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S.B. 171

             1     

JUDICIARY AMENDMENTS

             2     
2006 GENERAL SESSION

             3     
STATE OF UTAH

             4     
Chief Sponsor: Lyle W. Hillyard

             5     
House Sponsor: Scott L Wyatt

             6     
             7      LONG TITLE
             8      General Description:
             9          This bill clarifies when certain types of municipal funds are required to be deposited,
             10      makes changes to the sealing of certain court records, allows the tax commission to
             11      share certain information with specific agencies, eliminates the requirements for a
             12      written undertaking, corrects a number of erroneous cross-references, and makes
             13      technical corrections.
             14      Highlighted Provisions:
             15          This bill:
             16          .    clarifies that municipal funds are required to be deposited according to statutory
             17      requirements;
             18          .    changes the sealing of court records to classifying them as private;
             19          .    specifies that the tax commission may share specific information with the courts
             20      and the Office of Recovery Services;
             21          .    deletes the requirement that the Supreme Court approve forms for written
             22      undertakings for bail bonds;
             23          .    cleans up cross-references to the Juvenile Court Act of 1996 and the Utah Uniform
             24      Parentage Act; and
             25          .    makes technical corrections.
             26      Monies Appropriated in this Bill:
             27          None


             28      Other Special Clauses:
             29          None
             30      Utah Code Sections Affected:
             31      AMENDS:
             32          10-3-716, as enacted by Chapter 48, Laws of Utah 1977
             33          26-2-22, as last amended by Chapter 255, Laws of Utah 2001
             34          30-3-4, as last amended by Chapters 47 and 157, Laws of Utah 1997
             35          30-3-15.3, as last amended by Chapter 215, Laws of Utah 1997
             36          59-1-403, as last amended by Chapter 204, Laws of Utah 2005
             37          59-10-540, as last amended by Chapter 9, Laws of Utah 2001
             38          62A-4a-116.6, as last amended by Chapter 210, Laws of Utah 2003
             39          62A-4a-202.2, as last amended by Chapter 10, Laws of Utah 2001, First Special
             40      Session
             41          62A-4a-202.6, as last amended by Chapter 58, Laws of Utah 2001
             42          62A-11-104, as last amended by Chapters 90 and 176, Laws of Utah 2003
             43          62A-11-328, as enacted by Chapter 1, Laws of Utah 1988
             44          63A-11-102, as enacted by Chapter 356, Laws of Utah 2004
             45          77-20-4, as last amended by Chapter 287, Laws of Utah 2003
             46          78-3a-104, as last amended by Chapter 2, Laws of Utah 2005
             47          78-3a-105, as last amended by Chapter 356, Laws of Utah 2004
             48          78-3a-116, as last amended by Chapters 190 and 324, Laws of Utah 2004
             49          78-3a-502, as last amended by Chapter 212, Laws of Utah 2002
             50          78-30-4.14, as last amended by Chapter 137, Laws of Utah 2005
             51      REPEALS:
             52          59-10-545, as last amended by Chapter 183, Laws of Utah 1990
             53     
             54      Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
             55          Section 1. Section 10-3-716 is amended to read:
             56           10-3-716. Fines and forfeitures -- Disposition.
             57          All fines, penalties, and forfeitures for the violation of any ordinance, when collected,
             58      shall be paid [into the municipal treasury within seven days after the collection date] in


             59      accordance with Section 51-4-2 . A violation of this section constitutes a class C misdemeanor.
             60      The retention or use of any fine, penalty, or forfeiture by any person for personal use or benefit
             61      constitutes a class B misdemeanor, except that if the amount or amounts exceed $1,000 the
             62      offense is a class A misdemeanor as defined in the Utah Criminal Code.
             63          Section 2. Section 26-2-22 is amended to read:
             64           26-2-22. Inspection of vital records.
             65          (1) (a) The vital records shall be open to inspection, but only in compliance with the
             66      provisions of this chapter, department rules, and Section 78-30-18 . It is unlawful for any state
             67      or local officer or employee to disclose data contained in vital records contrary to this chapter
             68      or department rule.
             69          (b) A custodian of vital records may permit inspection of a vital record or issue a
             70      certified copy of a record or a part of it when the custodian is satisfied the applicant has
             71      demonstrated a direct, tangible, and legitimate interest.
             72          (2) A direct, tangible, and legitimate interest in a vital record is present only if:
             73          (a) the request is from the subject, a member of the subject's immediate family, the
             74      guardian of the subject, or a designated legal representative;
             75          (b) the request involves a personal or property right of the subject of the record;
             76          (c) the request is for official purposes of a state, local, or federal governmental agency;
             77          (d) the request is for a statistical or medical research program and prior consent has
             78      been obtained from the state registrar; or
             79          (e) the request is a certified copy of an order of a court of record specifying the record
             80      to be examined or copied.
             81          (3) For purposes of Subsection (2):
             82          (a) "immediate family member" means a spouse, child, parent, sibling, grandparent, or
             83      grandchild;
             84          (b) a designated legal representative means an attorney, physician, funeral director,
             85      genealogist, or other agent of the subject or the subject's immediate family who has been
             86      delegated the authority to access vital records;
             87          (c) except as provided in Title 78, Chapter 30, Adoption, a parent, or the immediate
             88      family member of a parent, who does not have legal or physical custody of or visitation or
             89      parent-time rights for a child because of the termination of parental rights pursuant to Title 78,


             90      Chapter 3a, Juvenile [Courts] Court Act of 1996, or by virtue of consenting to or relinquishing
             91      a child for adoption pursuant to Title 78, Chapter 30, Adoption, may not be considered as
             92      having a direct, tangible, and legitimate interest; and
             93          (d) a commercial firm or agency requesting names, addresses, or similar information
             94      may not be considered as having a direct, tangible, and legitimate interest.
             95          (4) Upon payment of a fee established in accordance with Section 63-38-3.2 , the
             96      following records shall be available to the public:
             97          (a) except as provided in Subsection 26-2-10 (4)(b), a birth record, excluding
             98      confidential information collected for medical and health use, if 100 years or more have passed
             99      since the date of birth;
             100          (b) a death record if 50 years or more have passed since the date of death; and
             101          (c) a vital record not subject to Subsection (4)(a) or (b) if 75 years or more have passed
             102      since the date of the event upon which the record is based.
             103          Section 3. Section 30-3-4 is amended to read:
             104           30-3-4. Pleadings -- Findings -- Decree -- Use of affidavit -- Sealing.
             105          (1) (a) The complaint shall be in writing and signed by the petitioner or petitioner's
             106      attorney.
             107          (b) A decree of divorce may not be granted upon default or otherwise except upon legal
             108      evidence taken in the cause. If the decree is to be entered upon the default of the respondent,
             109      evidence to support the decree may be submitted upon the affidavit of the petitioner with the
             110      approval of the court.
             111          (c) If the petitioner and the respondent have a child or children, a decree of divorce
             112      may not be granted until both parties have attended the mandatory course described in Section
             113      30-3-11.3 , and have presented a certificate of course completion to the court. The court may
             114      waive this requirement, on its own motion or on the motion of one of the parties, if it
             115      determines course attendance and completion are not necessary, appropriate, feasible, or in the
             116      best interest of the parties.
             117          (d) All hearings and trials for divorce shall be held before the court or the court
             118      commissioner as provided by Section 78-3-31 and rules of the Judicial Council. The court or
             119      the commissioner in all divorce cases shall enter the decree upon the evidence or, in the case of
             120      a decree after default of the respondent, upon the petitioner's affidavit.


