UT HB0454

Creates a new criminal offense for individuals who assist applicants with public assistance applications while knowingly including false information or omitting required material facts to help applicants receive benefits they would not otherwise be entitled to

Establishes graduated penalties based on the value of fraudulently obtained benefits: second degree felony ($5,000+), third degree felony ($1,500-$4,999), class A misdemeanor ($500-$1,499), or class B misdemeanor (under $500)

Adds the new offense of facilitating an inaccurate public assistance application to the list of predicate offenses that can establish a "pattern of unlawful activity" under Utah's racketeering laws

Amends existing public assistance fraud provisions to clarify they apply to "obtaining or using" public assistance rather than just to recipients

Takes effect May 6, 2026