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Senate advances bill lowering age for added weight of child custody preference to 14 after heated floor debate
Summary
Senate passed on second reading SB 18, which would allow judges to give additional weight to the custody preferences of 14‑ and 15‑year‑olds; supporters said it grants judges discretion and can reduce costly custody evaluations, while opponents warned it could create false expectations and pressure on young teens. The roll call reported 21 yea, 5 nay, 3 absent.
Senate Bill 18, a measure that would allow judges to give added weight to the expressed custody preferences of 14‑ and 15‑year‑olds, was the subject of an extended floor debate before the Utah Senate advanced the measure for further consideration.
Sponsor Senator Robles said the proposal does not make a child's preference the controlling factor in custody proceedings but gives judges an additional tool to take a child’s wishes into account in chambers when appropriate. "This is just a way of letting them know that their voices are being heard," Robles said during floor remarks.
Opponents argued the bill risks creating unrealistic expectations that a 14‑year‑old can…
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