Full text of Utah Utah Code § 53-21-101 — Definitions., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 53-21-101. Definitions.
Effective 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;
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.
(5)
(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, except as a result of misconduct or disciplinary action.
(10)
"Small first responder agency" means a first responder agency that:
Section 53-21-101 ("Definitions.") 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 § 53-21-101?
A common citation format is "Utah Code § 53-21-101" (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 § 53-21-101 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.
