<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-16"?>
<leg xml:space="preserve" billnum="SB0124" sponsor="Luz Escamilla" designation="SB" otherSponsor="" otherHouse="House" sess="2026GS" fileno="2026FL0293" date="1/12/2026 15:01:670" printDate="01-12 15:30" subVer="0" minVer="0" office="LEGISLATIVE GENERAL COUNSEL" actionDate="" impact="code"><info><nextbuid>5</nextbuid><aminfo anum="0" effdate="05/06/2026"><seclist><sect action="A" src="code" buid="1" uid="C78A-6-S102_2025050720250507" fromuid="C78A-6-S102_2022050420220901" sort="78A06 01020020250507" mtype="section" effdate="05/06/2026">78A-6-102</sect><sect action="A" src="code" buid="3" uid="C80-2a-S202_2026050620260506" fromuid="C80-2a-S202_2025050720250507" sort="80 02a02020020260506" mtype="section" effdate="05/06/2026">80-2a-202</sect><sect src="uncod" untype="effdate" buid="4" uid="EF0000" sort="UZEFF" mtype="uncod" effdate="05/06/2026"/></seclist></aminfo></info><tbox><sinfo><nextpairid>0</nextpairid></sinfo><st numlevel="1" lineno="1" slineno="0-1">Child Welfare Modifications</st><sessionhead>2026 GENERAL SESSION</sessionhead><statehead>STATE OF UTAH</statehead><sponsorhead>Chief Sponsor: Luz Escamilla</sponsorhead><otherSponsorhead>House Sponsor: </otherSponsorhead></tbox><lt numlevel="1" lineno="2" slineno="0-2"><lthead lineno="3">LONG TITLE</lthead><gdhead lineno="4">General Description:</gdhead><gd numlevel="1" lineno="5" slineno="0-5">This bill addresses search warrants and investigative warrants relating to child welfare.</gd><hphead lineno="6">Highlighted Provisions:</hphead><hp numlevel="1" lineno="7" slineno="0-7">This bill:<hl numlevel="1" lineno="8" slineno="0-8" level="1">amends provisions regarding the issuance of warrants by a juvenile court;</hl><hl numlevel="1" lineno="9" slineno="0-9" level="1">authorizes a juvenile court to issue an investigative warrant related to the health, safety, or <ln numlevel="1" lineno="10" slineno="0-10"/>welfare of a child;</hl><hl numlevel="1" lineno="11" slineno="0-11" level="1">states that a peace officer or child welfare caseworker who is executing a search warrant <ln numlevel="1" lineno="12" slineno="0-12"/>or an investigative warrant may request assistance in executing the warrant; and</hl><hl numlevel="1" lineno="13" slineno="0-13" level="1">makes technical and conforming changes.</hl></hp><moni numlevel="1" lineno="14" slineno="0-14" display="none">Money Appropriated in this Bill:</moni><moniNone lineno="15">None</moniNone><oc numlevel="1" lineno="16" slineno="0-16">Other Special Clauses:</oc><ocNone lineno="17">None</ocNone><sa numlevel="1" lineno="18" slineno="0-18">Utah Code Sections Affected:<saamd numlevel="1" lineno="19" slineno="0-19"><snhead>AMENDS:</snhead><sn num="78A-6-102" src="code" uid="C78A-6-S102_2025050720250507" buid="1" sort="78A06 01020020250507" numlevel="1" lineno="20" slineno="0-20"><bold>78A-6-102</bold>, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2022, Chapter 335</sn><sn num="80-2a-202" src="code" uid="C80-2a-S202_2026050620260506" buid="3" sort="80 02a02020020260506" numlevel="1" lineno="21" slineno="0-21"><bold>80-2a-202</bold>, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2025, Chapter 48</sn></saamd></sa></lt><enacthead lineno="22"/><enact numlevel="1" lineno="23" slineno="0-23">Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:</enact><bdy><bsec buid="1" num="78A-6-102" type="amend" src="code" uid="C78A-6-S102_2025050720250507" sort="78A06 01020020250507" numlevel="1" lineno="24" slineno="1-1" sn="1"><section number="78A-6-102" numlevel="1" lineno="25" slineno="1-2" type="amend"><secline lineno="24">Section 1. Section <bold>78A-6-102</bold> is amended to read:</secline><catline lineno="25"><bold>78A-6-102<parens/>. Establishment of juvenile court -- Organization and status of court -- <ln numlevel="1" lineno="26" slineno="1-3"/>Purpose.</bold></catline><subsection ssid="1-null-20" dnum="1-o" numlevel="1" lineno="27" slineno="1-4" level="1" placement="noreturn"><display>(1)</display>There is established a juvenile court for the state.</subsection><subsection ssid="1-null-21" dnum="2-o" numlevel="1" lineno="28" slineno="1-5" level="1" space="false"><display>(2)</display><subsection ssid="1-null-22" dnum="a-o" level="2" placement="sameline"><display>(a)</display>The juvenile court is a court of record.