House Judiciary Committee approves bill letting FSSA contract adult-protective-services providers when prosecutors decline

The House Judiciary Committee voted to pass Senate Bill 182, an FSSA agency bill that updates contract language and gives the Family and Social Services Administration broader authority to arrange adult protective services when county prosecutors decline to renew those contracts.

Senator Kreider, the bill sponsor, told the committee that less than 2% of Adult Protective Services (APS) cases are referred for prosecution and that the bill will let FSSA contract with entities other than county prosecutors to ensure people who need protective services can get them. "Less than 2% of the APS cases are referred for prosecution," Senator Kreider said, arguing the change would give FSSA "more flexibility in contracting with individuals or entities that wish to provide these services."

Kayla Skinner, speaking for FSSA, told the committee that the agency supports the bill. "FSSA is here to support this bill this morning," Skinner said.

Committee members moved to pass the bill and, after a roll call, the measure passed with 12 affirmative votes. The committee record shows a formal motion to pass followed by a unanimous roll call in favor; the clerk announced, "Bill passes 12." The committee did not record a named mover or seconder in the transcript.

Because the bill is an FSSA agency bill, proponents said the changes clarify agency contracting mechanics and update antiquated terminology so information-sharing and referrals (for example, to mental health and addiction services) are handled in the appropriate statutory channels.

The committee advanced the bill to the next stage.

The committee heard no extended opposition testimony at the hearing.