S.B. 170

This document includes Senate Committee Amendments incorporated into the bill on Thu, Feb 12, 2009 at 10:04 AM by rday. --> This document includes Senate 2nd Reading Floor Amendments incorporated into the bill on Fri, Feb 27, 2009 at 3:15 PM by rday. --> This document includes Senate 2nd Reading Floor Amendments (CORRECTED) incorporated into the bill on Tue, Mar 3, 2009 at 5:22 PM by rday. --> This document includes Senate 2nd Reading Floor Amendments (CORRECTED) incorporated into the bill on Tue, Mar 3, 2009 at 5:32 PM by rday. --> This document includes Senate 2nd Reading Floor Amendments (CORRECTED) incorporated into the bill on Wed, Mar 4, 2009 at 8:36 AM by rday. --> 1

JUDICIARY AMENDMENTS
2 2009 GENERAL SESSION
3 STATE OF UTAH
4 Chief Sponsor: Lyle W. Hillyard
5 House Sponsor: Kay L. McIff
6
7 LONG TITLE
8 General Description:
9 This bill makes technical amendments to the Judiciary's areas of responsibility within
10 the code.
11 Highlighted Provisions:
12 This bill:
13 . adds the crime of domestic violence to the list of offenses ineligible for diversion;
14 . clarifies when justice court judges will stand for retention election;
15 . requires courts to transmit certain orders to law enforcement agencies electronically;
16 . removes references to a pilot program that has been repealed;
17 . clarifies that, in a stepparent adoption, the rights of the parent married to the
18 stepparent are not terminated;
19 . repeals the statute on admissibility of out of court statements of child sexual abuse
20 victims because it is covered by court rule; and
21 . makes technical cross-reference changes.
22 Monies Appropriated in this Bill:
23 None
24 Other Special Clauses:
25 None
26 Utah Code Sections Affected:
27 AMENDS:

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Senate Committee Amendments 2-12-2009 rd/ecm 28

30-3-11.3, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2008, Chapter 382
29 77-2-9, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2006, Chapters 18 and 166
30 78A-2-309, as renumbered and amended by Laws of Utah 2008, Chapter 3
31 78A-6-103, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2008, Chapter 115 and renumbered and
32 amended by Laws of Utah 2008, Chapter 3
33 78A-6-115, as renumbered and amended by Laws of Utah 2008, Chapter 3
34 78A-7-202, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2008, Chapter 19 and renumbered and
35 amended by Laws of Utah 2008, Chapter 3 and repealed and reenacted by Laws of
36 Utah 2008, Chapter 93
37 78A-7-203, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2008, Chapter 93 and renumbered and
38 amended by Laws of Utah 2008, Chapter 3
39 78B-2-201, as renumbered and amended by Laws of Utah 2008, Chapter 3
40 78B-2-211, as renumbered and amended by Laws of Utah 2008, Chapter 3
40a S. 78B-3-106, as renumbered and amended by Laws of Utah 2008, Chapter 3 .S
41 78B-3-413, as renumbered and amended by Laws of Utah 2008, Chapter 3
42 78B-3-502, as renumbered and amended by Laws of Utah 2008, Chapter 3
43 78B-4-102, as renumbered and amended by Laws of Utah 2008, Chapter 3
44 S. [ 78B-6-138, as renumbered and amended by Laws of Utah 2008, Chapter 3 ] .S
45 78B-6-802, as renumbered and amended by Laws of Utah 2008, Chapter 3
46 78B-6-901, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2008, Chapter 123 and renumbered and
47 amended by Laws of Utah 2008, Chapter 3
48 78B-7-106, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2008, Chapter 163 and renumbered and
49 amended by Laws of Utah 2008, Chapter 3
50 78B-7-205, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2008, Chapter 115 and renumbered and
51 amended by Laws of Utah 2008, Chapter 3
52 REPEALS:
53 76-5-411, as last amended by Laws of Utah 1989, Chapter 187
54
55 Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
56 Section 1. Section 30-3-11.3 is amended to read:
57 30-3-11.3. Mandatory educational course for divorcing parents -- Purpose --
58 Curriculum -- Exceptions.

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- 3 - 59 (1) There is established a mandatory course for divorcing parents as a pilot program in
60 the third and fourth judicial districts to be administered by the Administrative Office of the
61 Courts from July 1, 1992, to June 30, 1994. On July 1, 1994, an approved course shall be
62 implemented in all judicial districts. The mandatory course is designed to educate and
63 sensitize divorcing parties to their children's needs both during and after the divorce process.
64 (2) The Judicial Council shall adopt rules to implement and administer this program.
65 (3) As a prerequisite to receiving a divorce decree, both parties are required to attend a
66 mandatory course on their children's needs after filing a complaint for divorce and receiving a
67 docket number, unless waived under Section 30-3-4 . If that requirement is waived, the court
68 may permit the divorce action to proceed.
69 (4) The court may require unmarried parents to attend this educational course when
70 those parents are involved in a visitation or custody proceeding before the court.
71 (5) The mandatory course shall instruct both parties:
72 (a) about divorce and its impacts on:
73 [(a)] (i) their child or children;
74 [(b)] (ii) their family relationship; and
75 [(c)] (iii) their financial responsibilities for their child or children; and
76 [(d)] (b) that domestic violence has a harmful effect on children and family
77 relationships.
78 (6) The Administrative Office of the Courts shall administer the course pursuant to
79 Title 63G, Chapter 6, Utah Procurement Code, through private or public contracts and organize
80 the program in each of Utah's judicial districts. The contracts shall provide for the recoupment
81 of administrative expenses through the costs charged to individual parties, pursuant to
82 Subsection (8).
83 (7) A certificate of completion constitutes evidence to the court of course completion
84 by the parties.
85 (8) (a) Each party shall pay the costs of the course to the independent contractor
86 providing the course at the time and place of the course. A fee of $8 shall be collected, as part
87 of the course fee paid by each participant, and deposited in the Children's Legal Defense
88 Account, described in Section 51-9-408 .
89 (b) Each party who is unable to pay the costs of the course may attend the course

