Signed by Governor Gary Herbert

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to amend and pass a bill that reduces criminal penalties for polygamy.

Highlights:

• Amends the criminal penalty for a person who commits the crime of bigamy from a third-degree felony to an infraction (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that a person is guilty of bigamy if (Sec. 1):

• They purport to marry another individual; and

• Knows or reasonably should know that one or both of the parties are already legally married.

• Specifies that a person is guilty of a third-degree felony if they induce bigamy (Sec. 1): 

• Under fraudulent or false pretenses; or

• By threat or coercion. 

• Specifies that a person is guilty of a second-degree felony if they (Sec. 1):

• Cohabitate with another person with whom an individual is engaged in bigamy as described above; and

• In furtherance of the conduct described in the above sub-highlight, commits a felony offense, a misdemeanor offense, in violation of one or more  of the following:

• Criminal homicide; 

• Kidnapping, trafficking, and smuggling; 

• Sexual offenses; 

• Child abuse or child abandonment; 

• Abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a vulnerable adult; 

• Child abuse homicide; 

• Sexual battery; 

• Criminal non-support; or 

• The Cohabitatnt Abuse Procedures Act.

Full Bill Text