Utah § 17-77-303 - Use and oversight of public funds.

Full text of Utah Utah Code § 17-77-303 — Use and oversight of public funds., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 17-77-303. Use and oversight of public funds.

Effective 11/6/2025
17-77-303.  Use and oversight of public funds.
(1)
(a)Each local mental health authority is responsible for overseeing all public funds the local mental health authority receives, to determine that those public funds are utilized in accordance with:
(i)federal and state law;
(ii)the rules and policies of the department; and
(iii)any contract between the local mental health authority and the department or a private provider.
(b)The local mental health authority oversight includes requiring that neither a private provider that contracts with the local mental health authority to provide comprehensive mental health programs or services for the local mental health authority, nor any of the private provider's employees:
(i)violate any applicable federal or state criminal law;
(ii)knowingly violate:
(A)any applicable department rule or policy; or
(B)any provision of contract between the local mental health authority and the department or the private provider;
(iii)knowingly keep any false account or make any false entry or erasure in any account of or relating to the public funds;
(iv)fraudulently alter, falsify, conceal, destroy, or obliterate any account of or relating to public funds;
(v)fail to ensure competent oversight for lawful disbursement of public funds;
(vi)appropriate public funds for an unlawful use or for a use that is not in compliance with contract provisions; or
(vii)knowingly or intentionally use public funds:
(A)unlawfully;
(B)in violation of a governmental contract provision; or
(C)in violation of state policy.
(2)A local mental health authority that knew or reasonably should have known of any of the circumstances described in Subsection (1), and that fails or refuses to take timely corrective action in good faith shall, in addition to any other penalties provided by law, be required to make full and complete repayment to the state of all public funds improperly used or expended.
(3)Any public funds required to be repaid to the state by a local mental health authority in accordance with Subsection (2), based upon the actions or failure of the contract provider, may be recovered by the local mental health authority from its contract provider, in addition to the local mental health authority's costs and attorney fees.


Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 14, 2025 Special Session 1

Source: official Utah text · Last verified 2026-08-27

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Frequently Asked Questions About Utah § 17-77-303

What does Utah Code § 17-77-303 cover?

Section 17-77-303 ("Use and oversight of public funds.") is part of the Utah Code, the codified statutory law of Utah. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Utah § 17-77-303?

A common citation format is "Utah Code § 17-77-303" (Utah). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Utah law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Utah official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Utah attorney.

How does Utah § 17-77-303 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Utah can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Utah.