             121          [(2) The file, except the decree of divorce, may be sealed by order of the court upon the
             122      motion of either party. The sealed portion of the file is available to the public only upon an
             123      order of the court. The concerned parties, the attorneys of record or attorney filing a notice of
             124      appearance in the action, the Office of Recovery Services if a party to the proceedings has
             125      applied for or is receiving public assistance, or the court have full access to the entire record.
             126      This sealing does not apply to subsequent filings to enforce or amend the decree.]
             127          (2) (a) A party to an action brought under this title or to an action under Title 78,
             128      Chapter 45, Uniform Civil Liability for Support Act, Title 78, Chapter 45c, Utah Uniform
             129      Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act, Title 78, Chapter 45f, Uniform Interstate
             130      Family Support Act, Title 78, Chapter 45g, Utah Uniform Parentage Act, or to an action to
             131      modify or enforce a judgment in the action may file a motion to have the file other than the
             132      final judgment, order, or decree classified as private.
             133          (b) If the court finds that there are substantial interests favoring restricting access that
             134      clearly outweigh the interests favoring access, the court may classify the file, or any part
             135      thereof other than the final order, judgment, or decree, as private. An order classifying part of
             136      the file as private does not apply to subsequent filings.
             137          (c) The record is private until the judge determines it is possible to release the record
             138      without prejudice to the interests that justified the closure. Any interested person may petition
             139      the court to permit access to a record classified as private under this section. The petition shall
             140      be served on the parties to the closure order.
             141          Section 4. Section 30-3-15.3 is amended to read:
             142           30-3-15.3. Commissioners -- Powers.
             143          Commissioners shall:
             144          (1) secure compliance with court orders;
             145          (2) require attendance at the mandatory course as provided in Section 30-3-11.3 ;
             146          (3) serve as judge pro tempore, master or referee on:
             147          (a) assignment of the court; and
             148          (b) with the written consent of the parties:
             149          (i) orders to show cause where no contempt is alleged;
             150          (ii) default divorces where the parties have had marriage counseling but there has been
             151      no reconciliation;


             152          (iii) uncontested actions under [the] Title 78, Chapter 45g, Utah Uniform Parentage
             153      Act [on Paternity];
             154          (iv) actions under [the] Title 78, Chapter 45, Uniform Civil Liability for Support Act;
             155      and
             156          (v) actions under [the Reciprocal Enforcement of] Title 78, Chapter 45f, Uniform
             157      Interstate Family Support Act; and
             158          (4) represent the interest of children in divorce or annulment actions, and the parties in
             159      appropriate cases.
             160          Section 5. Section 59-1-403 is amended to read:
             161           59-1-403. Confidentiality -- Exceptions -- Penalty -- Application to property tax.
             162          (1) (a) Except as provided in this section, any of the following may not divulge or
             163      make known in any manner any information gained by that person from any return filed with
             164      the commission:
             165          (i) a tax commissioner;
             166          (ii) an agent, clerk, or other officer or employee of the commission; or
             167          (iii) a representative, agent, clerk, or other officer or employee of any county, city, or
             168      town.
             169          (b) Except as provided in Subsection (1)(c), an official charged with the custody of a
             170      return filed with the commission is not required to produce the return or evidence of anything
             171      contained in the return in any action or proceeding in any court, except:
             172          (i) in accordance with judicial order;
             173          (ii) on behalf of the commission in any action or proceeding under:
             174          (A) this title; or
             175          (B) other law under which persons are required to file returns with the commission;
             176          (iii) on behalf of the commission in any action or proceeding to which the commission
             177      is a party; or
             178          (iv) on behalf of any party to any action or proceeding under this title if the report or
             179      facts shown by the return are directly involved in the action or proceeding.
             180          (c) Notwithstanding Subsection (1)(b), a court may require the production of, and may
             181      admit in evidence, any portion of a return or of the facts shown by the return, as are specifically
             182      pertinent to the action or proceeding.


             183          (2) This section does not prohibit:
             184          (a) a person or that person's duly authorized representative from receiving a copy of
             185      any return or report filed in connection with that person's own tax;
             186          (b) the publication of statistics as long as the statistics are classified to prevent the
             187      identification of particular reports or returns; and
             188          (c) the inspection by the attorney general or other legal representative of the state of the
             189      report or return of any taxpayer:
             190          (i) who brings action to set aside or review a tax based on the report or return;
             191          (ii) against whom an action or proceeding is contemplated or has been instituted under
             192      this title; or
             193          (iii) against whom the state has an unsatisfied money judgment.
             194          (3) (a) Notwithstanding Subsection (1) and for purposes of administration, the
             195      commission may by rule, made in accordance with Title 63, Chapter 46a, Utah Administrative
             196      Rulemaking Act, provide for a reciprocal exchange of information with:
             197          (i) the United States Internal Revenue Service; or
             198          (ii) the revenue service of any other state.
             199          (b) Notwithstanding Subsection (1) and for all taxes except individual income tax and
             200      corporate franchise tax, the commission may by rule, made in accordance with Title 63,
             201      Chapter 46a, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act, share information gathered from returns
             202      and other written statements with the federal government, any other state, any of the political
             203      subdivisions of another state, or any political subdivision of this state, except as limited by
             204      Sections 59-12-209 and 59-12-210 , if these political subdivisions or the federal government
             205      grant substantially similar privileges to this state.
             206          (c) Notwithstanding Subsection (1) and for all taxes except individual income tax and
             207      corporate franchise tax, the commission may by rule, in accordance with Title 63, Chapter 46a,
             208      Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act, provide for the issuance of information concerning the
             209      identity and other information of taxpayers who have failed to file tax returns or to pay any tax
             210      due.
             211          (d) Notwithstanding Subsection (1), the commission shall provide to the Solid and
             212      Hazardous Waste Control Board executive secretary, as defined in Section 19-6-102 , as
             213      requested by the executive secretary, any records, returns, or other information filed with the


