H.B. 21 Senior Care Facility Amendments

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What the bill does

This bill addresses the closure, qualifying sale, change of use, or acquisition sale of an assisted living facility.

Hearings and debates

• Jan 20, 2026 House floor debate (day 1)▶ Watch
  Transcript (20 turns)

  1. Speaker (presiding)47:22

     House Bill 21, senior Care Facility Amendments by Representative, er, Representative Boxier.

  2. Rep. Tiara Auxier47:32

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Um, like my good colleague from St. George, this bill was heard and passed unanimously in the House committee, the Senate Committee, and with Brad by partisan support in this chamber, and was brought back, um, unanimously again through the interim. What this does is give more protections for residents of care centers. And I worked closely with the stakeholders who, um, supported this bill. And, um, also it, um, extends the amount of time for our residents to be able to be notified if, um, a care center is being bought or shut down. And, um, also helps them find new, um, locations and facilities. And I hope that you will vote for it again. Thank you.

  3. Speaker (presiding)48:32

     Thank you, representative er discussion to the bill. Representative Kyle.

  4. Rep. Jason B. Kyle48:40

     Thank you, Mr. Uh, speaker, I move that we adopt the First Amendment in my name.

  5. Speaker (presiding)48:45

     Thank you, representative. That motions order. Would you like to speak to it?

  6. Rep. Jason B. Kyle48:49

     Yes. It just has a, I think this, uh, the wording I, when I was reading it, I, I, I thought it could be a little bit more clear and provide

  7. Unknown speaker48:57speaker not certain

     Can I, representative, can I just, uh, I think you're referring to amendment number two in your name, is that correct? Correct. Yes. Okay. Uh, sorry to interrupt, but please go ahead.

  8. Rep. Jason B. Kyle49:09

     Yes. Thank, thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes. I, I think that the, the wording could be a little bit more clear and, and for what the intent was for notifying, uh, this vulnerable population. And I, I think it, it enhances the bill and, and makes it, makes it better.

  9. Speaker (presiding)49:24

     Thank you, Representative Kyle, representative Oxia on the motion to adopt amendment number two.

  10. Rep. Tiara Auxier49:29

      I would support that as a friendly amendment. Um, I spoke also to the stakeholders and this is already common practice, so it's just, um, putting it into statute.

  11. Speaker (presiding)49:38

      Thank you representative Discussion to the motion to adopt amendment number two under Representative Kyle's name. See none. Back to your Representative, Kyle, for summation.

  12. Rep. Jason B. Kyle49:51

      Uh, yes. I just think this makes it better. And, uh, yeah, and I appreciate the support. Thank you.

  13. Speaker (presiding)49:56

      Thank you. We'll go ahead and place the motion to motion before us as that we adopt amendment number two under Representative Kyle's name on HB 21. All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? I'm gonna place that motion again. All of 'em in favor, say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Ruled out. Motion passes. Uh, back to discussion on the bill. See none. Oh. Representative Shelley,

  14. Rep. Troy Shelley50:32

      Will the, uh, maker of the bill accept a question?

  15. Speaker (presiding)50:35

      Representative Boxier, will you yield to a question? Yes. Yes. Representative Shelley.

  16. Rep. Troy Shelley50:39

      So, in the event of a proposed sale of a a senior facility, does that relieve them of any con uh, contractual obligations that they have at that time? If it's going to be sold, or does the contractual obligation carry over to the new owner?

  17. Rep. Tiara Auxier50:58

      Um, the contractual obligation would carry over. Um, this would be for all facilities. And so it would be, as the notice came of either a, um, sale and transfer of ownership or a sale and, um, shut down of the facility. There's two different things in the bill and they're both addressed there. But that would carry forward if there was a transfer of ownership. Um, those, those same things would apply.

  18. Speaker (presiding)51:31

      Thank you. Thank you, Representative Shelley. Further the discussion to the bill. Seeing none. Back to your representative, boxier for summation.

  19. Rep. Tiara Auxier51:42

      Thank you. I think, um, as I've, I've said before, this is such a vulnerable population and to be able to put a, a few more, um, protections in place for them is a, a worthy cause. So, thank you.

