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7 LONG TITLE
8 General Description:
9 This bill restructures, reorganizes, and rewrites provisions of Title 71, Veterans, creates
10 Title 71A, Veterans and Military Affairs, and makes conforming changes.
11 Highlighted Provisions:
12 This bill:
13 ▸ restructures, reorganizes, and rewrites some of the provisions of Title 71, Veterans,
14 and creates Title 71A, Veterans and Military Affairs;
15 ▸ outlines the new title as follows:
16 • Chapter 1, Veterans and Military Affairs;
17 • Chapter 2, Veterans Preference;
18 • Chapter 3, Veterans Service Organizations Assistance Contracts;
19 • Chapter 4, Veterans Benefits Application Assistance Act;
20 • Chapter 5, Veterans Assistance Registry;
21 • Chapter 6, State Veterans Nursing Home;
22 • Chapter 7, Veterans Memorials and Cemeteries; and
23 • Chapter 8, Employees in Military Service;
24 ▸ provides definitions;
25 ▸ removes outdated language;
26 ▸ standardizes the term "service member";
27 ▸ removes requirement that the Veterans Advisory Council be consulted on the
28 awarding of grants;
29 ▸ removes the requirement that deputy directors be veterans;
30 ▸ clarifies eligibility for veterans preference;
31 ▸ clarifies job retention for public officers called to serve in the armed forces; and
32 ▸ makes technical and conforming changes.
33 Money Appropriated in this Bill:
34 None
35 Other Special Clauses:
36 None
37 Utah Code Sections Affected:
38 AMENDS:
39 30-3-10, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2019, First Special Session, Chapter 5
40 30-3-10.1, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2017, Chapter 224
41 30-3-10.4, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2019, Chapter 188
42 30-3-10.8, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2017, Chapter 224
43 34-50-102, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2016, Chapter 230
44 34-50-103, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2020, Chapter 333
45 39A-3-202, as renumbered and amended by Laws of Utah 2022, Chapter 373
46 53B-8-102, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2020, Chapter 37
47 53G-6-306, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2022, Chapter 464
48 53G-6-402, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2022, Chapters 378 and 464
49 53G-6-502, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2022, Chapter 352
50 59-2-1903, as enacted by Laws of Utah 2019, Chapter 453
51 59-10-103, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2021, Chapter 367
52 76-5-102.4, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2022, Chapters 181 and 373
53 78A-5-302, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2021, Chapter 93
54 78B-20-102, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2017, Chapter 224
55 78B-20-107, as enacted by Laws of Utah 2016, Chapter 292
56 ENACTS:
57 71A-1-201, Utah Code Annotated 1953
58 71A-1-202, Utah Code Annotated 1953
59 71A-1-302, Utah Code Annotated 1953
60 RENUMBERS AND AMENDS:
61 71A-1-101, (Renumbered from 71-8-1, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2018, Chapter
62 39)
63 71A-1-301, (Renumbered from 71-8-4, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2018, Chapter
64 39)
65 71A-2-101, (Renumbered from 71-10-1, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2016,
66 Chapter 230)
67 71A-2-102, (Renumbered from 71-10-2, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2018,
68 Chapter 39)
69 71A-2-103, (Renumbered from 71-10-3, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2018,
70 Chapter 148)
71 71A-3-101, (Renumbered from 71-9-1, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2018, Chapter
72 39)
73 71A-3-102, (Renumbered from 71-9-2, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2018, Chapter
74 39)
75 71A-3-103, (Renumbered from 71-9-5, as enacted by Laws of Utah 1981, Chapter 282)
76 71A-4-101, (Renumbered from 71-13-102, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2018,
77 Chapter 39)
78 71A-4-102, (Renumbered from 71-13-103, as enacted by Laws of Utah 2015, Chapter
79 123)
80 71A-4-103, (Renumbered from 71-13-104, as enacted by Laws of Utah 2015, Chapter
81 123)
82 71A-4-104, (Renumbered from 71-13-105, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2018,
83 Chapter 39)
84 71A-4-105, (Renumbered from 71-13-106, as enacted by Laws of Utah 2015, Chapter
85 123)
86 71A-5-101, (Renumbered from 71-12-102, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2018,
87 Chapter 39)
88 71A-5-102, (Renumbered from 71-12-103, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2018,
89 Chapter 39)
90 71A-5-103, (Renumbered from 71-12-104, as enacted by Laws of Utah 2014, Chapter
91 91)
92 71A-6-101, (Renumbered from 71-11-2, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2018,
93 Chapter 39)
94 71A-6-102, (Renumbered from 71-11-3, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2018,
95 Chapter 39)
96 71A-6-103, (Renumbered from 71-11-5, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2018,
97 Chapter 39)
98 71A-6-104, (Renumbered from 71-11-6, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2016,
99 Chapter 230)
100 71A-6-105, (Renumbered from 71-11-7, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2018,
101 Chapter 39)
102 71A-6-106, (Renumbered from 71-11-8, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2018,
103 Chapter 39)
104 71A-6-107, (Renumbered from 71-11-9, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2005, First
105 Special Session, Chapter 7)
106 71A-6-108, (Renumbered from 71-11-10, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2007,
107 Chapter 173)
108 71A-7-101, (Renumbered from 71-2-1, Utah Code Annotated 1953)
109 71A-7-102, (Renumbered from 71-2-2, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2001, Chapter
110 30)
111 71A-7-103, (Renumbered from 71-2-3, as last amended by Laws of Utah 1993, Chapter
112 227)
113 71A-7-201, (Renumbered from 71-7-1, as enacted by Laws of Utah 1961, Chapter 21)
114 71A-7-202, (Renumbered from 71-7-2, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2018, Chapter
115 39)
116 71A-7-203, (Renumbered from 71-7-5, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2018, Chapter
117 39)
118 71A-7-301, (Renumbered from 71-7-3, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2020, Chapter
119 154)
120 71A-8-101, (Renumbered from 39-3-1, as repealed and reenacted by Laws of Utah
121 1991, Chapter 65)
122 71A-8-102, (Renumbered from 39-3-2, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2003, Chapter
123 217)
124 71A-8-103, (Renumbered from 39-1-64, as enacted by Laws of Utah 2004, Chapter 82)
125 71A-8-104, (Renumbered from 39-7-118, as enacted by Laws of Utah 1997, Chapter
126 306)
127 REPEALS:
128 39-1-36, as last amended by Laws of Utah 1989, Chapter 15
129 71-3-1, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2018, Chapter 39
130 71-8-2, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2020, Chapter 409
131 71-8-3, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2018, Chapter 39
132 71-8-5, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2018, Chapter 39
133 71-8-6, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2018, Chapter 39
134 71-8-7, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2018, Chapter 39
135 71-8-8, as enacted by Laws of Utah 2013, Chapter 308
136 71-11-1, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2018, Chapter 39
137 71-11-4, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2018, Chapter 39
138 71-12-101, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2018, Chapter 39
139 71-13-101, as enacted by Laws of Utah 2015, Chapter 123
140
141 Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
142 Section 1. Section 30-3-10 is amended to read:
143 30-3-10. Custody of a child -- Custody factors.
144 (1) If a married couple having one or more minor children are separated, or the married
145 couple's marriage is declared void or dissolved, the court shall enter, and has continuing
146 jurisdiction to modify, an order of custody and parent-time.
147 (2) In determining any form of custody and parent-time under Subsection (1), the court
148 shall consider the best interest of the child and may consider among other factors the court
149 finds relevant, the following for each parent:
150 (a) evidence of domestic violence, neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse, or emotional
151 abuse, involving the child, the parent, or a household member of the parent;
152 (b) the parent's demonstrated understanding of, responsiveness to, and ability to meet
153 the developmental needs of the child, including the child's:
154 (i) physical needs;
155 (ii) emotional needs;
156 (iii) educational needs;
157 (iv) medical needs; and
158 (v) any special needs;
159 (c) the parent's capacity and willingness to function as a parent, including:
160 (i) parenting skills;
161 (ii) co-parenting skills, including:
162 (A) ability to appropriately communicate with the other parent;
163 (B) ability to encourage the sharing of love and affection; and
164 (C) willingness to allow frequent and continuous contact between the child and the
165 other parent, except that, if the court determines that the parent is acting to protect the child
166 from domestic violence, neglect, or abuse, the parent's protective actions may be taken into
167 consideration; and
168 (iii) ability to provide personal care rather than surrogate care;
169 (d) in accordance with Subsection (10), the past conduct and demonstrated moral
170 character of the parent;
171 (e) the emotional stability of the parent;
172 (f) the parent's inability to function as a parent because of drug abuse, excessive
173 drinking, or other causes;
174 (g) whether the parent has intentionally exposed the child to pornography or material
175 harmful to minors, as "material" and "harmful to minors" are defined in Section 76-10-1201;
176 (h) the parent's reasons for having relinquished custody or parent-time in the past;
177 (i) duration and depth of desire for custody or parent-time;
178 (j) the parent's religious compatibility with the child;
179 (k) the parent's financial responsibility;
180 (l) the child's interaction and relationship with step-parents, extended family members
181 of other individuals who may significantly affect the child's best interests;
182 (m) who has been the primary caretaker of the child;
183 (n) previous parenting arrangements in which the child has been happy and
184 well-adjusted in the home, school, and community;
185 (o) the relative benefit of keeping siblings together;
186 (p) the stated wishes and concerns of the child, taking into consideration the child's
187 cognitive ability and emotional maturity;
188 (q) the relative strength of the child's bond with the parent, meaning the depth, quality,
189 and nature of the relationship between the parent and the child; and
190 (r) any other factor the court finds relevant.
191 (3) There is a rebuttable presumption that joint legal custody, as defined in Section
192 30-3-10.1, is in the best interest of the child, except in cases when there is:
193 (a) evidence of domestic violence, neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse, or emotional
194 abuse involving the child, a parent, or a household member of the parent;
195 (b) special physical or mental needs of a parent or child, making joint legal custody
196 unreasonable;
197 (c) physical distance between the residences of the parents, making joint decision
198 making impractical in certain circumstances; or
199 (d) any other factor the court considers relevant including those listed in this section
200 and Section 30-3-10.2.
201 (4) (a) The person who desires joint legal custody shall file a proposed parenting plan
202 in accordance with Sections 30-3-10.8 and 30-3-10.9.
203 (b) A presumption for joint legal custody may be rebutted by a showing by a
204 preponderance of the evidence that it is not in the best interest of the child.
205 (5) (a) A child may not be required by either party to testify unless the trier of fact
206 determines that extenuating circumstances exist that would necessitate the testimony of the
207 child be heard and there is no other reasonable method to present the child's testimony.
208 (b) (i) The court may inquire of the child's and take into consideration the child's
209 desires regarding future custody or parent-time schedules, but the expressed desires are not
210 controlling and the court may determine the child's custody or parent-time otherwise.
211 (ii) The desires of a child 14 years [
212 but is not the single controlling factor.
213 (c) (i) If an interview with a child is conducted by the court pursuant to Subsection
214 (5)(b), the interview shall be conducted by the judge in camera.
215 (ii) The prior consent of the parties may be obtained but is not necessary if the court
216 finds that an interview with a child is the only method to ascertain the child's desires regarding
217 custody.
218 (6) (a) Except as provided in Subsection (6)(b), a court may not discriminate against a
219 parent due to a disability, as defined in Section 57-21-2, in awarding custody or determining
220 whether a substantial change has occurred for the purpose of modifying an award of custody.
221 (b) The court may not consider the disability of a parent as a factor in awarding custody
222 or modifying an award of custody based on a determination of a substantial change in
223 circumstances, unless the court makes specific findings that:
224 (i) the disability significantly or substantially inhibits the parent's ability to provide for
225 the physical and emotional needs of the child at issue; and
226 (ii) the parent with a disability lacks sufficient human, monetary, or other resources
227 available to supplement the parent's ability to provide for the physical and emotional needs of
228 the child at issue.
229 (c) Nothing in this section may be construed to apply to adoption proceedings under
230 Title 78B, Chapter 6, Part 1, Utah Adoption Act.
231 (7) This section does not establish a preference for either parent solely because of the
232 gender of the parent.
233 (8) This section establishes neither a preference nor a presumption for or against joint
234 physical custody or sole physical custody, but allows the court and the family the widest
235 discretion to choose a parenting plan that is in the best interest of the child.
236 (9) When an issue before the court involves custodial responsibility in the event of a
237 deployment of one or both parents who are [
238 [
239 resolve the issue based on the standards in Sections 78B-20-306 through 78B-20-309.
240 (10) In considering the past conduct and demonstrated moral standards of each party
241 under Subsection (2)(d) or any other factor a court finds relevant, the court may not:
242 (a) consider or treat a parent's lawful possession or use of cannabis in a medicinal
243 dosage form, a cannabis product in a medicinal dosage form, or a medical cannabis device, in
244 accordance with Title 4, Chapter 41a, Cannabis Production Establishments, Title 26, Chapter
245 61a, Utah Medical Cannabis Act, or Subsection 58-37-3.7(2) or (3) any differently than the
246 court would consider or treat the lawful possession or use of any prescribed controlled
247 substance; or
248 (b) discriminate against a parent because of the parent's status as a:
249 (i) cannabis production establishment agent, as that term is defined in Section
250 4-41a-102;
251 (ii) medical cannabis pharmacy agent, as that term is defined in Section 26-61a-102;
252 (iii) medical cannabis courier agent, as that term is defined in Section 26-61a-102; or
253 (iv) medical cannabis cardholder in accordance with Title 26, Chapter 61a, Utah
254 Medical Cannabis Act.
255 Section 2. Section 30-3-10.1 is amended to read:
256 30-3-10.1. Definitions -- Joint legal custody -- Joint physical custody.
257 As used in this chapter:
258 (1) (a) "Custodial responsibility" includes all powers and duties relating to caretaking
259 authority and decision-making authority for a child.
260 (b) "Custodial responsibility" includes physical custody, legal custody, parenting time,
261 right to access, visitation, and authority to grant limited contact with a child.
