Enhanced Penalties Following Unlawful Reentry Amendments

HB 211 increases penalties for individuals convicted of a felony who previously faced a federal conviction for unlawful reentry (under 8 U.S.C. § 1326). It enhances penalties based on the original felony charge: a third-degree felony becomes a second-degree felony, a second-degree becomes a first-degree, and a first-degree felony triggers a mandatory minimum three-year prison sentence addition. The bill applies only to Utah courts handling cases where the defendant has a prior federal unlawful reentry conviction. It requires prosecutors to notify courts of this enhancement in charging documents and takes effect May 7, 2025.