SB 317 Utah Senate · 2026 General Session

Opioid Terminology Amendments

SB 317 updates Utah's legal terminology by replacing "opiate" with "opioid" in definitions across multiple statutes. It specifically changes terms like "opiate antagonist" to "opioid antagonist" and "opiate-related drug overdose event" to "opioid-related drug overdose event," while also updating related references to "opiate" in controlled substances descriptions. The bill coordinates these changes with other opioid-related legislation (H.B. 301, S.B. 87, and S.B. 98) to ensure consistent terminology without altering existing policies or adding new requirements. No funding is appropriated, and the changes only affect how Utah law references opioid-related terms in existing statutes.

Bill status passed 4 of 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Feb 2026

Committee Review

Mar 2026

Senate Passage

Mar 2026

House Passage

Mar 2026

Governor

Introduced Feb 23, 2026 Last action Mar 7, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Introduced → Substitute #1 · 7 edits

MODERATE

This bill updates Utah state laws to replace the term 'opiate' with 'opioid' or 'opioid-like substance' throughout the code to align with modern medical terminology. It also expands legal protections for healthcare providers and community members who distribute naloxone (opioid antagonists) to prevent overdoses, clarifying that they cannot be sued for civil damages when acting in good faith. Additionally, the bill mandates that pharmacies offering naloxone to patients at risk of overdose must also provide counseling on its use.

Scope change

The bill broadens the scope of legal immunity to include a wider range of individuals (such as family members and friends) who assist in administering naloxone during an overdose event, whereas previous laws primarily focused on healthcare providers and specific outreach organizations.

DEFINITION

Replaced the legal term 'opiate' with 'opioid' or 'opioid-like substance' in over 20 different statutes to ensure consistency with current medical standards.

ELIGIBILITY

Expanded the definition of 'overdose outreach provider' to explicitly include family members, friends, and other individuals in a position to assist someone at risk of an overdose event.

REQUIREMENT

Added a requirement for pharmacies dispensing certain opioids to offer counseling and dispense naloxone to patients receiving high doses or those prescribed benzodiazepines concurrently.

Mandated that syringe exchange programs provide verbal and written instruction on obtaining naloxone to individuals receiving new syringes.

Updated reporting requirements for county jails and the Department of Corrections to include data on in-custody deaths and withdrawal treatment protocols.

ENFORCEMENT

Created a new pilot program to provide grants to organizations (including schools and law enforcement) for purchasing and distributing naloxone to at-risk individuals.

TECHNICAL

Renumbered and updated various Utah Code sections to reflect the terminology changes and new provisions.

Floor votes · Senate Mar 4, 2026

How they voted

26–0

Passed · 3 other

Total votes 29

Mar 4, 2026

D Democratic6

6 Yea

100% Yea

N Forward1

1 Yea

100% Yea

R Republican22

19 Yea 3

86% Yea

Vote distribution

All Yea All Nay Mixed No data

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Mar 4, 2026

Senate · Passed

Senate Vote: pass (26-0-3)

senate

Mar 4, 2026

Introduced

House/ 1st reading (Introduced)

lower

Mar 3, 2026

Upper · Passed

Senate/ comm rpt/ substituted/ Consent Calendar [Senate Health and Human Services Committee]

upper

Mar 2, 2026

Upper · Passed

Senate Comm - Consent Calendar Recommendation [Senate Health and Human Services Committee]

upper

Mar 2, 2026

Upper · Passed

Senate Comm - Favorable Recommendation [Senate Health and Human Services Committee]

upper

Feb 25, 2026

Committee

Senate/ to standing committee [Senate Health and Human Services Committee]

upper

Feb 23, 2026

Introduced

Senate/ 1st reading (Introduced)

upper

1 primary · 1 co-sponsor