1. (1)

   1. (a) As used in this section, "filing office" means the same as that term is defined in Section 70A-9a-513.5.
   2. (b) Terms defined in Section 76-1-101.5 apply to this section.

2. (2) An actor commits filing a record with intent to harass or defraud if:

   1. (a) the actor causes a record to be communicated to the filing office for filing;
   2. (b) the actor is not authorized to file the record under Section 70A-9a-509, 70A-9a-708, or 70A-9a-807;
   3. (c) the record is not related to an existing or anticipated transaction that is or will be governed by Title 70A, Chapter 9a, Uniform Commercial Code - Secured Transactions; and

   4. (d) the record is filed knowingly or intentionally to:

      1. (i) harass the person identified as the debtor in the record; or
      2. (ii) defraud the person identified as the debtor in the record.

3. (3)

   1. (a) A violation of Subsections (2)(a), (b), (c), and (d)(i) is a class B misdemeanor for a first offense and a class A misdemeanor for a second or subsequent offense.
   2. (b) A violation of Subsections (2)(a), (b), (c), and (d)(ii) is a third degree felony.
4. (4) This section may not be construed to impose criminal or civil liability on any law enforcement officer acting within the scope of a criminal investigation.
5. (5) The forfeiture of property under this section, including any seizure and disposition of the property and any related judicial or administrative proceeding, shall be conducted in accordance with Title 77, Chapter 11a, Seizure of Property and Contraband, through Chapter 11c, Retention of Evidence.

Amended by Chapter 111, 2023 General Session