MINUTES OF THE
JUSTICE COURT REFORM TASK FORCE
Tuesday, May 21, 2024 • 2:00 p.m. • 220 Senate Building


Members Present:
Sen. Kirk A. Cullimore, Chair
Rep. Nelson T. Abbott, Chair
Sen. Stephanie Pitcher
Rep. Doug Owens
Eric Bunderson
Eric Clarke
Matt Dixon
Jim Peters
Tom Ross

Staff Present:
Jonathan Adams, Policy Analyst
Jacqueline Carlton, Associate General Counsel
Naomi Garrow, Administrative Assistant

Note: A copy of related materials and an audio recording of the meeting can be found at www.le.utah.gov.

Chair Cullimore called the meeting to order.
1.Task Force Business
MOTION:Tom Ross moved to approve the minutes of the November 7, 2023, meeting.The motion passed with a vote of 6-0-3.
Yeas - 6Nays- 0Abs- 3
Rep. N. Abbott
E. Bunderson
E. Clarke
Sen. K. Cullimore
J. Peters
T. Ross
M. Dixon
Rep. D. Owens
Sen. S. Pitcher
2.Recap of 2023 Justice Court Reform Task Force Recommendations
Jonathan Adams, Policy Analyst, Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel, gave a recap of 2023 Task Force recommendations and a summary of the 2024 Task Force business.
Chair Cullimore provided context as to why the Task Force bills did not pass during the 2024 General Session.
Eric Clarke explained the opposition to the reform efforts.
Jonthan Adams continued.
3.Next Steps for Phased Implementation of Justice Court Reform
Jonathan Adams presented on future items for the Task Force.
Chair Cullimore gave comment and opened the Task Force for discussion.
Open discussion with the Task Force and the public, with Michael Drechsel, Assistant State Court Administrator, providing comment.
Chair Cullimore suggested the formation of working groups to address finances regarding justice court reform, jurisdictional issues, and feedback from the Utah League of Cities and Towns and the Utah Association of Counties.
Tom Ross suggested a working group to coordinate with potential counties to pilot justice court reform, and the Task Force discussed its role.
Task Force members discussed working group assignments.
4.Other Items/Adjourn
Tom Ross asked about the working groups.
MOTION:Rep. Owens moved to adjourn.The motion passed with a vote of 9-0-0.
Yeas - 9Nays- 0Abs- 0
Rep. N. Abbott
E. Bunderson
E. Clarke
Sen. K. Cullimore
M. Dixon
Rep. D. Owens
J. Peters
Sen. S. Pitcher
T. Ross
Chair Cullimore adjourned the meeting at 3:08 PM