Judiciary interim committee

1. Committee Business

· Approval of the minutes of the May 21, 2025, meeting

2. Adoption Tourism in Utah

The committee will hear presentations regarding “adoption tourism” in Utah. Concerns have been raised that certain Utah laws and adoption agency practices may attract vulnerable birth mothers from out-of-state and make it difficult for birth fathers to be notified about adoption proceedings or give their consent.

· Jonathan Adams, Policy Analyst, Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel

· Tara Romney Barber, Adoption Programs Director, Children’s Service Society of Utah

· Shannon Thoman-Black, Director, Division of Licensing and Background Checks

· Jennifer Strohecker, Director, Utah Medicaid

· Committee discussion

· Public comment

3. Sunset Review of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Act

The committee will review Utah’s “Alternative Dispute Resolution Act,” which is scheduled to sunset on July 1, 2026. The law provides alternatives to traditional court trials, like arbitration and mediation, to promote the efficient resolution of civil cases.

· Jonathan Adams, Policy Analyst, OLRGC

· Michael Drechsel, Assistant State Court Administrator

· Nini Rich, Director of Alternative Dispute Resolution Programs

· Committee discussion

· Public comment

4. Other Items/Adjourn