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- 4 - 90 without payment upon a prima facie showing of impecuniosity as evidenced by an affidavit of
91 impecuniosity filed in the district court. In those situations, the independent contractor shall be
92 reimbursed for its costs from the appropriation to the Administrative Office of the Courts for
93 "Mandatory Educational Course for Divorcing Parents Program." Before a decree of divorce
94 may be entered, the court shall make a final review and determination of impecuniosity and
95 may order the payment of the costs if so determined.
96 (9) Appropriations from the General Fund to the Administrative Office of the Courts
97 for the "Mandatory Educational Course for Divorcing Parents Program" shall be used to pay
98 the costs of an indigent parent who makes a showing as provided in Subsection (8)(b).
99 (10) The Administrative Office of the Courts shall adopt a program to evaluate the
100 effectiveness of the mandatory educational course. Progress reports shall be provided annually
101 to the Judiciary Interim Committee.
102 Section 2. Section 77-2-9 is amended to read:
103 77-2-9. Offenses ineligible for diversion.
104 (1) Except as provided in Subsection (2), diversion may not be granted by a magistrate
105 for:
106 (a) a capital felony;
107 (b) a felony in the first degree;
108 (c) any case involving a sexual offense against a victim who is under the age of 14;
109 (d) any motor vehicle related offense involving alcohol or drugs;
110 (e) any case involving using a motor vehicle in the commission of a felony;
111 (f) driving a motor vehicle or commercial motor vehicle on a revoked or suspended
112 license; [or]
113 (g) any case involving operating a commercial motor vehicle in a negligent manner
114 causing the death of another including the offenses of:
115 (i) manslaughter under Section 76-5-205 ; or
116 (ii) negligent homicide under Section 76-5-206 [.]; or
117 (h) a crime of domestic violence as defined in Section 77-36-1 .
118 (2) When a person under the age of 16 is alleged to have committed any violation of
119 Title 76, Chapter 5, Part 4, Sexual Offenses, the court may enter a diversion in the matter if the
120 court enters on the record its findings that:

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- 5 - 121 (a) the person did not use coercion or force;
122 (b) there is no more than two years' difference between the ages of the participants; and
123 (c) it would be in the best interest of the person to grant diversion.
124 Section 3. Section 78A-2-309 is amended to read:
125 78A-2-309. Liability for fees if successful in litigation.
126 Nothing in this part shall prevent a justice court judge, clerk, constable, or sheriff from
127 collecting [their] his or her regular fees for all services rendered for the impecunious person, in
128 the event the person is successful in litigation. All fees and costs shall be regularly taxed and
129 included in any judgment recovered by the person. The fees and costs shall be paid to a justice
130 court judge, clerk, constable, or sheriff. If the person fails in the action or appeal, then the
131 costs of the action or appeal shall be adjudged against the person.
132 Section 4. Section 78A-6-103 is amended to read:
133 78A-6-103. Jurisdiction of juvenile court -- Original -- Exclusive.
134 (1) Except as otherwise provided by law, the juvenile court has exclusive original
135 jurisdiction in proceedings concerning:
136 (a) a child who has violated any federal, state, or local law or municipal ordinance or a
137 person younger than 21 years of age who has violated any law or ordinance before becoming
138 18 years of age, regardless of where the violation occurred, excluding offenses in Subsection
139 78A-7-106 (2);
140 (b) a person 21 years of age or older who has failed or refused to comply with an order
141 of the juvenile court to pay a fine or restitution, if the order was imposed prior to the person's
142 21st birthday; however, the continuing jurisdiction is limited to causing compliance with
143 existing orders;
144 (c) a child who is an abused child, neglected child, or dependent child, as those terms
145 are defined in Section 78A-6-105 ;
146 (d) a protective order for a child pursuant to the provisions of Title 78B, Chapter 7,
147 Part 2, Child Protective Orders, which the juvenile court may transfer to the district court if the
148 juvenile court has entered an ex parte protective order and finds that:
149 (i) the petitioner and the respondent are the natural parent, adoptive parent, or step
150 parent of the child who is the object of the petition;
151 (ii) the district court has a petition pending or an order related to custody or parent-time