</subsection><subsection ssid="1-null-23" dnum="b-o" numlevel="1" lineno="29" slineno="1-6" level="2"><display>(b)</display>The juvenile court shall have a seal.</subsection><subsection ssid="1-null-24" dnum="c-o" numlevel="1" lineno="30" slineno="1-7" level="2"><display>(c)</display>The juvenile court's judges, clerks, and referees have the power to administer oaths <ln numlevel="1" lineno="31" slineno="1-8"/>and affirmations.</subsection><subsection ssid="1-null-25" dnum="d-o" numlevel="1" lineno="32" slineno="1-9" level="2"><display>(d)</display>The juvenile court has the authority to issue <amendoutstart style="2"/><amend anum="0" ea="erase" pairid="29" groupid="26" style="2" owner="jchristopherson" level="1" deltag="both">search </amend><amendoutend style="2"/>warrants, subpoenas, or <ln numlevel="1" lineno="33" slineno="1-10"/>investigative subpoenas<amend anum="0" ea="amend" pairid="15" groupid="13" style="1" owner="jchristopherson" level="1" amendtag="both"> under:</amend> <subsection ssid="1-null-26" dnum="_-o:i-i" numlevel="1" lineno="34" slineno="1-11" ea="amend" anum="0" owner="jchristopherson" style="1" level="3"><display><amend anum="0" ea="amend" pairid="1006" style="1" owner="i" level="1" amendtag="both">(i)</amend></display><amendoutstart style="2"/><amend anum="0" ea="erase" pairid="23" groupid="20" style="2" owner="jchristopherson" level="1" deltag="both">under Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="80-2a-202" start="0">80-2a-202</xref>, </amend><amendoutend style="2"/><xref depth="2" refnumber="78A-6-4a" start="2">Part 4a, Adult Criminal Proceedings</xref>, <xref depth="1" refnumber="80-3" start="0">Title 80, Chapter <ln numlevel="1" lineno="35" slineno="1-12"/>3, Abuse, Neglect, and Dependency Proceedings</xref>, <xref depth="1" refnumber="80-4" start="0">Title 80, Chapter 4, Termination <ln numlevel="1" lineno="36" slineno="1-13"/>and Restoration of Parental Rights</xref>, and <xref depth="1" refnumber="80-6" start="0">Title 80, Chapter 6, Juvenile Justice</xref>, for <ln numlevel="1" lineno="37" slineno="1-14"/>the same purposes and in the same manner as described in <xref depth="0" refnumber="77" start="0">Title 77, Utah Code of <ln numlevel="1" lineno="38" slineno="1-15"/>Criminal Procedure</xref>, and the Utah Rules of Criminal Procedure, for the issuance of <ln numlevel="1" lineno="39" slineno="1-16"/>search warrants, subpoenas, or investigative subpoenas in other trial courts in the <ln numlevel="1" lineno="40" slineno="1-17"/>state<amendoutstart style="2"/><amend anum="0" ea="erase" pairid="26" groupid="23" style="2" owner="jchristopherson" level="1" deltag="both">.</amend><amendoutend style="2"/><amend anum="0" ea="amend" pairid="28" groupid="25" style="1" owner="jchristopherson" level="1" amendtag="both" space="true">; and</amend></subsection><subsection ssid="1-null-27" dnum="_-o:ii-i" numlevel="1" lineno="41" slineno="1-18" ea="amend" anum="0" owner="jchristopherson" style="1" level="3"><display><amend anum="0" ea="amend" pairid="1007" style="1" owner="i" level="1" amendtag="start">(ii)</amend></display><amend anum="0" ea="amend" pairid="4" groupid="3" style="1" owner="jchristopherson" level="1" amendtag="end">Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="80-2a-202">80-2a-202</xref>.</amend></subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection ssid="1-null-28" dnum="3-o" numlevel="1" lineno="42" slineno="1-19" level="1"><display>(3)</display>The juvenile court is of equal status with the district courts of the state.</subsection><subsection ssid="1-null-29" dnum="4-o" numlevel="1" lineno="43" slineno="1-20" level="1"><display>(4)</display>The juvenile court is established as a forum for the resolution of all matters properly <ln numlevel="1" lineno="44" slineno="1-21"/>brought before the juvenile court, consistent with applicable constitutional and statutory <ln numlevel="1" lineno="45" slineno="1-22"/>requirements of due process.