All Roll Calls
Yes: 154 • No: 0
UtahS.B. 1472026 General SessionSenate
Office of Inspector General of Medicaid Services Amendments
Sponsored By: Luz Escamilla (Democratic)
Signed by Governor
Health InsuranceHealth and Human ServicesLegislative OperationsLegislative OrganizationDepartment of Government OperationsGovernment Operations (State Issues)MedicaidLegislative Staff Offices
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Medicaid watchdog employees gain reporting protections
The department’s director must create a process for employees to report concerns about the Medicaid watchdog’s performance or duties. Employees and the public can report concerns anonymously. The director must respond to employee concerns as soon as reasonably possible. At each advisory board meeting, the director must provide a written report of concerns and actions taken. The director and inspector general cannot retaliate against office employees who report concerns in good faith through this process.
Broader Medicaid audits retain records protections
Utah’s Medicaid watchdog must review program operations, identify ways to improve health outcomes and spending, and list high-risk audit areas. It can audit state and local entities managing Medicaid funds, plus people receiving those funds through government grants or contracts. It can access oversight records from state agencies, local health and mental health agencies, school districts, and providers. Provider audit records must stay within the audit’s scope as much as possible; privacy laws and the health-data-authority exclusion remain. The office can issue oversight rules under Utah’s rulemaking law, but cannot change Medicaid policy or program rules.
Utah Medicaid watchdog faces performance checks
Beginning May 6, 2026, Utah’s Medicaid watchdog becomes part of the Department of Government Operations. The inspector general must have extensive knowledge of performance, compliance, and financial audits. The department’s director must track recoveries, return on investment, reporting, communication with affected groups, and employee performance. Performance reports go to two legislative committees upon request and the advisory board at least annually and upon request. The law adds no funding and does not change Medicaid eligibility or benefit amounts.
Medicaid review board ends in 2029
Beginning May 6, 2026, the department’s director must create a Medicaid oversight advisory board with the inspector general. It reviews audits, operations, audit priorities, and employee concerns, and coordinates with the legislative auditor general. The board must meet publicly at least twice yearly; department rules set membership, terms, quorum, and voting requirements. Members must have relevant training, education, and experience; they receive no pay or benefits, but daily allowances and travel reimbursement are allowed. The board’s legal authority ends July 1, 2029.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Luz Escamilla
Democratic • Senate
Cosponsors
Norman K Thurston
Republican • House
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 3/6/2026
House/ substituted
Yes: 0 • No: 0
Senate vote • 3/6/2026
Senate/ concurs with House amendment
Yes: 28 • No: 0
House vote • 3/6/2026
House/ floor amendment
Yes: 0 • No: 0
House vote • 3/6/2026
House/ passed 3rd reading
Yes: 68 • No: 0
House vote • 2/19/2026
House Comm - Favorable Recommendation
Yes: 9 • No: 0
Senate vote • 2/17/2026
Senate/ substituted
Yes: 0 • No: 0
Senate vote • 2/17/2026
Senate/ passed 3rd reading
Yes: 24 • No: 0
Senate vote • 2/17/2026
Senate/ uncircled
Yes: 0 • No: 0
Senate vote • 1/23/2026
Senate/ circled
Yes: 0 • No: 0
Senate vote • 1/22/2026
Senate/ passed 2nd reading
Yes: 25 • No: 0
Senate vote • 1/22/2026
Senate/ substituted
Yes: 0 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Governor Signed
3/17/2026Senate/ to Governor
3/13/2026SenateSenate/ received enrolled bill from Printing
3/13/2026SenateSenate/ enrolled bill to Printing
3/12/2026SenateEnrolled Bill Returned to House or Senate
3/12/2026Draft of Enrolled Bill Prepared
3/10/2026Bill Received from Senate for Enrolling
3/10/2026Senate/ signed by President/ sent for enrolling
3/6/2026SenateSenate/ received from House
3/6/2026SenateHouse/ to Senate
3/6/2026HouseHouse/ signed by Speaker/ returned to Senate
3/6/2026HouseHouse/ received from Senate
3/6/2026HouseSenate/ to House
3/6/2026SenateSenate/ concurs with House amendment
3/6/2026SenateSenate/ placed on Concurrence Calendar
3/6/2026SenateSenate/ received from House
3/6/2026SenateHouse/ to Senate
3/6/2026HouseHouse/ passed 3rd reading
3/6/2026HouseHouse/ floor amendment
3/6/2026HouseHouse/ substituted
3/6/2026HouseHouse/ 3rd reading
3/6/2026HouseHouse/ Rules to 3rd Reading Calendar
3/5/2026HouseHouse/ 3rd Reading Calendar to Rules
2/20/2026HouseHouse/ 2nd reading
2/20/2026HouseHouse/ committee report favorable
2/20/2026House
Bill Text
Enrolled
3/12/2026
Amended 3/6/2026 11:03:209
3/6/2026
Substitute #3
3/3/2026
Substitute #2
2/13/2026
Substitute #1
1/21/2026
Introduced
1/16/2026