262 (2) "Joint legal custody":
263 (a) means the sharing of the rights, privileges, duties, and powers of a parent by both
264 parents, where specified;
265 (b) may include an award of exclusive authority by the court to one parent to make
266 specific decisions;
267 (c) does not affect the physical custody of the child except as specified in the order of
268 joint legal custody;
269 (d) is not based on awarding equal or nearly equal periods of physical custody of and
270 access to the child to each of the parents, as the best interest of the child often requires that a
271 primary physical residence for the child be designated; and
272 (e) does not prohibit the court from specifying one parent as the primary caretaker and
273 one home as the primary residence of the child.
274 (3) "Joint physical custody":
275 (a) means the child stays with each parent overnight for more than 30% of the year, and
276 both parents contribute to the expenses of the child in addition to paying child support;
277 (b) can mean equal or nearly equal periods of physical custody of and access to the
278 child by each of the parents, as required to meet the best interest of the child;
279 (c) may require that a primary physical residence for the child be designated; and
280 (d) does not prohibit the court from specifying one parent as the primary caretaker and
281 one home as the primary residence of the child.
282 (4) "[
283 (5) "Uniformed service" means:
284 (a) active and reserve components of the United States Armed Forces;
285 (b) the United States Merchant Marine;
286 (c) the commissioned corps of the United States Public Health Service;
287 (d) the commissioned corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
288 of the United States; or
289 (e) the [
290 Section 3. Section 30-3-10.4 is amended to read:
291 30-3-10.4. Modification or termination of order.
292 (1) On the petition of one or both of the parents, or the joint legal or physical
293 custodians if they are not the parents, the court may, after a hearing, modify or terminate an
294 order that established joint legal custody or joint physical custody if:
295 (a) the verified petition or accompanying affidavit initially alleges that admissible
296 evidence will show that the circumstances of the child or one or both parents or joint legal or
297 physical custodians have materially and substantially changed since the entry of the order to be
298 modified;
299 (b) a modification of the terms and conditions of the order would be an improvement
300 for and in the best interest of the child; and
301 (c) (i) both parents have complied in good faith with the dispute resolution procedure
302 in accordance with Subsection 30-3-10.3(7); or
303 (ii) if no dispute resolution procedure is contained in the order that established joint
304 legal custody or joint physical custody, the court orders the parents to participate in a dispute
305 resolution procedure in accordance with Subsection 30-3-10.2(5) unless the parents certify that,
306 in good faith, they have used a dispute resolution procedure to resolve their dispute.
307 (2) (a) In determining whether the best interest of a child will be served by either
308 modifying or terminating the joint legal custody or joint physical custody order, the court shall,
309 in addition to other factors the court considers relevant, consider the factors outlined in Section
310 30-3-10 and Subsection 30-3-10.2(2).
311 (b) A court order modifying or terminating an existing joint legal custody or joint
312 physical custody order shall contain written findings that:
313 (i) a material and substantial change of circumstance has occurred; and
314 (ii) a modification of the terms and conditions of the order would be an improvement
315 for and in the best interest of the child.
316 (c) The court shall give substantial weight to the existing joint legal custody or joint
317 physical custody order when the child is thriving, happy, and well-adjusted.
318 (3) The court shall, in every case regarding a petition for termination of a joint legal
319 custody or joint physical custody order, consider reasonable alternatives to preserve the
320 existing order in accordance with Subsection 30-3-10(3). The court may modify the terms and
321 conditions of the existing order in accordance with Subsection 30-3-10(8) and may order the
322 parents to file a parenting plan in accordance with this chapter.
323 (4) A parent requesting a modification from sole custody to joint legal custody or joint
324 physical custody or both, or any other type of shared parenting arrangement, shall file and serve
325 a proposed parenting plan with the petition to modify in accordance with Section 30-3-10.8.
326 (5) If the court finds that an action under this section is filed or answered frivolously
327 and in a manner designed to harass the other party, the court shall assess attorney fees as costs
328 against the offending party.
329 (6) If an issue before the court involves custodial responsibility in the event of
330 deployment of one or both parents who are [
331 [
332 resolve the issue based on the standards in Sections 78B-20-306 through 78B-20-309.
333 Section 4. Section 30-3-10.8 is amended to read:
334 30-3-10.8. Parenting plan -- Filing -- Modifications.
335 (1) In any proceeding under this chapter, including actions for paternity, a party
336 requesting joint custody, joint legal or physical custody, or any other type of shared parenting
337 arrangement, shall file and serve a proposed parenting plan at the time of the filing of their
338 original petition or at the time of filing their answer or counterclaim.
339 (2) In proceedings for a modification of custody provisions or modification of a
340 parenting plan, a proposed parenting plan shall be filed and served with the petition to modify,
341 or the answer or counterclaim to the petition to modify.
342 (3) A party who files a proposed parenting plan in compliance with this section may
343 move the court for an order of default to adopt the plan if the other party fails to file a proposed
344 parenting plan as required by this section.
345 (4) Either party may file and serve an amended proposed parenting plan according to
346 the rules for amending pleadings.
347 (5) The parent submitting a proposed parenting plan shall attach a verified statement
348 that the plan is proposed by that parent in good faith.
349 (6) Both parents may submit a parenting plan which has been agreed upon. A verified
350 statement, signed by both parents, shall be attached.
351 (7) If the parents file inconsistent parenting plans, the court may appoint a guardian ad
352 litem to represent the best interests of the child, who may, if necessary, file a separate parenting
353 plan reflecting the best interests of the child.
354 (8) When one or both parents are [
355 plan shall be consistent with Subsection 30-3-10.9(10). If after a parenting plan is adopted, one
356 or both parents become [
357 shall amend the existing parenting plan to comply with Subsection 30-3-10.9(10).
358 Section 5. Section 34-50-102 is amended to read:
359 34-50-102. Definitions.
360 As used in this chapter:
361 (1) "Department" means the [
362 Department of Veterans and Military Affairs, created in Section 71A-1-201.
363 (2) "Discharge document" means a document received by a [
364 member upon separation from military service, including:
365 (a) a DD 214, United States Department of Defense Certificate of Release or Discharge
366 from Active Duty;
367 (b) a DD 256, United States Department of Defense Honorable Discharge Certificate;
368 (c) a DD 257, United States General Discharge Certificate; or
369 (d) an NGB 22, Utah National Guard Certificate of Release or Discharge.
370 (3) "Preference eligible" means the same as that term is defined in Section [
371 71A-2-101.
372 (4) "Private employer" means the same as that term is defined in Section 63G-12-102.
373 (5) "Service member" means a currently serving member of the armed forces.
374 [
375 Section 6. Section 34-50-103 is amended to read:
376 34-50-103. Voluntary veterans preference employment policy -- Private
377 employment -- Antidiscrimination requirements.
378 (1) A private sector employer may create a veterans employment preference policy
379 [
380 (2) [
381 (a) in writing; and
382 (b) applied uniformly to employment decisions regarding hiring, promotion, or
383 retention including during a reduction in force.
384 (3) A private employer may require a [
385 a discharge document form or proof of current service in the armed forces to be eligible for the
386 preference. If the applicant is the spouse of a veteran or service member, the employer may
387 require that the spouse submit the veteran's discharge document or proof of current service in
388 the armed forces.
389 (4) A private employer's veterans employment preference policy shall be publicly
390 posted by the employer at the place of employment or on the Internet if the employer has a
391 website or uses the Internet to advertise employment opportunities.
392 Section 7. Section 39A-3-202 is amended to read:
393 39A-3-202. Pay and care of soldiers and airmen disabled while on state active
394 duty.
395 (1) (a) Before a [
396 accordance with this section, the Adjutant General shall determine whether the
397 [
398 through the fault or negligence of the [
399 service member is determined to be at fault for an injury or developed a disability through his
400 or her own negligent actions, the [
401 pension, or benefit in accordance with this section.
402 (b) Notwithstanding Subsection (1)(a) the [
403 eligible for benefits in accordance with Title 34A, Chapter 2, Workers' Compensation Act, and
404 Chapter 3, Utah Occupational Disease Act.
405 (2) A member of the Utah National Guard or Utah State Defense Force who is disabled
406 through illness, injury, or disease contracted or incurred while on state active duty or while
407 reasonably proceeding to or returning from duty is eligible to receive workers' compensation
408 benefits in accordance with Title 34A, Chapter 2, Workers' Compensation Act.
409 (3) (a) If the disability temporarily incapacitates the [
410 from pursuing the [
411 [
412 accordance with Title 34A, Chapter 2, Workers' Compensation Act, and Chapter 3, Utah
413 Occupational Disease Act.
414 (b) For the duration of the [
415 business or occupation, the adjutant general shall provide compensation so that the total
416 compensation, including the disability compensation received under Subsection (3)(a) is
417 commensurate with the injured service member's lost pay. The adjutant general shall consider
418 lost civilian and military pay in the compensation.
419 (4) A [
420 pensions and benefits from the state that individuals under like circumstances in the Armed
421 Forces of the United States receive from the United States.
422 (5) If a [
423 contracted or incurred while on state active duty or while reasonably proceeding to or returning
424 from active duty, the surviving spouse, minor children, or dependent parents of the
425 [
426 (6) Costs incurred by reason of this section shall be paid out of the funds available to
427 the Utah National Guard.
428 (7) The adjutant general, with the approval of the governor, shall make and publish
429 regulations to implement this section.
430 (8) Nothing in this section shall in any way limit or condition any other payment to a
431 [
432 Section 8. Section 53B-8-102 is amended to read:
433 53B-8-102. Definitions -- Resident student status -- Exceptions.
434 (1) As used in this section:
435 (a) "Eligible person" means an individual who is entitled to post-secondary educational
436 benefits under Title 38 U.S.C., Veterans' Benefits.
437 (b) "Immediate family member" means an individual's spouse or dependent child.
438 (c) "Military [
439 (i) is serving on active duty in the United States Armed Forces within the state of Utah;
440 (ii) is a member of a reserve component of the United States Armed Forces assigned in
441 Utah;
442 (iii) is a member of the Utah National Guard; or
443 (iv) maintains domicile in Utah, as described in Subsection (9)(a), but is assigned
444 outside of Utah pursuant to federal permanent change of station orders.
445 (d) "Military veteran" has the same meaning as veteran in Section 68-3-12.5.
446 (e) "Parent" means a student's biological or adoptive parent.
447 (2) The meaning of "resident student" is determined by reference to the general law on
448 the subject of domicile, except as provided in this section.
449 (3) (a) Institutions within the state system of higher education may grant resident
450 student status to any student who has come to Utah and established residency for the purpose of
451 attending an institution of higher education, and who, prior to registration as a resident student:
452 (i) has maintained continuous Utah residency status for one full year;
453 (ii) has signed a written declaration that the student has relinquished residency in any
454 other state; and
455 (iii) has submitted objective evidence that the student has taken overt steps to establish
456 permanent residency in Utah and that the student does not maintain a residence elsewhere.
457 (b) Evidence to satisfy the requirements under Subsection (3)(a)(iii) includes:
458 (i) a Utah high school transcript issued in the past year confirming attendance at a Utah
459 high school in the past 12 months;
460 (ii) a Utah voter registration dated a reasonable period prior to application;
461 (iii) a Utah driver license or identification card with an original date of issue or a
462 renewal date several months prior to application;
463 (iv) a Utah vehicle registration dated a reasonable period prior to application;
464 (v) evidence of employment in Utah for a reasonable period prior to application;
465 (vi) proof of payment of Utah resident income taxes for the previous year;
466 (vii) a rental agreement showing the student's name and Utah address for at least 12
467 months prior to application; and
468 (viii) utility bills showing the student's name and Utah address for at least 12 months
469 prior to application.
470 (c) A student who is claimed as a dependent on the tax returns of a person who is not a
471 resident of Utah is not eligible to apply for resident student status.
472 (4) Except as provided in Subsection (8), an institution within the state system of
473 higher education may establish stricter criteria for determining resident student status.
474 (5) If an institution does not have a minimum credit-hour requirement, that institution
475 shall honor the decision of another institution within the state system of higher education to
476 grant a student resident student status, unless:
477 (a) the student obtained resident student status under false pretenses; or
478 (b) the facts existing at the time of the granting of resident student status have changed.
479 (6) Within the limits established in Title 53B, Chapter 8, Tuition Waiver and
480 Scholarships, each institution within the state system of higher education may, regardless of its
481 policy on obtaining resident student status, waive nonresident tuition either in whole or in part,
482 but not other fees.
483 (7) In addition to the waivers of nonresident tuition under Subsection (6), each
484 institution may, as athletic scholarships, grant full waiver of fees and nonresident tuition, up to
485 the maximum number allowed by the appropriate athletic conference as recommended by the
486 president of each institution.
487 (8) Notwithstanding Subsection (3), an institution within the state system of higher
488 education shall grant resident student status for tuition purposes to:
489 (a) a military [
490 member provides:
491 (i) the military [
492 identification card; and
493 (ii) (A) a statement from the military [
494 commander, or equivalent, stating that the military [
495 assigned in Utah; or
496 (B) evidence that the military [
497 as described in Subsection (9)(a);
498 (b) a military [
499 military [
500 (i) (A) the military [
501 identification card; or
502 (B) the immediate family member's current United States military identification card;
503 and
504 (ii) (A) a statement from the military [
505 commander, or equivalent, stating that the military [
506 assigned in Utah; or
507 (B) evidence that the military [
508 as described in Subsection (9)(a);
509 (c) a military veteran, regardless of whether the military veteran served in Utah, if the
510 military veteran provides:
511 (i) evidence of an honorable or general discharge;
512 (ii) a signed written declaration that the military veteran has relinquished residency in
513 any other state and does not maintain a residence elsewhere;
514 (iii) objective evidence that the military veteran has demonstrated an intent to establish
515 residency in Utah, which may include any one of the following:
516 (A) a Utah voter registration card;
517 (B) a Utah driver license or identification card;
518 (C) a Utah vehicle registration;
519 (D) evidence of employment in Utah;
520 (E) a rental agreement showing the military veteran's name and Utah address; or
521 (F) utility bills showing the military veteran's name and Utah address;
522 (d) a military veteran's immediate family member, regardless of whether the military
523 veteran served in Utah, if the military veteran's immediate family member provides:
524 (i) evidence of the military veteran's honorable or general discharge;
525 (ii) a signed written declaration that the military veteran's immediate family member
526 has relinquished residency in any other state and does not maintain a residence elsewhere; and
527 (iii) objective evidence that the military veteran's immediate family member has
528 demonstrated an intent to establish residency in Utah, which may include any one of the items
529 described in Subsection (8)(c)(iii); or
530 (e) an eligible person who provides:
531 (i) evidence of eligibility under Title 38 U.S.C., Veterans' Benefits;
532 (ii) a signed written declaration that the eligible person will use the G.I. Bill benefits;
533 and
534 (iii) objective evidence that the eligible person has demonstrated an intent to establish
535 residency in Utah, which may include any one of the items described in Subsection (8)(c)(iii).
