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S.B. 123 Enrolled
LONG TITLE
General Description:
This bill corrects references to the Governmental Immunity Act of Utah.
Highlighted Provisions:
This bill:
. changes references from Chapter 30 to Chapter 30d; and
. amends references to sections of the Governmental Immunity Act of Utah.
Monies Appropriated in this Bill:
None
Other Special Clauses:
None
Utah Code Sections Affected:
AMENDS:
9-2-1905, as last amended by Chapter 4, Laws of Utah 2003, Second Special Session
9-4-917, as last amended by Chapter 319, Laws of Utah 2001
10-8-58.5, as enacted by Chapter 229, Laws of Utah 1988
11-13-222, as last amended by Chapter 38, Laws of Utah 2003
17-53-311, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 133, Laws of Utah 2000
17A-2-1056, as last amended by Chapter 254, Laws of Utah 2000
19-6-321, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 112, Laws of Utah 1991
19-6-427, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 112, Laws of Utah 1991
30-2-11, as enacted by Chapter 163, Laws of Utah 1997
31A-1-103, as last amended by Chapter 225, Laws of Utah 2004
32A-1-118, as last amended by Chapter 1, Laws of Utah 2000
40-10-21, as last amended by Chapter 219, Laws of Utah 1994
41-12a-407, as last amended by Chapter 203, Laws of Utah 1991
41-22-31, as last amended by Chapter 21, Laws of Utah 1989
58-59-308, as last amended by Chapter 260, Laws of Utah 2003
58-73-701, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 253, Laws of Utah 1996
62A-4a-410, as last amended by Chapter 206, Laws of Utah 2002
63-2-802, as last amended by Chapter 280, Laws of Utah 1992
63-30b-3, as last amended by Chapter 20, Laws of Utah 1995
63-46b-1, as last amended by Chapter 235, Laws of Utah 2004
63A-4-204, as last amended by Chapter 266, Laws of Utah 2001
63A-4-204.5, as last amended by Chapter 266, Laws of Utah 2001
67-5b-107, as enacted by Chapter 192, Laws of Utah 1994
72-5-306, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 270, Laws of Utah 1998
73-18c-306, as enacted by Chapter 348, Laws of Utah 1997
73-26-403, as enacted by Chapter 251, Laws of Utah 1991
76-10-1311, as enacted by Chapter 179, Laws of Utah 1993
78-2a-6, as last amended by Chapter 97, Laws of Utah 2002
78-3a-912, as last amended by Chapter 356, Laws of Utah 2004
78-27-37, as last amended by Chapter 131, Laws of Utah 2003
78-27-43, as last amended by Chapter 131, Laws of Utah 2003
Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
Section 1. Section 9-2-1905 is amended to read:
9-2-1905. Board members -- Meetings -- Expenses.
(1) (a) The board shall consist of five members.
(b) Of the five members:
(i) one shall be the state treasurer;
(ii) one shall be the director; and
(iii) three shall be appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate.
(c) The three members appointed by the governor shall serve four-year staggered terms
with the initial terms of the first three members to be four years for one member, three years for
one member, and two years for one member.
(2) When a vacancy occurs in the membership of the board for any reason, the vacancy
shall be:
(a) filled in the same manner as the appointment of the original member; and
(b) for the unexpired term of the board member being replaced.
(3) Appointed members of the board may not serve more than two full consecutive terms
except where the governor determines that an additional term is in the best interest of the state.
(4) Three members of the board constitute a quorum for conducting business and
exercising board power, provided that a minimum of three affirmative votes is required for board
action and at least one of the affirmative votes is cast by either the director or the state treasurer.
(5) (a) Members of the board may not receive compensation or benefits for their services,
but may receive per diem and expenses incurred in the performance of the members' official
duties at rates established by the Division of Finance under Sections 63A-3-106 and 63A-3-107 .
(b) Members of the board may decline to receive per diem and expenses for their
services.
(6) Members of the board shall be selected on the basis of demonstrated expertise and
competence in:
(a) the supervision of investment managers;
(b) the fiduciary management of investment funds; or
(c) the management and administration of tax credit allocation programs.
(7) The board and its members are considered to be a governmental entity with all of the
rights, privileges, and immunities of a governmental entity of the state, including all of the rights
and benefits conferred under Title 63, Chapter [
Utah.
(8) Meetings of the board, except to the extent necessary to protect confidential
information with respect to investments in the Utah fund of funds, are subject to Title 52,
Chapter 4, Open and Public Meetings.
Section 2. Section 9-4-917 is amended to read:
9-4-917. Notes, bonds, other obligations -- Not debt liability -- Expenses payable
from funds provided -- Corporation without authority to incur liability on behalf of state --
Relationship to Governmental Immunity Act of Utah.
(1) (a) Notes, bonds, and other obligations issued under this part do not constitute a debt
or liability of this state or of any county, city, town, village, school district, or any other political
subdivision of the state, nor shall the notes, bonds, or other obligations constitute the loaning of
credit of the state or of any county, city, town, township, district, or any other political
subdivision of the state, nor may the notes, bonds, or other obligations be payable from funds
other than those of the corporation.
(b) All notes, bonds, or other obligations shall contain on their face a statement to the
effect that:
(i) the corporation is obligated to pay the note, bond, or obligation solely from the
revenues or other funds of the corporation;
(ii) neither this state nor any political subdivision of it is obligated to pay the note, bond,
or obligation; and
(iii) neither the faith and credit nor the taxing power of this state or any political
subdivision of it is pledged to the payment of principal, or redemption price of, or the interest on
the notes, bonds, or other obligations.
(2) All expenses incurred in carrying out this act shall be payable solely from funds
provided under this part, and nothing in this part shall be construed to authorize the corporation
to incur indebtedness or liability on behalf of or payable by this state or any political subdivision
of it.
(3) (a) Title 63, Chapter [
apply to the corporation.
(b) Notwithstanding Subsection (3)(a), no claim may be brought against the state, any
public official or employee of the state, another public entity, or any public official or employee
of another public entity, based on or arising from:
(i) any failure or alleged failure to fulfill a contractual obligation of the corporation;
(ii) any act or failure to act of the corporation or any of its trustees, officers, employees,
agents, or representatives; or
(iii) any failure of the corporation to comply with the requirements of any law or
regulation.
(c) The provisions of Subsection (3)(b) do not apply to a claim of a current or former
officer or employee of the corporation for the retirement or insurance benefits.
Section 3. Section 10-8-58.5 is amended to read:
10-8-58.5. Contracting for management, maintenance, operation, or construction of
jails.
(1) (a) The governing body of a city or town may contract with private contractors for
management, maintenance, operation, and construction of city jails.
(b) The governing body may include a provision in the contract that requires that any jail
facility meet any federal, state, or local standards for the construction of jails.
(2) If the governing body contracts only for the management, maintenance, or operation
of a jail, the governing body shall include provisions in the contract that:
(a) require the private contractor to post a performance bond in the amount set by the
governing body;
(b) establish training standards that must be met by jail personnel;
(c) require the private contractor to provide and fund training for jail personnel so that
the personnel meet the standards established in the contract and any other federal, state, or local
standards for the operation of jails and the treatment of jail prisoners;
(d) require the private contractor to indemnify the city or town for errors, omissions,
defalcations, and other activities committed by the private contractor that result in liability to the
city or town;
(e) require the private contractor to show evidence of liability insurance protecting the
city or town and its officers, employees, and agents from liability arising from the construction,
operation, or maintenance of the jail, in an amount not less than those specified in Title 63,
Chapter [
(f) require the private contractor to:
(i) receive all prisoners committed to the jail by competent authority; and
(ii) provide them with necessary food, clothing, and bedding in the manner prescribed by
the governing body; and
(g) prohibit the use of inmates by the private contractor for private business purposes of
any kind.