</subsection><subsection ssid="1-null-30" dnum="5-o" numlevel="1" lineno="46" slineno="1-23" level="1"><display>(5)</display>The purpose of the court under this chapter is to:<subsection ssid="1-null-31" dnum="a-o" numlevel="1" lineno="47" slineno="1-24" level="2"><display>(a)</display>promote public safety and individual accountability by the imposition of appropriate <ln numlevel="1" lineno="48" slineno="1-25"/>sanctions on persons who have committed acts in violation of law;</subsection><subsection ssid="1-null-32" dnum="b-o" numlevel="1" lineno="49" slineno="1-26" level="2"><display>(b)</display>order appropriate measures to promote guidance and control, preferably in the <ln numlevel="1" lineno="50" slineno="1-27"/>minor's own home, as an aid in the prevention of future unlawful conduct and the <ln numlevel="1" lineno="51" slineno="1-28"/>development of responsible citizenship;</subsection><subsection ssid="1-null-33" dnum="c-o" numlevel="1" lineno="52" slineno="1-29" level="2"><display>(c)</display>where appropriate, order rehabilitation, reeducation, and treatment for persons who <ln numlevel="1" lineno="53" slineno="1-30"/>have committed acts bringing them within the court's jurisdiction;</subsection><subsection ssid="1-null-34" dnum="d-o" numlevel="1" lineno="54" slineno="1-31" level="2"><display>(d)</display>adjudicate matters that relate to minors who are beyond parental or adult control and <ln numlevel="1" lineno="55" slineno="1-32"/>to establish appropriate authority over these minors by means of placement and <ln numlevel="1" lineno="56" slineno="1-33"/>control orders;</subsection><subsection ssid="1-null-35" dnum="e-o" numlevel="1" lineno="57" slineno="1-34" level="2"><display>(e)</display>adjudicate matters that relate to abused, neglected, and dependent children and to <ln numlevel="1" lineno="58" slineno="1-35"/>provide care and protection for minors by placement, protection, and custody orders;</subsection><subsection ssid="1-null-36" dnum="f-o" numlevel="1" lineno="59" slineno="1-36" level="2"><display>(f)</display>remove a minor from parental custody only where the minor's safety or welfare, or <ln numlevel="1" lineno="60" slineno="1-37"/>the public safety, may not otherwise be adequately safeguarded; and</subsection><subsection ssid="1-null-37" dnum="g-o" numlevel="1" lineno="61" slineno="1-38" level="2"><display>(g)</display>consistent with the ends of justice, act in the best interests of the minor in all cases <ln numlevel="1" lineno="62" slineno="1-39"/>and preserve and strengthen family ties.</subsection></subsection></section></bsec><bsec buid="3" num="80-2a-202" type="amend" src="code" uid="C80-2a-S202_2026050620260506" sort="80 02a02020020260506" numlevel="1" lineno="63" slineno="2-1" sn="2"><section number="80-2a-202" numlevel="1" lineno="64" slineno="2-2" type="amend"><secline lineno="63">Section 2. Section <bold>80-2a-202</bold> is amended to read:</secline><catline lineno="64"><bold>80-2a-202<parens/>. Removal of a child by a peace officer or child welfare caseworker -- <ln numlevel="1" lineno="65" slineno="2-3"/>Search warrants and investigative warrants -- Protective custody and temporary care of <ln numlevel="1" lineno="66" slineno="2-4"/>a child.</bold></catline><subsection ssid="3-null-1" dnum="1-o" numlevel="1" lineno="67" slineno="2-5" level="1" placement="noreturn"><display>(1)</display>A peace officer or child welfare caseworker may remove a child or take a child into <ln numlevel="1" lineno="68" slineno="2-6"/>protective custody, temporary custody, or custody in accordance with this section.</subsection><subsection ssid="3-null-2" dnum="2-o" numlevel="1" lineno="69" slineno="2-7" level="1" space="false"><display>(2)</display><subsection ssid="3-null-3" dnum="a-o" level="2" placement="sameline"><display>(a)</display>Except as provided in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="80-2a-202(2)(b)">(2)(b)</xref>, a peace officer or a child welfare <ln numlevel="1" lineno="70" slineno="2-8"/>caseworker may not enter the home of a child whose case is not under the jurisdiction <ln numlevel="1" lineno="71" slineno="2-9"/>of the juvenile court, remove a child from the child's home or school, or take a child <ln numlevel="1" lineno="72" slineno="2-10"/>into protective custody unless:<subsection ssid="3-null-4" dnum="i-o" numlevel="1" lineno="73" slineno="2-11" level="3" tab="1"><display>(i)</display>there exist exigent circumstances sufficient to relieve the peace officer or