536 (9) (a) The evidence described in Subsection (8)(a)(ii)(B) or (8)(b)(ii)(B) includes:
537 (i) a current Utah voter registration card;
538 (ii) a valid Utah driver license or identification card;
539 (iii) a current Utah vehicle registration;
540 (iv) a copy of a Utah income tax return, in the military [
541 member's or military [
542 accordance with Section 59-10-502; or
543 (v) proof that the military [
544 [
545 notice for property owned in Utah.
546 (b) Aliens who are present in the United States on visitor, student, or other visas which
547 authorize only temporary presence in this country, do not have the capacity to intend to reside
548 in Utah for an indefinite period and therefore are classified as nonresidents.
549 (c) Aliens who have been granted immigrant or permanent resident status in the United
550 States are classified for purposes of resident student status according to the same criteria
551 applicable to citizens.
552 (10) Any American Indian who is enrolled on the tribal rolls of a tribe whose
553 reservation or trust lands lie partly or wholly within Utah or whose border is at any point
554 contiguous with the border of Utah, and any American Indian who is a member of a federally
555 recognized or known Utah tribe and who has graduated from a high school in Utah, is entitled
556 to resident student status.
557 (11) A Job Corps student is entitled to resident student status if the student:
558 (a) is admitted as a full-time, part-time, or summer school student in a program of
559 study leading to a degree or certificate; and
560 (b) submits verification that the student is a current Job Corps student.
561 (12) A person is entitled to resident student status and may immediately apply for
562 resident student status if the person:
563 (a) marries a Utah resident eligible to be a resident student under this section; and
564 (b) establishes his or her domicile in Utah as demonstrated by objective evidence as
565 provided in Subsection (3).
566 (13) Notwithstanding Subsection (3)(c), a dependent student who has at least one
567 parent who has been domiciled in Utah for at least 12 months prior to the student's application
568 is entitled to resident student status.
569 (14) (a) A person who has established domicile in Utah for full-time permanent
570 employment may rebut the presumption of a nonresident classification by providing substantial
571 evidence that the reason for the individual's move to Utah was, in good faith, based on an
572 employer requested transfer to Utah, recruitment by a Utah employer, or a comparable
573 work-related move for full-time permanent employment in Utah.
574 (b) All relevant evidence concerning the motivation for the move shall be considered,
575 including:
576 (i) the person's employment and educational history;
577 (ii) the dates when Utah employment was first considered, offered, and accepted;
578 (iii) when the person moved to Utah;
579 (iv) the dates when the person applied for admission, was admitted, and was enrolled
580 as a postsecondary student;
581 (v) whether the person applied for admission to an institution of higher education
582 sooner than four months from the date of moving to Utah;
583 (vi) evidence that the person is an independent person who is:
584 (A) at least 24 years [
585 (B) not claimed as a dependent on someone else's tax returns; and
586 (vii) any other factors related to abandonment of a former domicile and establishment
587 of a new domicile in Utah for purposes other than to attend an institution of higher education.
588 (15) (a) A person who is in residence in Utah to participate in a United States Olympic
589 athlete training program, at a facility in Utah, approved by the governing body for the athlete's
590 Olympic sport, shall be entitled to resident status for tuition purposes.
591 (b) Upon the termination of the athlete's participation in the training program, the
592 athlete shall be subject to the same residency standards applicable to other persons under this
593 section.
594 (c) Time spent domiciled in Utah during the Olympic athlete training program in Utah
595 counts for Utah residency for tuition purposes upon termination of the athlete's participation in
596 a Utah Olympic athlete training program.
597 (16) (a) A person who has established domicile in Utah for reasons related to divorce,
598 the death of a spouse, or long-term health care responsibilities for an immediate family
599 member, including the person's spouse, parent, sibling, or child, may rebut the presumption of a
600 nonresident classification by providing substantial evidence that the reason for the individual's
601 move to Utah was, in good faith, based on the long-term health care responsibilities.
602 (b) All relevant evidence concerning the motivation for the move shall be considered,
603 including:
604 (i) the person's employment and educational history;
605 (ii) the dates when the long-term health care responsibilities in Utah were first
606 considered, offered, and accepted;
607 (iii) when the person moved to Utah;
608 (iv) the dates when the person applied for admission, was admitted, and was enrolled
609 as a postsecondary student;
610 (v) whether the person applied for admission to an institution of higher education
611 sooner than four months from the date of moving to Utah;
612 (vi) evidence that the person is an independent person who is:
613 (A) at least 24 years [
614 (B) not claimed as a dependent on someone else's tax returns; and
615 (vii) any other factors related to abandonment of a former domicile and establishment
616 of a new domicile in Utah for purposes other than to attend an institution of higher education.
617 (17) The board, after consultation with the institutions, shall make rules not
618 inconsistent with this section:
619 (a) concerning the definition of resident and nonresident students;
620 (b) establishing procedures for classifying and reclassifying students;
621 (c) establishing criteria for determining and judging claims of residency or domicile;
622 (d) establishing appeals procedures; and
623 (e) other matters related to this section.
624 (18) A student shall be exempt from paying the nonresident portion of total tuition if
625 the student:
626 (a) is a foreign national legally admitted to the United States;
627 (b) attended high school in this state for three or more years; and
628 (c) graduated from a high school in this state or received the equivalent of a high
629 school diploma in this state.
630 Section 9. Section 53G-6-306 is amended to read:
631 53G-6-306. Permitting attendance by nonresident of the state -- Tuition.
632 (1) As used in this section:
633 (a) "Armed forces" means the same as that term is defined in Section 68-3-12.5.
634 (b) "Eligible student" means a student who is a dependent child of a member of
635 uniformed services who is:
636 (i) (A) relocating to the state and does not reside in the state during an LEA's
637 enrollment period; or
638 (B) relocating out of the state during the school year; and
639 (ii) on permanent change of station orders.
640 (c) "Nonresident child" means a child residing outside the state.
641 (d) "Provisional enrollment" means enrollment in a public school by an eligible
642 student:
643 (i) before the eligible student relocates to the state; or
644 (ii) after the eligible student's parent relocates out of the state, but before the eligible
645 student relocates out of the state.
646 (e) "Uniformed services" means:
647 (i) the same as that term is defined in Section 68-3-12.5;
648 (ii) the reserve components of the armed forces; and
649 (iii) the national guard of a state.
650 (2) (a) An LEA may permit a nonresident child to attend school within the district,
651 giving priority to a child of a military [
652 in Section 53B-8-102.
653 (b) With the exception of a child enrolled under Section 53G-6-707, a nonresident
654 child is not included for the purpose of apportionment of state funds.
655 (3) (a) An LEA shall charge a nonresident child who enrolls in a school within the
656 LEA tuition in an amount at least equal to the per capita cost of the school program in which
657 the nonresident child enrolls unless the LEA, in open meeting, determines to waive the charge
658 for that nonresident child in whole or in part.
659 (b) The official minutes of the meeting described in Subsection (3)(a) shall reflect the
660 LEA's determination to waive the charge described in Subsection (3)(a).
661 (4) (a) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Subsection (3), an LEA shall allow
662 an eligible student to:
663 (i) provisionally enroll in a public school in the LEA at the same time and in the same
664 manner as individuals who reside in the state; or
665 (ii) provisionally enroll in virtual education options that the LEA provides in the same
666 manner as an individual residing in the state.
667 (b) An LEA may not require proof of residency from an eligible student at the time the
668 eligible student applies to enroll in a public school in the LEA.
669 (c) An LEA shall require proof of residence within 10 days after the eligible student's
670 first day of residence in the state.
671 Section 10. Section 53G-6-402 is amended to read:
672 53G-6-402. Open enrollment options -- Procedures -- Processing fee -- Continuing
673 enrollment.
674 (1) Each local school board is responsible for providing educational services consistent
675 with Utah state law and rules of the state board for each student who resides in the district and,
676 as provided in this section through Section 53G-6-407 and to the extent reasonably feasible, for
677 any student who resides in another district in the state and desires to attend a school in the
678 district, giving priority to a child of a military [
679 defined in 53B-8-102.
680 (2) (a) A school is open for enrollment of nonresident students if the enrollment level
681 is at or below the open enrollment threshold.
682 (b) If a school's enrollment falls below the open enrollment threshold, the local school
683 board shall allow a nonresident student to enroll in the school.
684 (3) A local school board may allow enrollment of nonresident students in a school that
685 is operating above the open enrollment threshold.
686 (4) (a) A local school board shall adopt policies describing procedures for nonresident
687 students to follow in applying for entry into the district's schools.
688 (b) Those procedures shall provide, as a minimum, for:
689 (i) distribution to interested parties of information about the school or school district
690 and how to apply for admission;
691 (ii) use of standard application forms prescribed by the state board;
692 (iii) (A) submission of applications from November 15 through the first Friday in
693 February by those seeking admission during the early enrollment period for the following year;
694 or
695 (B) submission of applications from August 1 through November 1 by those seeking
696 admission during the early enrollment period for the following year in a school district
697 described in Subsection 53G-6-401(1)(b);
698 (iv) submission of applications by those seeking admission during the late enrollment
699 period;
700 (v) written notification to the student's parent of acceptance or rejection of an
701 application:
702 (A) within six weeks after receipt of the application by the district or by March 31,
703 whichever is later, for applications submitted during the early enrollment period;
704 (B) within two weeks after receipt of the application by the district or by the Friday
705 before the new school year begins, whichever is later, for applications submitted during the late
706 enrollment period for admission in the next school year; and
707 (C) within two weeks after receipt of the application by the district, for applications
708 submitted during the late enrollment period for admission in the current year;
709 (vi) written notification to the resident school for intradistrict transfers or the resident
710 district for interdistrict transfers upon acceptance of a nonresident student for enrollment; and
711 (vii) written notification to the parents of each student that resides within the school
712 district and other interested parties of the revised early enrollment period described in
713 Subsection 53G-6-401(1)(b) if:
714 (A) the school district is doing a district wide grade reconfiguration of its elementary,
715 middle, junior, and senior high schools; and
716 (B) the grade reconfiguration described in Subsection (4)(b)(vii)(A) will be
717 implemented in the next school year.
718 (c) (i) Notwithstanding the dates established in Subsection (4)(b) for submitting
719 applications and notifying parents of acceptance or rejection of an application, a local school
720 board may delay the dates if a local school board is not able to make a reasonably accurate
721 projection of the early enrollment school capacity or late enrollment school capacity of a school
722 due to:
723 (A) school construction or remodeling;
724 (B) drawing or revision of school boundaries; or
725 (C) other circumstances beyond the control of the local school board.
726 (ii) The delay may extend no later than four weeks beyond the date the local school
727 board is able to make a reasonably accurate projection of the early enrollment school capacity
728 or late enrollment school capacity of a school.
729 (5) A school district may charge a one-time $5 processing fee, to be paid at the time of
730 application.
731 (6) An enrolled nonresident student shall be permitted to remain enrolled in a school,
732 subject to the same rules and standards as resident students, without renewed applications in
733 subsequent years unless one of the following occurs:
734 (a) the student graduates;
735 (b) the student is no longer a Utah resident;
736 (c) the student is suspended or expelled from school; or
737 (d) except for a student described in Subsection (6)(e), the district determines that
738 enrollment within the school will exceed the school's open enrollment threshold; or
739 (e) for a child of a military [
740 Section 53B-8-102, who moves from temporary to permanent housing outside of the relevant
741 school district boundaries following a permanent change of station:
742 (i) in kindergarten through grade 10, the student completes the current school year; or
743 (ii) in grades 11 and 12, the student graduates.
744 (7) (a) Determination of which nonresident students will be excluded from continued
745 enrollment in a school during a subsequent year under Subsection (6)(d) is based upon time in
746 the school, with those most recently enrolled being excluded first and the use of a lottery
747 system when multiple nonresident students have the same number of school days in the school.
748 (b) Nonresident students who will not be permitted to continue their enrollment shall
749 be notified no later than March 15 of the current school year.
750 (8) The parent of a student enrolled in a school that is not the student's school of
751 residence may withdraw the student from that school for enrollment in another public school by
752 submitting notice of intent to enroll the student in:
753 (a) the district of residence; or
754 (b) another nonresident district.
755 (9) Unless provisions have previously been made for enrollment in another school, a
756 nonresident district releasing a student from enrollment shall immediately notify the district of
757 residence, which shall enroll the student in the resident district and take such additional steps
758 as may be necessary to ensure compliance with laws governing school attendance.
759 (10) (a) Except as provided in Subsection (10)(c), a student who transfers between
760 schools, whether effective on the first day of the school year or after the school year has begun,
761 by exercising an open enrollment option under this section may not transfer to a different
762 school during the same school year by exercising an open enrollment option under this section.
763 (b) The restriction on transfers specified in Subsection (10)(a) does not apply to a
764 student transfer made for health or safety reasons.
765 (c) A local school board may adopt a policy allowing a student to exercise an open
766 enrollment option more than once in a school year.