(3) A contractual provision requiring the private contractor to maintain liability insurance
in an amount not less than the liability limits established by Title 63, Chapter [
Governmental Immunity Act of Utah, may not be construed as waiving the limitation on damages
recoverable from a governmental entity or its employees established by that chapter.
Section 4. Section 11-13-222 is amended to read:
11-13-222. Officers and employees performing services under agreements.
(1) Each officer and employee performing services for two or more public agencies
under an agreement under this chapter shall be considered to be:
(a) an officer or employee of the public agency employing the officer or employee's
services even though the officer or employee performs those functions outside of the territorial
limits of any one of the contracting public agencies; and
(b) an officer or employee of the public agencies under the provisions of Title 63,
Chapter [
(2) Unless otherwise provided in an agreement that creates an interlocal entity, each
employee of a public agency that is a party to the agreement shall:
(a) remain an employee of that public agency, even though assigned to perform services
for another public agency under the agreement; and
(b) continue to be governed by the rules, rights, entitlements, and status that apply to an
employee of that public agency.
(3) All of the privileges, immunities from liability, exemptions from laws, ordinances,
and rules, pensions and relief, disability, workers compensation, and other benefits that apply to
an officer, agent, or employee of a public agency while performing functions within the territorial
limits of the public agency apply to the same degree and extent when the officer, agent, or
employee performs functions or duties under the agreement outside the territorial limits of that
public agency.
Section 5. Section 17-53-311 is amended to read:
17-53-311. Contracting for management, maintenance, operation, or construction
of jails.
(1) (a) With the approval of the sheriff, a county executive may contract with private
contractors for management, maintenance, operation, and construction of county jails.
(b) A county executive may include a provision in the contract that allows use of a
building authority created under the provisions of Title 17A, Chapter 3, Part 9, Municipal
Building Authorities, to construct or acquire a jail facility.
(c) A county executive may include a provision in the contract that requires that any jail
facility meet any federal, state, or local standards for the construction of jails.
(2) If a county executive contracts only for the management, maintenance, or operation
of a jail, the county executive shall include provisions in the contract that:
(a) require the private contractor to post a performance bond in the amount set by the
county legislative body;
(b) establish training standards that must be met by jail personnel;
(c) require the private contractor to provide and fund training for jail personnel so that
the personnel meet the standards established in the contract and any other federal, state, or local
standards for the operation of jails and the treatment of jail prisoners;
(d) require the private contractor to indemnify the county for errors, omissions,
defalcations, and other activities committed by the private contractor that result in liability to the
county;
(e) require the private contractor to show evidence of liability insurance protecting the
county and its officers, employees, and agents from liability arising from the construction,
operation, or maintenance of the jail, in an amount not less than those specified in Title 63,
Chapter [
(f) require the private contractor to:
(i) receive all prisoners committed to the jail by competent authority; and
(ii) provide them with necessary food, clothing, and bedding in the manner prescribed by
the governing body; and
(g) prohibit the use of inmates by the private contractor for private business purposes of
any kind.
(3) A contractual provision requiring the private contractor to maintain liability insurance
in an amount not less than the liability limits established by Title 63, Chapter [
Governmental Immunity Act of Utah, may not be construed as waiving the limitation on damages
recoverable from a governmental entity or its employees established by that chapter.
Section 6. Section 17A-2-1056 is amended to read:
17A-2-1056. Claims against district -- Procedures.
Any person who believes to have a claim against the district for death, injury, or damage
alleged to have been caused by the negligent act or omission of the district shall:
(1) file a written notice of claim with the board of trustees as provided in Title 63,
Chapter [
(2) comply with all the requirements of Title 63, Chapter [
Immunity Act of Utah, in seeking satisfaction of the claim.
Section 7. Section 19-6-321 is amended to read:
19-6-321. Construction with other state and federal laws -- Governmental
immunity.
(1) Except as provided in Subsection (2), nothing in this part affects or modifies in any
way the obligations or liability of any person under a contract or any other provision of this part
or state or federal law, including common law, for damages, indemnification, injury, or loss
associated with a hazardous material or substance release or a substantial threat of a hazardous
material or substance release.
(2) In addition to the governmental immunity granted in Title 63, Chapter [
30d, Governmental Immunity Act of Utah, the state and its political subdivisions are not liable
for actions performed under this part except as a result of intentional misconduct or gross
negligence including reckless, willful, or wanton misconduct.
(3) Nothing in this part affects, limits, or modifies in any way the authority granted to the
state, any state agency, or any political subdivision under other state or federal law.
Section 8. Section 19-6-427 is amended to read:
19-6-427. Liability of any person under other laws -- Additional state and
governmental immunity -- Exceptions.
(1) Except as provided in Subsection (2), nothing in this part affects or modifies in any
way:
(a) the obligations or liability of any person under any other provision of this part or state
or federal law, including common law, for damages, injury, or loss resulting from a release or
substantial threat of a release of petroleum from an underground storage tank or a petroleum
storage tank; or
(b) the liability of any person for costs incurred except as provided in this part.
(2) In addition to the governmental immunity granted in Title 63, Chapter [
30d, Governmental Immunity Act of Utah, the state and its political subdivisions are not liable
for actions performed under this part except as a result of intentional misconduct or gross
negligence including reckless, willful, or wanton misconduct.
Section 9. Section 30-2-11 is amended to read:
30-2-11. Action for consortium due to personal injury.
(1) For purposes of this section:
(a) "injury" or "injured" means a significant permanent injury to a person that
substantially changes that person's lifestyle and includes the following:
(i) a partial or complete paralysis of one or more of the extremities;
(ii) significant disfigurement; or
(iii) incapability of the person of performing the types of jobs the person performed
before the injury; and
(b) "spouse" means the legal relationship:
(i) established between a man and a woman as recognized by the laws of this state; and
(ii) existing at the time of the person's injury.
(2) The spouse of a person injured by a third party on or after May 4, 1997, may maintain
an action against the third party to recover for loss of consortium.
(3) A claim for loss of consortium begins on the date of injury to the spouse. The statute
of limitations applicable to the injured person shall also apply to the spouse's claim of loss of
consortium.
(4) A claim for the spouse's loss of consortium shall be:
(a) made at the time the claim of the injured person is made and joinder of actions shall
be compulsory; and
(b) subject to the same defenses, limitations, immunities, and provisions applicable to the
claims of the injured person.
(5) The spouse's action for loss of consortium:
(a) shall be derivative from the cause of action existing in behalf of the injured person;
and
(b) may not exist in cases where the injured person would not have a cause of action.
(6) Fault of the spouse of the injured person, as well as fault of the injured person, shall
be compared with the fault of all other parties, pursuant to Sections 78-27-37 through 78-27-43 ,
for purposes of reducing or barring any recovery by the spouse for loss of consortium.
(7) Damages awarded for loss of consortium, when combined with any award to the
injured person for general damages, may not exceed any applicable statutory limit on
noneconomic damages, including Section 78-14-7.1 .
(8) Damages awarded for loss of consortium which a governmental entity is required to
pay, when combined with any award to the injured person which a governmental entity is
required to pay, may not exceed the liability limit for one person in any one occurrence under
Title 63, Chapter [
Section 10. Section 31A-1-103 is amended to read:
31A-1-103. Scope and applicability of title.
