House passes HB125 requiring disclosure when convicted felons enter long‑term care facilities

The Utah House on the floor passed House Bill 125, ‘‘State Long Term Care for Inmates,’’ requiring administrators of long‑term care facilities to disclose when a convicted felon will be living at their facility. The bill, as amended on the floor to exempt hospitals, passed 70‑0 and was referred to the Senate for further consideration.

Sponsor Representative Viskupski said the bill grew out of “growing concern in our community,” and noted the Discharge Planning Office identified about 119 inmates who fall in the target group of aging inmates likely to be transferred to long‑term care. “House bill 125 is the start of addressing a serious safety issue in our communities,” the sponsor said, arguing disclosure would let consumers and staff prepare and coordinate care.

Representative Litvak moved the amendment requested by the Hospital Association to exempt hospitals and focus the notice obligation on nursing care facilities, saying hospitals should not be required to notify every short‑term patient about the presence of a convicted felon. The amendment’s sponsor said the change “exempts out hospitals and puts the focus on the nursing care facilities, which is the intent of the bill.” The amendment passed and the bill as amended remained focused on long‑term care facilities rather than acute‑care hospitals.

Lawmakers pressed sponsors about how Medicaid and placements would work. Representative Lockhart asked whether assisted living providers receive Medicaid payments; the sponsor and other members explained that the Department of Corrections is applying for Medicaid for detainees who need long‑term care and that, in practice, nursing homes and long‑term care facilities have been taking such individuals for several years. The sponsor said the interim will include study with facilities, corrections, ombudsmen and other stakeholders to clarify operations and any unintended consequences.

Supporters said many long‑term care facilities are operating around 60% capacity and are willing to accept these residents if facilities can plan and, where appropriate, create secured wings for higher‑risk individuals. Opponents raised concerns about implementation and privacy during the floor exchange, but no recorded no votes followed.

The House opened voting and, after the clerk closed the roll, House Bill 125 had received 70 yes votes, 0 no votes. The bill will move to the Senate for further consideration.