Latest Senate News

Today, Sen. Luz Escamilla presented S.B. 124, known as “The Gavin Peterson Bill,” before the House Judiciary committee. The legislation is named in honor of Gavin Peterson, a 12-year-old boy from West Haven whose death exposed a critical gap in Utah’s child welfare system. Gavin interacted with the Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS) between 2013 and 2024. Over the years, there were reports of abuse, concerns raised, and clear red flags. Yet for the final year of his

Utah Senate and House Democratic leadership oppose the legislature’s involvement in the federal lawsuit through the amicus brief, a decision that does not reflect Democratic lawmakers in this body. Rather than rebuilding public trust, this continued litigation deepens division and prolongs uncertainty around our congressional maps—taxpayer dollars should instead be focused on serving Utahns and protecting the will of the voters.