(1) This title does not apply to:
(a) a retainer contract made by an attorney-at-law:
(i) with an individual client; and
(ii) under which fees are based on estimates of the nature and amount of services to be
provided to the specific client;
(b) a contract similar to a contract described in Subsection (1)(a) made with a group of
clients involved in the same or closely related legal matters;
(c) an arrangement for providing benefits that do not exceed a limited amount of
consultations, advice on simple legal matters, either alone or in combination with referral
services, or the promise of fee discounts for handling other legal matters;
(d) limited legal assistance on an informal basis involving neither an express contractual
obligation nor reasonable expectations, in the context of an employment, membership,
educational, or similar relationship;
(e) legal assistance by employee organizations to their members in matters relating to
employment; or
(f) death, accident, health, or disability benefits provided to a person by an organization
or its affiliate if:
(i) the organization is tax exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code
and has had its principal place of business in Utah for at least five years;
(ii) the person is not an employee of the organization; and
(iii) (A) substantially all the person's time in the organization is spent providing
voluntary services:
(I) in furtherance of the organization's purposes;
(II) for a designated period of time; and
(III) for which no compensation, other than expenses, is paid; or
(B) the time since the service under Subsection (1)(f)(iii)(A) was completed is no more
than 18 months.
(2) (a) This title restricts otherwise legitimate business activity.
(b) What this title does not prohibit is permitted unless contrary to other provisions of
Utah law.
(3) Except as otherwise expressly provided, this title does not apply to:
(a) those activities of an insurer where state jurisdiction is preempted by Section 514 of
the federal Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended;
(b) ocean marine insurance;
(c) death, accident, health, or disability benefits provided by an organization if the
organization:
(i) has as its principal purpose to achieve charitable, educational, social, or religious
objectives rather than to provide death, accident, health, or disability benefits;
(ii) does not incur a legal obligation to pay a specified amount; and
(iii) does not create reasonable expectations of receiving a specified amount on the part
of an insured person;
(d) other business specified in rules adopted by the commissioner on a finding that:
(i) the transaction of the business in this state does not require regulation for the
protection of the interests of the residents of this state; or
(ii) it would be impracticable to require compliance with this title;
(e) except as provided in Subsection (4), a transaction independently procured through
negotiations under Section 31A-15-104 ;
(f) self-insurance;
(g) reinsurance;
(h) subject to Subsection (5), employee and labor union group or blanket insurance
covering risks in this state if:
(i) the policyholder exists primarily for purposes other than to procure insurance;
(ii) the policyholder:
(A) is not a resident of this state;
(B) is not a domestic corporation; or
(C) does not have its principal office in this state;
(iii) no more than 25% of the certificate holders or insureds are residents of this state;
(iv) on request of the commissioner, the insurer files with the department a copy of the
policy and a copy of each form or certificate; and
(v) (A) the insurer agrees to pay premium taxes on the Utah portion of its business, as if
it were authorized to do business in this state; and
(B) the insurer provides the commissioner with the security the commissioner considers
necessary for the payment of premium taxes under Title 59, Chapter 9, Taxation of Admitted
Insurers;
(i) to the extent provided in Subsection (6):
(i) a manufacturer's or seller's warranty; and
(ii) a manufacturer's or seller's service contract; or
(j) except to the extent provided in Subsection (7), a public agency insurance mutual.
(4) A transaction described in Subsection (3)(e) is subject to taxation under Section
31A-3-301 .
(5) (a) After a hearing, the commissioner may order an insurer of certain group or blanket
contracts to transfer the Utah portion of the business otherwise exempted under Subsection (3)(h)
to an authorized insurer if the contracts have been written by an unauthorized insurer.
(b) If the commissioner finds that the conditions required for the exemption of a group or
blanket insurer are not satisfied or that adequate protection to residents of this state is not
provided, the commissioner may require:
(i) the insurer to be authorized to do business in this state; or
(ii) that any of the insurer's transactions be subject to this title.
(6) (a) As used in Subsection (3)(i) and this Subsection (6):
(i) "manufacturer's or seller's service contract" means a service contract:
(A) made available by:
(I) a manufacturer of a product;
(II) a seller of a product; or
(III) an affiliate of a manufacturer or seller of a product;
(B) made available:
(I) on one or more specific products; or
(II) on products that are components of a system; and
(C) under which the person described in Subsection (6)(a)(i)(A) is liable for services to
be provided under the service contract including, if the manufacturer's or seller's service contract
designates, providing parts and labor;
(ii) "manufacturer's or seller's warranty" means the guaranty of:
(A) (I) the manufacturer of a product;
(II) a seller of a product; or
(III) an affiliate of a manufacturer or seller of a product;
(B) (I) on one or more specific products; or
(II) on products that are components of a system; and
(C) under which the person described in Subsection (6)(a)(ii)(A) is liable for services to
be provided under the warranty, including, if the manufacturer's or seller's warranty designates,
providing parts and labor; and
(iii) "service contract" is as defined in Section 31A-6a-101 .
(b) A manufacturer's or seller's warranty may be designated as:
(i) a warranty;
(ii) a guaranty; or
(iii) a term similar to a term described in Subsection (6)(b)(i) or (ii).
(c) This title does not apply to:
(i) a manufacturer's or seller's warranty;
(ii) a manufacturer's or seller's service contract paid for with consideration that is in
addition to the consideration paid for the product itself; and
(iii) a service contract that is not a manufacturer's or seller's warranty or manufacturer's
or seller's service contract if:
(A) the service contract is paid for with consideration that is in addition to the
consideration paid for the product itself;
(B) the service contract is for the repair or maintenance of goods;
(C) the cost of the product is equal to an amount determined in accordance with
Subsection (6)(e); and
(D) the product is not a motor vehicle.
(d) This title does not apply to a manufacturer's or seller's warranty or service contract
paid for with consideration that is in addition to the consideration paid for the product itself
regardless of whether the manufacturer's or seller's warranty or service contract is sold:
(i) at the time of the purchase of the product; or
(ii) at a time other than the time of the purchase of the product.
(e) (i) For fiscal year 2001-02, the amount described in Subsection (6)(c)(iii)(C) shall be
equal to $3,700 or less.
(ii) For each fiscal year after fiscal year 2001-02, the commissioner shall annually
determine whether the amount described in Subsection (6)(c)(iii)(C) should be adjusted in
accordance with changes in the Consumer Price Index published by the United States Bureau of
Labor Statistics selected by the commissioner by rule, between:
(A) the Consumer Price Index for the February immediately preceding the adjustment;
and
(B) the Consumer Price Index for February 2001.
(iii) If under Subsection (6)(e)(ii) the commissioner determines that an adjustment should
be made, the commissioner shall make the adjustment by rule.
(7) (a) For purposes of this Subsection (7), "public agency insurance mutual" means an
entity formed by two or more political subdivisions or public agencies of the state:
(i) under Title 11, Chapter 13, Interlocal Cooperation Act; and
(ii) for the purpose of providing for the political subdivisions or public agencies:
(A) subject to Subsection (7)(b), insurance coverage; or
(B) risk management.
(b) Notwithstanding Subsection (7)(a)(ii)(A), a public agency insurance mutual may not
provide health insurance unless the public agency insurance mutual provides the health insurance
using:
(i) a third party administrator licensed under Chapter 25, Third Party Administrators;
(ii) an admitted insurer; or
(iii) a program authorized by Title 49, Chapter 20, Public Employees' Benefit and
Insurance Program Act.
(c) Except for this Subsection (7), a public agency insurance mutual is exempt from this
title.