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- 6 - 152 entered under Title 30, Chapter 3, Divorce, Title 78B, Chapter 7, Part 1, Cohabitant Abuse Act,
153 or Title 78B, Chapter 15, Utah Uniform Parentage Act, in which the petitioner and the
154 respondent are parties; and
155 (iii) the best interests of the child will be better served in the district court;
156 (e) appointment of a guardian of the person or other guardian of a minor who comes
157 within the court's jurisdiction under other provisions of this section;
158 (f) the emancipation of a minor in accordance with Part 8, Emancipation;
159 (g) the termination of the legal parent-child relationship in accordance with Part 5,
160 Termination of Parental Rights Act, including termination of residual parental rights and
161 duties;
162 (h) the treatment or commitment of a mentally retarded minor;
163 (i) a minor who is a habitual truant from school;
164 (j) the judicial consent to the marriage of a child under age 16 upon a determination of
165 voluntariness or where otherwise required by law, employment, or enlistment of a child when
166 consent is required by law;
167 (k) any parent or parents of a child committed to a secure youth corrections facility, to
168 order, at the discretion of the court and on the recommendation of a secure facility, the parent
169 or parents of a child committed to a secure facility for a custodial term, to undergo group
170 rehabilitation therapy under the direction of a secure facility therapist, who has supervision of
171 that parent's or parents' child, or any other therapist the court may direct, for a period directed
172 by the court as recommended by a secure facility;
173 (l) a minor under Title 55, Chapter 12, Interstate Compact for Juveniles;
174 (m) the treatment or commitment of a mentally ill child. The court may commit a child
175 to the physical custody of a local mental health authority in accordance with the procedures and
176 requirements of Title 62A, Chapter 15, Part 7, Commitment of Persons Under Age 18 to
177 Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health[. The court may], but not [commit a child]
178 directly to the Utah State Hospital;
179 (n) the commitment of a child in accordance with Section 62A-15-301 ;
180 (o) de novo review of final agency actions resulting from an informal adjudicative
181 proceeding as provided in Section 63G-4-402 ; and
182 (p) adoptions conducted in accordance with the procedures described in Title 78B,

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- 7 - 183 Chapter 6, Part 1, Utah Adoption Act, when the juvenile court has previously entered an order
184 terminating the rights of a parent and finds that adoption is in the best interest of the child.
185 (2) Notwithstanding Section 78A-7-106 and Subsection 78A-5-102 (9), the juvenile
186 court has exclusive jurisdiction over the following offenses committed by a child:
187 (a) Title 41, Chapter 6a, Part 5, Driving Under the Influence and Reckless Driving;
188 (b) Section 73-18-12 , reckless operation; and
189 (c) class B and C misdemeanors, infractions, or violations of ordinances that are part of
190 a single criminal episode filed in a petition that contains an offense over which the court has
191 jurisdiction.
192 (3) The juvenile court has jurisdiction over an ungovernable or runaway child who is
193 referred to it by the Division of Child and Family Services or by public or private agencies that
194 contract with the division to provide services to that child where, despite earnest and persistent
195 efforts by the division or agency, the child has demonstrated that the child:
196 (a) is beyond the control of the child's parent, guardian, lawful custodian, or school
197 authorities to the extent that the child's behavior or condition endangers the child's own welfare
198 or the welfare of others; or
199 (b) has run away from home.
200 (4) This section does not restrict the right of access to the juvenile court by private
201 agencies or other persons.
202 (5) The juvenile court has jurisdiction of all magistrate functions relative to cases
203 arising under Section 78A-6-702 .
204 (6) The juvenile court has jurisdiction to make a finding of substantiated,
205 unsubstantiated, or without merit, in accordance with Section 78A-6-323 .
206 (7) The juvenile court has jurisdiction of matters transferred to it by another trial court
207 pursuant to Subsection [ 78A-5-102 (9) or 78A-7-106 (4)] 78A-7-106 (7).
208 Section 5. Section 78A-6-115 is amended to read:
209 78A-6-115. Hearings -- Record -- County attorney or district attorney
210 responsibilities -- Attorney general responsibilities -- Disclosure -- Admissibility of
211 evidence.
212 (1) (a) A verbatim record of the proceedings shall be taken by an official court reporter
213 or by means of a mechanical recording device in all cases that might result in deprivation of

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- 8 - 214 custody as defined in this chapter. In all other cases a verbatim record shall also be made
215 unless dispensed with by the court.
216 (b) (i) Notwithstanding any other provision, including Title 63G, Chapter 2,
217 Government Records Access and Management Act, a record of a proceeding made under
218 Subsection (1)(a) shall be released by the court to any person upon a finding on the record for
219 good cause.
220 (ii) Following a petition for a record of a proceeding made under Subsection (1)(a), the
221 court shall:
222 (A) provide notice to all subjects of the record that a request for release of the record
223 has been made; and
224 (B) allow sufficient time for the subjects of the record to respond before making a
225 finding on the petition.
226 (iii) A record of a proceeding may not be released under this Subsection (1)(b) if the
227 court's jurisdiction over the subjects of the proceeding ended more than 12 months prior to the
228 request.
229 (iv) For purposes of this Subsection (1)(b):
230 (A) "record of a proceeding" does not include documentary materials of any type
231 submitted to the court as part of the proceeding, including items submitted under Subsection
232 (4)(a); and
233 (B) "subjects of the record" includes the child's guardian ad litem, the child's legal
234 guardian, the Division of Child and Family Services, and any other party to the proceeding.
235 [(v) This Subsection (1)(b) applies:]
236 [(A) to records of proceedings made on or after November 1, 2003 in districts selected
237 by the Judicial Council as pilot districts under Subsection 78A-2-104 (15); and]
238 [(B) to records of proceedings made on or after July 1, 2004 in all other districts.]
239 (2) (a) Except as provided in Subsection (2)(b), the county attorney or, if within a
240 prosecution district, the district attorney shall represent the state in any proceeding in a minor's
241 case.
242 (b) The attorney general shall enforce all provisions of Title 62A, Chapter 4a, Child
243 and Family Services, and this chapter, relating to:
244 (i) protection or custody of an abused, neglected, or dependent child; and

