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House defers youth-services licensure bill after concerns it could cover scouting and recreation programs
Summary
Lawmakers circled HB 119, a bill to license nonresidential youth-services programs, after floor debate raised worries the five statutory criteria could unintentionally encompass scouting and recreational groups; sponsors said scouting groups were intended to be excluded and asked for time to clarify language.
Representative Curti Oskarsen introduced HB 119 to define licensure standards for nonresidential youth-services programs following allegations and complaints about certain out-of-state and in-state treatment programs. Sponsors described the bill as creating a licensure category and standards for programs that charge fees, restrict access to parents, provide host homes or outdoor treatment and may serve adjudicated or non-adjudicated youth.
Several members expressed concern that the statutory test could be read broadly to include recreational organizations. Representative Valentine said, “You’ve just defined Boy Scout camp,” arguing the five criteria on page 4 risked sweeping in ordinary recreational or scouting programs. Sponsors and committee members replied that committee drafting expressly excluded Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts and that the bill targeted therapeutic programs that limit a youth’s ability to leave and that provide treatment services. Representative James spoke in support, citing past local incidents motivating the bill.
After extended floor exchanges seeking clarification, the House voted to 'circle' the bill for further dialogue and technical clarification rather than proceed to final passage. The motion to circle was adopted and the bill was set aside pending sponsor revisions.
