House tightens relocation notice in custody-modification bill, sends bill to Senate

The Utah House amended and passed House Bill 448 on Feb. 29, tightening language in the state’s relocation statute to require a relocating custodial parent to provide 60 days' advance written notice to a noncustodial parent.

Sponsor Representative Hughes moved a floor amendment to remove the words "if possible" from the relocation-notice clause so the statute would read that the relocating parent "shall provide 60 days advance written notice." Hughes said the change removes ambiguity and better ensures that noncustodial parents are properly informed. "This is a good bill. It puts children first and make sure that children have every opportunity to have both parents in their lives," Hughes said on the House floor.

There was little floor opposition to the amendment; Representative Hughes waived additional summation. The House recorded final passage of HB 448 with 72 yes votes and 1 no vote. The bill will be transmitted to the Senate for its consideration.

What it means: The amendment makes the 60‑day notice requirement explicit rather than optional, and the statute retains provisions allowing contested moves to be resolved by a judicial hearing that weighs a child’s best interest. Supporters said the change clarifies legislative intent and improves notice protections for noncustodial parents.

Next steps: The bill, as amended, will be forwarded to the Utah Senate for further consideration and any committee review there.

Attribution: Quotations attributed to Representative Hughes during the Feb. 29 House session.