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- 9 - 245 (ii) petitions for termination of parental rights.
246 (c) The attorney general shall represent the Division of Child and Family Services in
247 actions involving a minor who is not adjudicated as abused or neglected, but who is otherwise
248 committed to the custody of that division by the juvenile court, and who is classified in the
249 division's management information system as having been placed in custody primarily on the
250 basis of delinquent behavior or a status offense. Nothing in this Subsection (2)(c) may be
251 construed to affect the responsibility of the county attorney or district attorney to represent the
252 state in those matters, in accordance with the provisions of Subsection (2)(a).
253 (3) The board may adopt special rules of procedure to govern proceedings involving
254 violations of traffic laws or ordinances, wildlife laws, and boating laws. However, proceedings
255 involving offenses under Section 78A-6-606 are governed by that section regarding suspension
256 of driving privileges.
257 (4) (a) For the purposes of determining proper disposition of the minor in dispositional
258 hearings and establishing the fact of abuse, neglect, or dependency in adjudication hearings and
259 in hearings upon petitions for termination of parental rights, written reports and other material
260 relating to the minor's mental, physical, and social history and condition may be received in
261 evidence and may be considered by the court along with other evidence. The court may require
262 that the person who wrote the report or prepared the material appear as a witness if the person
263 is reasonably available.
264 (b) For the purpose of determining proper disposition of a minor alleged to be or
265 adjudicated as abused, neglected, or dependent, dispositional reports prepared by Foster Care
266 Citizen Review Boards pursuant to Section 78B-8-103 may be received in evidence and may be
267 considered by the court along with other evidence. The court may require any person who
268 participated in preparing the dispositional report to appear as a witness, if the person is
269 reasonably available.
270 (5) (a) In an abuse, neglect, or dependency proceeding occurring after the
271 commencement of a shelter hearing under Section 78A-6-306 or the filing of a petition under
272 Section 78A-6-304 , each party to the proceeding shall provide in writing to the other parties or
273 their counsel any information which the party:
274 (i) plans to report to the court at the proceeding; or
275 (ii) could reasonably expect would be requested of the party by the court at the

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- 10 - 276 proceeding.
277 (b) The disclosure required under Subsection (5)(a) shall be made:
278 (i) for dispositional hearings under Sections 78A-6-311 and 78A-6-312 , no less than
279 five days before the proceeding;
280 (ii) for proceedings under Title 78A, Chapter 6, Part 5, Termination of Parental Rights
281 Act, in accordance with Utah Rules of Civil Procedure; and
282 (iii) for all other proceedings, no less than five days before the proceeding.
283 (c) If a party to a proceeding obtains information after the deadline in Subsection
284 (5)(b), the information is exempt from the disclosure required under Subsection (5)(a) if the
285 party certifies to the court that the information was obtained after the deadline.
286 (d) Subsection (5)(a) does not apply to:
287 (i) pretrial hearings; and
288 (ii) the frequent, periodic review hearings held in a dependency drug court case to
289 assess and promote the parent's progress in substance abuse treatment.
290 (6) For the purpose of establishing the fact of abuse, neglect, or dependency, the court
291 may, in its discretion, consider evidence of statements made by a child under eight years of age
292 to a person in a trust relationship.
293 Section 6. Section 78A-7-202 is amended to read:
294 78A-7-202. Justice court judges to be appointed -- Procedure -- Retention.
295 (1) As used in this section:
296 (a) "Local government executive" means:
297 (i) for a county:
298 (A) the chair of the county commission in a county operating under the county
299 commission or expanded county commission form of county government;
300 (B) the county executive in a county operating under the county executive-council form
301 of county government; and
302 (C) the county manager in a county operating under the council-manager form of
303 county government; and
304 (ii) for a city or town[,]:
305 (A) the mayor of the city or town[.]; or
306 (B) the city manager, in the council-manager form of government described in

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- 11 - 307 Subsection 10-3b-103 (6).
308 (b) "Local legislative body" means:
309 (i) for a county, the county commission or county council; and
310 (ii) for a city or town, the council of the city or town.
311 (2) There is created in each county a county justice court nominating commission to
312 review applicants and make recommendations to the appointing authority for a justice court
313 position. The commission shall be convened when a new justice court judge position is created
314 or when a vacancy in an existing court occurs for a justice court located within the county.
315 (a) Membership of the justice court nominating commission shall be as follows:
316 (i) one member appointed by:
317 (A) the county commission if the county has a county commission form of
318 government; or
319 (B) the county executive if the county has an executive-council form of government;
320 (ii) one member appointed by the municipalities in the counties as follows:
321 (A) if the county has only one municipality, appointment shall be made by the
322 governing authority of that municipality; or
323 (B) if the county has more than one municipality, appointment shall be made by a
324 municipal selection committee composed of the mayors of each municipality in the county;
325 (iii) one member appointed by the county bar association; and
326 (iv) two members appointed by the governing authority of the jurisdiction where the
327 judicial office is located.
328 (b) If there is no county bar association, the member in Subsection (2)(a)(iii) shall be
329 appointed by the regional bar association. If no regional bar association exists, the state bar
330 association shall make the appointment.
331 (c) Members appointed under Subsections (2)(a)(i) and (ii) may not be an elected
332 official of the county or municipality.
333 (d) The nominating commission shall submit at least two names to the appointing
334 authority of the jurisdiction expected to be served by the judge. The local government
335 executive shall appoint a judge from the list submitted and the appointment ratified by the local
336 legislative body.
337 (e) The state court administrator shall provide staff to the commission. The Judicial

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Senate Committee Amendments 2-12-2009 rd/ecm 338

