Bill > HB0050

This bill makes several amendments to strengthen and clarify the role of the child protection ombudsman in Utah, expanding their responsibilities and reporting requirements. The bill broadens the ombudsman's scope by allowing investigations into complaints regarding both children and parents, and requires the ombudsman to provide more detailed annual reporting to legislative committees, including the total number of complaints filed, investigated, and any recurring themes. The ombudsman will now be required to publish information about parents' and children's fundamental rights on their website and ensure parents are informed about the ombudsman's role when children are taken into protective custody. The bill also adds a requirement that when a child is removed from their home, parents must be told they can contact the child protection ombudsman for help navigating the child welfare system. The ombudsman will continue to have broad investigative powers, including the ability to access department records, investigate potential violations of law or policy, and make recommendations to the division about individual cases and systemic improvements. The changes aim to provide more transparency, support, and oversight in child welfare cases, with the bill specifically taking effect on May 6, 2026.

Health and Social Services

https://le.utah.gov/~2026/bills/static/HB0050.html