Child Welfare Modifications

HB 83 amends Utah law to clarify when juvenile courts can issue warrants for child welfare investigations. It allows juvenile courts to authorize peace officers or child welfare caseworkers to search for a child or conduct investigations (like examining a child for abuse or interviewing them about safety) if there's a credible threat to their health or welfare and less intrusive methods failed. The bill also specifies that removal from home or school without a warrant requires exigent circumstances, a court order, or parental consent, and explicitly prohibits actions based on educational neglect, medical cannabis use, or a child's gender identity. This directly affects law enforcement, child welfare workers, and children in potential welfare cases.