             214      commission under Chapter 13, Motor and Special Fuel Tax Act, or Section 19-6-410.5
             215      regarding the environmental assurance program participation fee.
             216          (e) Notwithstanding Subsection (1), at the request of any person the commission shall
             217      provide that person sales and purchase volume data reported to the commission on a report,
             218      return, or other information filed with the commission under:
             219          (i) Chapter 13, Part 2, Motor Fuel; or
             220          (ii) Chapter 13, Part 4, Aviation Fuel.
             221          (f) Notwithstanding Subsection (1), upon request from a tobacco product manufacturer,
             222      as defined in Section 59-22-202 , the commission shall report to the manufacturer:
             223          (i) the quantity of cigarettes, as defined in Section 59-22-202 , produced by the
             224      manufacturer and reported to the commission for the previous calendar year under Section
             225      59-14-407 ; and
             226          (ii) the quantity of cigarettes, as defined in Section 59-22-202 , produced by the
             227      manufacturer for which a tax refund was granted during the previous calendar year under
             228      Section 59-14-401 and reported to the commission under Subsection 59-14-401 (1)(a)(v).
             229          (g) Notwithstanding Subsection (1), the commission shall notify manufacturers,
             230      distributors, wholesalers, and retail dealers of a tobacco product manufacturer that is prohibited
             231      from selling cigarettes to consumers within the state under Subsection 59-14-210 (2).
             232          (h) Notwithstanding Subsection (1), the commission may:
             233          (i) provide to the Division of Consumer Protection within the Department of
             234      Commerce and the attorney general data:
             235          (A) reported to the commission under Section 59-14-212 ; or
             236          (B) related to a violation under Section 59-14-211 ; and
             237          (ii) upon request provide to any person data reported to the commission under
             238      Subsections 59-14-212 (1)(a) through (c) and Subsection 59-14-212 (1)(g).
             239          (i) Notwithstanding Subsection (1), the commission shall, at the request of a committee
             240      of the Legislature, Office of the Legislative Fiscal Analyst, or Governor's Office of Planning
             241      and Budget, provide to the committee or office the total amount of revenues collected by the
             242      commission under Chapter 24, Radioactive Waste Facility Tax Act, for the time period
             243      specified by the committee or office.
             244          (j) Notwithstanding Subsection (1), the commission shall at the request of the


             245      Legislature provide to the Legislature the total amount of sales or uses exempt under
             246      Subsection 59-12-104 (50) reported to the commission in accordance with Section 59-12-105 .
             247          (k) Notwithstanding Subsection (1), the commission shall make the directory required
             248      by Section 59-14-603 available for public inspection.
             249          (l) Notwithstanding Subsection (1), the commission shall comply with the reporting
             250      requirements of Section 10-1-409 .
             251          (m) Notwithstanding Subsection (1), the commission may share information with
             252      federal, state, or local agencies as provided in Subsection 59-14-606 (3).
             253          (n) (i) Notwithstanding Subsection (1), the commission shall provide the Office of
             254      Recovery Services within the Department of Human Services any relevant information
             255      obtained from a return filed under Chapter 10, Individual Income Tax Act, regarding a taxpayer
             256      who has become obligated to the Office of Recovery Services.
             257          (ii) The information described in Subsection (3)(n)(i) may be provided by the Office of
             258      Recovery Services to any other state's child support collection agency involved in enforcing
             259      that support obligation.
             260          (o) (i) Notwithstanding Subsection (1), upon request from the state court administrator,
             261      the commission shall provide to the state court administrator, the name, address, telephone
             262      number, county of residence, and Social Security number on resident returns filed under
             263      Chapter 10, Individual Income Tax Act.
             264          (ii) The state court administrator may use the information described in Subsection
             265      (3)(o)(i) only as a source list for the master jury list described in Section 78-46-10 .
             266          (4) (a) Reports and returns shall be preserved for at least three years.
             267          (b) After the three-year period provided in Subsection (4)(a) the commission may
             268      destroy a report or return.
             269          (5) (a) Any person who violates this section is guilty of a class A misdemeanor.
             270          (b) If the person described in Subsection (5)(a) is an officer or employee of the state,
             271      the person shall be dismissed from office and be disqualified from holding public office in this
             272      state for a period of five years thereafter.
             273          (6) Except as provided in Section 59-1-404 , this part does not apply to the property tax.
             274          Section 6. Section 59-10-540 is amended to read:
             275           59-10-540. Transferees.


             276          (1) The liability at law or in equity of a transferee of property of any person liable in
             277      respect of any tax (including additions to tax, penalties or interest) imposed by this chapter,
             278      shall be assessed, paid, and collected in the same manner and subject to the same provisions
             279      and limitations as in the case of the tax to which the liability relates, except that the period of
             280      limitations for assessment against the transferee shall be extended by one year for each
             281      successive transfer, in order of transfer (from the person originally liable to the transferee
             282      involved), but not by more than three years in the aggregate. As used in this section,
             283      "transferee" includes donee, heir, legatee, devisee, and distributee.
             284          (2) (a) If, before the expiration of the period of limitations for assessment of liability
             285      of the transferee, a claim has been filed by the commission in any court against the person
             286      originally liable or the last preceding transferee, based upon the liability of the person
             287      originally liable, then the period of limitation for assessment of liability of the transferee shall
             288      in no event expire prior to one year after such claim has been finally allowed, disallowed, or
             289      otherwise disposed of.
             290          (b) If, before expiration of the time prescribed in Subsection (1) or (2)(a) for the
             291      assessment of the liability, the commission and the transferee have both consented in writing to
             292      its assessment after such time, the liability may be assessed at any time prior to the expiration
             293      of the period agreed upon. The period so agreed upon may be extended by subsequent
             294      agreements in writing made before the expiration of the period previously agreed upon. For the
             295      purpose of determining the period of limitation on credit or refund to the transferee of
             296      overpayments of tax made by such transferee or overpayments of tax made by the transferor as
             297      to which the transferee is legally entitled to credit or refund, such agreement and any extension
             298      thereof are considered an agreement and extension thereof referred to in Section 59-10-516 . If
             299      the agreement is executed after the expiration of the period of limitation for assessment against
             300      the original taxpayer, then in applying the limitations under Section 59-10-529 on the amount
             301      of the credit or refund, the periods specified in Section 59-10-529 shall be increased by the
             302      period from the date of such expiration to the date of the agreement.
             303          (3) If any person is deceased, the period of limitation for assessment against him shall
             304      be the period that would be in effect if he had lived.
             305          (4) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section [ 59-10-545 ] 59-1-403 (relating to
             306      confidentiality of return information) the commission shall use its powers to make available to