767 (11) Notwithstanding Subsections (2) and (6)(d), a student who is enrolled in a school
768 that is not the student's school of residence, because school bus service is not provided between
769 the student's neighborhood and school of residence for safety reasons:
770 (a) shall be allowed to continue to attend the school until the student finishes the
771 highest grade level offered; and
772 (b) shall be allowed to attend the middle school, junior high school, or high school into
773 which the school's students feed until the student graduates from high school.
774 (12) Notwithstanding any other provision of this part or Part 3, School District
775 Residency, a student shall be allowed to enroll in any charter school or other public school in
776 any district, including a district where the student does not reside, if the enrollment is
777 necessary, as determined by the Division of Child and Family Services, to comply with the
778 provisions of 42 U.S.C. Section 675.
779 Section 11. Section 53G-6-502 is amended to read:
780 53G-6-502. Eligible students.
781 (1) As used in this section:
782 (a) "At capacity" means operating above the school's open enrollment threshold.
783 (b) "COVID-19 emergency" means the spread of COVID-19 that the World Health
784 Organization declared a pandemic on March 11, 2020.
785 (c) "Open enrollment threshold" means the same as that term is defined in Section
786 53G-6-401.
787 (d) "Refugee" means a person who is eligible to receive benefits and services from the
788 federal Office of Refugee Resettlement.
789 (e) "School of residence" means the same as that term is defined in Section 53G-6-401.
790 (2) All resident students of the state qualify for admission to a charter school, subject
791 to the limitations set forth in this section and Section 53G-6-503.
792 (3) (a) A charter school shall enroll:
793 (i) a foster child residing in the same residence as an individual who is enrolled in the
794 charter school; and
795 (ii) an eligible student other than a child described in Subsection (3)(a)(i) who submits
796 a timely application, unless the number of applications exceeds the capacity of a program,
797 class, grade level, or the charter school.
798 (b) If the number of applications described in Subsection (3)(a)(ii) exceeds the capacity
799 of a program, class, grade level, or the charter school, the charter school shall select students on
800 a random basis, except as provided in Subsections (4) through (8).
801 (4) A charter school may give an enrollment preference to:
802 (a) a child or grandchild of an individual who has actively participated in the
803 development of the charter school;
804 (b) a child or grandchild of a member of the charter school governing board;
805 (c) a sibling of an individual who was previously or is presently enrolled in the charter
806 school;
807 (d) a child of an employee of the charter school;
808 (e) a student articulating between charter schools offering similar programs that are
809 governed by the same charter school governing board;
810 (f) a student articulating from one charter school to another pursuant to an articulation
811 agreement between the charter schools that is approved by the State Charter School Board;
812 (g) an individual seeking enrollment in a charter school if:
813 (i) the individual's sibling is a student enrolled in a charter school; and
814 (ii) the charter school where the individual is seeking enrollment has an articulation
815 agreement with the charter school where the sibling is enrolled that the State Charter School
816 Board approves;
817 (h) a student who resides within up to a two-mile radius of the charter school and
818 whose school of residence is at capacity;
819 (i) a child of a military [
820 53B-8-102; or
821 (j) for the 2022-2023 school year, a student who withdraws from the charter school to
822 attend an online school or home school for the 2020-2021 or 2021-2022 school years due to the
823 COVID-19 emergency.
824 (5) (a) Except as provided in Subsection (5)(b), and notwithstanding Subsection (4)(h),
825 a charter school that is approved by the state board after May 13, 2014, and is located in a high
826 growth area as defined in Section 53G-6-504 shall give an enrollment preference to a student
827 who resides within a two-mile radius of the charter school.
828 (b) The requirement to give an enrollment preference under Subsection (5)(a) does not
829 apply to a charter school that was approved without a high priority status pursuant to
830 Subsection 53G-6-504(7)(b).
831 (6) If a district school converts to charter status, the charter school shall give an
832 enrollment preference to students who would have otherwise attended it as a district school.
833 (7) (a) A charter school whose mission is to enhance learning opportunities for
834 refugees or children of refugee families may give an enrollment preference to refugees or
835 children of refugee families.
836 (b) A charter school whose mission is to enhance learning opportunities for English
837 language learners may give an enrollment preference to English language learners.
838 (8) A charter school may weight the charter school's lottery to give a slightly better
839 chance of admission to educationally disadvantaged students, including:
840 (a) low-income students;
841 (b) students with disabilities;
842 (c) English language learners;
843 (d) migrant students;
844 (e) neglected or delinquent students; and
845 (f) homeless students.
846 (9) A charter school may not discriminate in the charter school's admission policies or
847 practices on the same basis as other public schools may not discriminate in admission policies
848 and practices.
849 Section 12. Section 59-2-1903 is amended to read:
850 59-2-1903. Veteran armed forces exemption -- Amount.
851 (1) As used in this section, "eligible property" means property owned by a veteran
852 claimant that is:
853 (a) the veteran claimant's primary residence; or
854 (b) tangible personal property that:
855 (i) is held exclusively for personal use; and
856 (ii) is not used in a trade or business.
857 (2) In accordance with this part, the amount of taxable value of eligible property
858 described in Subsection (3) or (4) is exempt from taxation if the eligible property is owned by a
859 veteran claimant.
860 (3) (a) Except as provided in Subsection (4) and in accordance with this Subsection (3),
861 the amount of taxable value of eligible property that is exempt under Subsection (2) is equal to
862 the percentage of disability described in the statement of disability multiplied by the adjusted
863 taxable value limit.
864 (b) The amount of an exemption calculated under Subsection (3)(a) may not exceed the
865 taxable value of the eligible property.
866 (c) A county shall consider a veteran with a disability to have a 100% disability,
867 regardless of the percentage of disability described on the statement of disability, if the United
868 States Department of Veterans Affairs certifies the veteran in the classification of individual
869 unemployability.
870 (d) A county may not allow an exemption claimed under this section if the percentage
871 of disability listed on the statement of disability is less than 10%.
872 (4) The amount of taxable value of eligible property that is exempt under Subsection
873 (2) is equal to the total taxable value of the veteran claimant's eligible property if the property
874 is owned by:
875 (a) the unmarried surviving spouse of a veteran who was killed in action or died in the
876 line of duty;
877 (b) a minor orphan of a veteran who was killed in action or died in the line of duty; or
878 (c) the unmarried surviving spouse or minor orphan of a deceased veteran with a
879 disability:
880 (i) who served in the military service of the United States or the state prior to January
881 1, 1921; and
882 (ii) whose percentage of disability described in the statement of disability is 10% or
883 more.
884 (5) For purposes of this section and Section 59-2-1904, an individual who received an
885 honorable or general discharge from military service of an active component of the United
886 States Armed Forces or a reserve component of the United States Armed Forces:
887 (a) is presumed to be a citizen of the United States; and
888 (b) may not be required to provide additional proof of citizenship to establish that the
889 individual is a citizen of the United States.
890 (6) The Department of Veterans and Military Affairs created in Section [
891 71A-1-201 shall, through an informal hearing held in accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 4,
892 Administrative Procedures Act, resolve each dispute arising under this section concerning an
893 individual's status as a veteran with a disability.
894 Section 13. Section 59-10-103 is amended to read:
895 59-10-103. Definitions.
896 (1) As used in this chapter:
897 (a) (i) "Adjusted gross income":
898 (A) for a resident or nonresident individual, means the same as that term is defined in
899 Section 62, Internal Revenue Code; or
900 (B) for a resident or nonresident estate or trust, is as calculated in Section 67(e),
901 Internal Revenue Code.
902 (ii) "Adjusted gross income" does not include:
903 (A) income received from a loan forgiven in accordance with 15 U.S.C. Sec. 636(a)
904 (36), to the extent that a deduction for the expenditures paid with the loan is disallowed, or a
905 similar paycheck protection loan that is authorized by the federal government, provided in
906 response to COVID-19, forgiven if the borrower meets the expenditure requirements, and
907 exempt from federal income tax, to the extent that a deduction for the expenditures paid with
908 the loan is disallowed; or
909 (B) an amount that an individual receives in accordance with Section 6428, Internal
910 Revenue Code, or an amount that an individual receives that is authorized by the federal
911 government as a tax credit for the 2020 tax year, provided in response to COVID-19, paid in
912 advance of the filing of the individual's 2020 federal income tax return, and exempt from
913 federal income tax.
914 (b) "Corporation" includes:
915 (i) an association;
916 (ii) a joint stock company; and
917 (iii) an insurance company.
918 (c) "COVID-19" means:
919 (i) the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2; or
920 (ii) the disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.
921 (d) "Distributable net income" means the same as that term is defined in Section 643,
922 Internal Revenue Code.
923 (e) "Employee" means the same as that term is defined in Section 59-10-401.
924 (f) "Employer" means the same as that term is defined in Section 59-10-401.
925 (g) "Federal taxable income":
926 (i) for a resident or nonresident individual, means taxable income as defined by Section
927 63, Internal Revenue Code; or
928 (ii) for a resident or nonresident estate or trust, is as calculated in Section 641(a) and
929 (b), Internal Revenue Code.
930 (h) "Fiduciary" means:
931 (i) a guardian;
932 (ii) a trustee;
933 (iii) an executor;
934 (iv) an administrator;
935 (v) a receiver;
936 (vi) a conservator; or
937 (vii) any person acting in any fiduciary capacity for any individual.
938 (i) "Guaranteed annuity interest" means the same as that term is defined in 26 C.F.R.
939 Sec. 1.170A-6(c)(2).
940 (j) "Homesteaded land diminished from the Uintah and Ouray Reservation" means the
941 homesteaded land that was held to have been diminished from the Uintah and Ouray
942 Reservation in Hagen v. Utah, 510 U.S. 399 (1994).
943 (k) "Individual" means a natural person and includes aliens and minors.
944 (l) "Irrevocable trust" means a trust in which the settlor may not revoke or terminate all
945 or part of the trust without the consent of a person who has a substantial beneficial interest in
946 the trust and the interest would be adversely affected by the exercise of the settlor's power to
947 revoke or terminate all or part of the trust.
948 (m) "Military service" means the same as that term is defined in Pub. L. No. 108-189,
949 Sec. 101.
950 (n) "Nonresident individual" means an individual who is not a resident of this state.
951 (o) "Nonresident trust" or "nonresident estate" means a trust or estate which is not a
952 resident estate or trust.
953 (p) (i) "Partnership" includes a syndicate, group, pool, joint venture, or other
954 unincorporated organization:
955 (A) through or by means of which any business, financial operation, or venture is
956 carried on; and
957 (B) that is not, within the meaning of this chapter, a trust, an estate, or a corporation.
958 (ii) "Partnership" does not include any organization not included under the definition of
959 "partnership" in Section 761, Internal Revenue Code.
960 (iii) "Partner" includes a member in a syndicate, group, pool, joint venture, or
961 organization described in Subsection (1)(p)(i).
962 (q) "Pass-through entity" means the same as that term is defined in Section
963 59-10-1402.
964 (r) "Pass-through entity taxpayer" means the same as that term is defined in Section
965 59-10-1402.
966 (s) "Qualified nongrantor charitable lead trust" means a trust:
967 (i) that is irrevocable;
968 (ii) that has a trust term measured by:
969 (A) a fixed term of years; or
970 (B) the life of a person living on the day on which the trust is created;
971 (iii) under which:
972 (A) a portion of the value of the trust assets is distributed during the trust term:
973 (I) to an organization described in Section 170(c), Internal Revenue Code; and
974 (II) as a guaranteed annuity interest or a unitrust interest; and
975 (B) assets remaining in the trust at the termination of the trust term are distributed to a
976 beneficiary:
977 (I) designated in the trust; and
978 (II) that is not an organization described in Section 170(c), Internal Revenue Code;
979 (iv) for which the trust is allowed a deduction under Section 642(c), Internal Revenue
980 Code; and
981 (v) under which the grantor of the trust is not treated as the owner of any portion of the
982 trust for federal income tax purposes.
983 (t) "Resident individual" means an individual who is domiciled in this state for any
984 period of time during the taxable year, but only for the duration of the period during which the
985 individual is domiciled in this state.
986 (u) "Resident estate" or "resident trust" means the same as that term is defined in
987 Section 75-7-103.
988 (v) "[
989 L. No. 108-189, Sec. 101.
990 (w) "State income tax percentage for a nonresident estate or trust" means a percentage
991 equal to a nonresident estate's or trust's state taxable income for the taxable year divided by the
992 nonresident estate's or trust's total adjusted gross income for that taxable year after making the
993 adjustments required by:
994 (i) Section 59-10-202;
995 (ii) Section 59-10-207;
996 (iii) Section 59-10-209.1; or
997 (iv) Section 59-10-210.