Council shall establish rules and procedures for the conduct of the commission.
339 (3) Judicial vacancies shall be advertised in a newspaper of general circulation, through
340 the Utah State Bar, and other appropriate means.
341 (4) Selection of candidates shall be based on compliance with the requirements for
342 office and competence to serve as a judge.
343 (5) Once selected, the Judicial Council shall certify the judge as qualified to hold office
344 upon successful completion of the orientation program.
345 (6) The selection of a person to fill the office of justice court judge is effective upon
346 certification of the judge by the Judicial Council. A justice court judge may not perform
347 judicial duties until certified by the Judicial Council.
348 (7) Upon the expiration of a justice court judge's term of office, the judge shall be
349 subject to an unopposed retention election in the county or counties in which the court to which
350 the judge is appointed is located, in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section
351 20A-12-201 .
352 (8) Before each retention election, each justice court judge shall be evaluated in
353 accordance with the performance evaluation program established in Subsection 78A-2-104 (5).
354 Section 7. Section 78A-7-203 is amended to read:
355 78A-7-203. Term of office for justice court judge.
356 (1) The term of a justice court judge is six years beginning the first Monday in January
357 S. [ 2010 ] .S [. (2) Judges] following the date of election.
358 (2) Notwithstanding Section 20A-12-201 , justice court judges holding office or
359 appointed to fill any vacancy before January 1, 2009 [hold office until the next general
360 election.] will stand for election in the 2010 general election, unless a municipal justice court
361 judge chooses not to stand for election.
362 (3) (a) Notwithstanding Section 20A-12-201 , any municipal justice court judge holding
363 office on January 1, 2009 may serve out their current term if the judge:
364 (i) stands for retention election in 2010, and is not retained in that election; or
365 (ii) chooses not to stand for election in 2010.
366 (b) A vacancy shall then exist in the office on the first Monday in February 2012.
367 Section 8. Section 78B-2-201 is amended to read:
368 78B-2-201. Actions by the state.

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Senate Committee Amendments 2-12-2009 rd/ecm 369

The state may not bring an action against any person for or with respect to any real
370 property, its issues or profits, based upon the state's right or title to the real property, unless:
371 (1) the right or title to the property accrued within seven years before any action or
372 other proceeding is commenced; or
373 (2) the state or those from whom it claims received all [of] or a portion of the rents and
374 profits from the real property within the immediately preceding seven years.
375 Section 9. Section 78B-2-211 is amended to read:
376 78B-2-211. What constitutes adverse possession under written instrument.
377 For the purpose of constituting an adverse possession by any person claiming a title
378 based upon a written instrument or a judgment or decree, the property is considered to have
379 been possessed [and] if:
380 (1) it has been usually cultivated or improved;
381 (2) it has been protected by a substantial enclosure;
382 (3) although not enclosed, it has been used for the supply of fuel, fencing timber, for
383 the purpose of husbandry, or for pasturage or for the ordinary use of the occupant; or
384 (4) where a known farm or single lot has been partly improved, the portion of the farm
385 or lot which may have been left not cleared or not inclosed according to the usual course and
386 custom of the adjoining county is considered to have been occupied for the same length of time
387 as the part improved and cultivated.
387a S. Section 10. Section 78B-3-106 is amended to read:
387b 78B-3-106. Death of adult -- Suit by heir or personal representative.
387c (1) Except as provided in Title 34A, Chapter 2, Workers' Compensation Act, when the
387d death of a person who is not a minor is caused by the wrongful act or neglect of another, his
387e heirs, or his personal representatives for the benefit of his heirs, may maintain an action for
387f damages against the person causing the death, or, if the person is employed by another person
387g who is responsible for his conduct, then against the other person.
387h (2) If the adult person has a guardian at the time of his death, only one action may be
387i maintained for the person's injury or death.
387j (3) The action may be brought by either the personal representatives of the adult
387k deceased person, for the benefit of the person's heirs, or by the guardian for the benefit of the
387l heirs, as defined in Section 78B-3-105.
387m (4) In every action under this section and Section 78B-3-105 damages may be given as
387n under all the circumstances of the case may be just. .S
388 Section S. [ 10 ] (11) .S . Section 78B-3-413 is amended to read:

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Senate Committee Amendments 2-12-2009 rd/ecm 389

78B-3-413. Professional liability insurance coverage for providers -- Insurance
390 commissioner may require joint underwriting authority.
391 (1) The commissioner may, after a public hearing, find that professional liability
392 insurance coverage for health care providers is not readily available in the voluntary market in
393 a specific part of this state, and that the public interest requires [the] that action be taken.
394 (2) The commissioner may promulgate rules and implement plans to provide insurance
395 coverage through all insurers issuing professional liability policies and individual and group
396 accident and sickness policies providing medical, surgical or hospital expense coverage on
397 either a prepaid or an expense incurred basis, including personal injury protection and medical
398 expense coverage issued incidental to liability insurance policies.
399 Section S. [ 11 ] (12) .S . Section 78B-3-502 is amended to read:

