Lawmakers approve hardened polygamy law before session ends

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — In the dying embers of Utah’s 2017 legislative session, lawmakers narrowly passed a polygamy bill that adds harsher penalties for people convicted under the state’s bigamy law if they’re also convicted of other crimes such as domestic abuse.

The measure, which must get approval from Gov. Gary Herbert, was opposed by polygamists who said it unfairly targets their families and will discourage people witnessing crimes like fraud or abuse from speaking out.

Herbert’s office said Friday that the governor didn’t have comment.

The proposal appeared dead heading into lawmakers’ final day Thursday, but legislators in the Senate resurrected it, passing it 15-14, five minutes before midnight.

Read more: http://news.hjnews.com/ap/state/lawmakers-approve-hardened-polygamy-law-before-session-ends/article_b6416abe-6744-5e91-9b99-a55f9f25df87.html