UT SB0218

Beginning January 1, 2027, individuals contracted by a municipality or county to act as a constable must hold a license issued by the Division of Professional Licensing under the new Constables Licensing Act (Title 58, Chapter 91).

Creates the Constables Licensing Board with five members including a county representative, a licensed constable, a sheriff or chief of police, a legal community representative, and a public member to oversee licensing and discipline.

Establishes three license classifications: constable, deputy constable, and apprentice constable, with requirements including age 21+, special function officer certification, criminal background checks, fingerprinting, and minimum insurance coverage.

Counties must issue contracts to constables with mandatory provisions including scope of services, indemnification terms, insurance requirements, and a maximum four-year term, with contract cancellation required if a constable's peace officer certification or license is suspended or revoked.

Preempts local regulation of constables, prohibiting political subdivisions from enacting ordinances relating to constable licensing or regulation, while allowing contracting governmental entities to include non-conflicting contract provisions.