‘New step in criminal justice’: Gov. Cox signs criminal restitutions bill
SALT LAKE COUNTY, Utah (ABC4) — Gov. Spencer Cox signed H.B. 218, also known as “Restitution Revisions,” into law Monday, March 18.
This new law amends provisions related to restitution, expanding criminal restitutions so that when a defendant is convicted of a crime that results in the death or permanent impairment of a victim with dependents, they are legally required to provide child support for those dependents, the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office said.
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The DA’s office said they worked with the bill’s sponsor, Rep. Steve Eliason, in crafting the bill and encouraged lawmakers to support its passage.
Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill said he supports the governor signing this bill, and that the law is a “new step in criminal justice.” Additionally, Gill said the bill introduces an “innovative approach” to accountability for those who take the life of a primary breadwinner in a home.
“When a family has to cope with the loss of a loved one, this new law will ensure that the convicted dependents will be the first one on the hook to address the financial harms of that crime,” Gill said. “I thank Representative Eliason for working with our office on this important piece of legislation. I would also like to thank Governor Cox for signing this bill into law and ensuring further accountability for defendants.”
Cox signed 72 bills into law Monday, including H.B. 218, his office said. He has reportedly signed 398 pieces of legislation from the 2024 General Legislative Session to date.
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