the child <ln numlevel="1" lineno="74" slineno="2-12"/>welfare caseworker of the requirement to obtain a<amendoutstart style="2"/><amend anum="0" ea="erase" pairid="7" groupid="6" style="2" owner="jchristopherson" level="1" deltag="both"> search</amend><amendoutend style="2"/> warrant under <ln numlevel="1" lineno="75" slineno="2-13"/>Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="80-2a-202(3)">(3)</xref>;</subsection><subsection ssid="3-null-5" dnum="ii-o" numlevel="1" lineno="76" slineno="2-14" level="3" tab="1"><display>(ii)</display>the peace officer or child welfare caseworker obtains a<amendoutstart style="2"/><amend anum="0" ea="erase" pairid="9" groupid="8" style="2" owner="jchristopherson" level="1" deltag="both"> search</amend><amendoutend style="2"/> warrant under <ln numlevel="1" lineno="77" slineno="2-15"/>Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="80-2a-202(3)">(3)</xref>;</subsection><subsection ssid="3-null-6" dnum="iii-o" numlevel="1" lineno="78" slineno="2-16" level="3" tab="1"><display>(iii)</display>the peace officer or child welfare caseworker obtains a court order after the <ln numlevel="1" lineno="79" slineno="2-17"/>child's parent or guardian is given notice and an opportunity to be heard; or</subsection><subsection ssid="3-null-7" dnum="iv-o" numlevel="1" lineno="80" slineno="2-18" level="3" tab="1"><display>(iv)</display>the peace officer or child welfare caseworker obtains the consent of the child's <ln numlevel="1" lineno="81" slineno="2-19"/>parent or guardian.</subsection></subsection><subsection ssid="3-null-8" dnum="b-o" numlevel="1" lineno="82" slineno="2-20" level="2"><display>(b)</display>A peace officer or a child welfare caseworker may not take action under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="80-2a-202(2)(a)"><ln numlevel="1" lineno="83" slineno="2-21"/>(2)(a)</xref> solely on the basis of:<subsection ssid="3-null-9" dnum="i-o" numlevel="1" lineno="84" slineno="2-22" level="3"><display>(i)</display>educational neglect, truancy, or failure to comply with a court order to attend <ln numlevel="1" lineno="85" slineno="2-23"/>school; </subsection><subsection ssid="3-null-10" dnum="ii-o" numlevel="1" lineno="86" slineno="2-24" level="3"><display>(ii)</display>the possession or use, in accordance with Title 26B, Chapter 4, Part 2, <ln numlevel="1" lineno="87" slineno="2-25"/>Cannabinoid Research and Medical Cannabis, of cannabis in a medicinal dosage <ln numlevel="1" lineno="88" slineno="2-26"/>form, a cannabis product in a medicinal dosage form, or a medical cannabis <ln numlevel="1" lineno="89" slineno="2-27"/>device, as those terms are defined in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="26B-4-201">26B-4-201</xref>; or</subsection><subsection ssid="3-null-11" dnum="iii-o" numlevel="1" lineno="90" slineno="2-28" level="3"><display>(iii)</display>subject to Subsection <xref refnumber="80-2a-202(2)(c)" depth="4">(2)(c)</xref>, a parent's agreement or disagreement with a minor <ln numlevel="1" lineno="91" slineno="2-29"/>child of the couple's:<subsection ssid="3-null-12" dnum="A-o" numlevel="1" lineno="92" slineno="2-30" level="4"><display>(A)</display>assertion that the child's gender identity is different from the child's biological <ln numlevel="1" lineno="93" slineno="2-31"/>sex;</subsection><subsection ssid="3-null-13" dnum="B-o" numlevel="1" lineno="94" slineno="2-32" level="4"><display>(B)</display>practice of having or expressing a different gender identity than the child's <ln numlevel="1" lineno="95" slineno="2-33"/>biological sex; or</subsection><subsection ssid="3-null-14" dnum="C-o" numlevel="1" lineno="96" slineno="2-34" level="4"><display>(C)</display>sexual orientation.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection ssid="3-null-15" dnum="c-o" numlevel="1" lineno="97" slineno="2-35" level="2"><display>(c)</display>Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="80-2a-202(2)(b)(iii)">(2)(b)(iii)</xref> does not preclude a peace officer or a child welfare caseworker <ln numlevel="1" lineno="98" slineno="2-36"/>from taking action under Subsection <xref refnumber="80-2a-202(2)(a)" depth="4">(2)(a)</xref> if the parent's agreement or disagreement <ln numlevel="1" lineno="99" slineno="2-37"/>with a minor child as described in Subsection <xref tempid="340" depth="4" refnumber="80-2a-202(2)(b)(iii)">(2)(b)(iii)</xref> results in or is related to <ln numlevel="1" lineno="100" slineno="2-38"/>harm, as that term is defined in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="80-1-102">80-1-102</xref>, to the minor child.