76-8-703. Criminal trespass upon an institution of higher education.

356 words·~2 min read·/ut/title-76/chapter-8/76-8-703

A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.

Effective 10/14/2025

(a)As used in this section:

(i)"Chief administrative officer" means the same as that term is defined in Section 53H-3-304 .

(ii)"Enters" means intrusion of the entire body.

(iii)"Institution of higher education" means the same as that term is defined in Section 53H-1-101 .

(b)Terms defined in Sections 76-1-101.5 and 76-8-101 apply to this section.

(2)An actor commits criminal trespass upon an institution of higher education if the actor enters or remains on property that is owned, operated, or controlled by an institution of higher education:

(a)after being ordered to leave by the chief administrative officer; or

(b)without authorization if notice against entry or remaining has been given by:

(i)personal communication to the person by the chief administrative officer or a person with apparent authority to act for the institution of higher education;

(ii)the posting of signs reasonably likely to come to the attention of a trespasser;

(iii)fencing or other enclosure obviously designed to exclude a trespasser; or

(iv)a current order of suspension or expulsion.

(a)Except as provided in Subsection (3)(b) , a violation of Subsection

(2)is a class B misdemeanor.

(b)A violation of Subsection

(2)is a class A misdemeanor if the actor has previously been convicted two or more times of a violation of Subsection

(2).

(4)The mere carrying or possession of a firearm on the campus of an institution of higher education, as defined in Section 53H-1-101 , does not warrant an order to leave under Subsection (2)(a) if the individual carrying or possessing the firearm is otherwise complying with all state laws regulating the possession and use of a firearm.

(5)If an employee or student of an institution of higher education is ordered to leave under Subsection (2)(a) or receives a notice against entry or remaining under Subsection (2)(b) , the institution of higher education shall afford the employee or student the process required by the institution of higher education's rules and regulations.

Amended by Chapter 9 , 2025 Special Session 1