  20. Speaker (presiding)51:56

      Thank you. Representative Ox voting will now be open on HB 21. Seeing all president and voting. Oh, Representative Kyle, would you like to vote? Seeing all president having voted voting is now closed. HB 21 passes this body with 74 yes votes one, no vote be sent to the Senate for its consideration. Madam Reading Clerk

• Jan 26, 2026 Senate Business and Labor Committee▶ Watch
  Transcript (10 turns)

  1. Chair Vickers (presiding)2:35:30

     Now. We'll call, uh, HB 21 Senior Care Facility Amendments Representative Laer. Thank

  2. Rep. Tiara Auxier2:35:36

     You. And I'll be speaking, Do we just, we we have a sub that just came online? Yeah, I'll be talking to the sub. Okay. And what that is, is, um, I was talking to the stakeholders and we had talked earlier and hadn't, um, for some reason it hadn't gotten into the original amendment, but instead of notifying the residents 30 days before, um, a sale, when it's not changing use, they're just gonna let them know, uh, five days after the sale happens, just like when your mortgage gets, um, changed by mortgage company. So just notify that, that, that happens. Um, I know you guys have already heard this, especially so it, last year you heard it and passed it out and then it just died on the Senate, um, board. And then in interim I've brought it back and it was voted on. So, um, I'll make it really fast. Basically, um, there was a veteran who was given a place in a care facility in my district and within two weeks told he needed to move out in 30 days. And the facility knew the whole time that they were gonna shut down because, um, they were gonna close and they just wanted the money from him for that extra amount of time. So this bill is putting guardrails around these vulnerable populations where, um, if a facility is going to be shutting down and they know it, um, they can't accept any new clients, it also helps notify them and they're, um, relatives if there's going to be a change, um, of use and, um, giving them the ability to know what the other options are within 60 miles around. Um, and, and just be told, um, further in advance, uh, 45 days instead of 30. So, um, I will open myself to questions. Okay. Just trying to be quick. Sorry.

  3. Chair Vickers (presiding)2:37:34

     Um, no, that's fine. So we, we have a substitute before us. Um, can we get a motion to delete entitled and body HP 21 and replace it with Senator Ipson?

  4. Sen. John D. Johnson2:37:47speaker not certain

     I make a motion that we delete entitled and Body House bill 21 and replace it with first substitute 21.

  5. Chair Vickers (presiding)2:37:56

     Okay. That motion's before us. And appropriate, uh, discussion of that motion. Uh, Senator, er, any additional comment on that? No. Or representative? I'm sorry. It's fine. Senator Ipson, I'll waive.

  6. Chair Vickers (presiding)2:38:09

     Okay, we'll place the motion and the motion to substitute. All in favor say aye. Aye. Aye. Any posts say nay. That pass unanimous. Let's see. Do you have any online anymore? Okay, that passes. Uh, six to zero. Okay, so the substitute's billed before us. Any further presentation? No. You've heard it enough, I think. Okay. Uh, back to the committee for any clarifying questions. Seeing none, is there anyone in the public like testify on this? We have one. Please come forward. Anyone online? Okay.

  7. Alison Spangler, Utah Health Care Association2:38:48

     Thank you Mr. Chair, to the committee. I'll be very fast. You've heard from me before on this. Is this on? Can you hear me? Uh, okay. You can use my name. Okay. Hi. Hi, everyone. Alison Spengler with the Utah Healthcare Association. Um, I just wanna say, you know, as an association we are generally cautious about adding new regulatory or administrative requirements. Um, however, I do wanna acknowledge and commend, um, the sponsor for her work on this bill. We appreciate her willingness to engage directly with industry stakeholders and make reasonable compromises. Um, while this, these instances don't happen often, we definitely understand, um, the need for something like this. So, because of the collaborative approach, we do support this bill in the current form. Thank You. Thank you.

  8. Chair Vickers (presiding)2:39:26

     Anyone else from the public that'd like to testify? She's still Got her hand up. Uh, we'll come back to the committee for any, uh, action or further discussion. Senator Ipson. So HB 21 first substitute.

