section 78B-5-825 with specific conduct-based criteria across multiple statutes governing trial de novo proceedings in arbitration contexts (dog attack cases, uninsured/underinsured motorist claims, third-party motor vehicle accident cases, and construction lien disputes)

Creates a new provision allowing attorney fees to be awarded against parties who bring frivolous motions (not just frivolous actions or defenses) when the motion was brought to harass, delay, or abuse the judicial process

Applies to arbitration proceedings under insurance statutes (Sections 31A-22-305 and 31A-22-305.3) and personal injury arbitration statutes (Sections 18-1-4, 31A-22-321, 38-1a-308, and 78B-10a-108)

Takes effect on May 6, 2026