Utah Bill Would Make Protesting At Private Residences A Class B Misdemeanor

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The legislative session is continuing on Utah’s Capitol Hill, and one issue lawmakers are looking to tackle involves protesters demonstrating at private residences.

This comes in response to anti-mask protests last year that happened at the homes Gov. Spencer Cox, former Gov. Gary Herbert, and state epidemiologist Dr. Angela Dunn.

The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Ryan Wilcox, R-Ogden, said HB291 would make what they’re calling “targeted residential picketing” a class B misdemeanor. That would carry a penalty of up to 6 months in jail and a $1,000 fine.

Wilcox said the First Amendment protects the right to petition the government, but not to harass people at their homes.