House passes caregiver compensation bill to let parents receive stipends for in‑home care

The Utah House on March 1 approved Senate Bill 106, a measure to allow parents to receive modest compensation for providing in‑home care to children with complex and long‑term disabilities. The sponsor, Representative Daley Provo, said the program reduces state spending, improves health outcomes for children who would otherwise require institutional or contracted care, and helps families remain intact.

Representative Provo described the policy as a reallocation within the existing state plan (commonly referenced during debate as “Appendix K,” the emergency waiver mechanism used during the COVID‑19 pandemic) that allows funds already authorized for care to support parental providers when appropriate. Representatives who spoke in favor emphasized pandemic experience when families temporarily used family members for care and described improved continuity and outcomes when parents could provide stable care.

Supporters said the proposal is both cost‑effective and dignifying: parents who care for their children receive recognition and modest compensation instead of forcing families to hire external caregivers or place children in institutional settings. Opponents raised clarifying questions about scope: Representative Strong and others asked whether the program is limited to Medicaid beneficiaries or could apply more broadly. The sponsor confirmed SB 106 reallocates within the state plan waiver and reflected that the policy is meant to work within existing Medicaid authorities.

Floor debate highlighted personal testimony and constituent examples, noting cases in which agency caregivers turned over frequently and parents sought a stable alternative. Representative Daley Provo and others urged colleagues to approve the bill as a pragmatic, bipartisan response.

The House approved SB 106 by a voice/recorded tally of 69–3. The bill will be returned to the Senate for further consideration; the sponsor indicated staff and agencies will be responsible for implementing any procedural changes and for coordinating the waiver application process.