President Signs Maloy Bill Adding Federal Courts In Rural Utah
President Joe Biden recently signed into law H.R. 8666, a bill introduced by Rep. Celeste Maloy (UT-02) to authorize additional federal court locations in Moab and Monticello, Utah. Senator John Curtis (R-UT) cosponsored the legislation while serving in the House of Representatives.
The Central Division of Utah’s federal courts currently operates in Ogden, Salt Lake City, Provo, and St. George. For residents of southeastern Utah, these locations often require extensive travel, which has led to frequent excusal from jury duty. The new law amends Title 28 of the United States Code, enabling courts to convene in Moab and Monticello, reducing the travel burden for rural communities.
“This is a win for all Utahns. When Utahns reached out about the difficulty in accessing federal courts, my office responded,” said Rep. Maloy in a press release. “Utahns east of Lake Powell have faced long travel distances to get to court, to perform jury duty, or testify in criminal proceedings. This bill will remove that burden for law enforcement, victims, and every Utahn.”
Senator Curtis emphasized the importance of equal access to justice for all Utah residents. “Law and order is a cornerstone of the Constitution, and ensuring that all Utahns have equal access to justice is essential,” he said in a press release. “This bill addresses the challenges that southeastern Utah residents face, harkening back to the values of our pioneer ancestors who laid the foundation of our great state. Just as they built communities, we must ensure that the justice system serves all Utahns, no matter where they live.”
By adding federal court locations in Moab and Monticello, the law aims to provide rural Utahns with greater opportunities to participate in the judicial system and ensure fair access to trials and civic duties without undue hardship.
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