(d) A public agency insurance mutual is considered to be a governmental entity and
political subdivision of the state with all of the rights, privileges, and immunities of a
governmental entity or political subdivision of the state including all the rights and benefits of
Title 63, Chapter [
Section 11. Section 32A-1-118 is amended to read:
32A-1-118. Liability insurance -- Governmental immunity.
(1) The department shall maintain insurance against loss on each motor vehicle operated
by it on any public highway. Each motor vehicle shall be covered for:
(a) any liability imposed by law upon the department for damages from bodily injuries
suffered by any person or persons by reason of the ownership, maintenance, or use of the motor
vehicle; and
(b) any liability or loss from damage to or destruction of property of any description,
including liability of the department for the resultant loss of use of the property, which results
from accident due to the ownership, maintenance, or use of the motor vehicle.
(2) The department is liable to respond in damages in all cases if a private corporation
under the same circumstances would be liable.
(3) The provisions of Title 63, Chapter [
apply in all actions commenced against the department in any action for damages sustained as a
result of department ownership, maintenance, or use of motor vehicles under Subsections (1) and
(2). Immunity from suit against the commission or any member of the commission, is in all
respects retained in any such action.
Section 12. Section 40-10-21 is amended to read:
40-10-21. Civil action to compel compliance with chapter -- Jurisdiction -- Venue --
Division and board as parties -- Court costs -- Security when temporary restraining order
or injunction sought -- Other rights not affected -- Action for damages.
(1) (a) Except as provided in Subsection (2), any person having an interest which is or
may be adversely affected may commence a civil action on his own behalf to compel compliance
with this chapter against:
(i) the state or any other governmental instrumentality or agency to the extent permitted
by the 11th Amendment to the United States Constitution or Title 63, Chapter [
Governmental Immunity Act of Utah, which is alleged to be in violation of the provisions of this
chapter or of any rule, order, or permit issued pursuant to it;
(ii) any person who is alleged to be in violation of any rule, order, or permit issued
pursuant to this chapter; or
(iii) the division or board where there is alleged a failure of the division or board to
perform any act or duty under this chapter which is not discretionary with the division or with the
board.
(b) The district courts shall have jurisdiction without regard to the amount in controversy
or the citizenship of the parties.
(2) No action may be commenced:
(a) under Subsection (1)(a)(i) or (ii):
(i) prior to 60 days after the plaintiff has given notice in writing of the violation to the
division and to any alleged violator; or
(ii) if the attorney general has commenced and is diligently prosecuting a civil action in a
court of the state to require compliance with the provisions of this chapter, or any rule, order, or
permit issued pursuant to this chapter; or
(b) under Subsection (1)(a)(iii) prior to 60 days after the plaintiff has given notice in
writing of the action to the board, in the manner as the board prescribes by rule, except that the
action may be brought immediately after the notification in the case where the violation or order
complained of constitutes an imminent threat to the health or safety of the plaintiff or would
immediately affect a legal interest of the plaintiff.
(3) (a) Any action concerning a violation of this chapter or the rules promulgated under it
may be brought only in the judicial district in which the surface coal mining operation
complained of is located.
(b) In the action, the division and board, if not a party, may intervene as a matter of right.
(4) (a) The court, in issuing any final order in any action brought pursuant to Subsection
(1) may award costs of litigation, including attorney and expert witness fees, to any party
whenever the court determines that award is appropriate.
(b) The court may, if a temporary restraining order or preliminary injunction is sought,
require the filing of a bond or equivalent security in accordance with the Utah Rules of Civil
Procedure.
(5) Nothing in this section may restrict any right which any person, or class of persons,
has under any statute or common law to seek enforcement of any of the provisions of this chapter
and the rules promulgated under it, or to seek any other relief, including relief against the
division and board.
(6) Any person who is injured in his person or property through the violation by an
operator of any rule, order, or permit issued pursuant to this chapter may bring an action for
damages, including reasonable attorney and expert witness fees, only in the judicial district in
which the surface coal mining operation complained of is located. Nothing in this Subsection (6)
shall affect the rights established by or limits imposed under Utah workmen's compensation laws.
Section 13. Section 41-12a-407 is amended to read:
41-12a-407. Certificate of self-funded coverage as proof of owner's or operator's
security.
(1) The department may, upon the application of any person, issue a certificate of
self-funded coverage when it is satisfied that the person has:
(a) more than 24 motor vehicles; and
(b) deposits, in a form approved by the department, securities in an amount of $200,000
plus $100 for each motor vehicle up to and including 1,000 motor vehicles and $50 for every
motor vehicle over 1,000 motor vehicles.
(2) Persons holding a certificate of self-funded coverage under this chapter shall pay
benefits to persons injured from the self-funded person's operation, maintenance, and use of
motor vehicles as would an insurer issuing a policy to the self-funded person containing the
coverages under Section 31A-22-302 .
(3) In accordance with Title 63, Chapter 46b, Administrative Procedures Act, the
department may, upon reasonable grounds, cancel the certificate. Failure to pay any judgment up
to the limit under Subsection 31A-22-304 (2) within 30 days after the judgment is final is a
reasonable ground to cancel the certificate.
(4) Any government entity with self-funded coverage for government-owned motor
vehicles under Title 63, Chapter [
requirements of this section.
Section 14. Section 41-22-31 is amended to read:
41-22-31. Board to set standards for safety program -- Safety certificates issued --
Cooperation with public and private entities -- State immunity from suit.
(1) The board shall establish curriculum standards for a comprehensive off-highway
vehicle safety education and training program and shall implement this program.
(a) The program shall be designed to develop and instill the knowledge, attitudes, habits,
and skills necessary for the safe operation of an off-highway vehicle.
(b) Components of the program shall include the preparation and dissemination of
off-highway vehicle information and safety advice to the public and the training of off-highway
vehicle operators.
(c) Off-highway vehicle safety certificates shall be issued to those who successfully
complete training or pass the knowledge and skills test established under the program.
(2) The division shall cooperate with appropriate private organizations and associations,
private and public corporations, and local government units to implement the program
established under this section.
(3) In addition to the governmental immunity granted in Title 63, Chapter [
30d, Governmental Immunity Act of Utah, the state is immune from suit for any act, or failure to
act, in any capacity relating to the off-highway vehicle safety education and training program.
The state is also not responsible for any insufficiency or inadequacy in the quality of training
provided by this program.
Section 15. Section 58-59-308 is amended to read:
58-59-308. No guarantee.
By registering and regulating professional employer organizations under this chapter, the
state:
(1) does not guarantee any right, claim, or defense of any professional employer
organization, client company, coemployee, or other person;
(2) does not guarantee the financial responsibility or solvency of any professional
employer organization; and
(3) does not waive any right, claim, or defense of immunity that it may have under Title
63, Chapter [
Section 16. Section 58-73-701 is amended to read:
58-73-701. Persons immune from liability.
(1) Employees of the division, members of the board or its committees, and professional
consultants serving the division or the board, are not subject to civil damages, when acting under
the authority of this chapter for any act or omission performed in good faith within the scope of
their functions as an employee of the division or member of the board.
(2) Employees, board members, committee members, and professional consultants are
indemnified by the state. The state has full responsibility for providing legal and financial
protection for employees, board members, committee members, and consultants to the board or
division.
(3) Nothing in this section may be construed to adversely limit any provision of Title 63,
Chapter [
Section 17. Section 62A-4a-410 is amended to read:
62A-4a-410. Immunity from liability.
(1) Any person, official, or institution participating in good faith in making a report,
taking photographs or X-rays, assisting an investigator from the division, serving as a member of
a child protection team, or taking a child into protective custody pursuant to this part, is immune
from any liability, civil or criminal, that otherwise might result by reason of those actions.
