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Senate backs bill to protect funding and donor accounts for Utah State Developmental Center
Summary
On Feb. 11, the Utah Senate passed first-substitute Senate Bill 17 to create two accounts designed to strengthen funding and preserve donor contributions for the Utah State Developmental Center; supporters stressed the center's services and a restricted account that cannot be appropriated by the legislature.
Senators passed first-substitute Senate Bill 17 on Feb. 11 after a floor presentation by sponsor Senator Dayton and extended remarks from caregivers and advocates who were in the gallery.
Dayton described SB17 as a measure to strengthen appropriations and create two specific funds: one to accept contributions (previously called a trust) and a restricted account to preserve donor funds and ensure they are used for the developmental center. Dayton said the bill is largely a fiscal and technical bill to protect funds and to maintain services at the center.
Multiple senators spoke in support. Senator Christiansen, chair of the social services subcommittee, said the center would use additional funds productively and that increased funding would be well-spent. Senator Davis and Senator Jones thanked advocates and recounted prior visits and hearings; they praised the volunteers and noted long-standing efforts to preserve the center’s land and funding.
Supporters emphasized two concrete points: that the restricted account is designed so donations placed there "cannot be appropriated" by the legislature and that many caregivers at the center are paid wages the sponsors described as inadequate (Dayton said caregivers are hired for under $11 an hour). Senators characterized the center as a specialized provider that offers services—including dental and respite care—not readily available in community settings.
After debate and explanation of the bill’s history and policy rationale, the Senate recorded a vote that left first-substitute SB17 with 25 yeas, 0 nays and 4 absent; the clerk ordered the bill to be read for a third time per procedure and sent on for further steps.
What this means: If enacted in its enrolled form, the bill will create statutory accounts intended to protect donor funds and help secure sustained resources for the Utah State Developmental Center. Sponsors said the changes are intended to stabilize services for residents whose needs are not met in typical community placements.
Next steps: The bill will follow the statutory process for enrollment and transmission between chambers; implementation details will be coordinated with the Department of Human Services.
