HB 295 Utah House · 2026 General Session

Overdose Amendments

HB 295, the "Overdose Amendments," updates Utah's criminal code to better address overdose situations. It expands the affirmative defense for reporting overdoses to include both the person experiencing the overdose and anyone who stays with them during the event. The bill also creates a new option for courts to dismiss first-time drug offenses if the individual commits to substance abuse treatment, and clarifies that reporting an overdose can be used as a sentencing mitigating factor for both parties involved. These changes aim to reduce criminal penalties for overdose-related incidents while encouraging treatment engagement.

Bill status passed 4 of 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2026

Committee Review

Mar 2026

House Passage

Feb 2026

Senate Passage

Feb 2026

Governor

Introduced Jan 21, 2026 Last action Mar 7, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Introduced → Substitute #1 · 5 edits

MODERATE

This bill was amended to coordinate with a companion drug recodification bill (HB 301) that renumbers Utah's drug laws. The primary changes involve updating the bill's title to reflect the new section numbers, adding a coordination clause to ensure both bills work together, and modifying the effective date to allow for a later start if the governor vetoes the companion bill. Additionally, the dismissal option for first-time offenders was slightly tightened to require proof of a substance abuse evaluation and completion of treatment rather than just intent.

Scope change

The bill's scope remains focused on overdose amendments, but the specific legal codes it amends have changed due to the companion bill's renumbering of Utah's drug statutes.

TECHNICAL

Updated the bill title and sponsor information to reflect the Senate sponsor change from Jen Plumb to Todd Weiler.

Added a coordination clause (Section 4) to explicitly link this bill with HB 301, ensuring that if both pass, the new section numbers match and the laws function together.

Updated references to specific Utah Code sections to align with the new section numbers created by the companion drug recodification bill.

TIMELINE

Changed the effective date from a fixed May 6, 2026 date to a flexible date that starts on May 6, 2026, unless the governor vetoes the companion bill, in which case it takes effect upon veto override.

REQUIREMENT

Modified the dismissal option for first-time drug offenses to require the individual to provide proof of a substance abuse evaluation and completion of recommended treatment, rather than just demonstrating an intent to engage in treatment.

Floor votes · House Feb 27, 2026

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Mar 4, 2026

Upper · Passed

Senate/ committee report favorable [Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee]

upper

Mar 3, 2026

Upper · Passed

Senate Comm - Favorable Recommendation [Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee]

upper

Feb 27, 2026

Committee

Senate/ to standing committee [Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee]

upper

Feb 27, 2026

Introduced

Senate/ 1st reading (Introduced)

upper

Feb 27, 2026

Upper · Passed

House/ passed 3rd reading

upper

Feb 23, 2026

Lower · Passed

House/ comm rpt/ substituted [House Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee]

lower

Feb 23, 2026

Lower · Passed

House Comm - Favorable Recommendation [House Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee]

lower

Feb 19, 2026

Lower · Passed

House Comm - Not Considered [House Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee]

lower

Jan 29, 2026

Committee

House/ to standing committee [House Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee]

lower

Jan 21, 2026

Introduced

House/ 1st reading (Introduced)

lower

1 primary · 1 co-sponsor