             307      a transferee evidence necessary to enable the transferee to determine the liability of the original
             308      taxpayer and of any preceding transferees, but without undue hardship to the original taxpayer
             309      or preceding transferee.
             310          Section 7. Section 62A-4a-116.6 is amended to read:
             311           62A-4a-116.6. Notice and opportunity for court hearing for persons listed in
             312      Licensing Information System.
             313          (1) Persons whose names were listed on the Licensing Information System as of May
             314      6, 2002 and who have not been the subject of a court determination with respect to the alleged
             315      incident of abuse or neglect may at any time:
             316          (a) request review by the division of their case and removal of their name from the
             317      Licensing Information System pursuant to Subsection (3); or
             318          (b) file a petition for an evidentiary hearing and a request for a finding of
             319      unsubstantiated or without merit.
             320          (2) Subsection (1) does not apply to an individual who has been the subject of any of
             321      the following court determinations with respect to the alleged incident of abuse or neglect:
             322          (a) conviction;
             323          (b) adjudication under Title 78, Chapter 3a, Juvenile [Courts] Court Act of 1996;
             324          (c) plea of guilty;
             325          (d) plea of guilty and mentally ill; or
             326          (e) no contest.
             327          (3) If an alleged perpetrator listed on the Licensing Information System prior to May 6,
             328      2002 requests removal of their name from the Licensing Information System, the division shall,
             329      within 30 days:
             330          (a) review the case to determine whether the incident of alleged abuse or neglect
             331      qualifies as severe or chronic under Subsection 62A-4a-116.1 (2) and if it does not, remove the
             332      name from the Licensing Information System; or
             333          (b) determine whether to file a petition for substantiation.
             334          (4) If the division decides to file a petition, that petition must be filed no more than 14
             335      days after the decision.
             336          (5) The juvenile court shall act on the petition as provided in Subsection 78-3a-320 (3).
             337          (6) If a person whose name appears on the Licensing Information System prior to May


             338      6, 2002 files a petition pursuant to Section 78-3a-320 during the time that an alleged
             339      perpetrator's application for clearance to work with children or vulnerable adults is pending, the
             340      court shall hear the matter on an expedited basis.
             341          Section 8. Section 62A-4a-202.2 is amended to read:
             342           62A-4a-202.2. Notice to parents upon removal of child -- Locating noncustodial
             343      parent -- Written statement of procedural rights and preliminary proceedings.
             344          (1) (a) Any peace officer or caseworker who takes a minor into protective custody
             345      pursuant to Section 62A-4a-202.1 shall immediately use reasonable efforts to locate and
             346      inform, through the most efficient means available, the parents, including a noncustodial
             347      parent, the guardian, or responsible relative:
             348          (i) that the minor has been taken into protective custody;
             349          (ii) the reasons for removal and placement in protective custody;
             350          (iii) that a written statement is available that explains the parent's procedural rights and
             351      the preliminary stages of the investigation and shelter hearing; and
             352          (iv) of a telephone number where the parent may access further information.
             353          (b) For purposes of locating and informing the noncustodial parent as required in
             354      Subsection (1)(a), the division shall search for the noncustodial parent through the national
             355      parent locator database if the division is unable to locate the noncustodial parent through other
             356      reasonable efforts.
             357          (2) The attorney general's office shall adopt, print, and distribute a form for the written
             358      statement described in Subsection (1) (a)(iii). The statement shall be made available to the
             359      division and for distribution in schools, health care facilities, local police and sheriff's offices,
             360      the division, and any other appropriate office within the Department of Human Services. The
             361      notice shall be in simple language and include at least the following information:
             362          (a) the conditions under which a minor may be released, hearings that may be required,
             363      and the means by which the parent may access further specific information about a minor's case
             364      and conditions of protective and temporary custody; and
             365          (b) the rights of a minor and of the parent or guardian to legal counsel and to appeal.
             366          (3) If a good faith attempt was made by the peace officer or caseworker to notify the
             367      parent or guardian in accordance with the requirements of Subsection (1), failure to notify shall
             368      be considered to be due to circumstances beyond the control of the peace officer or caseworker


             369      and may not be construed to permit a new defense to any juvenile or judicial proceeding or to
             370      interfere with any rights, procedures, or investigations provided for by this chapter or Title 78,
             371      Chapter 3a, Juvenile [Courts] Court Act of 1996.
             372          Section 9. Section 62A-4a-202.6 is amended to read:
             373           62A-4a-202.6. Child protective services investigators within the Office of
             374      Attorney General -- Authority.
             375          (1) (a) Pursuant to Section 67-5-16 the attorney general may employ, with the consent
             376      of the division, child protective services investigators to investigate reports of abuse or neglect
             377      of a child that occur while the child is in the custody of the division.
             378          (b) (i) Under the direction of the Board of Child and Family Services, the division shall,
             379      in accordance with Subsection 62A-4a-409 (5), contract with an independent child protective
             380      service investigator to investigate reports of abuse or neglect of a child that occur while the
             381      child is in the custody of the division.
             382          (ii) The executive director of the department shall designate an entity within the
             383      department, other than the division, to monitor the contract for the investigators described in
             384      Subsection (1)(b)(i).
             385          (2) The investigators described in Subsection (1) may also investigate allegations of
             386      abuse or neglect of a child by a department employee or a licensed substitute care provider.
             387          (3) The investigators described in Subsection (1), if not peace officers, shall have the
             388      same rights, duties, and authority of a child protective services investigator employed by the
             389      division to:
             390          (a) make a thorough investigation upon receiving either an oral or written report of
             391      alleged abuse or neglect of a child, with the primary purpose of that investigation being the
             392      protection of the child;
             393          (b) make an inquiry into the child's home environment, emotional, or mental health, the
             394      nature and extent of the child's injuries, and the child's physical safety;
             395          (c) make a written report of their investigation, including determination regarding
             396      whether the alleged abuse or neglect was substantiated, unsubstantiated, or without merit, and
             397      forward a copy of that report to the division within the time mandates for investigations
             398      established by the division;
             399          (d) immediately consult with school authorities to verify the child's status in


             400      accordance with Sections 53A-11-101 through 53A-11-103 when a report is based upon or
             401      includes an allegation of educational neglect;
             402          (e) enter upon public or private premises, using appropriate legal processes, to
             403      investigate reports of alleged child abuse or neglect; and
             404          (f) take a child into protective custody, and deliver the child to a law enforcement
             405      officer, or to the division. Control and jurisdiction over the child shall be determined by the
             406      provisions of Title 62A, Chapter 4a, Part 2, Child Welfare Services, Title 78, Chapter 3a,
             407      Juvenile [Courts] Court Act of 1996, and as otherwise provided by law.
             408          Section 10. Section 62A-11-104 is amended to read:
             409           62A-11-104. Duties of office.
             410          The office has the following duties:
             411          (1) to provide child support services if:
             412          (a) the office has received an application for child support services;
             413          (b) the state has provided public assistance; or
             414          (c) a child lives out of the home in the protective custody, temporary custody, or
             415      custody or care of the state;
             416          (2) to carry out the obligations of the department contained in this chapter and in Title
             417      78, Chapters 45, Uniform Civil Liability for Support Act, Chapter [45a] 45g, Utah Uniform
             418      Parentage Act [on Paternity], and Chapter 45f, Uniform Interstate Family Support Act, for the
             419      purpose of collecting child support;
             420          (3) to collect money due the department which could act to offset expenditures by the
             421      state;
             422          (4) to cooperate with the federal government in programs designed to recover health
             423      and social service funds;
             424          (5) to collect civil or criminal assessments, fines, fees, amounts awarded as restitution,
             425      and reimbursable expenses owed to the state or any of its political subdivisions, if the office
             426      has contracted to provide collection services;
             427          (6) to implement income withholding for collection of child support in accordance with
             428      Part 4, Income Withholding in IV-D Cases, of this chapter;
             429          (7) to enter into agreements with financial institutions doing business in the state to
             430      develop and operate, in coordination with such financial institutions, a data match system in the


