Senate adopts first substitute for interstate fathers registry bill after clarifying Q&A

The Utah Senate voted to replace Senate Bill 10 with a first substitute and advanced the companion Senate Joint Resolution 1 aimed at creating an interstate compact to share fathers-registry information through state vital-records systems.

Senator Escamilla, sponsor of SJR1 and SB10, told the chamber the legislation is "basically the creation of a compact where we're asking other states to join the state of Utah and sharing information when it comes to the father's registry." He said the substitute includes a technical change requested by the Department of Health and corrects a mistaken implementation date.

Senator Jenkins asked for an example of the information to be shared; Escamilla replied that "through our vital records ... when that baby is born" the system records paternity-related information and the compact would make it easier for states to exchange that already-collected data so notifications and rights can be processed without additional delay.

Supporters said the registry is a tool for men who want to claim parental rights or ensure legal processes — such as paternity testing, support obligations, or adoption decisions — are applied accurately. Senator Madsen said the bill offers "an opportunity for a man who wants to be involved in the lives of the children they have fathered."

On final procedural action in this transcript excerpt, the Senate recorded the first substitute for SB10 as having received 26 yea votes, 0 nay votes and 3 absent; SJR1 recorded 26 yea, 1 nay, 2 absent. Sponsors said the substitute does not change policy intent but clarifies technical language for interagency implementation.

The bills will proceed to the next required reading and committee processes as required by Senate rules.