House approves pilot to open certain juvenile court hearings, with judicial safeguards

The Utah House voted to pass House Bill 222, a pilot program changing the presumption of openness for certain juvenile court hearings while giving judges discretion to close proceedings when a child's best interest or justice requires it. Representative Curtis, sponsor of the measure, said the pilot gives the Judicial Council authority to draft rules and report on the program after a year.

The bill prompted a sustained floor debate about balancing transparency and child privacy. Representative Curtis said the legislation aims to "open up access to the courts" so parties and their supporters can observe proceedings that are currently closed; he stressed that judges retain the authority to exclude individuals when necessary. Representative Lawrence countered that opening juvenile proceedings risks exposing victims and creating social stigma, saying, "once you open it and the assumption is that everyone can be there... they will never dare do so because then immediately people will cry foul." She urged caution and opposed the bill.

Other members said parents and community representatives have been unfairly excluded under the current closed system and that targeted openness with judicial discretion can protect children while increasing fairness for adults. After debate, the House passed the bill (55 yes, 18 no) and referred it to the Senate.