             431      manner provided for in Section 62A-11-304.5 ;
             432          (8) to establish and maintain the state case registry in the manner required by the Social
             433      Security Act, 42 U.S.C. Sec. 654a, which shall include a record in each case of:
             434          (a) the amount of monthly or other periodic support owed under the order, and other
             435      amounts, including arrearages, interest, late payment penalties, or fees, due or overdue under
             436      the order;
             437          (b) any amount described in Subsection (8)(a) that has been collected;
             438          (c) the distribution of collected amounts;
             439          (d) the birth date of any child for whom the order requires the provision of support; and
             440          (e) the amount of any lien imposed with respect to the order pursuant to this part;
             441          (9) to contract with the Department of Workforce Services to establish and maintain
             442      the new hire registry created under Section 35A-7-103 ;
             443          (10) to determine whether an individual who has applied for or is receiving cash
             444      assistance or Medicaid is cooperating in good faith with the office as required by Section
             445      62A-11-307.2 ;
             446          (11) to finance any costs incurred from collections, fees, General Fund appropriation,
             447      contracts, and federal financial participation; and
             448          (12) to provide notice to a noncustodial parent in accordance with Section
             449      62A-11-304.4 of the opportunity to contest the accuracy of allegations by a custodial parent of
             450      nonpayment of past-due child support, prior to taking action against a noncustodial parent to
             451      collect the alleged past-due support.
             452          Section 11. Section 62A-11-328 is amended to read:
             453           62A-11-328. Information received from State Tax Commission provided to other
             454      states' child support collection agencies.
             455          The office shall, upon request, provide to any other state's child support collection
             456      agency the information which it receives from the State Tax Commission under Subsection
             457      [ 59-10-545 (2)] 59-1-403 (3)(n), with regard to a support debt which that agency is involved in
             458      enforcing.
             459          Section 12. Section 63A-11-102 is amended to read:
             460           63A-11-102. Definitions.
             461          For purposes of this chapter:


             462          (1) "Child welfare case" means a proceeding under Title 78, Chapter 3a, Juvenile
             463      [Courts] Court Act of 1996, Part 3, Abuse, Neglect, and Dependency Proceedings, or 4,
             464      Termination of Parental Rights Act.
             465          (2) "Contracted parental defense attorney" means an attorney or law firm authorized to
             466      practice law in Utah who is under contract with the office to provide parental defense in child
             467      welfare cases.
             468          (3) "Director" means the director of the office.
             469          (4) "Fund" means the Child Welfare Parental Defense Fund established in Section
             470      63A-11-203 .
             471          (5) "Office" means the Office of Child Welfare Parental Defense created in Section
             472      63A-11-103 .
             473          Section 13. Section 77-20-4 is amended to read:
             474           77-20-4. Bail to be posted in cash, by credit or debit card, or written undertaking.
             475          (1) Bail may be posted:
             476          (a) in cash;
             477          (b) by written undertaking with or without sureties at the discretion of the magistrate;
             478      or
             479          (c) by credit or debit card, at the discretion of the judge or bail commissioner.
             480          [(2) A written undertaking shall substantially conform to any form approved by the
             481      Supreme Court.]
             482          [(3)] (2) A bail bond may not be accepted without receiving in writing at the time the
             483      bail is posted the current mailing address and telephone number of the surety.
             484          [(4)] (3) Bail posted by debit or credit card, less the fee charged by the financial
             485      institution, shall be tendered to the courts.
             486          [(5)] (4) Bail refunded by the court may be refunded by credit to the debit or credit
             487      card, or cash. The amount refunded shall be the full amount received by the court under
             488      Subsection [(4)] (3), which may be less than the full amount of the bail set by the court.
             489          Section 14. Section 78-3a-104 is amended to read:
             490           78-3a-104. Jurisdiction of juvenile court -- Original -- Exclusive.
             491          (1) Except as otherwise provided by law, the juvenile court has exclusive original
             492      jurisdiction in proceedings concerning:


             493          (a) a minor who has violated any federal, state, or local law or municipal ordinance or a
             494      person younger than 21 years of age who has violated any law or ordinance before becoming
             495      18 years of age, regardless of where the violation occurred, excluding traffic laws and boating
             496      and ordinances;
             497          (b) a person 21 years of age or older who has failed or refused to comply with an order
             498      of the juvenile court to pay a fine or restitution, if the order was imposed prior to the person's
             499      21st birthday; however, the continuing jurisdiction is limited to causing compliance with
             500      existing orders;
             501          (c) a minor who is an abused child, neglected child, or dependent child, as those terms
             502      are defined in Section 78-3a-103 ;
             503          (d) a protective order for a minor pursuant to the provisions of Title 78, Chapter 3h,
             504      Child Protective Orders, which the juvenile court may transfer to the district court if the
             505      juvenile court has entered an ex parte protective order and finds that:
             506          (i) the petitioner and the respondent are the natural parent, adoptive parent, or step
             507      parent of the child who is the object of the petition;
             508          (ii) the district court has a petition pending or an order related to custody or parent-time
             509      entered under Title 30, Chapter 3, Divorce, Title 30, Chapter 6, Cohabitant Abuse Act, or Title
             510      78, Chapter [45a] 45g, Utah Uniform Parentage Act [on Paternity], in which the petitioner and
             511      the respondent are parties; and
             512          (iii) the best interests of the child will be better served in the district court;
             513          (e) appointment of a guardian of the person or other guardian of a minor who comes
             514      within the court's jurisdiction under other provisions of this section;
             515          (f) the termination of the legal parent-child relationship in accordance with Part 4,
             516      Termination of Parental Rights Act, including termination of residual parental rights and
             517      duties;
             518          (g) the treatment or commitment of a mentally retarded minor;
             519          (h) a minor who is a habitual truant from school;
             520          (i) the judicial consent to the marriage of a minor under age 16 upon a determination of
             521      voluntariness or where otherwise required by law, employment, or enlistment of a minor when
             522      consent is required by law;
             523          (j) any parent or parents of a minor committed to a secure youth corrections facility, to