(2) This section does not provide immunity with respect to acts or omissions of a
governmental employee except as provided in Title 63, Chapter [
Immunity Act of Utah.
Section 18. Section 63-2-802 is amended to read:
63-2-802. Injunction -- Attorneys' fees.
(1) A district court in this state may enjoin any governmental entity or political
subdivision that violates or proposes to violate the provisions of this chapter.
(2) (a) A district court may assess against any governmental entity or political
subdivision reasonable attorneys' fees and other litigation costs reasonably incurred in connection
with a judicial appeal of a denial of a records request if the requester substantially prevails.
(b) In determining whether to award attorneys' fees under this section, the court shall
consider:
(i) the public benefit derived from the case;
(ii) the nature of the requester's interest in the records; and
(iii) whether the governmental entity's or political subdivision's actions had a reasonable
basis.
(c) Attorneys' fees shall not ordinarily be awarded if the purpose of the litigation is
primarily to benefit the requester's financial or commercial interest.
(3) Neither attorneys' fees nor costs shall be awarded for fees or costs incurred during
administrative proceedings.
(4) Notwithstanding Subsection (2), a court may only award fees and costs incurred in
connection with appeals to district courts under Subsection 63-2-404 (2) if the fees and costs were
incurred 20 or more days after the requester provided to the governmental entity or political
subdivision a statement of position that adequately explains the basis for the requester's position.
(5) Claims for attorneys' fees as provided in this section or for damages are subject to
Title 63, Chapter [
Section 19. Section 63-30b-3 is amended to read:
63-30b-3. Action under Governmental Immunity Act of Utah permitted.
Nothing in this chapter shall preclude legal action against a public entity for any injury
occurring as a result of the decisions or actions taken by a person performing services on a
voluntary basis for that entity, where such action would otherwise be permitted under Title 63,
Chapter [
Section 20. Section 63-46b-1 is amended to read:
63-46b-1. Scope and applicability of chapter.
(1) Except as set forth in Subsection (2), and except as otherwise provided by a statute
superseding provisions of this chapter by explicit reference to this chapter, the provisions of this
chapter apply to every agency of the state and govern:
(a) state agency action that determines the legal rights, duties, privileges, immunities, or
other legal interests of an identifiable person, including agency action to grant, deny, revoke,
suspend, modify, annul, withdraw, or amend an authority, right, or license; and
(b) judicial review of the action.
(2) This chapter does not govern:
(a) the procedure for making agency rules, or judicial review of the procedure or rules;
(b) the issuance of a notice of a deficiency in the payment of a tax, the decision to waive
a penalty or interest on taxes, the imposition of and penalty or interest on taxes, or the issuance of
a tax assessment, except that this chapter governs an agency action commenced by a taxpayer or
by another person authorized by law to contest the validity or correctness of the action;
(c) state agency action relating to extradition, to the granting of a pardon or parole, a
commutation or termination of a sentence, or to the rescission, termination, or revocation of
parole or probation, to the discipline of, resolution of a grievance of, supervision of, confinement
of, or the treatment of an inmate or resident of a correctional facility, the Utah State Hospital, the
Utah State Developmental Center, or a person in the custody or jurisdiction of the Division of
Substance Abuse and Mental Health, or a person on probation or parole, or judicial review of the
action;
(d) state agency action to evaluate, discipline, employ, transfer, reassign, or promote a
student or teacher in a school or educational institution, or judicial review of the action;
(e) an application for employment and internal personnel action within an agency
concerning its own employees, or judicial review of the action;
(f) the issuance of a citation or assessment under Title 34A, Chapter 6, Utah
Occupational Safety and Health Act, and Title 58, Chapter 3a, Architect Licensing Act, Chapter
11a, Cosmetologist/Barber, Esthetician, Electrologist, and Nail Technician Licensing Act,
Chapter 17b, Pharmacy Practice Act, Chapter 22, Professional Engineers and Professional Land
[
55, Utah Construction Trades Licensing Act, Chapter 63, Security Personnel Licensing Act, and
Chapter 76, Professional Geologist Licensing Act, except that this chapter governs an agency
action commenced by the employer, licensee, or other person authorized by law to contest the
validity or correctness of the citation or assessment;
(g) state agency action relating to management of state funds, the management and
disposal of school and institutional trust land assets, and contracts for the purchase or sale of
products, real property, supplies, goods, or services by or for the state, or by or for an agency of
the state, except as provided in those contracts, or judicial review of the action;
(h) state agency action under Title 7, Chapter 1, Article 3, Powers and Duties of
Commissioner of Financial Institutions, Title 7, Chapter 2, Possession of Depository Institution
by Commissioner, Title 7, Chapter 19, Acquisition of Failing Depository Institutions or Holding
Companies, and Title 63, Chapter [
judicial review of the action;
(i) the initial determination of a person's eligibility for unemployment benefits, the initial
determination of a person's eligibility for benefits under Title 34A, Chapter 2, Workers'
Compensation Act, and Title 34A, Chapter 3, Utah Occupational Disease Act, or the initial
determination of a person's unemployment tax liability;
(j) state agency action relating to the distribution or award of a monetary grant to or
between governmental units, or for research, development, or the arts, or judicial review of the
action;
(k) the issuance of a notice of violation or order under Title 26, Chapter 8a, Utah
Emergency Medical Services System Act, Title 19, Chapter 2, Air Conservation Act, Title 19,
Chapter 3, Radiation Control Act, Title 19, Chapter 4, Safe Drinking Water Act, Title 19,
Chapter 5, Water Quality Act, Title 19, Chapter 6, Part 1, Solid and Hazardous Waste Act, Title
19, Chapter 6, Part 4, Underground Storage Tank Act, or Title 19, Chapter 6, Part 7, Used Oil
Management Act, except that this chapter governs an agency action commenced by a person
authorized by law to contest the validity or correctness of the notice or order;
(l) state agency action, to the extent required by federal statute or regulation, to be
conducted according to federal procedures;
(m) the initial determination of a person's eligibility for government or public assistance
benefits;
(n) state agency action relating to wildlife licenses, permits, tags, and certificates of
registration;
(o) a license for use of state recreational facilities;
(p) state agency action under Title 63, Chapter 2, Government Records Access and
Management Act, except as provided in Section 63-2-603 ;
(q) state agency action relating to the collection of water commissioner fees and
delinquency penalties, or judicial review of the action;
(r) state agency action relating to the installation, maintenance, and repair of headgates,
caps, values, or other water controlling works and weirs, flumes, meters, or other water
measuring devices, or judicial review of the action;
(s) (i) a hearing conducted by the Division of Securities under Section 61-1-11.1 ; and
(ii) an action taken by the Division of Securities pursuant to a hearing conducted under
Section 61-1-11.1 , including a determination regarding the fairness of an issuance or exchange of
securities described in Subsection 61-1-11.1 (1); and
(t) state agency action relating to water well driller licenses, water well drilling permits,
water well driller registration, or water well drilling construction standards, or judicial review of
the action.
(3) This chapter does not affect a legal remedy otherwise available to:
(a) compel an agency to take action; or
(b) challenge an agency's rule.
(4) This chapter does not preclude an agency, prior to the beginning of an adjudicative
proceeding, or the presiding officer during an adjudicative proceeding from:
(a) requesting or ordering a conference with parties and interested persons to:
(i) encourage settlement;
(ii) clarify the issues;
(iii) simplify the evidence;
(iv) facilitate discovery; or
(v) expedite the proceeding; or
(b) granting a timely motion to dismiss or for summary judgment if the requirements of
Rule 12(b) or Rule 56 of the Utah Rules of Civil Procedure are met by the moving party, except
to the extent that the requirements of those rules are modified by this chapter.