</subsection></subsection><subsection ssid="3-null-16" dnum="3-o" numlevel="1" lineno="101" slineno="2-39" level="1" space="false"><display>(3)</display><subsection ssid="3-null-17" dnum="a-o" level="2" placement="sameline"><display>(a)</display>The juvenile court may issue a warrant authorizing a peace officer or a child <ln numlevel="1" lineno="102" slineno="2-40"/>welfare caseworker to search for a child and take the child into protective custody if <ln numlevel="1" lineno="103" slineno="2-41"/>it appears to the juvenile court upon a verified petition, recorded sworn testimony<amend anum="0" ea="amend" pairid="6" groupid="5" style="1" owner="jchristopherson" level="1" amendtag="both">,</amend> or <ln numlevel="1" lineno="104" slineno="2-42"/>an affidavit sworn to by a peace officer or another individual, and upon the <ln numlevel="1" lineno="105" slineno="2-43"/>examination of other witnesses if required by the juvenile court, that there is probable <ln numlevel="1" lineno="106" slineno="2-44"/>cause to believe that:<subsection ssid="3-null-18" dnum="i-o" numlevel="1" lineno="107" slineno="2-45" level="3" tab="1"><display>(i)</display>there is a threat of substantial harm to the child's health or safety;</subsection><subsection ssid="3-null-19" dnum="ii-o" numlevel="1" lineno="108" slineno="2-46" level="3" tab="1"><display>(ii)</display>it is necessary to take the child into protective custody to avoid the harm <ln numlevel="1" lineno="109" slineno="2-47"/>described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="80-2a-202(3)(a)(i)">(3)(a)(i)</xref>; and</subsection><subsection ssid="3-null-20" dnum="iii-o" numlevel="1" lineno="110" slineno="2-48" level="3" tab="1"><display>(iii)</display>it is likely that the child will suffer substantial harm if the child's parent or <ln numlevel="1" lineno="111" slineno="2-49"/>guardian is given notice and an opportunity to be heard before the child is taken <ln numlevel="1" lineno="112" slineno="2-50"/>into protective custody.</subsection></subsection><subsection ssid="3-48" dnum="_-o:b-i" numlevel="1" lineno="113" slineno="2-51" ea="amend" anum="0" owner="jchristopherson" style="1" level="2"><display><amend anum="0" ea="amend" pairid="1038" style="1" owner="i" level="1" amendtag="start">(b)</amend></display><amend anum="0" ea="amend" pairid="16" groupid="14" style="1" owner="jchristopherson" level="1" amendtag="end">The juvenile court may issue an investigative warrant authorizing a peace officer or a <ln numlevel="1" lineno="114" slineno="2-52"/>child welfare caseworker to view a child, view a child's home environment, examine <ln numlevel="1" lineno="115" slineno="2-53"/>a child for signs of abuse or neglect, or interview a child regarding the child's health, <ln numlevel="1" lineno="116" slineno="2-54"/>safety, or welfare, if it appears to the juvenile court upon a verified petition, recorded <ln numlevel="1" lineno="117" slineno="2-55"/>sworn testimony, or an affidavit sworn to by a peace officer or child welfare <ln numlevel="1" lineno="118" slineno="2-56"/>caseworker, and upon the examination of other witnesses if required by the juvenile <ln numlevel="1" lineno="119" slineno="2-57"/>court, that there is probable cause to believe that:</amend><subsection ssid="3-49" dnum="_-o:i-i" numlevel="1" lineno="120" slineno="2-58" ea="amend" anum="0" owner="jchristopherson" style="1" level="3"><display><amend anum="0" ea="amend" pairid="1039" style="1" owner="i" level="1" amendtag="start">(i)</amend></display><amend anum="0" ea="amend" pairid="15" groupid="13" style="1" owner="jchristopherson" level="1" amendtag="end">there is a credible threat to the child's health, safety, or welfare;</amend></subsection><subsection ssid="3-50" dnum="_-o:ii-i" numlevel="1" lineno="121" slineno="2-59" ea="amend" anum="0" owner="jchristopherson" style="1" level="3"><display><amend anum="0" ea="amend" pairid="1040" style="1" owner="i" level="1" amendtag="start">(ii)</amend></display><amend