HB0358 | Guardianship Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill amends provisions related to court appointed guardians for minors.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill adds situations for when a court may appoint a guardian for an un-emancipated minor; establishes preponderance of the evidence as the burden of proof for appointing a guardian for a minor; and makes technical changes.

Bill Details
Year: 
2021
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 17, 2021
Sponsor
Representative
Republican - District 49
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

This bill allows for courts to grant kinship caregivers to a minor (like a grandparent) without terminating parental rights of the parent. This would allow the minor basic necessities like medical needs and enrollment in school. The kinship law does not allow for this currently.

Commission: 
Family Life
Utah PTA Public Policy Program
National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions: 

That Utah PTA encourage the legislature to pass laws that will ensure that the best interests of the child be given primary emphasis in placement matters

Utah PTA Legislative Policy: 

High standards for those who work in all areas concerned with children and youth.

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities: 

Support legislation, funding, and community partnerships that provide programs and resources to strengthen families and children’s social and emotional learning and well-being including, but not limited to: positive behavior programs and classes including art, music, physical education, civic engagement, and character development; early childhood education, parenting skills, and juvenile justice reforms.