Utah House passes CMV education and screening bill after lawmaker shares family case

Representative Keith Menlove told colleagues his granddaughter lost hearing because of congenital cytomegalovirus and urged passage of H.B. 81, a measure the House passed unanimously to expand education and testing related to CMV.

"Cytomegalovirus...attacks the baby's brain," Menlove said in a personal floor presentation, describing how his family’s experience revealed gaps in awareness among health professionals. He said the bill is intended to educate health-care providers, pregnant women and those who work with young children about simple prevention steps and to encourage testing when infants fail newborn hearing tests.

Menlove told the House that CMV tests cost “less than a hundred dollars,” are covered by medical insurance and Medicaid and are administered with a swab. After debate concluded, the clerk reported that second substitute H.B. 81 received 71 yea votes and 0 nay votes; it passed the House and will be transmitted to the Senate for consideration.

Supporters framed the measure as a public-health and early-detection effort. Menlove cited consultation with University of Utah researchers and said the state could be a leader in prevention and early identification of CMV-related disabilities. The bill asks health departments and practitioners to coordinate testing and education efforts so infants who fail hearing screens can be evaluated for CMV.

The House’s action sends H.B. 81 to the Senate; no amendments were recorded on the floor during the presentation and vote.

The clerk closed voting after members present cast their ballots; H.B. 81 was recorded as passed and transmitted to the Senate.