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- 14 - 400 78B-3-502. Limitation of therapist's duty to warn.
401 (1) A therapist has no duty to warn or take precautions to provide protection from any
402 violent behavior of his client or patient, except when that client or patient communicated to the
403 therapist an actual threat of physical violence against a clearly identified or reasonably
404 identifiable victim. That duty shall be discharged if the therapist makes reasonable efforts to
405 communicate the threat to the victim, and notifies a law enforcement officer or agency of the
406 threat.
407 (2) [A cause of] An action may not be brought against a therapist for breach of trust or
408 privilege, or for disclosure of confidential information, based on a therapist's communication of
409 information to a third party in an effort to discharge his duty in accordance with Subsection (1).
410 (3) This section does not limit or effect a therapist's duty to report child abuse or
411 neglect in accordance with Section 62A-4a-403 .
412 Section 12. Section 78B-4-102 is amended to read:
413 78B-4-102. Liability protection for volunteers -- Exceptions.
414 (1) Except as provided in Subsection (2), no volunteer providing services for a
415 nonprofit organization incurs any legal liability for any act or omission of the volunteer while
416 providing services for the nonprofit organization and no volunteer incurs any personal financial
417 liability for any tort claim or other action seeking damage for an injury arising from any act or
418 omission of the volunteer while providing services for the nonprofit organization if:
419 (a) the individual was acting in good faith and reasonably believed he was acting
420 within the scope of his official functions and duties with the nonprofit organization; and
421 (b) the damage or injury was not caused by an intentional or knowing act by the
422 volunteer which constitutes illegal, willful, or wanton misconduct.
423 (2) The protection against volunteer liability provided by this section does not apply:
424 (a) to injuries resulting from a volunteer's operation of a motor vehicle, a vessel,
425 aircraft or other vehicle for which a pilot or operator's license is required;
426 (b) when a suit is brought by an authorized officer of a state or local government to
427 enforce a federal, state, or local law; or
428 (c) where the nonprofit organization for which the volunteer is working fails to provide
429 a financially secure source of recovery for individuals who suffer injuries as a result of actions
430 taken by the volunteer on behalf of the nonprofit organization.

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Senate Committee Amendments 2-12-2009 rd/ecm 431

(3) Nothing in this section shall bar an action by a volunteer against an organization, its
432 officers, or other persons who intentionally or knowingly misrepresent that a financially secure
433 source of recovery does or will exist during a period when such a source does not or will not in
434 fact exist.
435 (4) Nothing in this section shall be construed to place a duty upon a nonprofit
436 organization to provide a financially secure source of recovery.
437 (5) The granting of immunity from liability to a volunteer under this section does not
438 effect [on] the liability of the nonprofit organization providing the financially secure source of
439 recovery.
440 S. Section 13. Section 78B-6-138 is amended to read:
441 78B-6-138. Birth parent's rights and duties dissolved.
442 [A] (1) Except as provided in Subsection (2), a birth parent of an adopted child is
443 released from all parental duties toward and all responsibilities for the adopted child, and has
444 no further rights with regard to that child at the earlier of:
445 [(1)] (a) the time the parent's parental rights are terminated; or
446 [(2)] (b) the time the final decree of adoption is entered.
447 (2) [ At the time the final decree of adoption is entered, a birth parent who is the spouse
448 of the adopting parent, is not released from any parental duties or responsibilities for the
449 adopted child, nor does the decree of adoption terminate any of that birth parent's rights with
450 regard to the child. ] .S
451 Section S. [ 14 ] 13 .S . Section 78B-6-802 is amended to read:
452 78B-6-802. Unlawful detainer by tenant for term less than life.
453 (1) A tenant holding real property for a term less than life, is guilty of an unlawful
454 detainer if the tenant:
455 (a) continues in possession, in person or by subtenant, of the property or any part of it,
456 after the expiration of the specified term or period for which it is let to him, which specified
457 term or period, whether established by express or implied contract, or whether written or parol,
458 shall be terminated without notice at the expiration of the specified term or period;
459 (b) having leased real property for an indefinite time with monthly or other periodic
460 rent reserved:
461 (i) continues in possession of it in person or by subtenant after the end of any month or

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- 16 - 462 period, in cases where the owner, the owner's designated agent, or any successor in estate of the
463 owner, 15 calendar days or more prior to the end of that month or period, has served notice
464 requiring the tenant to quit the premises at the expiration of that month or period; or
465 (ii) in cases of tenancies at will, remains in possession of the premises after the
466 expiration of a notice of not less than five calendar days;
467 (c) continues in possession, in person or by subtenant, after default in the payment of
468 any rent or other amounts due and after a notice in writing requiring in the alternative the
469 payment of the rent and other amounts due or the surrender of the detained premises, has
470 remained uncomplied with for a period of three calendar days after service, which notice may
471 be served at any time after the rent becomes due;
472 (d) assigns or sublets the leased premises contrary to the covenants of the lease, or
473 commits or permits waste on the premises after service of a three calendar days' notice to quit;
474 (e) sets up or carries on any unlawful business on or in the premises after service of a
475 three calendar days' notice to quit;
476 (f) suffers, permits, or maintains on or about the premises any nuisance, including
477 nuisance as defined in Section 78B-6-1107 after service of a three calendar days' notice to quit;
478 (g) commits a criminal act on the premises and remains in possession after service of a
479 three calendar days' notice to quit; or
480 (h) continues in possession, in person or by subtenant, after a neglect or failure to
481 perform any condition or covenant of the lease or agreement under which the property is held,
482 other than those previously mentioned, and after notice in writing requiring in the alternative
483 the performance of the conditions or covenant or the surrender of the property, served upon the
484 tenant and upon any subtenant in actual occupation of the premises remains uncomplied with
485 for three calendar days after service.
486 (2) Within three calendar days after the service of the notice, the tenant, any subtenant
487 in actual occupation of the premises, any mortgagee of the term, or other person interested in
488 its continuance may perform the condition or covenant and thereby save the lease from
489 forfeiture, except that if the covenants and conditions of the lease violated by the lessee cannot
490 afterwards be performed, or the violation cannot be brought into compliance, the notice
491 provided for in Subsections (1)(d) through (g) may be given.
492 (3) Unlawful detainer by an owner resident of a mobile home is determined under Title