998 (x) "State income tax percentage for a nonresident individual" means a percentage
999 equal to a nonresident individual's state taxable income for the taxable year divided by the
1000 difference between:
1001 (i) subject to Section 59-10-1405, the nonresident individual's total adjusted gross
1002 income for that taxable year, after making the:
1003 (A) additions and subtractions required by Section 59-10-114; and
1004 (B) adjustments required by Section 59-10-115; and
1005 (ii) if the nonresident individual described in Subsection (1)(x)(i) is a [
1006 service member, the compensation the [
1007 service if the [
1008 (y) "State income tax percentage for a part-year resident individual" means, for a
1009 taxable year, a fraction:
1010 (i) the numerator of which is the sum of:
1011 (A) subject to Section 59-10-1404.5, for the time period during the taxable year that the
1012 part-year resident individual is a resident, the part-year resident individual's total adjusted gross
1013 income for that time period, after making the:
1014 (I) additions and subtractions required by Section 59-10-114; and
1015 (II) adjustments required by Section 59-10-115; and
1016 (B) for the time period during the taxable year that the part-year resident individual is a
1017 nonresident, an amount calculated by:
1018 (I) determining the part-year resident individual's adjusted gross income for that time
1019 period, after making the:
1020 (Aa) additions and subtractions required by Section 59-10-114; and
1021 (Bb) adjustments required by Section 59-10-115; and
1022 (II) calculating the portion of the amount determined under Subsection (1)(y)(i)(B)(I)
1023 that is derived from Utah sources in accordance with Section 59-10-117; and
1024 (ii) the denominator of which is the difference between:
1025 (A) the part-year resident individual's total adjusted gross income for that taxable year,
1026 after making the:
1027 (I) additions and subtractions required by Section 59-10-114; and
1028 (II) adjustments required by Section 59-10-115; and
1029 (B) if the part-year resident individual is a [
1030 compensation the [
1031 portion of the taxable year that the [
1032 [
1033 (z) "Taxable income" or "state taxable income":
1034 (i) subject to Section 59-10-1404.5, for a resident individual, means the resident
1035 individual's adjusted gross income after making the:
1036 (A) additions and subtractions required by Section 59-10-114; and
1037 (B) adjustments required by Section 59-10-115;
1038 (ii) for a nonresident individual, is an amount calculated by:
1039 (A) determining the nonresident individual's adjusted gross income for the taxable
1040 year, after making the:
1041 (I) additions and subtractions required by Section 59-10-114; and
1042 (II) adjustments required by Section 59-10-115; and
1043 (B) calculating the portion of the amount determined under Subsection (1)(z)(ii)(A)
1044 that is derived from Utah sources in accordance with Section 59-10-117;
1045 (iii) for a resident estate or trust, is as calculated under Section 59-10-201.1; and
1046 (iv) for a nonresident estate or trust, is as calculated under Section 59-10-204.
1047 (aa) "Taxpayer" means any of the following that has income subject in whole or part to
1048 the tax imposed by this chapter:
1049 (i) an individual;
1050 (ii) an estate, a trust, or a beneficiary of an estate or a trust that is not a pass-through
1051 entity or a pass-through entity taxpayer;
1052 (iii) a pass-through entity; or
1053 (iv) a pass-through entity taxpayer.
1054 (bb) "Trust term" means a time period:
1055 (i) beginning on the day on which a qualified nongrantor charitable lead trust is
1056 created; and
1057 (ii) ending on the day on which the qualified nongrantor charitable lead trust described
1058 in Subsection (1)(bb)(i) terminates.
1059 (cc) "Uintah and Ouray Reservation" means the lands recognized as being included
1060 within the Uintah and Ouray Reservation in:
1061 (i) Hagen v. Utah, 510 U.S. 399 (1994); and
1062 (ii) Ute Indian Tribe v. Utah, 114 F.3d 1513 (10th Cir. 1997).
1063 (dd) "Unadjusted income" means an amount equal to the difference between:
1064 (i) the total income required to be reported by a resident or nonresident estate or trust
1065 on the resident or nonresident estate's or trust's federal income tax return for estates and trusts
1066 for the taxable year; and
1067 (ii) the sum of the following:
1068 (A) fees paid or incurred to the fiduciary of a resident or nonresident estate or trust:
1069 (I) for administering the resident or nonresident estate or trust; and
1070 (II) that the resident or nonresident estate or trust deducts as allowed on the resident or
1071 nonresident estate's or trust's federal income tax return for estates and trusts for the taxable
1072 year;
1073 (B) the income distribution deduction that a resident or nonresident estate or trust
1074 deducts under Section 651 or 661, Internal Revenue Code, as allowed on the resident or
1075 nonresident estate's or trust's federal income tax return for estates and trusts for the taxable
1076 year;
1077 (C) the amount that a resident or nonresident estate or trust deducts as a deduction for
1078 estate tax or generation skipping transfer tax under Section 691(c), Internal Revenue Code, as
1079 allowed on the resident or nonresident estate's or trust's federal income tax return for estates
1080 and trusts for the taxable year; and
1081 (D) the amount that a resident or nonresident estate or trust deducts as a personal
1082 exemption under Section 642(b), Internal Revenue Code, as allowed on the resident or
1083 nonresident estate's or trust's federal income tax return for estates and trusts for the taxable
1084 year.
1085 (ee) "Unitrust interest" means the same as that term is defined in 26 C.F.R. Sec.
1086 1.170A-6(c)(2).
1087 (ff) "Ute tribal member" means an individual who is enrolled as a member of the Ute
1088 Indian Tribe of the Uintah and Ouray Reservation.
1089 (gg) "Ute tribe" means the Ute Indian Tribe of the Uintah and Ouray Reservation.
1090 (hh) "Wages" means the same as that term is defined in Section 59-10-401.
1091 (2) (a) Any term used in this chapter has the same meaning as when used in
1092 comparable context in the laws of the United States relating to federal income taxes unless a
1093 different meaning is clearly required.
1094 (b) Any reference to the Internal Revenue Code or to the laws of the United States shall
1095 mean the Internal Revenue Code or other provisions of the laws of the United States relating to
1096 federal income taxes that are in effect for the taxable year.
1097 (c) Any reference to a specific section of the Internal Revenue Code or other provision
1098 of the laws of the United States relating to federal income taxes shall include any
1099 corresponding or comparable provisions of the Internal Revenue Code as amended,
1100 redesignated, or reenacted.
1101 Section 14. Section 71A-1-101, which is renumbered from Section 71-8-1 is
1102 renumbered and amended to read:
1103
1104
1105
1106 [
1107 As used in this title:
1108 (1) "Armed forces" means the same as that term is defined in Section 68-3-12.5.
1109 (2) "Contractor" means a person who is or may be awarded a government entity
1110 contract.
1111 [
1112 [
1113 [
1114 Veterans and Military Affairs.
1115 [
1116 district, special service district, and any other political subdivision or administrative unit of the
1117 state, including state institutions of education.
1118 (7) "Service member" means a currently serving member of the armed forces.
1119 [
1120
1121
1122 [
1123 68-3-12.5.
1124 (9) "VA" means the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.
1125 (10) "Veteran" [
1126 68-3-12.5.
1127 (11) "Veterans service organization" means an organization or individual accredited by
1128 the VA Office of General Counsel or recognized by the department whose purpose is to serve
1129 service members and veterans, their spouses, surviving spouses, and children.
1130 Section 15. Section 71A-1-201 is enacted to read:
1131
1132 71A-1-201. Department of Veterans and Military Affairs -- Creation --
1133 Appointment of executive director -- Department responsibilities.
1134 (1) There is created the Department of Veterans and Military Affairs.
1135 (2) The governor shall appoint an executive director for the department who is subject
1136 to Senate confirmation.
1137 (3) The executive director shall be a veteran.
1138 (4) The department shall:
1139 (a) conduct and supervise all veteran and military affairs activities as provided in this
1140 title;
1141 (b) adopt rules in accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative
1142 Rulemaking Act, to carry out the provisions of this title;
1143 (c) in accordance with Section 41-1a-418:
1144 (i) determine which campaign or combat theater awards are eligible for a special group
1145 license plate;
1146 (ii) verify that an applicant for a campaign or combat theater award special group
1147 license plate is qualified to receive it; and
1148 (iii) provide an applicant that qualifies a form indicating the campaign or combat
1149 theater award special group license plate for which the applicant qualifies;
1150 (d) maintain liaison with local, state, and federal veterans agencies and with Utah
1151 veterans organizations;
1152 (e) provide current information to veterans, service members, their surviving spouses
1153 and family members, and Utah veterans and military organizations on benefits they are entitled
1154 to;
1155 (f) assist veterans, service members, and their families in applying for benefits and
1156 services;
1157 (g) cooperate with other state entities in the receipt of information to create and
1158 maintain a record of veterans in Utah;
1159 (h) create and administer a veterans assistance registry in accordance with Chapter 5,
1160 Veterans Assistance Registry, with recommendations from the council, that provides contact
1161 information to the qualified donors of materials and labor for certain qualified recipients;
1162 (i) identify military-related issues, challenges, and opportunities, and develop plans for
1163 addressing them;
1164 (j) develop, coordinate, and maintain relationships with military leaders of Utah
1165 military installations, including the Utah National Guard; and
1166 (k) develop and maintain relationships with military-related organizations in Utah.
1167 (5) (a) The department may award grants for the purpose of supporting veteran and
1168 military outreach, employment, education, healthcare, homelessness prevention, and
1169 recognition events.
1170 (b) The department may award a grant described in Subsection (4)(a) to:
1171 (i) an institution of higher education listed in Section 53B-1-102;
1172 (ii) a nonprofit organization involved in veterans or military-related activities; or
1173 (iii) a political subdivision of the state.
1174 (c) In accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act, the
1175 department shall make rules for the administration of grants, including establishing:
1176 (i) the form and process for submitting an application to the department;
1177 (ii) the method and criteria for selecting a grant recipient;
1178 (iii) the method and formula for determining a grant amount; and
1179 (iv) the reporting requirements of a grant recipient.
1180 (6) Nothing in this chapter shall be construed as altering or preempting any provisions
1181 of Title 39A, National Guard and Militia Act, as specifically related to the Utah National
1182 Guard.
1183 Section 16. Section 71A-1-202 is enacted to read:
1184 71A-1-202. Department of Veterans and Military Affairs -- Executive director --
1185 Responsibilities.
1186 (1) The executive director is the chief administrative officer of the department.
1187 (2) The executive director is responsible for:
1188 (a) the administration and supervision of the department;
1189 (b) the coordination of policies and program activities conducted through the
1190 department;
1191 (c) the development and approval of the proposed budget of the department;
1192 (d) preparing an annual report for presentation not later than November 30 of each year
1193 to the Government Operations Interim Committee which covers:
1194 (i) services provided to veterans, service members, and their families;
1195 (ii) services provided by third parties through the Veterans Assistance Registry;
1196 (iii) coordination of veterans services by government entities with the department; and
1197 (iv) the status of military missions within the state;
1198 (e) advising the governor on matters pertaining to veterans and military affairs
1199 throughout the state, including active duty service members, reserve duty service members,
1200 veterans, and their families;
1201 (f) developing, coordinating, and maintaining relationships with Utah's congressional
1202 delegation and appropriate federal agencies; and
1203 (g) entering into grants, contracts, agreements, and interagency transfers necessary to
1204 support the department's programs.
1205 (3) The executive director may appoint deputy directors to assist the executive director
1206 in carrying out the department's responsibilities.
1207 Section 17. Section 71A-1-301, which is renumbered from Section 71-8-4 is
1208 renumbered and amended to read:
1209
1210 [
1211 responsibilities -- Per diem and travel expenses.
1212 (1) There is created a Veterans Advisory Council whose purpose is to advise the
1213 executive director of the Department of Veterans and Military Affairs on issues relating to
1214 veterans.
1215 (2) The council shall consist of the following 14 members:
1216 (a) 11 voting members to serve four-year terms:
1217 (i) seven veterans at large appointed by the governor;
1218 (ii) the commander or the commander's designee, whose terms shall last for as long as
1219 [
1220 (A) Veterans of Foreign Wars;
1221 (B) American Legion; and
1222 (C) Disabled American Veterans; and
1223 (iii) a representative from the Office of the Governor; and
1224 (b) three nonvoting members:
1225 (i) the executive director [
1226 (ii) the director of the VA Health Care System or [
1227 (iii) the director of the VA Benefits Administration Regional Office in Salt Lake City,
1228 or [
1229 (3) (a) Except as required by Subsection (3)(b), as terms of current council members
1230 expire, the governor shall appoint each new or reappointed member to a four-year term
1231 commencing on July 1.
1232 (b) Notwithstanding the requirements of Subsection (3)(a), the governor shall, at the
1233 time of appointment or reappointment, adjust the length of terms to ensure that the terms of
1234 council members are staggered so that approximately half of the members appointed by the
1235 governor are appointed every two years.
1236 (4) When a vacancy occurs in the membership for any reason, the governor shall
1237 appoint a replacement for the unexpired term within 60 days of receiving notice.
1238 (5) Members appointed by the governor may not serve more than three consecutive
1239 terms.
1240 (6) (a) Any veterans group or veteran may provide the executive director with a list of
1241 recommendations for members on the council.
1242 (b) The executive director shall provide the governor with the list of recommendations
1243 for members to be appointed to the council.
1244 (c) The governor shall make final appointments to the council by June 30 of any year in
1245 which appointments are to be made under this chapter.
1246 (7) The council shall elect a chair and vice chair from among the council members
1247 every two years. The chair and vice chair shall each be [
1248 [
1249 [
1250
1251 [
1252
1253 [
1254 (8) (a) The council shall meet at least once every quarter.
1255 (b) The executive director [
1256 convene additional meetings, as necessary.
1257 (9) The department shall provide staff to the council.
1258 (10) Six voting members are a quorum for the transaction of business.
1259 [
1260 [
1261
1262 [
1263
1264 [
1265
1266 [
1267
1268 [
1269 [
1270
1271 [
1272
1273 [
1274 service, but may receive per diem and travel expenses in accordance with:
1275 (a) Section 63A-3-106;
1276 (b) Section 63A-3-107; and
1277 (c) rules made by the Division of Finance pursuant to Sections 63A-3-106 and
1278 63A-3-107.
1279 Section 18. Section 71A-1-302 is enacted to read:
1280 71A-1-302. Veterans Advisory Council -- Duties and responsibilities.
1281 The council shall:
1282 (1) solicit input concerning veterans issues from veterans groups throughout the state;
1283 (2) report issues received to the executive director and make recommendations
1284 concerning them;
1285 (3) keep abreast of federal developments that affect veterans locally and advise the
1286 executive director of them;
1287 (4) approve, by a majority vote, the use of money generated from veterans license
1288 plates under Section 41-1a-422 for veterans programs; and
1289 (5) assist the director in developing guidelines and qualifications for:
1290 (a) participation by donors and recipients in the Veterans Assistance Registry created in
1291 Section 71A-5-102; and
1292 (b) the process for providing contact information between qualified donors and
1293 recipients.
1294 Section 19. Section 71A-2-101, which is renumbered from Section 71-10-1 is
1295 renumbered and amended to read:
1296
1297 [
1298 (1) As used in this chapter:
1299 [
1300
1301 [
1302 special service district, or any other political subdivision or administrative unit of the state,
1303 including state institutions of education.
