Senate committee makes "Infant at Work" pilot permanent option for agencies

The Senate Business and Labor Committee on Feb. 12 voted to favorably recommend First Substitute Senate Bill 258, which would make the state’s Infant at Work pilot program an optional, permanent program for executive‑branch agencies subject to rules and approval from the Division of Human Resource Management (DHRM).

Sponsor Senator Pitcher said the pilot — launched in 2023 after a 2020 enabling law and implemented more fully in 2023 — allowed employees to bring infants to certain workplaces for up to six months or until an infant became mobile, with safety guardrails and agency discretion. Heather Borsky, assistant deputy at the Department of Health and Human Services, told the committee that at least 35 families have participated and the department received overwhelmingly positive anecdotal feedback about workforce retention and parental bonding.

Committee members asked whether the program would be available across executive agencies and whether some offices (for example high‑security labs or clinical settings) would be excluded; the sponsor and department representatives said agencies could opt in or out and that DHRM approval and safety limits would apply. One committee member asked the sponsor to consider adding a sunset review; the sponsor said she would consider that for the floor.

Supporters at the hearing included the Utah Public Employees Association and Voices for Utah Children, who argued the program supports employee retention, early parent–child attachment, and workforce flexibility. The committee adopted the substitute and voted by roll call to advance the bill 5–2; two members opposed on record. The committee adjourned at the conclusion of the hearing.