             524      order, at the discretion of the court and on the recommendation of a secure youth corrections
             525      facility, the parent or parents of a minor committed to a secure youth corrections facility for a
             526      custodial term, to undergo group rehabilitation therapy under the direction of a secure youth
             527      corrections facility therapist, who has supervision of that parent's or parents' minor, or any
             528      other therapist the court may direct, for a period directed by the court as recommended by a
             529      secure youth corrections facility;
             530          (k) a minor under Title 55, Chapter 12, Interstate Compact [on] for Juveniles;
             531          (l) the treatment or commitment of a mentally ill child. The court may commit a child
             532      to the physical custody of a local mental health authority in accordance with the procedures and
             533      requirements of Title 62A, Chapter 15, Part 7, Commitment of Persons Under Age 18 to
             534      Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health. The court may not commit a child directly to
             535      the Utah State Hospital;
             536          (m) the commitment of a minor in accordance with Section 62A-15-301 ;
             537          (n) de novo review of final agency actions resulting from an informal adjudicative
             538      proceeding as provided in Section 63-46b-15 ; and
             539          (o) adoptions conducted in accordance with the procedures described in Title 78,
             540      Chapter 30, Adoption, when the juvenile court has previously entered an order terminating the
             541      rights of a parent and finds that adoption is in the best interest of the minor.
             542          (2) In addition to the provisions of Subsection (1)(a) the juvenile court has exclusive
             543      jurisdiction over any traffic or boating offense committed by a minor under 16 years of age and
             544      concurrent jurisdiction over all other traffic or boating offenses committed by a minor 16 years
             545      of age or older, except that the court shall have exclusive jurisdiction over the following
             546      offenses committed by a minor under 18 years of age:
             547          (a) Section 76-5-207 , automobile homicide;
             548          (b) Section 41-6a-502 , operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or
             549      drugs;
             550          (c) Section 41-6a-528 , reckless driving or Section 73-18-12 , reckless operation;
             551          (d) Section 41-1a-1314 , unauthorized control over a motor vehicle, trailer, or
             552      semitrailer for an extended period of time; and
             553          (e) Section [ 41-6a-206 ] 41-6a-210 or 73-18-20 , fleeing a peace officer.
             554          (3) The court also has jurisdiction over traffic and boating offenses that are part of a


             555      single criminal episode filed in a petition that contains an offense over which the court has
             556      jurisdiction.
             557          (4) The juvenile court has jurisdiction over an ungovernable or runaway minor who is
             558      referred to it by the Division of Child and Family Services or by public or private agencies that
             559      contract with the division to provide services to that minor where, despite earnest and
             560      persistent efforts by the division or agency, the minor has demonstrated that he:
             561          (a) is beyond the control of his parent, guardian, lawful custodian, or school authorities
             562      to the extent that his behavior or condition endangers his own welfare or the welfare of others;
             563      or
             564          (b) has run away from home.
             565          (5) This section does not restrict the right of access to the juvenile court by private
             566      agencies or other persons.
             567          (6) The juvenile court has jurisdiction of all magistrate functions relative to cases
             568      arising under Section 78-3a-602 .
             569          (7) The juvenile court has jurisdiction to make a finding of substantiated,
             570      unsubstantiated, or without merit, in accordance with Section 78-3a-320 .
             571          Section 15. Section 78-3a-105 is amended to read:
             572           78-3a-105. Concurrent jurisdiction -- District court and juvenile court.
             573          (1) The district court or other court has concurrent jurisdiction with the juvenile court
             574      as follows:
             575          (a) when a person who is 18 years of age or older and who is under the continuing
             576      jurisdiction of the juvenile court under Section 78-3a-118 violates any federal, state, or local
             577      law or municipal ordinance; and
             578          (b) in establishing paternity and ordering testing for the purposes of establishing
             579      paternity, in accordance with Title 78, Chapter [45a] 45g, Utah Uniform Parentage Act [on
             580      Paternity], with regard to proceedings initiated under Part 3, Abuse, Neglect, and Dependency
             581      Proceedings, or Part 4, Termination of Parental Rights Act.
             582          (2) The juvenile court has jurisdiction over petitions to modify a minor's birth
             583      certificate if the court otherwise has jurisdiction over the minor.
             584          (3) This section does not deprive the district court of jurisdiction to appoint a guardian
             585      for a minor, or to determine the support, custody, and parent-time of a minor upon writ of


             586      habeas corpus or when the question of support, custody, and parent-time is incidental to the
             587      determination of a cause in the district court.
             588          (4) (a) Where a support, custody, or parent-time award has been made by a district
             589      court in a divorce action or other proceeding, and the jurisdiction of the district court in the
             590      case is continuing, the juvenile court may acquire jurisdiction in a case involving the same
             591      minor if the minor is dependent, abused, neglected, or otherwise comes within the jurisdiction
             592      of the juvenile court under Section 78-3a-104 .
             593          (b) The juvenile court may, by order, change the custody, subject to Subsection
             594      30-3-10 (4), support, parent-time, and visitation rights previously ordered in the district court as
             595      necessary to implement the order of the juvenile court for the safety and welfare of the minor.
             596      The juvenile court order remains in effect so long as the jurisdiction of the juvenile court
             597      continues.
             598          (c) When a copy of the findings and order of the juvenile court has been filed with the
             599      district court, the findings and order of the juvenile court are binding on the parties to the
             600      divorce action as though entered in the district court.
             601          (5) The juvenile court has jurisdiction over questions of custody, support, and
             602      parent-time, of a minor who comes within the court's jurisdiction under this section or Section
             603      78-3a-104 .
             604          Section 16. Section 78-3a-116 is amended to read:
             605           78-3a-116. Hearings -- Record -- County attorney or district attorney
             606      responsibilities -- Attorney general responsibilities -- Disclosure -- Admissibility of
             607      evidence.
             608          (1) (a) A verbatim record of the proceedings shall be taken by an official court reporter
             609      or by means of a mechanical recording device in all cases that might result in deprivation of
             610      custody as defined in this chapter. In all other cases a verbatim record shall also be made
             611      unless dispensed with by the court.
             612          (b) (i) Notwithstanding any other provision, including Title 63, Chapter 2, Government
             613      Records Access and Management Act, a record of a proceeding made under Subsection (1)(a)
             614      shall be released by the court to any person upon a finding on the record for good cause.
             615          (ii) Following a petition for a record of a proceeding made under Subsection (1)(a), the
             616      court shall:


