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House debates but does not conclude vote on Developmental Center amendments; members split on choice vs. community-based care
Summary
SB160, clarifying the Utah State Developmental Center as a placement option for some severely disabled individuals, drew divided views: proponents said it preserves choice, critics cited Olmstead concerns; no final vote recorded in the transcript excerpt.
Senate Bill 160, dealing with the Utah State Developmental Center in American Fork, prompted a floor debate about choice of placement for people with severe disabilities and fiscal implications.
Representative Dougal, the House sponsor, said SB160 simply preserves the developmental center as an option on the spectrum of care required by the state’s waiver and emphasized the facility’s capacity (230 funded beds) versus the current census (about 217), arguing the fiscal note shows no net impact given current funding. Dougal invited members to tour the center.
Representative Beck raised concerns that SB160 could move policy away from the Olmstead Act’s emphasis on the least restrictive setting; Beck said community-based supports are being frozen while facility capacity is discussed. Representative Lockhart and others argued the bill protects choice for families whose members need more intensive, facility-based care.
Sponsor Dougal reiterated that the bill preserves choice and that the facility is a valuable resource for a small number of individuals; the transcript excerpt ends with voting opened but does not include a final recorded vote in the provided segment.
