House approves juvenile-justice rulemaking amendments to address assaults in facilities

The Utah House on Jan. 27 approved Second Substitute House Bill 126, which authorizes Juvenile Justice Services and the Department of Corrections to adopt rules and protocols addressing sexual assault in juvenile facilities and to work with community-based organizations to support survivors.

Sponsor Representative Romero said the bill gives Juvenile Justice Services the authority for rulemaking and policy tied to sexual-assault response and requires coordination with community organizations and crisis centers to preserve survivors’ confidentiality. "Our juvenile justice services will provide rule making and policy in regards to sexual assault in our juvenile justice facilities and make sure that they have protocol in place ..., and they're working with our community-based organizations," Romero said.

An unidentified member on the floor asked which community organizations would be involved; Romero replied the bill allows institutions to work with community crisis centers and mirrors provisions from prior legislation tied to the Prison Rape Elimination Act, maintaining confidentiality for individuals who experience assault.

No amendments were adopted on the House floor. Representative Romero waived final summation and the House voted; the clerk reported the second substitute passed the House with 73 yeas and 8 nays. The bill will be transmitted to the Senate for further consideration.

The measure is framed as a procedural and protections-focused change rather than a funding or program-creation item; Romero said the change was requested by Juvenile Justice Services to align with prior corrections work and to ensure protocols and interagency coordination.

Next steps: HB126 is scheduled to move to the Utah Senate for consideration.