UtahH.B. 1052026 General SessionHouse

Child Welfare Revisions

Sponsored By: Christine F. Watkins (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Child Custody/Parent TimeHealth and Human ServicesChild WelfareJudicial Operations

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.

Parents can seek custody back, with limits

Beginning May 6, 2026, a parent or guardian may ask juvenile court to restore or change custody after a transfer. You must show a change in circumstances that makes the change best for the child or the public. You cannot file if your parental rights were terminated. You also cannot file while a permanent guardianship is in place. There is one exception: if custody went to the other parent and you show a substantial, material change. You may file even if the original order is old, as long as the big change happened after that order. In some cases you must file in district court. That applies if juvenile court told you to file in a pending district case, or if a later district case about custody, support, or parent‑time exists. After you file, the court does a preliminary review. It may dismiss if the change would not affect the order, or hold a hearing. The court can keep, change, or end its prior order, and it must give hearing notice to all interested people.

Courts can revisit juvenile orders

Beginning May 6, 2026, juvenile courts may change or set aside their past orders, unless the statute limits them. After a juvenile adjudication, requests for a new hearing follow Rule 48 of the Utah Rules of Juvenile Procedure. This sets a clear standard for asking for a new hearing.

Who gets notice when supervision ends

Beginning May 6, 2026, when the court ends a child’s probation or protective supervision, it must notify the parent, guardian, and custodian. If appropriate, the child also gets notice. If the person is at least 18, the court must notify that adult directly.

Limits on changing child probation

Beginning May 6, 2026, when changing an order that placed a child on probation, the court cannot add certain orders named in law. The court also cannot lengthen supervision unless it follows the legal process for extensions.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Christine F. Watkins
Republican • House

Cosponsors

Wayne A. Harper
Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 128 • No: 1

Senate vote • 2/26/2026

Senate/ passed 3rd reading

Yes: 20 • No: 0

Senate vote • 2/25/2026

Senate/ passed 2nd reading

Yes: 23 • No: 0

House vote • 2/18/2026

Senate Comm - Favorable Recommendation

Yes: 4 • No: 0

House vote • 2/10/2026

House/ passed 3rd reading

Yes: 63 • No: 1

House vote • 2/2/2026

House Comm - Substitute Recommendation

Yes: 9 • No: 0

House vote • 2/2/2026

House Comm - Favorable Recommendation