All Roll Calls
Yes: 204 • No: 1
UtahH.B. 512026 General SessionHouseWALLET
Adoption Amendments
Sponsored By: Katy Hall (Republican)
Signed by Governor
AdoptionFamilyHealth and Human ServicesHealth CareHealth Care FacilitiesChild WelfareMental HealthJudicial OperationsDepartment of Health and Human ServicesOffice of Licensing and Background ChecksParentage
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
9 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 6 mixed.
Adoption payments capped, full cost disclosure
Beginning May 6, 2026, agency help to a birth parent is capped. Living expenses are limited to $8,000 total. Weekly allowance can be paid only weekly, up to 12 weeks in pregnancy and 4 weeks after birth, at up to $200 per week for the birth parent and $75 per week for each dependent. Agencies can exceed these limits only if the statewide consortium approves a documented need. The law requires a detailed, standardized affidavit of all costs and services, website posting of recent violations, and disclosure of any agency financial ties to paid providers. Agencies and attorneys must file cost affidavits with the Office of Licensing, submit a per‑parent services-and-payments form, and may face license action for noncompliance. Adoptive parents and agencies also may not promise or discuss post‑adoption gifts before finalization.
Stronger consent and counseling protections
Beginning May 6, 2026, a parent who relinquishes or consents has a right to therapy: up to three sessions before and three after, each at least 50 minutes. The agency or adoptive parents must pay up to $800 total unless a higher written amount is agreed; the parent may waive this right in writing. Before a final decree, each consenting parent must file a signed statement showing they were told about therapy and who pays. A birth parent can revoke consent or relinquishment for any reason within 72 hours after signing, or earlier if a court finds duress, fraud, or undue influence; consent cannot be signed while under anesthesia or impairing medication. Agencies, their staff, and prospective adoptive parents may not use coercion in any interaction with a birth parent. A voluntary paternity declaration counts as filed when it is entered into the state‑designated database.
Nonprofit‑only licenses for adoption agencies
Beginning January 1, 2027, the state issues or renews child‑placing licenses only to private agencies that qualify as nonprofits under state law. For‑profit agencies cannot get new or renewed licenses unless they meet the nonprofit definition.
Placement rules focus on best interest
Beginning May 6, 2026, the Division must place children based on the child’s best interest. The Division cannot require agreement to a post‑adoption contact plan as a condition of placement and cannot consider race, color, ethnicity, or national origin. A rule gives placement priority to legally married couples, without limiting placement with a parent, a relative, or under the Indian Child Welfare Act.
Limits on transporting birth mothers to Utah
Beginning May 6, 2026, an agency may not bring a birth mother to Utah if it knows or should know she is 36 or more weeks pregnant or under 18. The agency must check her health and verify whether an out‑of‑state mother is on Medicaid before transport. If she does not choose to stay in Utah, the agency must return her to her origin with the same mode and quality of transportation. A person who comes to Utah only to give birth, without intent to remain, does not qualify for Utah Medicaid.
Hospitals must set adoption policies
Beginning May 6, 2026, hospitals and other birthing facilities must have written policies for adoption services at the facility. They must notify the Office of Licensing if they file a complaint or take action against an agency, and staff may report unethical adoption practices. This improves on‑site oversight and reporting for birth parents.
Longer licenses for experienced foster homes
For foster homes licensed on or after May 1, 2023, the license lasts one year if the home has under two years of prior licensure. If the home has at least two years of prior licensure and no violations, the license can last three years. Foster homes must complete an annual background check.
Statewide adoption consortium and referrals
Beginning May 6, 2026, Utah creates a consortium of licensed private adoption agencies. Membership is required, the group meets at least quarterly, and the Office may charge fees to cover staffing. If an agency cannot participate in a placement due to its religious beliefs or the birth mother’s good‑faith wishes, it must refer the person to another consortium member. The state and accrediting bodies may not punish or deny licenses, grants, or contracts for that religious‑based refusal.
Tighter licensing rules for providers
Beginning May 6, 2026, each program site needs its own license, licenses cannot be transferred, and current licenses must be posted where the public can see them. Most licenses still expire after one year, but clean operators with 24 months of prior licensure can receive a two‑year renewal. After a five‑year wait, some revoked licenses can be conditionally reinstated for up to two years under a plan. The Office of Licensing can investigate and suspend or revoke licenses for violations.
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Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Katy Hall
Republican • House
Cosponsors
Chris H. Wilson
Republican • Senate
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 2/27/2026
House/ concurs with Senate amendment
Yes: 66 • No: 0
Senate vote • 2/26/2026
Senate/ passed 3rd reading
Yes: 21 • No: 0
Senate vote • 2/25/2026
Senate/ passed 2nd reading
Yes: 23 • No: 0
House vote • 2/19/2026
Senate Comm - Favorable Recommendation
Yes: 3 • No: 0
House vote • 2/19/2026
Senate Comm - Substitute Recommendation
Yes: 3 • No: 0
House vote • 2/4/2026
House/ uncircled
Yes: 0 • No: 0
House vote • 2/4/2026
House/ substituted
Yes: 0 • No: 0
House vote • 2/4/2026
House/ passed 3rd reading
Yes: 66 • No: 1
House vote • 2/3/2026
House/ circled
Yes: 0 • No: 0
House vote • 1/23/2026
House Comm - Favorable Recommendation
Yes: 11 • No: 0
House vote • 1/23/2026
House Comm - Substitute Recommendation
Yes: 11 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Governor Signed
3/25/2026House/ to Governor
3/12/2026HouseHouse/ received enrolled bill from Printing
3/12/2026HouseHouse/ enrolled bill to Printing
3/5/2026HouseEnrolled Bill Returned to House or Senate
3/5/2026Draft of Enrolled Bill Prepared
3/3/2026Bill Received from House for Enrolling
3/3/2026House/ signed by Speaker/ sent for enrolling
3/2/2026HouseHouse/ received from Senate
3/2/2026HouseSenate/ to House
2/27/2026SenateSenate/ signed by President/ returned to House
2/27/2026SenateSenate/ received from House
2/27/2026SenateHouse/ to Senate
2/27/2026HouseHouse/ concurs with Senate amendment
2/27/2026HouseHouse/ placed on Concurrence Calendar
2/26/2026HouseHouse/ received from Senate
2/26/2026HouseSenate/ to House with amendments
2/26/2026SenateSenate/ passed 3rd reading
2/26/2026SenateSenate/ 3rd reading
2/26/2026SenateSenate/ passed 2nd reading
2/25/2026SenateSenate/ 2nd reading
2/25/2026SenateSenate/ placed on 2nd Reading Calendar
2/20/2026SenateSenate/ comm rpt/ substituted
2/20/2026SenateSenate Comm - Favorable Recommendation
2/19/2026Senate Comm - Substitute Recommendation
2/19/2026
Bill Text
Enrolled
3/5/2026
Substitute #4
2/13/2026
Substitute #3
2/3/2026
Substitute #2
1/23/2026
Substitute #1
1/22/2026
Introduced
12/19/2025
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