Public-domain · open source
OpenJurist

Utah Code § 78B-6a-102

Abrogation of common law nuisance -- Exception -- Reporting requirement

Enacted by Chapter 401, 2026 General Session

(1)

(a) Except as provided in Subsection (2), this chapter abrogates any common law civil right of action for a public nuisance or a private nuisance in this state.

(b) Subsection (1)(a) does not abrogate a common law civil right of action for public nuisance or a private nuisance that accrued, or is pending in a court, before May 6, 2026.

(2) The attorney general may bring a common law civil right of action for a public nuisance or private nuisance in this state if:

(a) the attorney general determines that there is a substantial ongoing harm to a significant number of the citizens of Utah; and

(b) the attorney general is bringing the common law civil right of action for a public nuisance or a private nuisance:

(i) on behalf of the state, a state officer or agency, or a political subdivision of the state; or

(ii) as parens patriae on behalf of individuals residing in the state.

(3) A person other than the attorney general may not bring a common law civil right of action for a public nuisance or private nuisance.

(4) The governor may direct the attorney general to bring a nuisance action under Subsection (2).

(5) This chapter does not preclude the governor from declaring a public nuisance.

(6) Before October 1, 2029, and every four years thereafter before October 1:

(a) the attorney general shall report to the Judiciary Interim Committee on the attorney general's exercise of the common law right of action described in Subsection (2); and

(b) the Judiciary Interim Committee shall review the attorney general's report and make a determination as to whether Subsections (2) and (3) should be repealed.

Official source: Utah State Legislature. Reproduced from public-domain Utah statutes; confirm against the official source for the current text. Not legal advice.