UT SB0071

Law enforcement agencies seeking to return or dispose of misdemeanor evidence must send written requests to both the prosecuting attorney and any individual still in custody related to the conviction, along with their attorneys and the employing entity

Evidence retention for felony convictions is now limited to cases where the individual remains in custody for specific serious offenses, including aggravated murder, rape, kidnapping, aggravated robbery, and aggravated assault resulting in bodily injury

Retention periods are extended to cover the duration of any pending postconviction relief petition under Utah law or federal habeas corpus petition filed within applicable one-year deadlines

Individuals receiving notice of an agency's request to dispose of felony evidence have 60 days to submit a written objection to the agency and prosecuting attorney

The bill takes effect on May 6, 2026