House approves requirement that local law enforcement be notified of out-of-state offenders placed in Utah communities (HB382)

Representative Pignanelli introduced House Bill 382 to require notification to local law enforcement when probationers or parolees — including individuals placed under interstate compact arrangements or by private rehabilitation companies — are placed in Utah communities.

The floor exchange explored whether the Utah Department of Corrections currently receives notice of such placements and whether the bill would create unequal treatment between in-state parolees and out-of-state transfers. Representative Pignanelli and others argued local police should know about placements near their jurisdictions; floor members noted some private companies accept custody of out-of-state offenders and local agencies may be unaware of their presence in a community.

Representative Valentine proposed an amendment deleting restrictive compact language; Representative Howard offered a substitute that inserted clarifying language to ensure notification would apply both to compact placements and to in-state placements, making the requirement comprehensive. The Howard substitute was adopted. Representative Pignanelli told the House the change reconciles concerns that corrections must receive notice under the interstate compact process. The bill passed on final reading with a recorded vote of 69 ayes and 0 nos and will be transmitted to the Senate.

Next steps: HB382 will go to the Senate; implementation will involve DOC procedures for notification to local law enforcement and may require administrative coordination and record-sharing under the interstate compact.