anum="0" ea="amend" pairid="21" groupid="18" style="1" owner="jchristopherson" level="1" amendtag="end">it is necessary to view, examine, or interview the child to ensure the child's <ln numlevel="1" lineno="122" slineno="2-60"/>health, safety, or welfare; and</amend></subsection><subsection ssid="3-51" dnum="_-o:iii-i" numlevel="1" lineno="123" slineno="2-61" ea="amend" anum="0" owner="jchristopherson" style="1" level="3"><display><amend anum="0" ea="amend" pairid="1041" style="1" owner="i" level="1" amendtag="start">(iii)</amend></display><amend anum="0" ea="amend" pairid="26" groupid="22" style="1" owner="jchristopherson" level="1" amendtag="end">the peace officer or child welfare caseworker has made diligent efforts to ensure <ln numlevel="1" lineno="124" slineno="2-62"/>the child's health, safety, or welfare by other legal means but has been unable or <ln numlevel="1" lineno="125" slineno="2-63"/>not permitted to view, examine, or interview the child to ensure the child's health, <ln numlevel="1" lineno="126" slineno="2-64"/>safety, or welfare.</amend></subsection></subsection><subsection ssid="3-null-21" dnum="b-o:c-i" numlevel="1" lineno="127" slineno="2-65" level="2"><display><amendoutstart style="2"/><amend anum="0" ea="erase" pairid="1042" style="2" owner="o" level="1" deltag="both">(b)</amend><amendoutend style="2"/><amend anum="0" ea="amend" pairid="1043" style="1" owner="i" level="1" amendtag="both" space="true">(c)</amend></display>In accordance with Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="77-23-210">77-23-210</xref>, a peace officer <amendoutstart style="2"/><amend anum="0" ea="erase" pairid="35" groupid="30" style="2" owner="jchristopherson" level="1" deltag="both">making the search under <ln numlevel="1" lineno="128" slineno="2-66"/>Subsection (3)(a)</amend><amendoutend style="2"/><amend anum="0" ea="amend" pairid="33" groupid="28" style="1" owner="jchristopherson" level="1" amendtag="both" space="true">executing a warrant under Subsection <xref refnumber="3-null-17">(3)(a)</xref> or (3)(b)</amend> may enter a <ln numlevel="1" lineno="129" slineno="2-67"/>house or premises by force, if necessary, in order to <amendoutstart style="2"/><amend anum="0" ea="erase" pairid="37" groupid="32" style="2" owner="jchristopherson" level="1" deltag="both">remove the child</amend><amendoutend style="2"/><amend anum="0" ea="amend" pairid="34" groupid="29" style="1" owner="jchristopherson" level="1" amendtag="both" space="true">execute the <ln numlevel="1" lineno="130" slineno="2-68"/>warrant</amend>.</subsection><subsection ssid="3-52" dnum="_-o:d-i" numlevel="1" lineno="131" slineno="2-69" ea="amend" anum="0" owner="jchristopherson" style="1" level="2"><display><amend anum="0" ea="amend" pairid="1043" style="1" owner="i" level="1" amendtag="start">(d)</amend></display><amend anum="0" ea="amend" pairid="32" groupid="27" style="1" owner="jchristopherson" level="1" amendtag="end">A peace officer or a child welfare caseworker who is executing a warrant under <ln numlevel="1" lineno="132" slineno="2-70"/>Subsection <xref refnumber="3-null-17">(3)(a)</xref> or (3)(b) may request other persons to assist in executing the <ln numlevel="1" lineno="133" slineno="2-71"/>warrant.</amend></subsection></subsection><subsection ssid="3-null-22" dnum="4-o" numlevel="1" lineno="134" slineno="2-72" level="1" space="false"><display>(4)</display><subsection ssid="3-null-23" dnum="a-o" level="2" placement="sameline"><display>(a)</display>A child welfare caseworker may take action under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="80-2a-202(2)">(2)</xref> accompanied by <ln numlevel="1" lineno="135" slineno="2-73"/>a peace officer or without a peace officer if a peace officer is not reasonably available.</subsection><subsection ssid="3-null-24" dnum="b-o" numlevel="1" lineno="136" slineno="2-74" level="2" space="false"><display>(b)</display><subsection ssid="3-null-25" dnum="i-o" level="3" placement="sameline"><display>(i)</display>Before taking a child into protective custody, and if possible and consistent <ln numlevel="1" lineno="137" slineno="2-75"/>with the child's safety and welfare, a child welfare caseworker shall determine <ln numlevel="1" lineno="138" slineno="2-76"/>whether there are services available that, if provided to a parent or guardian of the <ln numlevel="1" lineno="139" slineno="2-77"/>child, would eliminate the need to remove the child from the custody of the child's <ln numlevel="1" lineno="140" slineno="2-78"/>parent or guardian.