(5) (a) A declaratory proceeding authorized by Section 63-46b-21 is not governed by this
chapter, except as explicitly provided in that section.
(b) Judicial review of a declaratory proceeding authorized by Section 63-46b-21 is
governed by this chapter.
(6) This chapter does not preclude an agency from enacting a rule affecting or governing
an adjudicative proceeding or from following the rule, if the rule is enacted according to the
procedures outlined in Title 63, Chapter 46a, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act, and if the
rule conforms to the requirements of this chapter.
(7) (a) If the attorney general issues a written determination that a provision of this
chapter would result in the denial of funds or services to an agency of the state from the federal
government, the applicability of the provision to that agency shall be suspended to the extent
necessary to prevent the denial.
(b) The attorney general shall report the suspension to the Legislature at its next session.
(8) Nothing in this chapter may be interpreted to provide an independent basis for
jurisdiction to review final agency action.
(9) Nothing in this chapter may be interpreted to restrict a presiding officer, for good
cause shown, from lengthening or shortening a time period prescribed in this chapter, except the
time period established for judicial review.
Section 21. Section 63A-4-204 is amended to read:
63A-4-204. School district participation in Risk Management Fund.
(1) (a) For the purpose of this section, action by a public school district shall be taken
upon resolution by a majority of the members of the school district's board of education.
(b) (i) Upon approval by the state risk manager and the board of education of the school
district, a public school district may participate in the Risk Management Fund and may permit a
foundation established under Section 53A-4-205 to participate in the Risk Management Fund.
(ii) Upon approval by the state risk manager and the State Board of Education, a state
public education foundation may participate in the Risk Management Fund.
(c) Subject to any cancellation or other applicable coverage provisions, either the state
risk manager or the public school district may terminate participation in the fund.
(2) The state risk manager shall contract for all insurance, legal, loss adjustment,
consulting, loss control, safety, and other related services necessary to support the insurance
program provided to a participating public school district, except that all supporting legal
services are subject to the prior approval of the state attorney general.
(3) (a) The state risk manager shall treat each participating public school district as a
state agency when participating in the Risk Management Fund.
(b) Each public school district participating in the fund shall comply with the provisions
of this part that affect state agencies.
(4) (a) By no later than March 31 of each year, the risk manager shall prepare, in writing,
the information required by Subsection (4)(b) regarding the coverage against legal liability
provided a school district employee of this state:
(i) by the Risk Management Fund;
(ii) under Title 63, Chapter [
(iii) under Title 63, Chapter 30a, Reimbursement of Legal Fees and Costs to Officers and
Employees.
(b) (i) The information described in Subsection (4)(a) shall include:
(A) the eligibility requirements, if any, to receive the coverage;
(B) the basic nature of the coverage for a school district employee; and
(C) whether the coverage is primary or in excess of any other coverage the risk manager
knows is commonly available to a school district employee in this state.
(ii) The information described in Subsection (4)(a) may include:
(A) comparisons the risk manager considers beneficial to a school district employee
between:
(I) the coverage described in Subsection (4)(a); and
(II) other coverage the risk manager knows is commonly available to a school district
employee in this state; and
(B) any other information the risk manager considers appropriate.
(c) The risk manager shall provide the information prepared under this Subsection (4) to
each school district that participates in the Risk Management Fund.
(d) A school district that participates in the Risk Management Fund shall provide a copy
of the information described in Subsection (4)(c) to each school district employee within the
school district:
(i) within 30 days of the day the school district employee is hired by the school district;
and
(ii) by no later than April 15 of each calendar year.
Section 22. Section 63A-4-204.5 is amended to read:
63A-4-204.5. Charter school participation in Risk Management Fund.
(1) A charter school established under the authority of Title 53A, Chapter 1a, Part 5, The
Utah Charter Schools Act, may participate in the Risk Management Fund upon the approval of
the state risk manager and the governing body of the charter school.
(2) (a) For purposes of administration, the state risk manager shall treat each charter
school participating in the fund as a state agency.
(b) Each charter school participating in the fund shall comply with the provisions of this
part that affect state agencies.
(3) (a) By no later than March 31 of each year, the risk manager shall prepare, in writing,
the information required by Subsection (3)(b) regarding the coverage against legal liability
provided a charter school employee of this state:
(i) by the Risk Management Fund;
(ii) under Title 63, Chapter [
(iii) under Title 63, Chapter 30a, Reimbursement of Legal Fees and Costs to Officers and
Employees.
(b) (i) The information described in Subsection (3)(a) shall include:
(A) the eligibility requirements, if any, to receive the coverage;
(B) the basic nature of the coverage for a charter school employee; and
(C) whether the coverage is primary or in excess of any other coverage the risk manager
knows is commonly available to a charter school employee in this state.
(ii) The information described in Subsection (3)(a) may include:
(A) comparisons the risk manager considers beneficial to a charter school employee
between:
(I) the coverage described in Subsection (3)(a); and
(II) other coverage the risk manager knows is commonly available to a charter school
employee in this state; and
(B) any other information the risk manager considers appropriate.
(c) The risk manager shall provide the information prepared under this Subsection (3) to
each charter school that participates in the Risk Management Fund.
(d) A charter school that participates in the Risk Management Fund shall provide a copy
of the information described in Subsection (3)(c) to each charter school employee within the
charter school:
(i) within 30 days of the day the charter school employee is hired by the charter school;
and
(ii) by no later than April 15 of each calendar year.
Section 23. Section 67-5b-107 is amended to read:
67-5b-107. Immunity -- Limited liability.
(1) Officers and employees performing services for two or more public agencies pursuant
to contracts executed under the provisions of this part are considered to be officers and
employees of the public agency employing their services, even though performing those
functions outside of the territorial limits of any one of the contracting public agencies, and are
considered to be officers and employees of public agencies in accordance with Title 63, Chapter
[
(2) The officers and employees of the center, while acting within the scope of their
authority, are not subject to any personal or civil liability resulting from carrying out any of the
purposes of a center under the provisions of Title 63, Chapter [
Act of Utah.
(3) A volunteer is considered a government employee in accordance with Section
67-20-3 and entitled to immunity under the provisions of Title 63, Chapter [
Governmental Immunity Act of Utah.
(4) A volunteer, other than one considered a government employee in accordance with
Section 67-20-3 , may not incur any personal financial liability for any tort claim or other action
seeking damage for an injury arising from any act or omission of the volunteer while providing
services for the nonprofit organization if:
(a) the individual was acting in good faith and reasonably believed he was acting within
the scope of his official functions and duties with the center; and
(b) the damage or injury was not caused by an intentional or knowing act by the
volunteer which constitutes illegal or wanton misconduct.
(5) The center is not liable for the acts or omissions of its volunteers in any circumstance
where the acts of its volunteers are not as described in Section (4) unless:
(a) the center had, or reasonably should have had, reasonable notice of the volunteer's
unfitness to provide services to the center under circumstances that make the center's use of the
volunteer reckless or wanton in light of that notice; or
(b) a business employer would be liable under the laws of this state if the act or omission
were the act or omission of one of its employees.
Section 24. Section 72-5-306 is amended to read:
72-5-306. Assumption of risk -- Immunity -- Public safety.
(1) An R.S. 2477 right-of-way not designated under Section 72-3-102 , 72-3-103 , or
72-3-104 as a Class A, B, or C road is traveled at the risk of the user.