  9. Sen. Ipson2:39:55

     So I make a motion that we pass out First substitute house bill 21 Senior Care Facility Amendments Motion is appropriate.

  10. Chair Vickers (presiding)2:40:03

      In order, uh, any discussion to that motion? Seeing none representative. Any further summation? I'll waive. Thanks. Thanks. Senator Ipson Waive. Okay, we'll place the motion. The motion. All in favor of favor. Recommending first substitute house Bill 21. Please say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Say nay. Your That passes unanimous. Six to zero. Thank you. Thank you. Uh, unfortunately Senator Fillmore had to go back to, there he is. Senator Fillmore walked in Distant time.

• Jan 29, 2026 Senate floor debate (day 10)▶ Watch
  Transcript (7 turns)

  1. Rep. Tiara Auxier49:04

     Um, this bill keeps the existing 30 day notice for individual resident transfers or discharges and adds a separate 45 day notice requirement. Only when the facility plans to close complete a qualifying sale or change its use. It ensures realistic relocation options and protects residents during closures or sales of, uh, senior care facilities. Um, I'd be happy to yield to any questions.

  2. Senate President (presiding)49:32

     Thank you for the presentation. Senator Weiler, uh, not seeing any discussion, I'm gonna go to you for a motion.

  3. Sen. Todd Weiler49:40

     Thank you. I had moved that first substitute house. Bill 21, be read for a third time.

  4. Senate President (presiding)49:47

     Thank you. And the question is, shall first substitute House Bill 21? Be read a third time. Roll call vote. Senator Vickers Baldry Lein Brower Bus Comore. Escamilla Fillmore Grover Harper Kins Aye. Ipson Johnson. Quan McKay. Mikel Milner. Musselman Owens Pitcher. Plum Rebi. Sandal Stevenson. Stratton Bickers. Weiler. Wilson Winterton. I'm not gonna President Adams. We're done. But should I, should we table this on third so we hold it? Yeah. Aye. First substitute house bill 21. Having received 29 Vos zero na votes zero being absent. Pass. Well shall be read a third time I'm gonna go to Senator. I'm gonna go to Senator Fillmore. I'm gonna get a motion here if I can. Uh, this bill doesn't have a fiscal note. We can't find a fiscal note on it, so I'm gonna ask you to table the bill on third so it's held there. If we find the fiscal note, we'll pull it off the table, but I don't wanna run it on third inadvertently, so I'm meant to take a motion to table on third. Thank you.

  5. Sen. Lincoln Fillmore51:18

     I move that we table the Bill on third. Thank

  6. Senate President (presiding)51:20

     you. The question is, shall first substitute House Bill 21 Senior Care Facility amendments be tabled on Third. All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? While that motion passes, that bill is tabled on third. I think that completes our work for the day. Unless somebody has some announcements or, uh, any other business. Uh, Senator Fillmore, do we have a rules committee meeting? There will be a rules committee meeting immediately following floor time.

  7. Senate President (presiding)51:43

     Thank you for that announcement. Do we have any other announcements or any other business? If not, I'm gonna go to Senator Cullimore for, uh, maybe some announcements.

• Feb 6, 2026 Senate floor debate (day 18)▶ Watch
  Transcript (8 turns)

  1. Sen. Todd Weiler18:52

     You. This requires an assisted living facility to meet certain requirements if it intends to close or complete a qualifying sale or undertake a change of use. And, um, it may not accept new residents if it intends to close or again, complete a qualifying sale or undertake a change of use. Uh, with that I'll be happy to yield any questions.

  2. Senate President Ronald M. Winterton (presiding)19:16

     Senator, there are no questions. I'm going to you for a motion.

  3. Sen. Todd Weiler19:19

     Thank you. I'd move that, uh, first substitute house Bill 21 pass.

  4. Senate President Ronald M. Winterton (presiding)19:24

     Thank you. And the question is, shall first substitute House Bill 21 pass Roll call vote.

