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House passes Children's Justice Center bill to centralize interviews of abused children
Summary
Senate Bill 44 establishes Children's Justice Centers to coordinate interviews and reduce trauma to abused children; sponsors said centers will create a homelike setting for testimony and were supported as a governor priority.
Representative Bradshaw presented Senate Bill 44 to the House as a governor priority aimed at reducing trauma to children who are victims of abuse. He described the bill’s goal: to establish Children's Justice Centers in Salt Lake, Utah and Weber counties where law enforcement, prosecutors, social services and others can meet with a child in a homelike setting and record testimony so the child need not repeatedly recount abuse. "This program will help those children begin their emotional healing," a floor sponsor said.
Members who served on related task forces and caucuses described examples from other states and urged support. Representative Julander, who participated on a task force, cited success in other jurisdictions. The House voted to pass SB 44 by a recorded 64‑0 vote and forwarded the bill to the Senate for enrollment.
