House restores pre‑ and post‑placement home‑study requirement for private adoptions

Representative Grant D. Proxman introduced House Bill 342 to require pre‑placement and post‑placement home studies for private adoptions, bringing private placements in line with agency procedures. Proxman said the bill was drafted with input from adoption‑related organizations and framed the change as a child‑safety safeguard to prevent private placements from bypassing independent review.

Supporters included representatives and representatives of child‑welfare organizations in the gallery; Representative Maud Evans said the bill “provides some safety for children who were very much in jeopardy” and urged its passage. Representative Nelson and others noted endorsements from Utah Adoption Council, LDS Social Services, Children Aid Society of Utah and the Utah chapter of the National Committee for Prevention of Child Abuse.

Opponents raised cost and access concerns. Several members noted the cost for a home study varies widely; figures cited on the floor ranged from $200–$400 to higher amounts that some said had reached $700 or more in particular private engagements. A number of members urged caps on fees or exemptions for relative adoptions so that legitimate family placements would not be discouraged by extra expense. Representative Weipe, who said he often handles voluntary adoptions as an attorney, asked for explicit exemptions or other cost‑containment measures.

Proxman and supporters replied that the goal was to add an independent check before a court grants permanent custody and that most agencies already require these studies; they also said certified social workers statewide can perform the studies at reasonable cost. After extended questions and discussion, the House passed HB 342 with 59 votes in favor and 7 opposed; the bill will be sent to the Senate for consideration.