1304 (b) "Individual with a disability" means a veteran or service member who has
1305 established the existence of a service-connected disability or is receiving compensation,
1306 disability retirement benefits, or a pension because of a public statute administered by the VA
1307 or a military department.
1308 [
1309 [
1310
1311
1312
1313 [
1314 disability;
1315 [
1316 [
1317 [
1318 [
1319 [
1320 [
1321 [
1322
1323
1324 (2) Terms defined in Section 71A-1-101 apply to this chapter.
1325 Section 20. Section 71A-2-102, which is renumbered from Section 71-10-2 is
1326 renumbered and amended to read:
1327 [
1328 (1) Each government entity shall grant a veterans preference upon initial [
1329 application to each preference eligible [
1330 according to the procedures and requirements of this chapter.
1331 (2) The personnel or human resource officer of any government entity shall add to the
1332 score of a preference eligible who receives a passing score on an examination, or any rating or
1333 ranking mechanism used in selecting an individual for any career service position with the
1334 government entity:
1335 (a) 5% of the total possible score, if the preference eligible is a veteran or service
1336 member;
1337 (b) 10% of the total possible score, if the preference eligible is a veteran or service
1338 member with a disability or a purple heart recipient; or
1339 (c) in the case of a preference eligible spouse[
1340 spouse, the same percentage the qualifying veteran or service member is, or would have been,
1341 entitled to.
1342 (3) A preference eligible who applies for a position that does not require an
1343 examination, or where examination results are other than a numeric score, shall be given
1344 preference in interviewing [
1345 (4) Preference eligibility shall be added to a minimum of one step in the process.
1346 (5) The granting of a veterans preference by a government entity in accordance with
1347 this chapter is not a violation of:
1348 (a) Title 34A, Chapter 5, Utah Antidiscrimination Act; or
1349 (b) any other state or local equal employment opportunity law.
1350 Section 21. Section 71A-2-103, which is renumbered from Section 71-10-3 is
1351 renumbered and amended to read:
1352 [
1353 a misdemeanor.
1354 (1) [
1355 government entity who is charged with employment of people [
1356 [
1357 (2) Willful failure to extend veterans preference to an applicant is [
1358 misdemeanor.
1359 Section 22. Section 71A-3-101, which is renumbered from Section 71-9-1 is
1360 renumbered and amended to read:
1361
1362
1363 [
1364 Contract to provide assistance to service members, veterans and their spouses, surviving
1365 spouses, and children.
1366 The [
1367 with [
1368
1369 provide, especially in the outlying areas of the state, assistance to service members, veterans,
1370 their [
1371 (1) [
1372
1373 United States arising by reason of service in the [
1374 services;
1375 (2) [
1376 and the procurement of all benefits which may accrue to [
1377 laws of this state or of the United States;
1378 (3) [
1379 United States having to do with [
1380 (4) [
1381 United States and make a representative and information available on a rotating basis in the
1382 outlying areas of the state;
1383 (5) [
1384 employment [
1385 (6) [
1386 emergency relief, and [
1387 this state or of the United States [
1388 extending emergency relief.
1389 Section 23. Section 71A-3-102, which is renumbered from Section 71-9-2 is
1390 renumbered and amended to read:
1391 [
1392 Contracts subject to appropriation of funds.
1393 Any contract entered into under Section [
1394 is subject to the appropriation of sufficient funds by the Legislature to carry out its terms and
1395 that the decision of the executive director [
1396 as to whether an appropriation is sufficient to carry out the terms of the contract is conclusive.
1397 Section 24. Section 71A-3-103, which is renumbered from Section 71-9-5 is
1398 renumbered and amended to read:
1399 [
1400 Attorney general to represent state concerning contracts.
1401 The attorney general shall represent the state in all proceedings involving any contract
1402 entered into under [
1403 assistance necessary in carrying out the provisions of that section.
1404 Section 25. Section 71A-4-101, which is renumbered from Section 71-13-102 is
1405 renumbered and amended to read:
1406
1407 [
1408 Definitions.
1409 (1) As used in this chapter:
1410 [
1411 attorney to whom authority has been granted by the VA to provide assistance to claimants in
1412 the preparation, presentation, and prosecution of claims for VA benefits.
1413 [
1414 recommendations or preparing or submitting an application for VA benefits on behalf of a
1415 claimant.
1416 [
1417 certain disclosure forms provided by the department.
1418 [
1419 organization representative, agent, or attorney an intention to file a written application for
1420 determination of entitlement to benefits provided under United States Code, Title 38, and
1421 implementing directives.
1422 [
1423 [
1424
1425 [
1426 original claim for veteran benefits for assistance to an individual who is in violation of the
1427 provisions of this chapter.
1428 [
1429 this state who refers or assists a veteran or a veteran's dependents for assistance with an
1430 original claim for veteran benefits.
1431 [
1432 [
1433 entitlement which is determined under laws administered by the VA pertaining to veterans,
1434 dependents, and survivors as well as other potential beneficiaries under United States Code,
1435 Title 38.
1436 [
1437 (2) Terms defined in Section 71A-1-101 apply to this chapter.
1438 Section 26. Section 71A-4-102, which is renumbered from Section 71-13-103 is
1439 renumbered and amended to read:
1440 [
1441 Disclosure requirement for assisting a claimant.
1442 (1) Each [
1443 (a) be accredited, in compliance with the provisions of C.F.R., Title 38, Pensions,
1444 Bonuses, and Veterans' Relief, or, if under the supervision of an accredited attorney meet the
1445 provisions of C.F.R., Title 38, pertaining to authorized claim representation under an attorney;
1446 and
1447 (b) disclose in writing, in a format approved by the department that the claimant can
1448 retain, the federal laws, regulations, and rules governing assistance for VA benefits.
1449 (2) The disclosure required by Subsection (1)(b) shall specifically include:
1450 (a) the individual's:
1451 (i) name;
1452 [
1453 [
1454 [
1455 [
1456 including that there is no charge to the claimant or a member of the claimant's family for
1457 assistance with the initial benefits application; and
1458 [
1459 income is accrued to the assisting individual from the sale of a product or other services to the
1460 claimant, the income is both justified and reasonable as compared with income from similar
1461 products and services available in the state.
1462 (3) No provisions of the form may be struck out or designated as nonapplicable.
1463 (4) Disclosure forms, when completed, shall be:
1464 (a) signed by both the individual providing assistance and the claimant; and
1465 (b) retained for three years by the assisting individual.
1466 (5) Copies of the disclosure form shall be provided to:
1467 (a) the veteran on the day the form is completed and signed; and
1468 (b) the department within five working days.
1469 Section 27. Section 71A-4-103, which is renumbered from Section 71-13-104 is
1470 renumbered and amended to read:
1471 [
1472 Education requirements.
1473 (1) All individuals and attorneys providing assistance to a veteran shall complete three
1474 hours of qualifying education as specified in 38 C.F.R. 14.629(b) during the first 12 month
1475 period following the date of initial accreditation[
1476 (2) [
1477 completed every two years following the initial 12-month period.
1478 Section 28. Section 71A-4-104, which is renumbered from Section 71-13-105 is
1479 renumbered and amended to read:
1480 [
1481 Department responsibilities -- Notification -- Assistance -- Complaints -- Claimant
1482 responsibilities.
1483 (1) The [
1484 writing each veteran for whom the department has contact information that any individual or
1485 business offering to assist veterans in applying for benefits shall disclose in writing to the
1486 veteran the following:
1487 (a) 38 C.F.R. 14.629 and 38 C.F.R. 14.630 require that any individual providing
1488 assistance be accredited by the VA;
1489 (b) federal law restricts charging a veteran a fee for assisting in the initial application
1490 for VA benefits; and
1491 (c) the department's website has a list with contact information of VA accredited claim
1492 representatives.
1493 (2) Beginning July 1, 2015, and every three years after the department shall:
1494 (a) notify the Insurance Department regarding the federal law governing assistance for
1495 VA benefits, and the Insurance Department shall notify all individual producers and
1496 consultants licensed by the Insurance Department at the time of initial licensing and upon
1497 license renewal of those same federal laws governing assistance for VA benefits;
1498 (b) contact the Utah State Bar regarding federal law governing legal assistance for
1499 claimants applying for benefits and request that the association provide continuing legal
1500 education on federal laws governing assistance; and
1501 (c) notify the Department of Health and Human Services regarding federal law
1502 governing the assistance for claimants applying for benefits, and require the Department of
1503 Health [
1504 those federal laws.
1505 (3) The executive director may establish procedures for processing complaints related
1506 to assistance regarding a claim for VA benefits.
1507 (4) For violations by accredited or non-accredited individuals who offer assistance with
1508 VA benefits, the executive director may audit selected assisting individuals and referring
1509 entities for compliance with this chapter and federal laws which govern the provision of
1510 assistance to claimants.
1511 Section 29. Section 71A-4-105, which is renumbered from Section 71-13-106 is
1512 renumbered and amended to read:
1513 [
1514 Exempt organizations.
1515 Accredited representatives of the following organizations are exempt from the
1516 provisions of this chapter:
1517 (1) American Legion;
1518 (2) Veterans of Foreign Wars;
1519 (3) Disabled American Veterans;
1520 (4) Vietnam Veterans of America;
1521 (5) American Veterans (AMVET);
1522 (6) Military Order of the Purple Heart; and
1523 (7) other VA recognized service organizations or individuals as determined by the
1524 executive director.
1525 Section 30. Section 71A-5-101, which is renumbered from Section 71-12-102 is
1526 renumbered and amended to read:
1527
1528 [
1529 (1) As used in this chapter:
1530 [
1531 [
1532
1533 [
1534 or labor without charge to veterans in accordance with this chapter.
1535 [
1536 dependent spouse and children.
1537 (2) Terms defined in Section 71A-1-101 apply to this chapter.
1538 Section 31. Section 71A-5-102, which is renumbered from Section 71-12-103 is
1539 renumbered and amended to read:
1540 [
1541 (1) There is created within the department a Veterans Assistance Registry.
1542 (2) The intent of the registry is to provide contact information to qualified donors of
1543 material goods, services, and labor for qualified recipients in need of specific goods, services,
1544 or labor.
1545 (3) The department shall, in consultation with the council:
1546 (a) create a database of donors and recipients;
1547 (b) develop an electronic link on the department's website to the database of donors
1548 and recipients;
1549 (c) insure that information provided by donors and recipients is only used for the
1550 intended purpose as specified in Subsection (2) and not made public;
1551 (d) provide instructions online for donors and recipients to use in registering for the
1552 registry;
1553 (e) publicize through both local and nationwide veterans service organizations and the
1554 [
1555 (f) track usage of and report annually on the registry program in accordance with
1556 Section [
1557 Section 32. Section 71A-5-103, which is renumbered from Section 71-12-104 is
1558 renumbered and amended to read:
1559 [
1560 A donor who provides material goods, services, or labor for registry recipients is
1561 considered to be acting on behalf of the department in accordance with the provisions of Title
1562 63G, Chapter 8, Part 2, Immunity for Voluntary Services.
1563 Section 33. Section 71A-6-101, which is renumbered from Section 71-11-2 is
1564 renumbered and amended to read:
1565
1566 [
1567 (1) As used in this chapter:
1568 [
1569 veterans nursing home administrator selected in accordance with Section [
1570 [
1571 nursing home advisory board.
1572 (c) "Home" means any state veterans nursing home.
1573 [
1574
1575 [
1576
1577 [
1578 [
1579 (2) Terms defined in Section 71A-1-101 apply to this chapter.
1580 Section 34. Section 71A-6-102, which is renumbered from Section 71-11-3 is
1581 renumbered and amended to read:
1582 [
1583 construction -- Compliance with federal requirements.
1584 (1) The department shall [
1585 operation of state veterans nursing homes established by the Legislature, which may include
1586 contracting with a private health care provider to operate and manage each home.
1587 (2) Each home shall:
1588 (a) have at least an 80-bed capacity;
1589 (b) be designed and constructed consistent with the requirements for federal funding
1590 under 38 U.S.C. Sec. 8131 et seq.; and
1591 (c) be operated consistent with the requirements for per diem payments from the
1592 [
1593 Section 35. Section 71A-6-103, which is renumbered from Section 71-11-5 is
1594 renumbered and amended to read:
1595 [
1596 Rulemaking authority -- Selection of administrator.
1597 (1) The department shall, subject to the approval of the executive director:
1598 (a) establish appropriate criteria for the admission and discharge of residents for each
1599 home, subject to the requirements in Section [
1600 [
1601 (b) establish a schedule of charges for each home in cases where residents have
1602 available resources;
1603 (c) establish standards for the operation of the homes not inconsistent with standards
1604 set by the [
1605 (d) make rules to implement this chapter in accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah
1606 Administrative Rulemaking Act; and
1607 (e) ensure that the homes are licensed in accordance with Title 26, Chapter 21, Health
1608 Care Facility Licensing and Inspection Act, and 38 U.S.C. Sec. 1742(a).
1609 (2) The department shall[
1610 (a) appoint an administrator for each home; or
1611 (b) approve the individual selected by the contract health care provider as the
1612 administrator at each home.
1613 Section 36. Section 71A-6-104, which is renumbered from Section 71-11-6 is
1614 renumbered and amended to read:
1615 [
1616 requirements.
1617 (1) Application for admission shall be made separately to each nursing home
1618 administrator.
1619 (2) Veterans and their spouses or surviving spouses who are residents of Utah or who
1620 demonstrate intent to establish residency in Utah within six months of applying for admission,
1621 meet federal eligibility requirements, and are in need of nursing home care may be admitted to
1622 any home.
1623 (3) Preference shall be given to veterans who are without adequate means of support
1624 and unable, due to wounds, disease, old age, or infirmity, to properly maintain themselves.
