Utah Senate Bill SB0313

Utah 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/21/25
• Refer: 2/21/25
• Report Pass: 2/25/25
• Engrossed: 3/3/25
• Refer: 3/3/25
• Report Pass: 3/4/25
• Failed: 3/7/25

Caption

Constable Amendments

Summary

SB 313, titled the Constable Amendments, changes Utah law governing the powers and duties of constables. The bill specifically authorizes a constable, when collecting on a matter, to establish a payment schedule with an individual instead of seizing that person’s property. It also includes minor technical updates to the existing constable statute. The bill amends Section 17-25-1 of the Utah Code, which defines constables’ general powers and duties and limits whom they may serve as agents for. Under the new language, constables may continue to serve process statewide and carry out other constable functions, but they gain express authority to work out installment-style payment arrangements in lieu of immediate property seizure. The bill takes effect May 7, 2025.

Impact

SB 313 makes a targeted change to Utah’s constable enforcement framework by adding an alternative collection tool before property seizure occurs. This affects constables, individuals subject to collection or enforcement actions, and the courts or local governments that contract with constables. The bill does not appropriate money or create a new program, but it does alter the procedures available under Utah Code Section 17-25-1.

Sentiment

The bill appears to have been received positively and without recorded opposition. It passed the Senate committee unanimously, then passed both the Senate second and third readings with 26-0 votes, and later received a unanimous favorable recommendation in the House committee. The available voting history suggests broad bipartisan support and little controversy in the legislative process.

Contention

No committee transcript is available, and the voting record shows no recorded dissent. Based on the text, the only potentially sensitive policy issue is the balance between giving constables flexibility to arrange payments and preserving protections for individuals whose property might otherwise be seized. However, no legislator or stakeholder opposition is reflected in the available materials.