UT HB0366

Utah H.B. 366 - Judicial Modifications (2026 General Session)

• Modifies requirements for convening a three-judge district court panel to hear civil actions challenging state laws, executive orders, or administrative rules, requiring the action to seek declaratory judgment or injunctive relief against a state entity or official

• Creates a contingent Constitutional Court consisting of three judges with statewide jurisdiction, which would only take effect if a court invalidates or enjoins the three-judge panel provisions in Section 78A-5-102.7

• Establishes a Constitutional Court Nominating Commission of seven governor-appointed commissioners to select judicial candidates if the Constitutional Court is activated, with commissioners serving four-year terms

• Sets judicial salaries for Constitutional Court judges at 105% of district court judge salary, and allows district court or Court of Appeals judges to serve on the Constitutional Court without vacating their existing appointments

• Makes technical amendments to Business and Chancery Court procedures, including discretionary (rather than mandatory) publication of final decisions and requiring tentative rulings only on dispositive motions within 48 hours of oral argument