1625 Section 37. Section 71A-6-105, which is renumbered from Section 71-11-7 is
1626 renumbered and amended to read:
1627 [
1628 (1) Each home shall have a nursing home advisory board to act as a liaison between the
1629 residents, members of the public, and the administration of the home.
1630 (2) Each board shall consist of at least seven, but no more than 11, members appointed
1631 as follows by the executive director:
1632 (a) one appointee of the Resident Council of the specific veterans nursing home;
1633 (b) three veterans from the geographic area in which the veterans nursing home is
1634 located;
1635 (c) one medical professional experienced in veteran nursing home quality of care
1636 issues;
1637 (d) three at-large members with an interest in the success of veterans nursing homes;
1638 and
1639 (e) one member each from:
1640 (i) the American Legion;
1641 (ii) Disabled American Veterans; and
1642 (iii) the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
1643 (3) (a) (i) Members shall serve [
1644 (ii) Except as required by Subsection (3)(b), as terms of current board members expire,
1645 the executive director shall appoint each new or reappointed member to a four-year term
1646 beginning on July 1.
1647 (b) The executive director shall, at the time of appointment or reappointment, adjust
1648 the length of terms to ensure that the terms of board members are staggered so that
1649 approximately half of the board is appointed every two years.
1650 (c) The executive director shall make final appointments to the board by June 30 of any
1651 year in which appointments are to be made under this chapter.
1652 (4) Vacancies not including the Resident Council representative shall be filled by the
1653 executive director within 60 days of receiving notice of a vacancy, but only for the unexpired
1654 term of the vacated member.
1655 (5) Members may not serve more than two consecutive terms.
1656 (6) Each board shall elect a chair annually from among its members at its first meeting
1657 after July 1.
1658 (7) Each board shall meet at least quarterly.
1659 (8) A majority of the members of the board present constitute a quorum for the
1660 transaction of business.
1661 (9) Each board shall provide copies of all minutes of each meeting to the [
1662
1663 (10) A member may not receive compensation or benefits for the member's service, but
1664 may receive per diem and travel expenses in accordance with:
1665 (a) Section 63A-3-106;
1666 (b) Section 63A-3-107; and
1667 (c) rules made by the Division of Finance pursuant to Sections 63A-3-106 and
1668 63A-3-107.
1669 Section 38. Section 71A-6-106, which is renumbered from Section 71-11-8 is
1670 renumbered and amended to read:
1671 [
1672 (1) There is created an expendable special revenue fund entitled the "Utah State
1673 Veterans Nursing Home Fund" to be administered by the department for the benefit of each
1674 home and its residents.
1675 (2) All cash donations, gifts, or bequests shall be deposited in the fund and used
1676 according to the wishes of the donor.
1677 (3) All funds received by the homes from federal or state agencies, individual
1678 insurance reimbursement, or cash payments shall be deposited in the fund.
1679 (4) Funds received that are designated for a specific home shall be accounted for
1680 separately within the fund.
1681 Section 39. Section 71A-6-107, which is renumbered from Section 71-11-9 is
1682 renumbered and amended to read:
1683 [
1684 resident's property.
1685 (1) (a) All money or other personal property of a resident held by a home that is left on
1686 the premises of the home shall, upon the death of the resident, be held in trust to be paid or
1687 delivered to the spouse, children, grandchildren, or parent of the resident upon the presentation
1688 of proof of relationship.
1689 (b) Any funds of a deceased resident may be disbursed for the payment of funeral
1690 expenses or any obligation owed to the home.
1691 (2) Property owned by a deceased resident of the home who dies without heirs or
1692 next-of-kin not disposed of by will shall become the property of the home and deposited in the
1693 fund, subject to the right of any heir to reclaim the property within five years after the resident's
1694 death upon the presentation of proof of relationship.
1695 Section 40. Section 71A-6-108, which is renumbered from Section 71-11-10 is
1696 renumbered and amended to read:
1697 [
1698 Sales of articles manufactured by residents -- Proceeds to residents.
1699 (1) Each home shall promote hobbies designed to improve the general welfare and
1700 mental condition of the residents.
1701 (2) The home may provide limited funds to initiate a hobby program, but shall limit the
1702 program to those hobbies that, in its judgment, will be self sustaining.
1703 (3) The department may enter into contracts with federal or state agencies or private
1704 concerns for the receipt of articles manufactured by residents of the homes.
1705 (4) Proceeds generated by hobbies shall be used to pay for materials. Any excess
1706 proceeds shall be paid to the individual veterans who produced the articles.
1707 Section 41. Section 71A-7-101, which is renumbered from Section 71-2-1 is
1708 renumbered and amended to read:
1709
1710
1711 [
1712 (1) The boards of city commissioners, city councils, and town boards, respectively,
1713 may appropriate from any fund of the city or town available for general purposes [
1714
1715 the erection of[
1716
1717
1718 (2) The city commissioners, city council, or town board may, when authorized by the
1719 qualified electors of [
1720
1721 Section 42. Section 71A-7-102, which is renumbered from Section 71-2-2 is
1722 renumbered and amended to read:
1723 [
1724 (1) The county legislative body of the several counties may [
1725 appropriate money for, and contribute to the [
1726 to the memory of veterans of [
1727 participated.
1728 (2) Memorials may be in the form of grave adornments, public buildings, monuments,
1729 recreational areas and facilities, parks, and public places[
1730 (3) A county legislative body may not erect and maintain, assist in, or contribute to, the
1731 erection or maintenance of any memorial which is outside of the boundaries of the county.
1732 Section 43. Section 71A-7-103, which is renumbered from Section 71-2-3 is
1733 renumbered and amended to read:
1734 [
1735 [
1736
1737 tax upon [
1738 this part.
1739 Section 44. Section 71A-7-201, which is renumbered from Section 71-7-1 is
1740 renumbered and amended to read:
1741
1742 [
1743 used for paupers.
1744 The body of [
1745 United States of America during any period of war, police action, or other period of national
1746 emergency, or the body of any veteran of the military service of the United States of America
1747 who served during any war, police action, or other period of national emergency, [
1748 not be buried in any portion of any cemetery or burial ground used for the burial of paupers.
1749 Section 45. Section 71A-7-202, which is renumbered from Section 71-7-2 is
1750 renumbered and amended to read:
1751 [
1752 proper burial sites.
1753 [
1754 other political subdivisions of the state [
1755 organizations without financial consideration [
1756 burial of any persons covered by this [
1757 Section 46. Section 71A-7-203, which is renumbered from Section 71-7-5 is
1758 renumbered and amended to read:
1759 [
1760 Funeral service establishments -- Liability -- State agency -- Responsibilities.
1761 (1) As used in this section:
1762 (a) "Remains facility" means the same as a funeral service establishment defined in
1763 Section 58-9-102.
1764 (b) "Status information" means a veteran or a veteran's dependent's name, date of birth,
1765 place of birth, date of death, Social Security number, military service number, branch of
1766 service, and military rank on date of death.
1767 (c) "Veterans Remains Organization" means an entity recognized and authorized by the
1768 United States Veterans Administration and the National Personnel Records Center to verify
1769 and inter the unclaimed cremated remains of United States military veterans or a veteran's
1770 dependents.
1771 (2) A veterans remains organization may contact a remains facility for the purpose of
1772 identifying any unclaimed cremated remains of a military veteran or a veteran's dependent.
1773 (a) Upon contact with the remains facility, the organization shall:
1774 (i) provide identifying documentation to the remains facility; and
1775 (ii) with the permission of the remains facility, inventory any unclaimed cremated
1776 remains in order to identify any remains of a veteran or a veteran's dependent.
1777 (b) The organization shall contact the National Personnel Records Center to determine
1778 if any of the unclaimed cremated remains are:
1779 (i) a veteran's or a veteran's dependent's remains; and
1780 (ii) eligible for interment benefits.
1781 (c) The organization shall claim any unclaimed cremated remains from a remains
1782 facility upon providing the facility with proof that the remains are those of a veteran or a
1783 veteran's dependent and are eligible for interment benefits.
1784 (d) The organization shall make arrangements to inter the remains.
1785 (3) A remains facility:
1786 (a) may allow a veterans remains organization, upon presentation of identification, to
1787 inventory unclaimed cremated remains;
1788 (b) shall provide all status information in the remains facility's possession to a veterans
1789 remains organization;
1790 (c) shall release any unclaimed cremated remains to a veterans remains organization
1791 upon presentation of documentation that the remains are of a veteran or a veteran's dependent
1792 who is eligible for burial in a state or national cemetery; and
1793 (d) is not subject to civil liability for release of status information or release of the
1794 unclaimed cremated remains following the presentation of documentation indicating the
1795 remains are those of a veteran or a veteran's dependent and eligible for interment benefits.
1796 (4) The [
1797 presentation of documentation that certain cremated remains in the possession of a veterans
1798 remains organization are those of a veteran or a veteran's dependent and eligible for interment
1799 benefits:
1800 (a) authorize the interment of the cremated remains in a state veterans cemetery; and
1801 (b) provide assistance to the veterans remains organization in the interment process.
1802 Section 47. Section 71A-7-301, which is renumbered from Section 71-7-3 is
1803 renumbered and amended to read:
1804
1805 [
1806 maintenance -- Responsibilities of Department -- Costs.
1807 (1) The [
1808 operate, and maintain [
1809 (2) To help pay the costs of developing, constructing, operating, and maintaining [
1810 veterans [
1811
1812 (a) [
1813
1814 requirements of Title 63J, Chapter 5, Federal Funds Procedures Act;
1815 (b) receive state funds, contributions from veterans organizations, and other private
1816 donations; and
1817 [
1818 other persons, [
1819 veterans cemetery established by the state.
1820 [
1821 Section 48. Section 71A-8-101, which is renumbered from Section 39-3-1 is
1822 renumbered and amended to read:
1823
1824 [
1825 to be prejudiced thereby -- Refusal to reinstate -- Procedure -- Motion -- Hearing and
1826 determination.
1827 (1) As used in this chapter, "public officer" means the same as that term is defined in
1828 Section 67-16-3.
1829 (2) A [
1830
1831 state or of the United States shall be granted a leave of absence not to exceed five years during
1832 that service.
1833 [
1834 to the same position, or to a position equivalent to the same position, which the person held
1835 immediately prior to the commencement of active military service.
1836 (b) A request for restoration of employment under this section must be submitted
1837 within 40 days after release from active service.
1838 (c) Restoration of employment shall be made within 20 days after submission of the
1839 request to the employer.
1840 (d) A person returning from active military service may not, without cause, be
1841 discharged or subjected to reduction of compensation for a period of one year following a
1842 return to employment under this section.
1843 [
1844 (a) shall retain all personal, sick, and other leave to which the person was entitled
1845 immediately prior to the commencement of active military service;
1846 (b) shall receive and earn benefits and compensation at a level not less than that to
1847 which the person would have been entitled had the officer or employee not been absent due to
1848 active military service; and
1849 (c) may not be prejudiced, by the preservice employer or that employer's successor in
1850 interest, as to employment, appointment, reappointment, reemployment, or promotion by
1851 reason of the employee's active military service.
1852 [
1853 be required to resign from, vacate, or forfeit a governmental office or position as a consequence
1854 of entering into active military service.
1855 (b) A person in active military service is not considered to be holding an office or
1856 position of trust or employment under the United States government for purposes of
1857 determining whether that person is disqualified or prohibited from retaining a position or
1858 serving as a [
1859 (c) Nothing in this section shall serve to extend a period of employment or term of
1860 office beyond that to which the affected person was elected or appointed. A person who is a
1861 legislator or public officer for a specific term by virtue of election or appointment is entitled to
1862 a leave of absence under this section for a period not to exceed the applicable term.
1863 [
1864 [
1865 which the denial occurs, to require the public employer to comply with the provisions of this
1866 section without delay. Fees or court costs may not be assessed against the petitioner. The
1867 court shall order a speedy hearing in the case and advance it on the calendar so far as
1868 reasonably possible. If the court determines that the petitioner is entitled to relief, the court
1869 shall order all appropriate relief, to include compensation for loss of wages and benefits and an
1870 award of attorneys' fees and costs.
1871 Section 49. Section 71A-8-102, which is renumbered from Section 39-3-2 is
1872 renumbered and amended to read:
1873 [
1874 in United States armed forces or National Guard -- Pay allowance for time spent on duty
1875 -- Deduction of vacation time prohibited.
1876 (1) All state employees who are members of the organized reserve of the United States
1877 armed forces, including the National Guard of this state, shall be allowed full pay for all time
1878 not in excess of 15 days per year spent [
1879
1880 requirements of the armed forces of the United States, including the National Guard of this
1881 state. This leave shall be in addition to any annual vacation leave with pay to which an
1882 employee may be entitled.
1883 (2) County and municipal employees who are members of the organized reserve of the
1884 United States armed forces, including the National Guard of this state, may be allowed up to
1885 full pay for all time not in excess of 15 days per year spent [
1886
1887 fulfilling the service requirements of the armed forces of the United States, including the
1888 National Guard of this state. This leave is at the discretion of the employing county or
1889 municipality and, if granted, shall be in addition to annual vacation leave with pay.
1890 (3) The governor, counties, and municipal agencies may adopt ordinances, exceptions,
1891 rules, or policies that:
1892 (a) provide more than 15 days of paid military leave;
1893 (b) provide for differential pay that compensates the difference, if any, between the
1894 service member's civilian pay and military pay, not to include allowances; and
1895 (c) extend health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance benefits to members of
1896 the National Guard and reserves activated for more than 30 days.
1897 Section 50. Section 71A-8-103, which is renumbered from Section 39-1-64 is
1898 renumbered and amended to read:
1899 [
1900 members of National Guard and reservists ordered to active duty.
1901 (1) As used in this section, "license" means any license issued under:
1902 (a) Title 58, Occupations and Professions; and
1903 (b) Section 26-8a-302.
1904 (2) Any license held by a member of the National Guard or reserve component of the
1905 armed forces that expires while the member is on state or federal active duty shall be extended
1906 until 90 days after the member is discharged from active duty status.
