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Panel backs bill to create fund for private donations to senior nutrition programs

Utah Senate Health and Human Services Standing Committee · February 18, 2026

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Summary

Senate Bill 281 (first substitute) would create a restricted fund to accept private donations for senior‑nutrition services and requires the relevant division to develop a formula to distribute monies based on need and fundraising capacity; committee adopted the substitute and sent the bill to the floor unanimously.

Senator Stratton told the committee that first substitute SB281 is designed to tap private philanthropy to supplement senior‑nutrition services such as meals on wheels. The substitute establishes a fund to receive donations and instructs the responsible division to develop a formula for distribution "based on the area need and accounting for the cost of providing the service and capacity to fundraising," the sponsor said, referencing language in the substitute.

Committee members welcomed the concept as a way to broaden support for vulnerable seniors, noting rural counties’ differing fundraising capacities and the need for a distribution formula that lifts needs equitably. Senator Escamilla moved to favorably recommend the first substitute and the committee voted unanimously to send the bill to the Senate floor.

Action taken: First substitute adopted and the bill was favorably recommended to the Senate floor. Further work on appropriation language and distribution formula was noted as a next step.