UT HB0553

Establishes a four-year statute of limitations for individuals to bring damage claims resulting from dog attack injuries

Increases the maximum arbitration and trial award for bodily injury claims from dog attacks from $50,000 to $75,000, excluding medical premise benefits, property damage claims, and wrongful death actions

Creates a liability exemption for owners of livestock guardian dogs when the dog causes injury or death while herding or guarding livestock on grazing land, provided the dog was provoked through negligent, reckless, or intentional conduct

Removes the previous $65,000 cap on total verdicts when defendants request a trial de novo, while maintaining that verdicts cannot exceed $15,000 above available insurance coverage limits

Takes effect on May 6, 2026