1907 (3) The licensing agency shall renew a license extended under Subsection (2) until the
1908 next date that the license expires or for the period that the license is normally issued, at no cost
1909 to the member of the National Guard or reserve component of the armed forces if all of the
1910 following conditions are met:
1911 (a) the National Guard member or reservist requests renewal of the license within 90
1912 days after being discharged;
1913 (b) the National Guard member or reservist provides the licensing agency with a copy
1914 of the member's or reservist's official orders calling the member or reservist to active duty, and
1915 official orders discharging the member or reservist from active duty; and
1916 (c) the National Guard member or reservist meets all the requirements necessary for the
1917 renewal of the license, except the member or reservist need not meet the requirements, if any,
1918 that relate to continuing education or training.
1919 (4) The provisions of this section do not apply to:
1920 (a) regularly scheduled annual training;
1921 (b) in-state active National Guard and reserve orders; or
1922 (c) orders that do not require the service member to relocate outside of this state.
1923 Section 51. Section 71A-8-104, which is renumbered from Section 39-7-118 is
1924 renumbered and amended to read:
1925 [
1926 protection for certain persons ordered to active duty in the armed forces.
1927 (1) This section applies to a person who:
1928 (a) is ordered to state or federal military service, other than training; and
1929 (b) immediately before receiving the order to military service:
1930 (i) was engaged in the furnishing of health-care services or other services determined
1931 by rule to be professional services; and
1932 (ii) had in effect a professional liability insurance policy that does not continue to cover
1933 claims filed with respect to the service member during the period of the service member's
1934 active duty unless the premiums are paid for coverage for that period.
1935 (2) Coverage of a person referred to in Subsection (1) by a professional liability
1936 insurance policy shall be suspended by the insurance carrier in accordance with Subsection (3)
1937 upon receipt of a written request by the service member.
1938 (3) A professional liability insurance carrier:
1939 (a) may not require that premiums be paid by or on behalf of a service member for any
1940 professional liability insurance coverage suspended pursuant to Subsection (2); and
1941 (b) shall refund any amount paid for coverage for the period of the suspension or, upon
1942 the election of the service member, apply the amount for the payment of any premium
1943 becoming due upon the reinstatement of the coverage.
1944 (4) A professional liability insurance carrier is not liable with respect to any claim that
1945 is based on professional conduct, including any failure to take any action in a professional
1946 capacity of a person that occurs during a period of suspension of that person's professional
1947 liability insurance under this section. For the purposes of the preceding sentence, a claim based
1948 upon the failure of a professional to make adequate provision for patients to be cared for during
1949 the period of the professional's military service is considered an action or failure to take action
1950 before the beginning of the period of suspension of professional liability insurance under this
1951 section, except in a case in which professional services were provided after the date of the
1952 beginning of the period.
1953 (5) (a) Professional liability insurance coverage suspended in the case of any service
1954 member pursuant to Subsection (2) shall be reinstated by the insurance carrier on the date on
1955 which the service member transmits to the insurance carrier a written request for reinstatement.
1956 (b) The request of a service member for reinstatement shall be effective only if the
1957 service member transmits the request to the insurance carrier within 30 days after the date on
1958 which the service member's military service is terminated. The insurance carrier shall notify
1959 the person of the due date for payment of the insurance premium. The premium shall be paid
1960 by the person within 30 days after receipt of the notice.
1961 (6) The period for which professional liability insurance coverage shall be reinstated
1962 for a service member under this section may not be less than the balance of the period for
1963 which coverage would have continued under the policy if the coverage had not been suspended.
1964 (7) An insurance carrier may not increase the amount of the premium charged for
1965 professional liability insurance coverage of any service member for the minimum period of the
1966 reinstatement of coverage required under Subsection (5) to an amount greater than the amount
1967 chargeable for the coverage for the period before the suspension, except to the extent of any
1968 general increase in the premium amounts charged by that carrier for the same professional
1969 liability coverage for other persons similarly covered by the same insurance during the period
1970 of the suspension.
1971 (8) This section does not:
1972 (a) require a suspension of professional liability insurance coverage for any person who
1973 is not a person referred to in Subsection (1) and who is covered by the same professional
1974 liability insurance as a person referred to in Subsection (1); or
1975 (b) relieve any person of the obligation to pay premiums for the coverage not required
1976 to be suspended.
1977 (9) A civil or administrative action for damages on the basis of the alleged professional
1978 negligence or other professional liability of a person whose professional liability insurance
1979 coverage has been suspended under Subsection (2) shall be stayed until the end of the period of
1980 the suspension if:
1981 (a) the action was commenced during the period or suspension;
1982 (b) the action is based on an act or omission that occurred before the date on which the
1983 suspension became effective; and
1984 (c) the suspended professional liability insurance would, except for the suspension, on
1985 its face cover the alleged professional negligence or other professional liability negligence or
1986 other professional liability of the person.
1987 Section 52. Section 76-5-102.4 is amended to read:
1988 76-5-102.4. Assault against peace officer or a military service member in uniform
1989 -- Penalties.
1990 (1) (a) As used in this section:
1991 (i) "Assault" means an offense under Section 76-5-102.
1992 (ii) "Military [
1993 (A) a member of any branch of the United States military who is wearing a uniform as
1994 authorized by the member's branch of service; or
1995 (B) a member of the National Guard serving as provided in Section 39A-3-103.
1996 (iii) "Peace officer" means:
1997 (A) a law enforcement officer certified under Section 53-13-103;
1998 (B) a correctional officer under Section 53-13-104;
1999 (C) a special function officer under Section 53-13-105; or
2000 (D) a federal officer under Section 53-13-106.
2001 (iv) "Threat of violence" means an offense under Section 76-5-107.
2002 (b) Terms defined in Section 76-1-101.5 apply to this section.
2003 (2) (a) An actor commits assault against a peace officer if:
2004 (i) the actor commits an assault or threat of violence against a peace officer, with
2005 knowledge that the peace officer is a peace officer; and
2006 (ii) at the time of the assault or threat of violence, the peace officer was acting within
2007 the scope of authority as a peace officer.
2008 (b) An actor commits an assault or threat of violence against a military
2009 [
2010 (i) the actor commits an assault or threat of violence against a military
2011 [
2012 (ii) at the time of the assault or threat of violence, the [
2013 was on orders and acting within the scope of authority granted to the military [
2014 service member in uniform.
2015 (3) (a) A violation of Subsection (2) is a class A misdemeanor.
2016 (b) Notwithstanding Subsection (3)(a), a violation of Subsection (2) is a third degree
2017 felony if the actor:
2018 (i) has been previously convicted of a class A misdemeanor or a felony violation of this
2019 section; or
2020 (ii) causes substantial bodily injury.
2021 (c) Notwithstanding Subsection (3)(a) or (b), a violation of Subsection (2) is a second
2022 degree felony if the actor uses:
2023 (i) a dangerous weapon; or
2024 (ii) other means or force likely to produce death or serious bodily injury.
2025 (4) This section does not affect or limit any individual's constitutional right to the
2026 lawful expression of free speech, the right of assembly, or any other recognized rights secured
2027 by the [
2028 Constitution or laws, or by the United States Constitution or federal law.
2029 (5) An actor who violates this section shall serve, in jail or another correctional facility,
2030 a minimum of:
2031 (a) 90 consecutive days for a second offense; and
2032 (b) 180 consecutive days for each subsequent offense.
2033 (6) The court may suspend the imposition or execution of the sentence required under
2034 Subsection (5) if the court finds that the interests of justice would be best served by the
2035 suspension and the court makes specific findings concerning the disposition on the record.
2036 Section 53. Section 78A-5-302 is amended to read:
2037 78A-5-302. Definitions.
2038 As used in this part:
2039 (1) "Defendant" means a veteran charged with a criminal offense.
2040 (2) "Domestic violence" means the same as that term is defined in Section 77-36-1.
2041 (3) (a) "Participant agreement" means the record, required by Subsection
2042 78A-5-304(1), of the policies and procedures of a veterans treatment court and any specific
2043 terms and conditions applicable to the defendant.
2044 (b) "Participant agreement" includes a modification under Section 78A-5-310.
2045 (4) "Record," except as otherwise provided in Subsection 78A-5-307(1)(c), means
2046 information that is inscribed on a tangible medium or that is stored in an electronic or other
2047 medium and is retrievable in perceivable form.
2048 (5) "[
2049 (a) a member of the active or reserve components of the armed forces as defined in
2050 Section 68-3-12.5; or
2051 (b) a member of the National Guard of the United States.
2052 (6) (a) "State" means a state of the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto
2053 Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, or any territory or insular possession subject to the
2054 jurisdiction of the United States.
2055 (b) "State" includes a federally recognized Indian tribe.
2056 (7) "Veteran" means a former [
2057 health care benefits from the Veterans Administration.
2058 (8) "Veterans treatment court" means a veterans treatment court program administered
2059 under this part by a court of this state.
2060 Section 54. Section 78B-20-102 is amended to read:
2061 78B-20-102. Definitions.
2062 As used in this chapter:
2063 (1) "Adult" means an individual who has attained 18 years [
2064 emancipated minor.
2065 (2) (a) "Caretaking authority" means the right to live with and care for a child on a
2066 day-to-day basis.
2067 (b) "Caretaking authority" includes physical custody, parent-time, right to access, and
2068 visitation.
2069 (3) "Child" means:
2070 (a) an unemancipated individual who has not attained 18 years [
2071 (b) an adult son or daughter by birth or adoption, or under law of this state other than
2072 this chapter, who is the subject of a court order concerning custodial responsibility.
2073 (4) "Court" means a tribunal, including an administrative agency, authorized under the
2074 law of this state other than this chapter to make, enforce, or modify a decision regarding
2075 custodial responsibility.
2076 (5) "Custodial responsibility" includes all powers and duties relating to caretaking
2077 authority and decision-making authority for a child. The term includes physical custody, legal
2078 custody, parent-time, right to access, visitation, and authority to grant limited contact with a
2079 child.
2080 (6) "Decision-making authority" means the power to make important decisions
2081 regarding a child, including decisions regarding the child's education, religious training, health
2082 care, extracurricular activities, and travel. The term does not include the power to make
2083 decisions that necessarily accompany a grant of caretaking authority.
2084 (7) "Deploying parent" means a [
2085 has been notified of impending deployment and is:
2086 (a) a parent of a child under the law of this state other than this chapter; or
2087 (b) an individual who has custodial responsibility for a child under the law of this state
2088 other than this chapter.
2089 (8) "Deployment" means the movement or mobilization of a [
2090 member for more than 90 days but less than 18 months pursuant to uniformed service orders
2091 that:
2092 (a) are designated as unaccompanied;
2093 (b) do not authorize dependent travel; or
2094 (c) otherwise do not permit the movement of family members to the location to which
2095 the [
2096 (9) "Family care plan" means a formal written contingency plan mandated by
2097 regulation of the various departments and components of the uniformed service that requires
2098 certain [
2099 smooth, rapid transfer of parental responsibilities to designees during the absence of the
2100 [
2101 absences, including deployments, or noncombatant evacuation operations.
2102 (10) "Family member" means a sibling, aunt, uncle, cousin, stepparent, or grandparent
2103 of a child, or an individual recognized to be in a familial relationship with a child under the law
2104 of this state other than this chapter.
2105 (11) (a) "Limited contact" means the authority of a nonparent to visit a child for a
2106 limited time.
2107 (b) "Limited contact" includes authority to take the child to a place other than the
2108 residence of the child.
2109 (12) "Nonparent" means an individual other than a deploying parent or other parent.
2110 (13) "Other parent" means an individual who, in common with a deploying parent, is:
2111 (a) a parent of a child under the law of this state other than this chapter; or
2112 (b) an individual who has custodial responsibility for a child under the law of this state
2113 other than this chapter.
2114 (14) "Record" means information that is inscribed on a tangible medium or that is
2115 stored in an electronic or other medium and is retrievable in perceivable form.
2116 (15) "Return from deployment" means the conclusion of a [
2117 member's deployment as specified in uniformed service orders.
2118 (16) "[
2119 (17) "Sign" means, with present intent to authenticate or adopt a record:
2120 (a) to execute or adopt a tangible symbol; or
2121 (b) to attach to or logically associate with the record an electronic symbol, sound, or
2122 process.
2123 (18) "State" means a state of the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico,
2124 the United States Virgin Islands, or any territory or insular possession subject to the jurisdiction
2125 of the United States.
2126 (19) "Uniformed service" means:
2127 (a) active and reserve components of the United States armed forces;
2128 (b) the United States Merchant Marine;
2129 (c) the commissioned corps of the United States Public Health Service;
2130 (d) the commissioned corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
2131 of the United States; or
2132 (e) the [
2133 Section 55. Section 78B-20-107 is amended to read:
2134 78B-20-107. General consideration in custody proceeding of parent's military
2135 service.
2136 In a proceeding for custodial responsibility of a child of a [
2137 member, a court may not consider a parent's past deployment or possible future deployment in
2138 itself in determining the best interest of the child but may consider any significant impact on
2139 the best interest of the child of the parent's past or possible future deployment.
2140 Section 56. Repealer.
2141 This bill repeals:
2142 Section 39-1-36, Reserve member of armed forces -- Leave of absence from
2143 employment -- Liability of employers.
2144 Section 71-3-1, Use of armories by veterans organizations permitted.
2145 Section 71-8-2, Department of Veterans and Military Affairs created --
2146 Appointment of executive director -- Department responsibilities.
2147 Section 71-8-3, Duties of executive director -- Services to veterans.
2148 Section 71-8-5, Veterans services coordinator qualifications -- Duties.
2149 Section 71-8-6, Government entity participation.
2150 Section 71-8-7, Government entity veterans affairs specialist -- Duties -- Training.
2151 Section 71-8-8, Entity that provides no services -- Referral to department.
2152 Section 71-11-1, Title.
2153 Section 71-11-4, Administration by department.
2154 Section 71-12-101, Title.
2155 Section 71-13-101, Title.