Introduction
We, the undersigned, call on the Utah and Idaho State Legislatures to strengthen child protection laws by requiring mandatory sex offender registration for all adults convicted of crimes of sexual or physical injury against children, regardless of plea agreements or charge reductions.

Background
In August 2025, Candon Dean Dahle, a 21-year-old former BYU baseball player, was sentenced in Fremont County, Idaho, after pleading guilty to two felony counts of injury to a child.
Court records show he sexually abused a girl from age 7 to 12. Yet, under a plea deal, the original sex crime charges were reduced, and he was not required to register as a sex offender. This outcome leaves families and communities vulnerable, as serious offenders may avoid registry requirements through plea agreements.

The Problem
Under current laws in Utah and Idaho, only specific offenses (such as “rape of a child”) trigger mandatory sex offender registration.
When charges are reduced to “injury to a child” or similar statutes, offenders can avoid being listed on the registry—even if their crimes were sexual in nature.
This loophole undermines public safety, leaves parents uninformed, and denies justice to survivors.

Our Demand

We urge lawmakers in Utah and Idaho to:Amend state law so that any adult convicted of felony crimes involving the sexual or physical abuse of children must be placed on the sex offender registry, even if charges are reduced in a plea agreement.
Close loopholes that allow offenders to escape registry requirements by pleading to lesser charges.
Ensure transparency so that families can be aware of convicted child abusers in their communities.

Why This Matters
Children deserve to grow up in safe communities. The sex offender registry exists to help parents and neighbors protect their kids. When offenders like Dahle avoid registration, it puts countless other children at risk. Updating the law is not only a matter of justice—it is a moral obligation.

Call to Action
Please sign this petition urging Utah and Idaho legislators to act immediately. Together, we can close dangerous legal loopholes, protect children, and ensure that convicted child abusers are held accountable.