SB 25-151: Measures to Prevent Youth from Running Away

Official summary

Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.

The Timothy Montoya task force (task force): Analyzed the root causes of why a child or youth runs away from an out-of-home placement; Developed consistent, prompt, and effective responses to recover a missing child or youth; Addressed the safety and well-being of a child or youth upon the child's or youth's return to the out-of-home placement; and Made recommendations. The act implements the task force recommendations that focus on preventing a child or youth from running away from a residential child care facility (facility). The act requires the office of the child protection ombudsman (office) to conduct a statewide inventory survey (survey) of facilities to address: The physical infrastructure currently in place to deter children and youth from running away; and The physical infrastructure needed to deter children and youth from running away. The office shall consult with the department of human services to develop the survey. On or before July 1, 2026, the office shall submit a report to the health and human services committees of the house of representatives and the senate, or their successor committees, that summarizes the results of the survey. The act requires each facility, on or before July 1, 2026, to develop an efficient, well-structured, and trauma-informed policy that outlines how the facility responds to a child or youth who threatens or attempts to run away from care. The policy must include whether the facility uses physical restraints. Each facility shall provide a copy of the policy to the child or youth and the child's or youth's parent, legal guardian, or custodian during the child's or youth's intake at the facility. When a facility discovers that a child or youth is missing from its care, the facility shall notify the child's or youth's parent, legal guardian, or custodian and the guardian ad litem or counsel for youth within 4 hours after the discovery of the missing child or youth. If the facility cannot make initial contact with the child's or youth's parent, legal guardian, or custodian, the facility must make repeated efforts to notify the child's or youth's parent, legal guardian, or custodian. (Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 29

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. April 10, 2025Governor Signed
2. April 7, 2025Sent to the Governor
3. April 7, 2025Signed by the Speaker of the House
4. April 4, 2025Signed by the President of the Senate
5. March 31, 2025House Third Reading Passed - No Amendments
6. March 28, 2025House Second Reading Special Order - Passed - No Amendments
7. March 27, 2025House Second Reading Laid Over Daily - No Amendments
8. March 25, 2025House Committee on Health & Human Services Refer Unamended to House Committee of the Whole
9. February 26, 2025Senate Third Reading Passed - No Amendments
10. February 26, 2025Introduced In House - Assigned to Health & Human Services
11. February 25, 2025Senate Second Reading Passed with Amendments - Committee
12. February 24, 2025Senate Second Reading Laid Over Daily - No Amendments

Showing 12 most recent of 14 actions. Full history