  5. Senate clerk19:29

     Senator Spery Lewin Brammer Bus Colmore Escamia Fillmore Grover Harper Kinins Pson Johnson k Juab McKay Mikel Milner Musselman Owens Pitcher Plum Rebe Sandal Stevenson Stratton Vickers Weiler Wilson Winterton, president Adams

  6. Senate President Ronald M. Winterton (presiding)20:19

     I first substitute House Bill 21, having received 28 yay votes, zero na votes, one being absent Pastist body and will be sent to the house for further consideration.

  7. Senate President Ronald M. Winterton (presiding)20:38

     Senator Stratton.

  8. Sen. Keven J. Stratton20:40

     Senator Stratton. Thank you Mr. President. We discussed This yesterday, But to, uh, Just, just reaffirm that

• Feb 10, 2026 House floor debate (day 22)▶ Watch
  Transcript (13 turns)

  1. Speaker (presiding)15:16

     for items on the house concurrence calendar, First substitute House bill 21, senior Care Facility Amendments by Representative Voxer. Representative Voxer.

  2. Rep. Tiara Auxier15:30

     Thank you Mr. Speaker. Motion to concur.

  3. Speaker (presiding)15:32

     That motion is in order. Would you like to speak to it?

  4. Rep. Tiara Auxier15:35

     Yes. Um, in committee and Senate, we realized that there was something that was supposed to be an amendment in the house that didn't get on. And basically it changed. Um, when a notification happens, when it, a company is taking over an assisted facility and keeping it open, they just are known, uh, notified after the fact instead of beforehand, um, because there's no change that's happening to them.

  5. Speaker (presiding)16:00

     Thank you. Representative er discussion to the motion to concur with the Senate Amendments Representative Hansen.

  6. Rep. Leah Hansen16:11

     Oh, thank you Mr. Speaker. Will the sponsor yield? That's not what this is for, is it? Yeah. No, you? Yes. Oh.

  7. Speaker (presiding)16:16

     Representative Boxier, will you yield to question? Yes. Yes. Representative Hansen. Thank

  8. Rep. Leah Hansen16:22

     You Mr. Speaker, why change from 30 to five days?

  9. Rep. Tiara Auxier16:27

     Um, 30 days? Mr. Speaker, do you mean 30 days beforehand to five days after?

  10. Rep. Leah Hansen16:35speaker not certain

      Oh, yes, Mr. Speaker.

  11. Rep. Tiara Auxier16:37

      Yes. Um, the reason why is because it's not always known exactly when they're going to close, and this is only for facilities that are going to be kept open and the services are not changing. Most of this bill had to do with if a facility was going to close down and the notification with that. So if there is notification 30 days beforehand, it could also cause a risk of staff flight. Um, if they think that they're gonna be shutting down instead of just notifying us, like when our mortgages get sold, we don't get notified ahead of time. We just get a letter in the mail saying, oh, hey, your mortgage sold and this is the new company that's running it. It's basically the same idea as far as a company taking over the same services for a facility.

  12. Rep. Leah Hansen17:21

      Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

  13. Speaker (presiding)17:25

      Thank you Representative Hansen. Further discussion to the motion to concur with the Senate amendments on first substitute HB 1 21 or HB 21. See none. Back to rep representative er for summation. I thank you. Summation has been waived. We'll go ahead and place the motion. All in favor of concurring with as Senate amendments on first substitute HB 21. Say aye. Aye. Any opposed? While that motion passes, voting will now be open for final passage on first substitute HB 21. Seeing all present, having voted voting is now closed. First substitute HB 21 passed this by a 69. Yes. Vote zero, no votes will be sent to the Senate for the signature of the President.

All votes

• 74-1-0House floor · House/ passed 3rd reading · Jan 20, 2026Roll call
• 6-0-2Senate Business and Labor Committee · Senate Comm - Substitute Recommendation · Jan 26, 2026Roll call
• 6-0-2Senate Business and Labor Committee · Senate Comm - Favorable Recommendation · Jan 26, 2026Roll call
• 29-0-0Senate floor · Senate/ passed 2nd reading · Jan 29, 2026Roll call
• 28-0-1Senate floor · Senate/ passed 3rd reading · Feb 6, 2026
• 69-0-6House floor · House/ concurs with Senate amendment · Feb 10, 2026

Tallies are yeas–nays–absent.