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Senate passes bill encouraging information for women with dense breast tissue
Summary
Senators approved SB32 (the Brent dense-breast tissue bill), which encourages healthcare providers to give certain information to women with dense breast tissue; the measure passed 22–5 after floor debate addressed whether statutory code is the proper vehicle.
The Senate passed SB32, titled the Brent Dense-Breast Tissue bill, which encourages health-care providers to give information to patients with certain types of dense breast tissue.
Senator Maine presented the bill and referenced committee input and amendments made after stakeholder review. Senator Madsen objected to placing what she described as a suggestion or encouragement in statutory code rather than using a resolution, saying she feared the code could expand with many non-binding suggestions and that the statute should be limited to mandates and legal powers. Madsen described personal family experience with breast cancer and concluded she would vote no despite supporting the underlying objective.
Senator Maine and other supporters argued the bill had been vetted and amended to address concerns, and that organizations including the Utah Medical Association supported the language as currently drafted. After summation, the Senate took a roll call on final passage. The clerk announced 22 yeas, 5 nays, and 2 were absent; the bill passed and will be forwarded to the House for their action.
Senators who objected emphasized process and statutory form; supporters emphasized public-health benefits and stakeholder support. The Senate record shows the measure will move to the House for further consideration.
