New 2026 Utah laws focus on voter privacy, alcohol sales and legal protections. Key changes include Senate Bill 153 which makes most voter registration records public and new ID laws for alcohol, which now require ID checks by specific retailers. Those with extreme DUIs will now have a mark on their license.
Voter Privacy (S.B.153)
Roughly 300,000 voters with previously private records will have their information, name, address, party and voting history made public. Residents must apply for “at-risk” status by May 6, 2026 to keep records private. Those that qualify include public figures and police officers.
100% Alcohol ID Law
Bars, taverns and off-premises beer retailers must now check IDs for every purchase, regardless of age appearance. Previously IDs were checked only when someone appeared under 35.
DUI “No Alcohol” License
Courts can order the DMV to place a visible “No Alcohol Sale” banner on the licenses of individuals convicted of extreme DUIs.
A recently passed law, House Bill 437, introduces a system that directly limits access to alcohol for individuals convicted of extreme DUI offenses. Instead of relying on fines, jail time or license suspensions, the state is adding a clear identification-based restriction tied to a person’s driver license or identification card.
Lawmakers believe that restricting alcohol access to high-risk offenders may reduce repeat DUI incidents and improve public safety on Utah roads.
Court
A new law bans forcing sexual assault victims to take polygraph tests and prohibits using refusal to take one in charging decisions.
Author: Matthew Hansen
Photo: Paul Bardazzi
Editor: Hannah Clove
news@suunews.net
