Overview
- The bill adds two justices to the five-member Utah Supreme Court, expands the Court of Appeals, and creates new district judgeships in Salt Lake City, St. George and Provo.
- The House approved the measure 57–18 after earlier Senate passage, with most Republicans in support and Democrats questioning costs and priorities.
- Gov. Spencer Cox is expected to sign, according to lawmakers and reports, which would make Utah the first state since 2016 to enlarge a state high court bench.
- Lawmakers have not yet appropriated about $1.7 million for new Supreme Court chambers and roughly $4.7 million in ongoing operational costs for added judges and staff.
- The Utah State Bar backs more appeals and district judges but opposes adding Supreme Court seats, warning a broader package of bills could weaken judicial independence.