Senate amends bill to give limited standing to former stepparents and court‑sanctioned caregivers

Senator Hilliard introduced Senate Bill 186 as a legislative response to a Utah Supreme Court decision that left standing for nonbiological parents unresolved. He moved Amendment 2 (dated Feb. 15), which adds former stepparents and persons with court‑sanctioned relationships (for instance, court‑appointed guardians) to the list of those who may have standing to seek visitation; Hilliard said the change also covers children placed by DCFS. "Number 1, it includes former stepparents... And finally, it also includes a child with a court sanctioned relationship," Hilliard said while explaining the amendment.

Debate acknowledged the measure is not broadly inclusive of all nontraditional families. Senator McCoy said the bill is "a half a loaf" for some households and urged further work to broaden protections, citing research on family diversity. Supporters emphasized the bill supplies a narrowly tailored remedy that lets a judge hear evidence from nonbiological caregivers who meet specified criteria, while preserving the presumption that biological parents act in the child's best interest.

Senator Hilliard framed the bill as creating standing, not conferring automatic visitation rights: "I'm not giving visitation rights. I'm giving a standing so that at least you can raise the issue before the court." Senators also discussed precise statutory numbering and technical drafting items; the sponsor said staff would correct numbering issues as needed. After floor debate the Senate adopted the amendment and voted to read the bill for third time; the Clerk announced a roll‑call tally of 22 yeas, 2 nays, 4 absent and ordered the bill for third reading.