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Senate adopts substitute for compact to share putative‑father registry information
Summary
The Senate substituted and passed a bill to enable interstate sharing of putative‑father registry records, adding implementation timing and privacy safeguards and sending the measure to the House (21‑4).
Senator Luz Robles moved and the Senate approved a second substitute to Senate Bill 63, a measure to create an interstate compact for sharing putative‑father registry information. Robles said the substitute clarifies implementation procedures, sets a timeline for state systems integration and restates confidentiality protections for mothers.
"This will give us some guidance ... and it's just a better and stronger bill when it comes to the period of registry," Robles said, noting the substitute instructs officials to seek input from the Uniform Law Commission and Utah stakeholders and to report to the Health and Human Services Interim Committee before November 2014.
Senator Valentine signaled support during questioning. After brief debate the Senate adopted the substitute and, by roll call, gave final passage: 21 yay, 4 nay, 4 absent. The bill will be transmitted to the House for consideration.
The substitute focuses on administrative procedures for interstate data sharing and emphasizes privacy and confidentiality. Sponsors said the change builds on existing vital‑records exchanges (birth certificates) and inserts the father‑registry into those systems with safeguards. The measure also anticipates a companion resolution to raise awareness with the National Conference of State Legislatures and invite other states to join the compact.
The next step is the House’s consideration of the bill and any follow‑up reporting to the interim committee as specified in the substitute.
