• 2007: passed a bill making murder of a child under 14 a death-eligible offense.
  • Passed a bill in March 2003, exempting the mentally retarded from the death penalty in which retardation, described as “significantly subaverage general intellectual functioning,” will be determined before the trial. For more information regarding this legislation, Click Here.
  • In February 2003, the Utah Legislature unanimously approved a bill to prohibit the execution of those with mental retardation. The bill provides for a definition of mental retardation, sets parameters regarding when it can be raised as a defense, and determines who makes the finding during the prosecution of a case. The bill will be sent to the governor, who is expected to sign it. (Associated Press, February 19, 2003).