</subsection><subsection ssid="3-null-26" dnum="ii-o" numlevel="1" lineno="141" slineno="2-79" level="3"><display>(ii)</display>In determining whether the services described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="80-2a-202(4)(b)(i)">(4)(b)(i)</xref> are <ln numlevel="1" lineno="142" slineno="2-80"/>reasonably available, the child welfare caseworker shall consider the child's <ln numlevel="1" lineno="143" slineno="2-81"/>health, safety, and welfare as the paramount concern.</subsection><subsection ssid="3-null-27" dnum="iii-o" numlevel="1" lineno="144" slineno="2-82" level="3"><display>(iii)</display>If the child welfare caseworker determines the services described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="80-2a-202(4)(b)(i)"><ln numlevel="1" lineno="145" slineno="2-83"/>(4)(b)(i)</xref> are reasonably available, the services shall be utilized.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection ssid="3-null-28" dnum="5-o" numlevel="1" lineno="146" slineno="2-84" level="1" space="false"><display>(5)</display><subsection ssid="3-null-29" dnum="a-o" level="2" placement="sameline"><display>(a)</display>If a peace officer or a child welfare caseworker takes a child into protective <ln numlevel="1" lineno="147" slineno="2-85"/>custody under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="80-2a-202(2)">(2)</xref>, the peace officer or child welfare caseworker shall:<subsection ssid="3-null-30" dnum="i-o" numlevel="1" lineno="148" slineno="2-86" level="3" tab="1"><display>(i)</display>notify the child's parent or guardian in accordance with Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="80-2a-203">80-2a-203</xref>; and</subsection><subsection ssid="3-null-31" dnum="ii-o" numlevel="1" lineno="149" slineno="2-87" level="3" tab="1"><display>(ii)</display>release the child to the care of the child's parent or guardian or another <ln numlevel="1" lineno="150" slineno="2-88"/>responsible adult, unless:<subsection ssid="3-null-32" dnum="A-o" numlevel="1" lineno="151" slineno="2-89" level="4"><display>(A)</display>the child's immediate welfare requires the child remain in protective custody; <ln numlevel="1" lineno="152" slineno="2-90"/>or</subsection><subsection ssid="3-null-33" dnum="B-o" numlevel="1" lineno="153" slineno="2-91" level="4"><display>(B)</display>the protection of the community requires the child's detention in accordance <ln numlevel="1" lineno="154" slineno="2-92"/>with Chapter 6, Part 2, Custody and Detention.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection ssid="3-null-34" dnum="b-o" numlevel="1" lineno="155" slineno="2-93" level="2" space="false"><display>(b)</display><subsection ssid="3-null-35" dnum="i-o" level="3" placement="sameline"><display>(i)</display>If a peace officer or child welfare caseworker is executing a warrant under <ln numlevel="1" lineno="156" slineno="2-94"/>Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="80-2a-202(3)">(3)</xref>, the peace officer or child welfare caseworker shall take the child <ln numlevel="1" lineno="157" slineno="2-95"/>to:<subsection ssid="3-null-36" dnum="A-o" numlevel="1" lineno="158" slineno="2-96" level="4" tab="1"><display>(A)</display>a shelter facility; or</subsection><subsection ssid="3-null-37" dnum="B-o" numlevel="1" lineno="159" slineno="2-97" level="4" tab="1"><display>(B)</display>if the division makes an emergency placement under Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="80-2a-301">80-2a-301</xref>, the <ln numlevel="1" lineno="160" slineno="2-98"/>emergency placement.</subsection></subsection><subsection ssid="3-null-38" dnum="ii-o" numlevel="1" lineno="161" slineno="2-99" level="3"><display>(ii)</display>If a peace officer or a child welfare caseworker takes a child to a shelter facility <ln numlevel="1" lineno="162" slineno="2-100"/>under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="80-2a-202(5)(b)(i)">(5)(b)(i)</xref>, the peace officer or the child welfare caseworker shall <ln numlevel="1" lineno="163" slineno="2-101"/>promptly file a written report that includes the child's information, on a form <ln numlevel="1" lineno="164" slineno="2-102"/>provided by the division, with the shelter facility.