             617          (A) provide notice to all subjects of the record that a request for release of the record
             618      has been made; and
             619          (B) allow sufficient time for the subjects of the record to respond before making a
             620      finding on the petition.
             621          (iii) A record of a proceeding may not be released under this Subsection (1)(b) if the
             622      court's jurisdiction over the subjects of the proceeding ended more than 12 months prior to the
             623      request.
             624          (iv) For purposes of this Subsection (1)(b):
             625          (A) "record of a proceeding" does not include documentary materials of any type
             626      submitted to the court as part of the proceeding, including items submitted under Subsection
             627      (4)(a); and
             628          (B) "subjects of the record" includes the child's guardian ad litem, the child's legal
             629      guardian, the Division of Child and Family Services, and any other party to the proceeding.
             630          (v) This Subsection (1)(b) applies:
             631          (A) to records of proceedings made on or after November 1, 2003 in districts selected
             632      by the Judicial Council as pilot districts under Subsection 78-3-21 (15)(a); and
             633          (B) to records of proceedings made on or after July 1, 2004 in all other districts.
             634          (2) (a) Except as provided in Subsection (2)(b), the county attorney or, if within a
             635      prosecution district, the district attorney shall represent the state in any proceeding in a minor's
             636      case.
             637          (b) The attorney general shall enforce all provisions of Title 62A, Chapter 4a, Child
             638      and Family Services, and Title 78, Chapter 3a, Juvenile [Courts] Court Act of 1996, relating to:
             639          (i) protection or custody of an abused, neglected, or dependent child; and
             640          (ii) petitions for termination of parental rights.
             641          (c) The attorney general shall represent the Division of Child and Family Services in
             642      actions involving minors who have not been adjudicated as abused or neglected, but who are
             643      otherwise committed to the custody of that division by the juvenile court, and who are
             644      classified in the division's management information system as having been placed in custody
             645      primarily on the basis of delinquent behavior or a status offense. Nothing in this Subsection
             646      (2)(c) may be construed to affect the responsibility of the county attorney or district attorney to
             647      represent the state in those matters, in accordance with the provisions of Subsection (2)(a).


             648          (3) The board may adopt special rules of procedure to govern proceedings involving
             649      violations of traffic laws or ordinances, fish and game laws, and boating laws. However,
             650      proceedings involving offenses under Section 78-3a-506 are governed by that section regarding
             651      suspension of driving privileges.
             652          (4) (a) For the purposes of determining proper disposition of the minor in dispositional
             653      hearings and establishing the fact of abuse, neglect, or dependency in adjudication hearings and
             654      in hearings upon petitions for termination of parental rights, written reports and other material
             655      relating to the minor's mental, physical, and social history and condition may be received in
             656      evidence and may be considered by the court along with other evidence. The court may require
             657      that the person who wrote the report or prepared the material appear as a witness if the person
             658      is reasonably available.
             659          (b) For the purpose of determining proper disposition of a minor alleged to be or
             660      adjudicated as abused, neglected, or dependent, dispositional reports prepared by Foster Care
             661      Citizen Review Boards pursuant to Section 78-3g-103 may be received in evidence and may be
             662      considered by the court along with other evidence. The court may require any person who
             663      participated in preparing the dispositional report to appear as a witness, if the person is
             664      reasonably available.
             665          (5) (a) In an abuse, neglect, or dependency proceeding occurring after the
             666      commencement of a shelter hearing under Section 78-3a-306 or the filing of a petition under
             667      Section 78-3a-305 , each party to the proceeding shall provide in writing to the other parties or
             668      their counsel any information which the party:
             669          (i) plans to report to the court at the proceeding; or
             670          (ii) could reasonably expect would be requested of the party by the court at the
             671      proceeding.
             672          (b) The disclosure required under Subsection (5)(a) shall be made:
             673          (i) for dispositional hearings under Sections 78-3a-310 and 78-3a-311 , no less than five
             674      days before the proceeding;
             675          (ii) for proceedings under Title 78, Chapter 3a, Part 4, Termination of Parental Rights
             676      Act, in accordance with Utah Rules of Civil Procedure; and
             677          (iii) for all other proceedings, no less than five days before the proceeding.
             678          (c) If a party to a proceeding obtains information after the deadline in Subsection


             679      (5)(b), the information is exempt from the disclosure required under Subsection (5)(a) if the
             680      party certifies to the court that the information was obtained after the deadline.
             681          (d) Subsection (5)(a) does not apply to:
             682          (i) pretrial hearings; and
             683          (ii) the frequent, periodic review hearings held in a dependency drug court case to
             684      assess and promote the parent's progress in substance abuse treatment.
             685          (6) For the purpose of establishing the fact of abuse, neglect, or dependency, the court
             686      may, in its discretion, consider evidence of statements made by a minor under eight years of
             687      age to a person in a trust relationship.
             688          Section 17. Section 78-3a-502 is amended to read:
             689           78-3a-502. Petition -- Preliminary inquiry -- Nonjudicial adjustments -- Formal
             690      referral -- Citation -- Failure to appear.
             691          (1) Proceedings in minor's cases are commenced by petition.
             692          (2) (a) A peace officer or any public official of the state, any county, city, or town
             693      charged with the enforcement of the laws of the state or local jurisdiction shall file a formal
             694      referral with the juvenile court within ten days of the minor's arrest. If the arrested minor is
             695      taken to a detention facility, the formal referral shall be filed with the juvenile court within 72
             696      hours, excluding weekends and holidays. There shall be no requirement to file a formal
             697      referral with the juvenile court on an offense that would be a class B misdemeanor or less if
             698      committed by an adult.
             699          (b) When the court is informed by a peace officer or other person that a minor is or
             700      appears to be within the court's jurisdiction, the probation department shall make a preliminary
             701      inquiry to determine whether the interests of the public or of the minor require that further
             702      action be taken.
             703          (c) Based on the preliminary inquiry, the court may authorize the filing of or request
             704      that the county attorney or district attorney as provided under Sections 17-18-1 and 17-18-1.7
             705      file a petition. In its discretion, the court may, through its probation department, enter into a
             706      written consent agreement with the minor and the minor's parent, guardian, or custodian for the
             707      nonjudicial adjustment of the case if the facts are admitted and establish prima facie
             708      jurisdiction. Efforts to effect a nonjudicial adjustment may not extend for a period of more
             709      than [two months] 90 days without leave of a judge of the court, who may extend the period for


