Overview
- HB137 would establish a Violent Crime Clearance Rate Fund with grants administered by the Utah Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice.
- Eligible uses include hiring investigators, training, forensic and technology upgrades, faster lab turnaround, and witness support with an emphasis on smaller and rural agencies.
- The sponsor requested an initial $250,000 appropriation and the bill allows private donations, but the measure has not received a committee hearing and funding remains uncertain.
- The proposal has bipartisan backing from Rep. Tyler Clancy and Rep. Verona Mauga and public support from Ogden Police Chief Jake Sube, who says it preserves local control and does not expand police powers.
- Proponents cite FBI data showing roughly 53% of violent crimes in Utah are cleared and about 72% of homicides are resolved, arguing that higher clearance rates can deter future offenses.