New Bill Proposes Authorizing Courts in Moab and Monticello, Utah
Washington, D.C. (December 21, 2024) – A bill introduced in the House of Representatives on December 21, 2024, seeks to amend Title 28 of the United States Code to authorize holding court for the Central Division of Utah in the cities of Moab and Monticello.
H.R. 8666: Background
The bill, designated as H.R. 8666, was introduced by Representative John Curtis (R-UT). The proposed legislation would give the United States District Court for the District of Utah the authority to hold court proceedings in Moab and Monticello, in addition to its current location in Salt Lake City.
Geographical Context
Moab and Monticello are located in the southeastern part of Utah, in the state’s Central Division. Moab is known for its proximity to Arches National Park, while Monticello is the seat of San Juan County. Both cities are geographically distant from Salt Lake City, making it difficult for residents to access federal court proceedings.
Rationale for the Bill
According to Representative Curtis, the purpose of H.R. 8666 is to provide greater convenience and access to the federal court system for residents of southeastern Utah. The bill states that the current distance and travel time to Salt Lake City create a burden on individuals who need to attend court proceedings.
Key Provisions
The key provisions of H.R. 8666 include:
- Authorizing the District Court to hold court proceedings in Moab and Monticello
- Establishing a permanent court location in each city
- Providing for the necessary facilities and personnel for court operations
- Amending the statutory definition of the Central Division of Utah to include Moab and Monticello
Next Steps
H.R. 8666 has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee for consideration. The committee will hold hearings and gather public input before recommending the bill for a vote by the full House of Representatives. If passed by the House, the bill will then move to the Senate for further consideration.
Public Response
The bill has drawn support from residents of Moab and Monticello, who have expressed their need for greater access to federal court proceedings. Local officials have also endorsed the legislation, arguing that it would benefit the community.
Opponents of the bill have raised concerns about the potential cost of establishing and maintaining new court locations. They also argue that providing remote access through video conferencing would be a more cost-effective alternative.
Conclusion
The introduction of H.R. 8666 highlights the ongoing efforts to improve access to justice in Utah. Whether the bill will ultimately become law remains to be seen, but it demonstrates the commitment of lawmakers to address the challenges faced by rural communities in obtaining legal services.
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