After debate, House narrowly approves notice requirement for residential treatment centers (HB 98)

The Utah House of Representatives voted 39-33 on Jan. 28 to approve House Bill 98, a bill that would require residential treatment centers to provide a contact card to neighbors within a 300-foot radius within 30 days of opening.

Representative Fitzsimmanu, sponsor of the bill, described HB 98 as a "plate of cookies, good neighbors bill," saying it asks treatment facilities to provide a phone number or email and a brief description of the facility so neighbors can reach the operator instead of calling law enforcement for routine matters. He said the policy is designed to reduce unnecessary police responses and improve neighborhood relations.

Opponents on the floor argued the notice requirement comes after municipal approvals, limiting residents’ ability to challenge a facility’s establishment and that requiring the practice is a government intrusion into business operations. Representative Tescher asked whether notice occurs before or after municipal approvals; the sponsor said the requirement is to provide notice within 30 days of opening and does not impede permitting or licensing. Representative Tusher warned that after-the-fact notices could increase community angst because residents would not have an earlier chance to seek remedies.

Supporters said many operators already provide neighborhood notices as a courtesy and that formalizing the practice would help neighbors and emergency responders. Representative Lisenby, Representative Peck and others spoke in favor of the measure as a small-step, community-oriented policy.

The bill drew substantive floor debate and a close vote; the House clerk announced HB 98 passed 39 yes votes and 33 no votes and will be sent to the Senate.