(2) The state and its political subdivisions do not waive immunity under Title 63,
Chapter [
in or associated with any R.S. 2477 right-of-way.
(3) The state and its political subdivisions assume no liability for injury or damage
resulting from a failure to maintain any:
(a) R.S. 2477 right-of-way for vehicular travel; or
(b) highway sign on an R.S. 2477 right-of-way.
(4) If the state or any political subdivision of the state chooses to maintain an R.S. 2477
right-of-way, the basic governmental objective involved in providing the improvements is the
consistent promotion of public safety.
(5) (a) The state recognizes that there are limited funds available to upgrade all R.S. 2477
rights-of-way to applicable safety standards.
(b) A decision by the state or a political subdivision of the state to allocate funds for
maintaining an R.S. 2477 right-of-way is the result of evaluation and assigning of priorities for
the promotion of public safety.
(c) The state or a political subdivision of the state must use its judgment and expertise to
evaluate which safety feature improvements should be made first. In making this policy
determination the state or a political subdivision of the state may:
(i) perform on-site inspections and weigh all factors relating to safety, including the
physical characteristics and configuration of the R.S. 2477 right-of-way and the volume and type
of traffic on the R.S. 2477 right-of-way; and
(ii) consult with transportation experts who have expertise to make an evaluation of the
relative dangerousness of R.S. 2477 rights-of-way within their jurisdiction.
Section 25. Section 73-18c-306 is amended to read:
73-18c-306. Certificate of self-funded coverage as proof of owner's or operator's
security.
(1) The division may, upon the application of any person, issue a certificate of
self-funded coverage when it is satisfied that the person has:
(a) more than 24 personal watercraft; and
(b) deposits, in a form approved by the division, securities in an amount of $200,000 plus
$100 for each personal watercraft up to and including 1,000 personal watercraft and $50 for each
personal watercraft over 1,000 personal watercraft.
(2) Persons holding a certificate of self-funded coverage under this chapter shall pay
benefits to persons injured from the self-funded person's operation, maintenance, and use of
personal watercraft as would an insurer issuing a policy to the self-funded person containing the
coverages under Sections 31A-22-1502 and 31A-22-1503 .
(3) In accordance with Title 63, Chapter 46b, Administrative Procedures Act, the
division may, upon reasonable grounds, cancel the certificate. Failure to pay any judgment up to
the limit under Subsection 31A-22-1503 (2) within 30 days after the judgment is final is a
reasonable ground to cancel the certificate.
(4) Any government entity with self-funded coverage for government-owned personal
watercraft under Title 63, Chapter [
the requirements of this section.
Section 26. Section 73-26-403 is amended to read:
73-26-403. Immunity from suit -- Exception.
Activities engaged in under authority of this chapter are governmental functions. The
state and its officers and employees are immune from suit for any injury or damage resulting
from those activities, except as provided in Section [
Section 27. Section 76-10-1311 is amended to read:
76-10-1311. Mandatory testing -- Retention of offender medical file -- Civil
liability.
(1) A person who has entered a plea of guilty, a plea of no contest, a plea of guilty and
mentally ill, or been found guilty for violation of Section 76-10-1302 , 76-10-1303 , or
76-10-1313 shall be required to submit to a mandatory test to determine if the offender is an HIV
positive individual. The mandatory test shall be required and conducted prior to sentencing.
(2) If the mandatory test has not been conducted prior to sentencing, and the convicted
offender is already confined in a county jail or state prison, such person shall be tested while in
confinement.
(3) The local law enforcement agency shall cause the blood specimen of the offender as
defined in Subsection (1) confined in county jail to be taken and tested.
(4) The Department of Corrections shall cause the blood specimen of the offender
defined in Subsection (1) confined in any state prison to be taken and tested.
(5) The local law enforcement agency shall collect and retain in the offender's medical
file the following data:
(a) the HIV infection test results;
(b) a copy of the written notice as provided in Section 76-10-1312 ;
(c) photographic identification; and
(d) fingerprint identification.
(6) The local law enforcement agency shall classify the medical file as a private record
pursuant to Subsection 63-2-302 (1)(b) or a controlled record pursuant to Section 63-2-303 .
(7) The person tested shall be responsible for the costs of testing, unless the person is
indigent. The costs will then be paid by the local law enforcement agency or the Department of
Corrections from the General Fund.
(8) (a) The laboratory performing testing shall report test results to only designated
officials in the Department of Corrections, the Department of Health, and the local law
enforcement agency submitting the blood specimen.
(b) Each department or agency shall designate those officials by written policy.
(c) Designated officials may release information identifying an offender under Section
76-10-1302 , 76-10-1303 , or 76-10-1313 who has tested HIV positive as provided under
Subsection 63-2-202 (1) and for purposes of prosecution pursuant to Section 76-10-1309 .
(9) (a) An employee of the local law enforcement agency, the Department of Corrections,
or the Department of Health who discloses the HIV test results under this section is not civilly
liable except when disclosure constitutes fraud or [
Section [
(b) An employee of the local law enforcement agency, the Department of Corrections, or
the Department of Health who discloses the HIV test results under this section is not civilly or
criminally liable, except when disclosure constitutes a knowing violation of Section 63-2-801 .
(10) When the medical file is released as provided in Section 63-2-803 , the local law
enforcement agency, the Department of Corrections, or the Department of Health or its officers
or employees are not liable for damages for release of the medical file.
Section 28. Section 78-2a-6 is amended to read:
78-2a-6. Appellate Mediation Office -- Protected records and information --
Governmental immunity.
(1) Unless a more restrictive rule of court is adopted pursuant to Subsection
63-2-201 (3)(b), information and records relating to any matter on appeal received or generated by
the Chief Appellate Mediator or other staff of the Appellate Mediation Office as a result of any
party's participation or lack of participation in the settlement program shall be maintained as
protected records pursuant to Subsections 63-2-304 (16), (17), (18), and (33).
(2) In addition to the access restrictions on protected records provided in Section
63-2-202 , the information and records may not be disclosed to judges, staff, or employees of any
court of this state.
(3) The Chief Appellate Mediator may disclose statistical and other demographic
information as may be necessary and useful to report on the status and to allow supervision and
oversight of the Appellate Mediation Office.
(4) When acting as mediators, the Chief Appellate Mediator and other professional staff
of the Appellate Mediation Office shall be immune from liability pursuant to Title 63, Chapter
[
(5) Pursuant to Utah Constitution, Article VIII, Section 4, the Supreme Court may
exercise overall supervision of the Appellate Mediation Office as part of the appellate process.
Section 29. Section 78-3a-912 is amended to read:
78-3a-912. Appointment of attorney guardian ad litem -- Right of refusal -- Duties
and responsibilities -- Training -- Trained staff and court-appointed special advocate
volunteers -- Costs -- Immunity -- Annual report.
(1) The court may appoint an attorney guardian ad litem to represent the best interest of a
minor involved in any case before the court and shall consider only the best interest of a minor in
determining whether to appoint a guardian ad litem.
(2) An attorney guardian ad litem shall represent the best interest of each minor who
may become the subject of a petition alleging abuse, neglect, or dependency, from the date the
minor is removed from the minor's home by the division, or the date the petition is filed,
whichever occurs earlier.