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494 (4) The notice provisions for nuisance in Subsections (1)(d) through (g) do not apply to
495 nuisance actions provided in Sections 78B-6-1107 through 78B-6-1114 .
496 Section 15. Section 78B-6-901 is amended to read:
497 78B-6-901. Form of action -- Judgment -- Special execution.
498 (1) There is only one action for the recovery of any debt, or the enforcement of any
499 right, secured solely by mortgage upon real estate and that action shall be in accordance with
500 the provisions of this chapter.
501 (2) A judgment shall include:
502 (a) the amount due, with costs and disbursements;
503 (b) an order for the sale of mortgaged property, or a portion of it to satisfy the amount
504 and accruing costs;
505 (c) direction to the sheriff to proceed and sell the property according to the provisions
506 of law relating to sales on execution; and
507 (d) a special execution or order of sale shall be issued for that purpose.
508 Section 16. Section 78B-7-106 is amended to read:
509 78B-7-106. Protective orders -- Ex parte protective orders -- Modification of
510 orders -- Service of process -- Duties of the court.
511 (1) If it appears from a petition for an order for protection or a petition to modify an
512 order for protection that domestic violence or abuse has occurred or a modification of an order
513 for protection is required, a court may:
514 (a) without notice, immediately issue an order for protection ex parte or modify an
515 order for protection ex parte as it considers necessary to protect the petitioner and all parties
516 named to be protected in the petition; or
517 (b) upon notice, issue an order for protection or modify an order after a hearing,
518 whether or not the respondent appears.
519 (2) A court may grant the following relief without notice in an order for protection or a
520 modification issued ex parte:
521 (a) enjoin the respondent from threatening to commit or committing domestic violence
522 or abuse against the petitioner and any designated family or household member;
523 (b) prohibit the respondent from harassing, telephoning, contacting, or otherwise

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525 (c) order that the respondent is excluded from the petitioner's residence and its
526 premises, and order the respondent to stay away from the residence, school, or place of
527 employment of the petitioner, and the premises of any of these, or any specified place
528 frequented by the petitioner and any designated family or household member;
529 (d) upon finding that the respondent's use or possession of a weapon may pose a
530 serious threat of harm to the petitioner, prohibit the respondent from purchasing, using, or
531 possessing a firearm or other weapon specified by the court;
532 (e) order possession and use of an automobile and other essential personal effects, and
533 direct the appropriate law enforcement officer to accompany the petitioner to the residence of
534 the parties to ensure that the petitioner is safely restored to possession of the residence,
535 automobile, and other essential personal effects, or to supervise the petitioner's or respondent's
536 removal of personal belongings;
537 (f) grant to the petitioner temporary custody of any minor children of the parties;
538 (g) order the appointment of the office of the Guardian Ad Litem to represent the
539 interests of any minor children of the parties, if abuse or neglect of the minor children is
540 alleged, or appoint a private guardian ad litem, if appropriate, pursuant to Section 78A-2-228 ;
541 (h) order any further relief that the court considers necessary to provide for the safety
542 and welfare of the petitioner and any designated family or household member; and
543 (i) if the petition requests child support or spousal support, at the hearing on the
544 petition order both parties to provide verification of current income, including year-to-date pay
545 stubs or employer statements of year-to-date or other period of earnings, as specified by the
546 court, and complete copies of tax returns from at least the most recent year.
547 (3) A court may grant the following relief in an order for protection or a modification
548 of an order after notice and hearing, whether or not the respondent appears:
549 (a) grant the relief described in Subsection (2); and
550 (b) specify arrangements for parent-time of any minor child by the respondent and
551 require supervision of that parent-time by a third party or deny parent-time if necessary to
552 protect the safety of the petitioner or child.
553 (4) Following the protective order hearing, the court shall:
554 (a) as soon as possible, deliver the order to the county sheriff for service of process;

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556 petitioner, and the respondent, if present;
557 (c) transmit electronically, by the end of the next business day after the order is issued,
558 a copy of the order for protection to the local law enforcement agency or agencies designated
559 by the petitioner; and
560 (d) transmit a copy of the order to the statewide domestic violence network described
561 in Section 78B-7-113 .
562 (5) (a) Each protective order shall include two separate portions, one for provisions, the
563 violation of which are criminal offenses, and one for provisions, the violation of which are civil
564 violations, as follows:
565 (i) criminal offenses are those under Subsections (2)(a) through (e), and under
566 Subsection (3)(a) as it refers to Subsections (2)(a) through (e); and
567 (ii) civil offenses are those under Subsections (2)(f), (h), and (i), and Subsection (3)(a)
568 as it refers to Subsections (2)(f), (h), and (i).
569 (b) The criminal provision portion shall include a statement that violation of any
570 criminal provision is a class A misdemeanor.
571 (c) The civil provision portion shall include a notice that violation of or failure to
572 comply with a civil provision is subject to contempt proceedings.
573 (6) The protective order shall include:
574 (a) a designation of a specific date, determined by the court, when the civil portion of
575 the protective order either expires or is scheduled for review by the court, which date may not
576 exceed 150 days after the date the order is issued, unless the court indicates on the record the
577 reason for setting a date beyond 150 days;
578 (b) information the petitioner is able to provide to facilitate identification of the
579 respondent, such as Social Security number, driver license number, date of birth, address,
580 telephone number, and physical description; and
581 (c) a statement advising the petitioner that:
582 (i) after two years from the date of issuance of the protective order, a hearing may be
583 held to dismiss the criminal portion of the protective order;
584 (ii) the petitioner should, within the 30 days prior to the end of the two-year period,
585 advise the court of the petitioner's current address for notice of any hearing; and

