All Roll Calls
Yes: 130 • No: 0
UtahH.B. 502026 General SessionHouse
Child Protection Ombudsman Amendments
Sponsored By: Karianne Lisonbee (Republican)
Signed by Governor
Abuse, Neglect, or DependencyFamilyHealth and Human ServicesDivision of Child and Family ServicesChild WelfareJudicial OperationsDepartment of Health and Human Services
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
New child protection ombudsman for families
Starting May 6, 2026, Utah creates a child protection ombudsman to hear complaints about child welfare actions. Parents, children, and others can file a complaint. The office can investigate, access division records, and must tell both you and the division if it will investigate and why. After each investigation, it issues written findings and can recommend case or policy changes; it must report suspected crimes and alert the division if a child needs protective custody. The ombudsman may start or stop investigations, set procedures by rule, hire staff as funded, and must post clear rights information on its website.
Stronger parent notice during protective custody
Starting May 6, 2026, when a child is taken into protective custody, officers or caseworkers must try to tell each parent or guardian, including noncustodial parents and relatives, that they can contact the child protection ombudsman for help. The division must give a plain‑language packet that explains why the child was removed, how to reach the division, your right to a lawyer if you cannot afford one, what is needed for release, and lists services like mental health care, substance use treatment, and parenting classes. The packet must include the ombudsman’s website. If the division cannot find a noncustodial parent, it must search the Federal Parent Locator Service. The packet must be kept up to date, offered in needed languages, and available in schools, clinics, police stations, and division offices.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Karianne Lisonbee
Republican • House
Cosponsors
Wayne A. Harper
Republican • Senate
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 2/5/2026
Senate/ passed 3rd reading
Yes: 27 • No: 0
Senate vote • 2/4/2026
Senate/ passed 2nd reading
Yes: 24 • No: 0
House vote • 1/26/2026
Senate Comm - Favorable Recommendation
Yes: 5 • No: 0
House vote • 1/21/2026
House/ passed 3rd reading
Yes: 74 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Governor Signed
2/27/2026House/ to Governor
2/20/2026HouseHouse/ received enrolled bill from Printing
2/20/2026HouseHouse/ enrolled bill to Printing
2/18/2026HouseEnrolled Bill Returned to House or Senate
2/18/2026Draft of Enrolled Bill Prepared
2/9/2026Bill Received from House for Enrolling
2/9/2026House/ signed by Speaker/ sent for enrolling
2/6/2026HouseHouse/ received from Senate
2/6/2026HouseSenate/ to House
2/5/2026SenateSenate/ signed by President/ returned to House
2/5/2026SenateSenate/ passed 3rd reading
2/5/2026SenateSenate/ 3rd reading
2/5/2026SenateSenate/ passed 2nd reading
2/4/2026SenateSenate/ 2nd reading
2/4/2026SenateSenate/ placed on 2nd Reading Calendar
1/27/2026SenateSenate/ committee report favorable
1/27/2026SenateSenate Comm - Favorable Recommendation
1/26/2026Senate/ to standing committee
1/26/2026SenateSenate/ 1st reading (Introduced)
1/22/2026SenateSenate/ received from House
1/21/2026SenateHouse/ to Senate
1/21/2026HouseHouse/ passed 3rd reading
1/21/2026HouseHouse/ 3rd reading
1/21/2026HouseHouse/ 2nd reading
1/20/2026House
Bill Text
Enrolled
2/18/2026
Introduced
12/19/2025