Bill > SJR007

This joint resolution respectfully urges the Governor of Utah to formally review the designation of the Disability Law Center (DLC) as the state's official Protection and Advocacy (P&A) agency, a role established in 1978 under federal law to protect and advance the legal rights of individuals with disabilities. The resolution emphasizes that the P&A system, mandated by federal laws like the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act (DD Act) and the Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness Act (PAIMI), must advocate for all individuals with disabilities, regardless of their specific disability type (such as physical, sensory, intellectual, mental health, or invisible disabilities) or their functional capacity, from those living independently to those requiring substantial support. The review is intended to ensure the DLC is appropriately advocating for all eligible individuals, prioritizing those with the greatest needs, and respecting families, and if the review finds cause, the Governor is directed to follow a transparent process for redesignation, including public notice, comment periods, public hearings, and soliciting proposals from other qualified entities, all while ensuring continuity of services and reporting the findings to the Legislature.

Justice

https://le.utah.gov/~2026/bills/static/SJR007.html