Senator Weiler presented SCR 1, a concurrent resolution authorizing adult sentencing and supervision length guidelines and juvenile disposition guidelines submitted by the Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice (CCJJ). Weiler said the resolution is procedural: it authorizes the Commission to continue using the guidelines that were submitted on Nov. 14, 2024.

Two public speakers supported the resolution. Art Brown, president of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (Utah chapter), praised Commission staff and victims’ input on revisions to sentencing matrices for automobile homicide and injury. Ryan Robinson, SWAP policy director and a prosecutors’ appointee to the Sentencing Commission, described the work behind a new DUI injury-and-death matrix and commended Daniel Strong and the Commission for stakeholder engagement.

Representative Loubay moved to favorably recommend SCR 1; Representative Miller volunteered to be floor sponsor. The motion passed unanimously by voice vote. The chair noted the resolution, as a concurrent resolution, goes on consent on the floor.

Why it matters: SCR 1 gives formal legislative concurrence to sentencing matrices developed by CCJJ. Those matrices guide recommended sentence ranges and supervision lengths and are used statewide by judges and other criminal-justice actors.

Ending: The committee advanced the resolution with unanimous support; members thanked Commission staff for stakeholder work.