Bill > HB0033

This bill modifies Utah's laws regarding false reports of child abuse or neglect by changing the procedures for handling potentially false reports. Under the revised law, the Utah Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS) is now required to conduct an investigation to determine if a report is false, and if so, must send a certified letter to the reporting person if it is more likely than not that they knowingly made a false report. The bill mandates that the letter inform the person about potential legal penalties for submitting false information. Additionally, the bill changes the division's reporting obligations, now requiring (rather than merely allowing) the division to inform law enforcement and the alleged perpetrator about a false report, with the caveat that the division must consult with law enforcement about what information should be shared and whether there is good cause to withhold certain details. The bill removes previous language about immediate referral to law enforcement or reporting subsequent false reports involving the same perpetrator or victim, streamlining the process for handling potentially false child abuse or neglect reports. The bill is set to take effect on May 7, 2025.

Health and Social Services, Justice

https://le.utah.gov/~2025/bills/static/HB0033.html