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House passes bill encouraging group-home operators to notify nearby residents
Summary
The House passed second-substitute HB 485, a measure that encourages residential care/residential treatment operators to provide a contact card to neighbors within a 300-foot radius and to state the facility's general nature; the bill passed 42-29.
The Utah House on Feb. 27 passed second-substitute House Bill 485, a measure that establishes a recommended notification practice for operators of regulated residential facilities (group homes, residential treatment and recovery homes). The bill asks operators to provide a contact card to neighbors within a 300-foot radius that lists a point of contact and the general nature of the facility.
Sponsor Representative Fitzsimonu described the measure as a "plate of cookies" policy intended to improve communication and reduce neighbors' reliance on emergency calls when questions or concerns arise. The sponsor said the bill does not change zoning, permitting, licensing or fair-housing protections; instead it requires that, within 30 days of opening a facility, an operator provide contact information to neighbors and encourage direct communications about concerns.
Floor debate addressed the 300-foot notification radius. Representative McPherson said that range was a common municipal notice standard after consulting with several cities; Representative Moy and others supported the change as a best practice. Opponents argued the issue should be left to municipalities and questioned whether the state should standardize the practice; the record showed a divisive floor vote. Representative Fitzsimonu said the provision was developed with operators, disability advocates and neighborhood groups.
The House adopted the second substitute and passed HB 485 by recorded vote: 42 yes, 29 no. The bill was transmitted to the Senate for consideration.
