This bill makes changes related to the child protection ombudsman.
This bill:
AI-generated summary, not yet reviewed by Better Utah staff. Please consult the bill text.
Utah's child protection ombudsman — an independent position within the state Department of Health and Human Services that investigates complaints about child welfare decisions — would gain expanded responsibilities under this bill. The ombudsman's complaint-handling authority would expand to cover concerns related to parents, not just children, and the ombudsman would be required to post clear information on its website about parents' and children's fundamental rights and the state's responsibilities in child welfare matters. The bill would also require the ombudsman to submit an annual written report to two legislative oversight committees covering the number of complaints received and investigated, recurring themes, and policy recommendations. Additionally, peace officers and child welfare caseworkers would be required to tell parents or guardians, at the time a child is taken into protective custody, that the ombudsman exists and can help them access resources or navigate the child welfare system, and the informational packet given to families would need to include the ombudsman's website address.
Introduction
Jan 20
House Rules
House Committee
Skipped
House Floor Vote
Jan 21
Senate Rules
Jan 22
Senate Committee
Jan 26
Senate 2nd Reading
Feb 4
Senate 3rd Reading
Feb 5
Governor Signed
Feb 27
IntroductionJan 20
House Rules
House CommitteeSkipped
House Floor VoteJan 21
Senate RulesJan 22
Senate CommitteeJan 26
Senate 2nd ReadingFeb 4
Senate 3rd ReadingFeb 5
Governor SignedFeb 27
This bill makes changes related to the child protection ombudsman.
This bill:
AI-generated summary, not yet reviewed by Better Utah staff. Please consult the bill text.
Utah's child protection ombudsman — an independent position within the state Department of Health and Human Services that investigates complaints about child welfare decisions — would gain expanded responsibilities under this bill. The ombudsman's complaint-handling authority would expand to cover concerns related to parents, not just children, and the ombudsman would be required to post clear information on its website about parents' and children's fundamental rights and the state's responsibilities in child welfare matters. The bill would also require the ombudsman to submit an annual written report to two legislative oversight committees covering the number of complaints received and investigated, recurring themes, and policy recommendations. Additionally, peace officers and child welfare caseworkers would be required to tell parents or guardians, at the time a child is taken into protective custody, that the ombudsman exists and can help them access resources or navigate the child welfare system, and the informational packet given to families would need to include the ombudsman's website address.
Motion: Favorable Recommendation
Governor Signed
Lieutenant Governor's office for filing
House/ to Governor
Executive Branch - Governor
House/ received enrolled bill from Printing
Clerk of the House
House/ enrolled bill to Printing
Clerk of the House
Enrolled Bill Returned to House or Senate
Clerk of the House
Last updated Aug 29, 2026, 5:26 PM