</subsection></subsection><subsection ssid="3-null-39" dnum="c-o" numlevel="1" lineno="165" slineno="2-103" level="2"><display>(c)</display>A child removed or taken into protective custody under this section may not be <ln numlevel="1" lineno="166" slineno="2-104"/>placed or kept in detention pending court proceedings, unless the child may be held <ln numlevel="1" lineno="167" slineno="2-105"/>in detention under Chapter 6, Part 2, Custody and Detention.</subsection></subsection><subsection ssid="3-null-40" dnum="6-o" numlevel="1" lineno="168" slineno="2-106" level="1" space="false"><display>(6)</display><subsection ssid="3-null-41" dnum="a-o" level="2" placement="sameline"><display>(a)</display>The juvenile court shall issue a warrant authorizing a peace officer or a child <ln numlevel="1" lineno="169" slineno="2-107"/>welfare worker to search for a child who is missing, has been abducted, or has run <ln numlevel="1" lineno="170" slineno="2-108"/>away, and take the child into physical custody if the juvenile court determines that <ln numlevel="1" lineno="171" slineno="2-109"/>the child is missing, has been abducted, or has run away from the protective custody, <ln numlevel="1" lineno="172" slineno="2-110"/>temporary custody, or custody of the division.</subsection><subsection ssid="3-null-42" dnum="b-o" numlevel="1" lineno="173" slineno="2-111" level="2"><display>(b)</display>If the juvenile court issues a warrant under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="80-2a-202(6)(a)">(6)(a)</xref>:<subsection ssid="3-null-43" dnum="i-o" numlevel="1" lineno="174" slineno="2-112" level="3"><display>(i)</display>the division shall notify the child's parent or guardian who has a right to <ln numlevel="1" lineno="175" slineno="2-113"/>parent-time with the child in accordance with Subsection <xref depth="3" refnumber="80-2a-203">80-2a-203</xref>(5)(a);</subsection><subsection ssid="3-null-44" dnum="ii-o" numlevel="1" lineno="176" slineno="2-114" level="3"><display>(ii)</display>the court shall order:<subsection ssid="3-null-45" dnum="A-o" numlevel="1" lineno="177" slineno="2-115" level="4"><display>(A)</display>the law enforcement agency that has jurisdiction over the location from which <ln numlevel="1" lineno="178" slineno="2-116"/>the child ran away to enter a record of the warrant into the National Crime <ln numlevel="1" lineno="179" slineno="2-117"/>Information Center database within 24 hours after the time in which the law <ln numlevel="1" lineno="180" slineno="2-118"/>enforcement agency receives a copy of the warrant; and</subsection><subsection ssid="3-null-46" dnum="B-o" numlevel="1" lineno="181" slineno="2-119" level="4"><display>(B)</display>the division to notify the law enforcement agency described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="80-2a-202(6)(b)(ii)(a)"><ln numlevel="1" lineno="182" slineno="2-120"/>(6)(b)(ii)(A)</xref> of the order described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="80-2a-202(6)(b)(ii)(a)">(6)(b)(ii)(A)</xref>; and</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection ssid="3-null-47" dnum="c-o" numlevel="1" lineno="183" slineno="2-121" level="2"><display>(c)</display>the court shall specify the location to which the peace officer or the child welfare <ln numlevel="1" lineno="184" slineno="2-122"/>caseworker shall transport the child.</subsection></subsection></section></bsec><bsec buid="4" type="uncod" untype="effdate" src="uncod" uid="EF0000" sort="UZEFF" langlock="true" numlevel="1" lineno="185" slineno="3-1" sn="3"><section type="uncod" untype="effdate" display="false" src="uncod"><secline lineno="185">Section 3.  <bold>Effective Date.</bold></secline><sectionText lineno="186"><amend anum="0" ea="amend" pairid="1" groupid="1" style="1" owner="jchristopherson" level="1" amendtag="both">This bill takes effect on <effdate uid="code" date="5/6/2026">May 6, 2026</effdate>.</amend></sectionText></section></bsec></bdy><foot><rev><tm>1-12-26 3:30 PM</tm></rev></foot></leg>