             710      an additional [two months] 90 days. [The probation department may not in connection with
             711      any nonjudicial adjustment compel any person to appear at any conference, produce any papers,
             712      or visit any place.]
             713          (d) The nonjudicial adjustment of a case may include conditions agreed upon as part of
             714      the nonjudicial closure:
             715          (i) payment of a financial penalty of not more than [$100] $250 to the Juvenile Court;
             716          (ii) payment of victim restitution;
             717          (iii) satisfactory completion of compensatory service;
             718          (iv) referral to an appropriate provider for counseling or treatment;
             719          (v) attendance at substance abuse programs or counseling programs;
             720          (vi) compliance with specified restrictions on activities and associations; and
             721          (vii) other reasonable actions that are in the interest of the minor and the community.
             722          (e) Proceedings involving offenses under Section 78-3a-506 are governed by that
             723      section regarding suspension of driving privileges.
             724          (f) A violation of Section 76-10-105 that is subject to the jurisdiction of the Juvenile
             725      Court shall include a minimum fine or penalty of $60 and participation in a court-approved
             726      tobacco education program, which may include a participation fee.
             727          (3) Except as provided in Section 78-3a-602 , in the case of a minor 14 years of age or
             728      older, the county attorney, district attorney, or attorney general may commence an action by
             729      filing a criminal information and a motion requesting the juvenile court to waive its jurisdiction
             730      and certify the minor to the district court.
             731          (4) (a) In cases of violations of fish and game laws, boating laws, class B and class C
             732      misdemeanors, other infractions or misdemeanors as designated by general order of the Board
             733      of Juvenile Court Judges, and violations of Section 76-10-105 subject to the jurisdiction of the
             734      Juvenile Court, a petition is not required and the issuance of a citation as provided in Section
             735      78-3a-503 is sufficient to invoke the jurisdiction of the court. A preliminary inquiry is not
             736      required unless requested by the court.
             737          (b) Any failure to comply with the time deadline on a formal referral may not be the
             738      basis of dismissing the formal referral.
             739          Section 18. Section 78-30-4.14 is amended to read:
             740           78-30-4.14. Necessary consent to adoption or relinquishment for adoption.


             741          (1) Either relinquishment of a child for adoption or consent to adoption of a child is
             742      required from:
             743          (a) the adoptee, if he is more than 12 years of age, unless he does not have the mental
             744      capacity to consent;
             745          (b) both parents or the surviving parent of an adoptee who was conceived or born
             746      within a marriage, unless the adoptee is 18 years of age or older;
             747          (c) the mother of an adoptee born outside of marriage;
             748          (d) any biological parent who has been adjudicated to be the child's biological father by
             749      a court of competent jurisdiction prior to the mother's execution of consent to adoption or her
             750      relinquishment of the child for adoption;
             751          (e) any biological parent who has executed and filed a voluntary declaration of
             752      paternity with the state registrar of vital statistics within the Department of Health in
             753      accordance with Title 78, Chapter 45e, Voluntary Declaration of Paternity Act, prior to the
             754      mother's execution of consent to adoption or her relinquishment of the child for adoption,
             755      which voluntary declaration of paternity is considered filed when entered into a database that
             756      can be accessed by the Department of Health;
             757          (f) an unmarried biological father of an adoptee, only if the requirements and
             758      conditions of Subsection (2)(a) or (b) have been proven; and
             759          (g) the person or agency to whom an adoptee has been relinquished and that is placing
             760      the child for adoption.
             761          (2) In accordance with Subsection (1), the consent of an unmarried, biological father is
             762      necessary only if the father has strictly complied with the requirements of this section.
             763          (a) (i) With regard to a child who is placed with adoptive parents more than six months
             764      after birth, an unmarried biological father shall have developed a substantial relationship with
             765      the child, taken some measure of responsibility for the child and the child's future, and
             766      demonstrated a full commitment to the responsibilities of parenthood by financial support of
             767      the child, of a fair and reasonable sum and in accordance with the father's ability, when not
             768      prevented from doing so by the person or authorized agency having lawful custody of the child,
             769      and either:
             770          (A) visiting the child at least monthly when physically and financially able to do so,
             771      and when not prevented from doing so by the person or authorized agency having lawful


             772      custody of the child; or
             773          (B) regular communication with the child or with the person or agency having the care
             774      or custody of the child, when physically and financially unable to visit the child, and when not
             775      prevented from doing so by the person or authorized agency having lawful custody of the child.
             776          (ii) The subjective intent of an unmarried biological father, whether expressed or
             777      otherwise, unsupported by evidence of acts specified in this Subsection (2) shall not preclude a
             778      determination that the father failed to meet the requirements of Subsection (2)(a)(i).
             779          (iii) An unmarried biological father who openly lived with the child for a period of six
             780      months within the one-year period after the birth of the child and immediately preceding
             781      placement of the child with adoptive parents, and openly held himself out to be the father of the
             782      child during that period, shall be considered to have developed a substantial relationship with
             783      the child and to have otherwise met the requirements of Subsection (2)(a)(i).
             784          (b) With regard to a child who is under six months of age at the time he is placed with
             785      adoptive parents, an unmarried biological father shall have manifested a full commitment to his
             786      parental responsibilities by performing all of the acts described in this Subsection (2) prior to
             787      the time the mother executes her consent for adoption or relinquishes the child for adoption.
             788      The father shall:
             789          (i) initiate proceedings to establish paternity under Title 78, Chapter [45a] 45g, Utah
             790      Uniform Parentage Act [on Paternity], and file with that court a sworn affidavit stating that he
             791      is fully able and willing to have full custody of the child, setting forth his plans for care of the
             792      child, and agreeing to a court order of child support and the payment of expenses incurred in
             793      connection with the mother's pregnancy and the child's birth;
             794          (ii) file notice of the commencement of paternity proceedings with the state registrar of
             795      vital statistics within the Department of Health, in a confidential registry established by the
             796      department for that purpose, which notice is considered filed when the notice is entered in the
             797      registry of notices from unmarried biological fathers; and
             798          (iii) if he had actual knowledge of the pregnancy, paid a fair and reasonable amount of
             799      the expenses incurred in connection with the mother's pregnancy and the child's birth, in
             800      accordance with his means, and when not prevented from doing so by the person or authorized
             801      agency having lawful custody of the child.
             802          (3) An unmarried biological father whose consent is required under Subsection (1) or


             803      (2) may nevertheless lose his right to consent if the court determines, in accordance with the
             804      requirements and procedures of Title 78, Chapter 3a, Part 4, Termination of Parental Rights
             805      Act, that his rights should be terminated, based on the petition of any interested party.
             806          (4) If there is no showing that an unmarried biological father has consented to or
             807      waived his rights regarding a proposed adoption, the petitioner shall file with the court a
             808      certificate from the state registrar of vital statistics within the Department of Health, stating
             809      that a diligent search has been made of the registry of notices from unmarried biological fathers
             810      described in Subsection (2)(b)(ii), and that no filing has been found pertaining to the father of
             811      the child in question, or if a filing is found, stating the name of the putative father and the time
             812      and date of filing. That certificate shall be filed with the court prior to entrance of a final
             813      decree of adoption.
             814          (5) An unmarried biological father who does not fully and strictly comply with each of
             815      the conditions provided in this section, is considered to have waived and surrendered any right
             816      in relation to the child, including the right to notice of any judicial proceeding in connection
             817      with the adoption of the child, and his consent to the adoption of the child is not required.
             818          Section 19. Repealer.
             819          This bill repeals:
             820          Section 59-10-545, Confidentiality of information.




Legislative Review Note
    as of 1-19-06 6:00 PM


Based on a limited legal review, this legislation has not been determined to have a high
probability of being held unconstitutional.

Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel


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