Ashley's Law
Ashley’s Law is more than a bill—it’s a battle cry for justice. Passed in Utah on March 26, 2025, the law addresses a devastating legal gap: until now, perpetrators who sexually assaulted disabled adults often faced lesser sentencing once the victim reached the age of 14.
Ashley’s Law changes that.
According to the original Utah Code 76-5-402(3), a rape of a child under 14 may result in a prison sentence of 25 years to life, while a rape of an adult person with a disability results in a lesser sentencing of a five-year minimum.
Now, with Ashley's Law, the rape of an adult person with a disability may now result in a prison sentence of 25 years to life, as it should be.
“With this new law, we now
have a punishment that fits this crime. Let this serve as a warning to anyone who seeks to harm those who cannot defend themselves: We will prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law.”
— Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill
This legislation ensures that crimes such as rape, object rape, and forcible sodomy against vulnerable adults carries serious consequences, regardless of the victim’s age. It seeks to end the injustice of lenient sentencing for crimes that devastate families like Ashley’s.
The road to justice was long and heavy. Ashley's family, community leaders, a growing movement, and countless supporters refused to let her story go unheard.
A critical moment came on April 5, 2024, during the sentencing of Ashley's stepfather, Brian Kenneth Urban. As Cassidy Kitchens recalls, the Honorable Judge Stephen Nelson delivered a statement that echoed throughout the courtroom:
“In my years working in the court system, I have never seen anything so despicable as this. I will remember this for the rest of my life.”
— Judge Stephen Nelson
That moment sealed the truth: Ashley's story involved more than sorrow—it demanded change.
Before that sentencing hearing, Ashley's Army was already united to fight for Ashley's Law, which goes into effect in Utah on May 7, 2025—but this is just the beginning.
Now, we fight to take it nationwide, changing the federal law.
No victim—regardless of their age, ability, or voice —should ever be left unprotected.
"I know that she will be glad that someone else is protected"
— Paula Vigil (Ashley's Mother)
"I want people to know this isn't the end.
This is just the beginning"
— Paula Vigil (Ashley's Mother)