(3) The Office of the Guardian Ad Litem Director, through an attorney guardian ad litem,
shall:
(a) represent the best interest of the minor in all proceedings;
(b) be trained in applicable statutory, regulatory, and case law, and in accordance with
the United States Department of Justice National Court Appointed Special Advocate Association
guidelines, prior to representing any minor before the court;
(c) conduct or supervise an independent investigation in order to obtain first-hand, a clear
understanding of the situation and needs of the child;
(d) (i) personally meet with the minor;
(ii) personally interview the minor if the minor is old enough to communicate;
(iii) determine the minor's goals and concerns regarding placement; and
(iv) personally assess or supervise an assessment of the appropriateness and safety of the
minor's environment in each placement;
(e) file written motions, responses, or objections at all stages of a proceeding when
necessary to protect the best interest of a minor;
(f) personally or through a trained volunteer, paralegal, or other trained staff, attend all
administrative and foster care citizen review board hearings pertaining to the minor's case;
(g) participate in all appeals unless excused by order of the court;
(h) be familiar with local experts who can provide consultation and testimony regarding
the reasonableness and appropriateness of efforts made by the Division of Child and Family
Services to maintain a minor in the minor's home or to reunify a minor with the minor's parent;
(i) to the extent possible, and unless it would be detrimental to the minor, personally or
through a trained volunteer, paralegal, or other trained staff, keep the minor advised of the status
of the minor's case, all court and administrative proceedings, discussions, and proposals made by
other parties, court action, and psychiatric, medical, or other treatment or diagnostic services that
are to be provided to the minor;
(j) review proposed orders for, and as requested by the court, prepare proposed orders
with clear and specific directions regarding services, treatment, and evaluation, assessment, and
protection of the minor and the minor's family; and
(k) personally or through a trained volunteer, paralegal, or other trained staff, monitor
implementation of a minor's treatment plan and any dispositional orders to determine whether
services ordered by the court are actually provided, are provided in a timely manner, and attempt
to assess whether they are accomplishing their intended goal.
(4) (a) An attorney guardian ad litem may use trained volunteers, in accordance with
Title 67, Chapter 20, Volunteer Government Workers Act, trained paralegals, and other trained
staff to assist in investigation and preparation of information regarding the cases of individual
minors before the court. An attorney guardian ad litem may not, however, delegate the attorney's
responsibilities described in Subsection (3).
(b) All volunteers, paralegals, and staff utilized pursuant to this section shall be trained in
and follow, at a minimum, the guidelines established by the United States Department of Justice
Court Appointed Special Advocate Association.
(c) The court may use volunteers trained in accordance with the requirements of
Subsection (4)(b) to assist in investigation and preparation of information regarding the cases of
individual minors within the jurisdiction.
(d) When possible and appropriate, the court may use a volunteer who is a peer of the
minor appearing before the court, in order to provide assistance to that minor, under the
supervision of an attorney guardian ad litem or the attorney's trained volunteer, paralegal, or
other trained staff.
(5) The attorney guardian ad litem shall continue to represent the best interest of the
minor until released from duties by the court.
(6) (a) The juvenile court is responsible for all costs resulting from the appointment of an
attorney guardian ad litem and the costs of volunteer, paralegal, and other staff appointment and
training, and shall use funds appropriated by the Legislature for the guardian ad litem program to
cover those costs.
(b) (i) When the court appoints an attorney guardian ad litem under this section, the court
may assess all or part of the attorney's fees, court costs, and paralegal, staff, and volunteer
expenses against the minor's parents, parent, or legal guardian in a proportion that the court
determines to be just and appropriate.
(ii) The court may not assess those fees or costs against a legal guardian, when that
guardian is the state, or against a parent who is found to be impecunious. If a person claims to be
impecunious, the court shall require of that person an affidavit of impecuniosity as provided in
Section 78-7-36 and the court shall follow the procedures and make the determinations as
provided in Section 78-7-36 .
(7) An attorney guardian ad litem appointed under this section, when serving in the scope
of the attorney guardian ad litem's duties as guardian ad litem is considered an employee of the
state for purposes of indemnification under Title 63, Chapter [
Immunity Act of Utah.
(8) (a) An attorney guardian ad litem shall represent the best interest of a minor. If the
minor's wishes differ from the attorney's determination of the minor's best interest, the attorney
guardian ad litem shall communicate the minor's wishes to the court in addition to presenting the
attorney's determination of the minor's best interest. A difference between the minor's wishes
and the attorney's determination of best interest may not be considered a conflict of interest for
the attorney.
(b) The court may appoint one attorney guardian ad litem to represent the best interests
of more than one minor child of a marriage.
(9) An attorney guardian ad litem shall be provided access to all Division of Child and
Family Services records regarding the minor at issue and the minor's family.
(10) An attorney guardian ad litem shall maintain current and accurate records regarding
the number of times the attorney has had contact with each minor and the actions the attorney has
taken in representation of the minor's best interest.
(11) (a) Except as provided in Subsection (11)(b), all records of an attorney guardian ad
litem are confidential and may not be released or made public upon subpoena, search warrant,
discovery proceedings, or otherwise. This subsection supersedes Title 63, Chapter 2,
Government Records Access and Management Act.
(b) All records of an attorney guardian ad litem are subject to legislative subpoena, under
Title 36, Chapter 14, Legislative Subpoena Powers, and shall be released to the Legislature.
(c) Records released in accordance with Subsection (11)(b) shall be maintained as
confidential by the Legislature. The Office of the Legislative Auditor General may, however,
include summary data and nonidentifying information in its audits and reports to the Legislature.
(d) Because of the unique role of an attorney guardian ad litem described in Subsection
(8), and the state's role and responsibility to provide a guardian ad litem program and, as parens
patriae, to protect minors, Subsection (11)(b) constitutes an exception to Rules of Professional
Conduct, Rule 1.6, as provided by Rule 1.6(b)(4). A claim of attorney-client privilege does not
bar access to the records of an attorney guardian ad litem by the Legislature, through legislative
subpoena.
(e) The Office of the Guardian Ad Litem shall present an annual report to the Child
Welfare Legislative Oversight Panel detailing:
(i) the development, policy, and management of the statewide guardian ad litem
program;
(ii) the training and evaluation of attorney guardians ad litem and volunteers; and
(iii) the number of children served by the Office of the Guardian Ad Litem.
Section 30. Section 78-27-37 is amended to read:
78-27-37. Definitions.
As used in Sections 78-27-37 through Section 78-27-43 :
(1) "Defendant" means a person, other than a person immune from suit as defined in
Subsection (3), who is claimed to be liable because of fault to any person seeking recovery.
(2) "Fault" means any actionable breach of legal duty, act, or omission proximately
causing or contributing to injury or damages sustained by a person seeking recovery, including
negligence in all its degrees, comparative negligence, assumption of risk, strict liability, breach of
express or implied warranty of a product, products liability, and misuse, modification, or abuse
of a product.
(3) "Person immune from suit" means:
(a) an employer immune from suit under Title 34A, Chapter 2, Workers' Compensation
Act, or Chapter 3, Utah Occupational Disease Act; and
(b) a governmental entity or governmental employee immune from suit pursuant to Title
63, Chapter [
(4) "Person seeking recovery" means any person seeking damages or reimbursement on
its own behalf, or on behalf of another for whom it is authorized to act as legal representative.
Section 31. Section 78-27-43 is amended to read:
78-27-43. Effect on immunity, exclusive remedy, indemnity, contribution.
Nothing in Sections 78-27-37 through 78-27-42 affects or impairs any common law or
statutory immunity from liability, including, but not limited to, governmental immunity as
provided in Title 63, Chapter [
Chapter 2, Workers' Compensation Act. Nothing in Sections 78-27-37 through 78-27-42 affects
or impairs any right to indemnity or contribution arising from statute, contract, or agreement.
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