Superseded 7/1/2026
632 words·~3 min read·
/ut/title-53/chapter-21/7A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
Effective 5/7/2025
Superseded 7/1/2026
53-21-101. Definitions.
As used in this chapter:
(1)"Crime scene investigator technician" means an individual employed by a law enforcement agency to collect and analyze evidence from crime scenes and crime-related incidents.
(2)"Designated mental health resources liaison" means a non-leadership human resources or other administrative employee designated by a first responder agency who receives and processes a request for mental health resources on behalf of the first responder agency under this chapter.
(3)"First responder" means:
(a)a law enforcement officer, as defined in Section 53-13-103 ;
(b)an emergency medical technician, as defined in Section 53-2e-101 ;
(c)an advanced emergency medical technician, as defined in Section 53-2e-101 ;
(d)a paramedic, as defined in Section 53-2e-101 ;
(e)a firefighter, as defined in Section 34A-3-113 ;
(f)a dispatcher, as defined in Section 53-6-102 ;
(g)a correctional officer, as defined in Section 53-13-104 ;
(h)a special function officer, as defined in Section 53-13-105 , employed by a local sheriff;
(i)a search and rescue worker under the supervision of a local sheriff;
(j)a forensic interviewer or victim advocate employed by a children's justice center established in accordance with Section 67-5b-102 ;
(k)a credentialed criminal justice system victim advocate as defined in Section 77-38-403 who responds to incidents with a law enforcement officer;
(l)a crime scene investigator technician;
(m)a wildland firefighter;
(n)an investigator or prosecutor of cases involving sexual crimes against children; or
(o)a civilian employee of a first responder agency who has been authorized to view or otherwise access information concerning crimes, accidents, or other traumatic events.
(4)"First responder agency" means:
(a)a special district, municipality, interlocal entity, or other political subdivision that employs a first responder to provide fire protection, paramedic, law enforcement, or emergency services; or
(b)a certified private law enforcement agency as defined in Section 53-19-102 .
(a)"Mental health resources" means:
(i)an assessment to determine appropriate mental health treatment that is performed by a mental health therapist;
(ii)outpatient mental health treatment provided by a mental health therapist; or
(iii)peer support services provided by a peer support specialist who is qualified to provide peer support services under Subsection 26B-5-102(2)(gg) .
(b)"Mental health resources" includes, at a minimum, the following services:
(i)regular periodic screenings for all employees within the first responder agency;
(ii)assessments and availability to mental health services for personnel directly involved in a critical incident within 48 hours of the incident; and
(iii)regular and continuing access to the mental health program for:
(A)spouses and children of first responders;
(B)first responders who have retired or separated from the agency; and
(C)spouses of first responders who have retired or separated from the agency.
(6)"Mental health therapist" means the same as that term is defined in Section 58-60-102 .
(7)"Plan" means a plan to implement or expand a program that provides mental health resources to first responders for which the division awards a grant under this chapter.
(8)"Retired" means the status of an individual who has become eligible, applies for, and may receive an allowance under Title 49, Utah State Retirement and Insurance Benefit Act.
(9)"Separated" means the status of an individual who has separated from employment as a first responder from a first responder agency as a result of a critical incident involving the first responder.
(10)"Small first responder agency" means a first responder agency that:
(a)has 10 or fewer employees;
(b)is primarily staffed by volunteers; or
(c)is located in:
(i)a county of the third, fourth, fifth, or sixth class;
(ii)a city of the third, fourth, fifth, or sixth class; or
(iii)a town.
Amended by Chapter 135 , 2025 General Session