House committee advances bill expanding who can provide adult protective services contracts

Senate Bill 182, which would broaden the Family and Social Services Administration(FSSA)'s ability to contract for adult protective services when county prosecutors decline to renew those contracts, passed the House Judiciary Committee on a 12-0 vote.

The measure, presented by Senator Mark Kreider, would add "cleanup language" to a 2024 law that already gave FSSA authority to contract for adult protective services when local prosecutors opt out. "Less than 2% of the APS cases are referred for prosecution," Kreider told the committee, saying the change would give FSSA "more flexibility in contracting with individuals or entities that wish to provide these services."

The bill's sponsor said the update removes antiquated terminology and better aligns internal FSSA business processes so cases involving self-harm, substance use or addiction can be routed to mental-health and addiction services rather than treated under the same code section. Kayla Skinner of FSSA testified in support, saying the agency supports the bill.

Committee members asked few questions during the hearing; no public opposition was recorded in the transcript. After a motion to pass, the roll call showed unanimous support and the committee chair announced the bill passed 12-0.

The committee did not record additional amendments on the floor. The bill will move forward in the legislative process with the committee's recommendation.

Votes at a glance: Senate Bill 182 — committee vote to pass: 12 yes, 0 no.

For further steps: the committee record shows the bill as carried forward; the transcript contains no recorded instructions to staff or new reporting deadlines.