On March 14, 2023, Utah Governor Spencer J. Cox signed HB 324 into law, amending Utah’s protective order statute to allow employers to petition for and obtain workplace violence protective orders against an individual who has engaged in or threatened potential workplace violence. The law will become effective on July 1, 2023.
The law defines workplace violence as any act of violence, including but not limited to physical assault, sexual assault, stalking, and threats of violence, that occurs in the workplace or in a location related to the workplace.
Employers who petition for a workplace violence protective order must provide evidence that the individual has engaged in or threatened potential workplace violence. The evidence may include testimony from the employer, witnesses, or victims of violence.
If the court finds that there is probable cause to believe that the individual has engaged in or threatened potential workplace violence, the court will issue a workplace violence protective order. The order will prohibit the individual from contacting the employer or its employees, entering the employer’s premises, or possessing a firearm.
