House passes HB 252 restricting certain medical treatments and housing placements for people in custody

The Utah House on February 3 passed 1st substitute HB 252, “state custody amendments,” sending the bill to the Senate by a vote of 60 yes to 14 no. Representative Lisenby, the bill sponsor, said the measure seeks to limit certain medical procedures and clarify housing and conduct rules for people in state and local custody.

The bill matters because it changes what medical care and housing decisions correctional facilities may provide or approve for people in custody, including juveniles. Supporters said the measure protects security and averts taxpayer-funded, irreversible medical procedures while people are detained; opponents warned the language could create safety issues and prompt litigation.

HB 252, as described on the House floor, does three principal things. First, it makes it unlawful for juvenile detention center staff to have sexual relations with a person in juvenile custody up to age…