Homeless Services Amendments

Created a new 'Shelter Counties Advisory Board' composed of county chief executives to provide recommendations on homeless services coordination.

Changed the definition of the 'Know-by-Name' system from a permanent program to a 'pilot program' with a sunset date of July 1, 2026.

Added specific safety requirements for homeless shelters, including zero-tolerance for drugs, mandatory bag checks, and cooperation with law enforcement for K9 drug sweeps.

Required service providers receiving state or federal funds to have clients sign agreements acknowledging shelter policies and procedures.

Modified the funding formula for the Homeless Shelter Cities Mitigation Restricted Account to prioritize municipalities that enforce camping prohibitions and demonstrate improvement in reducing related conduct.

Enhanced penalties for drug offenses committed inside licensed homeless shelters, including potential indeterminate prison terms.

Updated the HOME Court Pilot Program section to clarify reporting and coordination with the Utah Homeless Services Board.

Created a new Shelter Counties Advisory Board to provide recommendations to the Utah Homeless Services Board regarding homeless services coordination.

Added safety requirements for homeless shelters including zero-tolerance policies for illegal drugs, bag check procedures, and cooperation with law enforcement.

Established a 'pathway to human thriving' framework requiring service providers to help individuals progress from struggling to thriving through measurable services.

Modified the winter response task force composition and procedures for applicable counties.

Added requirements for homeless shelters to prioritize beds for specific populations including families with children, veterans, and individuals with behavioral health disorders.

Modified the process for approving funding requests from the Homeless Shelter Cities Mitigation Restricted Account to require stricter compliance with camping and traffic ordinances.

Added penalties for service providers who refuse to comply with new safety requirements, including fines, funding suspension, or other penalties.

Added new definitions including 'pathway to human thriving', 'struggling', 'surviving', and 'thriving' to clarify service goals.

Set a sunset date of July 1, 2026 for the Know-by-Name case management system pilot program.

Created a new Shelter Counties Advisory Board to make recommendations to the Utah Homeless Services Board regarding homeless services coordination.

Added safety requirements for homeless shelters including zero-tolerance policies for illegal drugs, bag check procedures, and cooperation with law enforcement.

Established a HOME Court Pilot Program in Salt Lake County to provide court-supervised treatment and services for individuals with mental illness.

Modified the process for approving funding requests from the Homeless Shelter Cities Mitigation Restricted Account to require municipalities to demonstrate improvement in reducing camping and traffic-blocking conduct.

Allowed funds from the Homeless to Housing Reform Restricted Account to be used for transportation costs to connect individuals with support networks outside the state.

Added definitions for 'pathway to human thriving,' 'struggling,' 'surviving,' and 'thriving' to guide service provider design.

Set a sunset date of July 1, 2026 for the Know-by-Name case management system pilot program.

Added penalties for service providers receiving state or federal funds that fail to comply with new safety requirements for homeless shelters.