Civil Commitment Modifications
HB 56 modifies Utah's civil commitment process for individuals temporarily held in mental health facilities. It requires local mental health authorities to provide discharge instructions in the patient's preferred format (paper or electronic), clarifies that certain duties can be delegated to a designee, and specifies follow-up requirements after discharge. The bill also updates notification rules for when a patient is released from temporary involuntary commitment. These changes directly affect individuals transitioning out of short-term mental health holds and the local authorities managing their care. The bill makes technical updates to Utah Code sections 26B-5-331 through 26B-6-608 without appropriating funds.
Bill status
signed
all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2025
Committee Review
Jan 2025
House Passage
Feb 2025
Senate Passage
Jan 2025
Signed into Law
Mar 2025
Introduced Jan 21, 2025
Signed Mar 24, 2025
Maddy AI version diff · 2 comparisons
What changed between versions
Substitute #1
→
Enrolled
·
4 edits
·
Mar 24, 2025
MODERATE
This bill updates Utah's civil commitment laws to improve patient safety and discharge processes. It allows discharge instructions to be provided in electronic or paper formats based on patient preference and mandates that authorities follow up with discharged individuals within 48 hours. The bill also clarifies notification requirements and expands the roles of designated staff in managing these commitments.
Scope change
The scope of applicability remains focused on civil commitment for mental illness and intellectual disability, but the operational requirements for local mental health authorities and intermediate care facilities have been expanded to include electronic communication options and specific follow-up timelines.
REQUIREMENT
Discharge instructions for individuals released from temporary or involuntary commitment must now be provided in either paper or electronic format, depending on the individual's preference.
Local mental health authorities and intermediate care facilities are now required to attempt follow-up contact with discharged individuals at least 48 hours after release to ensure continuity of care.
The bill clarifies that certain duties, such as providing discharge instructions and conducting follow-ups, may be performed by a designated representative of the local mental health authority or intermediate care facility.
TECHNICAL
Minor formatting and numbering corrections were made throughout the text to align the statute sections properly.
Floor votes
How they voted
This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
39
Key actions
7
Committee
2
Amendments
2
Mar 24, 2025
Signed into law
Governor Signed
executive
Feb 11, 2025
Legislature · Passed
House/ signed by Speaker/ sent for enrolling
legislature
Feb 10, 2025
Lower · Passed
Senate/ signed by President/ returned to House
lower
Feb 10, 2025
Upper · Passed
House/ concurs with Senate amendment
upper
Feb 6, 2025
Introduced
Senate/ to House with amendments
lower
Feb 6, 2025
Lower · Passed
Senate/ passed 3rd reading
lower
Jan 27, 2025
Upper · Passed
Senate Comm - Favorable Recommendation
upper
Jan 24, 2025
Committee
Senate/ to standing committee
upper
Jan 24, 2025
Introduced
Senate/ 1st reading (Introduced)
upper
Jan 23, 2025
Upper · Passed
House/ passed 3rd reading
upper
Jan 21, 2025
Introduced
House/ 1st reading (Introduced)
lower
1 primary · 1 co-sponsor
Sponsors
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