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Senate advances amended adoption-assistance bill after hourslong debate over limits, Medicaid access and advisory councils
Summary
Senate amendment package to the adoption-assistance program (first substitute SB97) clarifies that the Division may act 'based on annual legislative appropriations,' creates regional advisory councils, and rejects proposals to expand provider choice and convert discretionary authority to mandatory payment. The measure passed to third reading 24–2 with three absent.
The Utah Senate on Feb. 1 advanced a first-substitute measure revising the state’s adoption-assistance program after extended debate over how benefits should be allocated and whether parents should be permitted broader choice of Medicaid providers.
Sponsor Senator Hilliard said the amendments set clear guidelines and tie spending to legislative appropriations, noting the governor recommended a $1.7 million supplemental and $2.3 million ongoing allocation. “They looked over the costs… and drafted standards that they think will spread this money over the amount of time and the needs that are there,” Hilliard said.
The bill adds regional advisory councils made up of adoptive experts, adoptive parents, division representatives, foster…
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