---
title: 'Utah Legislation Prior to 2007'
description: '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…'
canonical: 'https://deathpenaltyinfo.org/stories/utah-legislation-prior-to-2007'
section: stories
date: '2007-12-01T00:00:00-05:00'
updated: '2025-03-14T14:56:52-04:00'
source: 'Death Penalty Information Center'
---

- 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](https://deathpenaltyinfo.org/states-have-changed-their-statutes-comply-supreme-courts-decision-atkins-v-virginia?did=668&scid=28).
- **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).