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587 (7) Child support and spouse support orders issued as part of a protective order are
588 subject to mandatory income withholding under Title 62A, Chapter 11, Part 4, Income
589 Withholding in IV-D Cases, and Title 62A, Chapter 11, Part 5, Income Withholding in Non
590 IV-D Cases, except when the protective order is issued ex parte.
591 (8) (a) The county sheriff that receives the order from the court, pursuant to Subsection
592 (5)(a), shall provide expedited service for orders for protection issued in accordance with this
593 chapter, and shall transmit verification of service of process, when the order has been served, to
594 the statewide domestic violence network described in Section 78B-7-113 .
595 (b) This section does not prohibit any law enforcement agency from providing service
596 of process if that law enforcement agency:
597 (i) has contact with the respondent and service by that law enforcement agency is
598 possible; or
599 (ii) determines that under the circumstances, providing service of process on the
600 respondent is in the best interests of the petitioner.
601 (9) (a) When an order is served on a respondent in a jail or other holding facility, the
602 law enforcement agency managing the facility shall make a reasonable effort to provide notice
603 to the petitioner at the time the respondent is released from incarceration.
604 (b) Notification of the petitioner shall consist of a good faith reasonable effort to
605 provide notification, including mailing a copy of the notification to the last-known address of
606 the victim.
607 (10) A court may modify or vacate an order of protection or any provisions in the order
608 after notice and hearing, except that the criminal provisions of a protective order may not be
609 vacated within two years of issuance unless the petitioner:
610 (a) is personally served with notice of the hearing as provided in Rules 4 and 5, Utah
611 Rules of Civil Procedure, and the petitioner personally appears before the court and gives
612 specific consent to the vacation of the criminal provisions of the protective order; or
613 (b) submits a verified affidavit, stating agreement to the vacation of the criminal
614 provisions of the protective order.
615 (11) A protective order may be modified without a showing of substantial and material
616 change in circumstances.

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Senate 2nd Reading Amendments 2-27-2009 rd/ecm 617

(12) Insofar as the provisions of this chapter are more specific than the Utah Rules of
618 Civil Procedure, regarding protective orders, the provisions of this chapter govern.
619 Section 17. Section 78B-7-205 is amended to read:
620 78B-7-205. Service -- Income withholding -- Expiration.
621 (1) If the court enters an ex parte child protective order or a child protective order, the
622 court shall:
623 (a) make reasonable efforts to ensure that the order is understood by the petitioner and
624 the respondent, if present;
625 (b) as soon as possible transmit the order to the county sheriff for service; S. [ [ ] and [ ] ] .S
626 (c) by the end of the next business day after the order is entered, transmit electronically
627 a copy of the order to any law enforcement agency designated by the petitioner and to the
628 statewide domestic violence network described in Section 78B-7-113 S. [ [ ] . [ ] ] [ ; and
629 (d) transmit a copy of the order to the statewide domestic violence network described
630 in Section 78B-7-113 . ] .S
631 (2) The county sheriff shall serve the order and transmit verification of service to the
632 statewide domestic violence network described in Section 78B-7-113 in an expeditious
633 manner. Any law enforcement agency may serve the order and transmit verification of service
634 to the statewide domestic violence network if the law enforcement agency has contact with the
635 respondent or if service by that law enforcement agency is in the best interests of the child.
636 (3) When an order is served on a respondent in a jail, prison, or other holding facility,
637 the law enforcement agency managing the facility shall notify the petitioner of the respondent's
638 release. Notice to the petitioner consists of a prompt, good faith effort to provide notice,
639 including mailing the notice to the petitioner's last-known address.
640 (4) Child support orders issued as part of a child protective order are subject to
641 mandatory income withholding under Title 62A, Chapter 11, Part 4, Income Withholding in
642 IV-D Cases, and Title 62A, Chapter 11, Part 5, Income Withholding in Non IV-D Cases.
643 (5) After notice and hearing a court may modify or vacate a child protective order
644 without a showing of substantial and material change in circumstances, except that the criminal
645 provisions of the child protective order may not be vacated within two years of issuance unless
646 the petitioner:
647 (a) is personally served with notice of the hearing as provided in Rule 4, Utah Rules of

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649 consent to the vacation of the criminal provisions of the protective order; or
650 (b) submits a verified affidavit, stating agreement to the vacation of the criminal
651 provisions of the protective order.
652 (6) The child protective order expires 150 days after the date of the order unless a
653 different date is set by the court. The court may not set a date more than 150 days after the date
654 of the order without a finding of good cause. The court may review and extend the expiration
655 date, but may not extend it to more than 150 days after the date of the order without a finding
656 of good cause.
657 (7) Notwithstanding Subsections (5) and (6), unless the judge orders otherwise all child
658 protective orders expire when the subject of the order is 18 years of age, unless the judge
659 vacates the order earlier.
660 Section 18. Repealer.
661 This bill repeals:
662 Section 76-5-411, Admissibility of out-of-court statement of child victim of sexual
663 abuse.

Legislative Review Note
as of 2-4-09 8:32 AM

Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel