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House votes to make foster-care citizen review boards statewide, gives steering committee limited rulemaking authority
Summary
The House passed a second substitute to HB178 converting a pilot Foster Care Citizen Review Board into a statewide program, clarifying steering-committee duties and record-access rules; the bill passed 63–2.
Lawmakers voted to convert Utah's pilot Foster Care Citizen Review Board into a permanent, statewide program and grant limited rulemaking authority to its steering committee.
The second substitute to House Bill 178 establishes statewide citizen review panels (with a sunset review date in 04/2007), clarifies that foster-care review-board reports become part of the court file for dispositional hearings, expands steering-committee membership (including an attorney-general designee and regional representatives), and allows the committees to receive gifts, grants and donations subject to conditions. Sponsors said the change responds to federal statute and ongoing state litigation requiring periodic review hearings for children in state custody.
Sponsor and backers argued the pilot produced enhanced accountability for caseworkers and provided valuable community oversight. Members expressed concern about the fiscal note, and the sponsor acknowledged anticipated operating costs; supporters said volunteer participation offsets much expense. After debate and technical clarifications, the House passed the second substitute by voice and roll-call; the transcript records 63 yes votes and 2 no votes.
Next steps: HB178 will be transmitted to the Senate for consideration; sponsors emphasized training and regional representation for the steering committee and volunteer panels.
