Sometimes in lobbying, the cards are stacked against you. Lawmakers introduce legislation that threatens the progress made by previous policy, forcing advocates to fight just to maintain essential protections. This week, such a bill was introduced in the Utah State Senate by Senator Derrin Owens. The way SB0240 was written, it seemed heavily influenced by the troubled teen industry—designed to protect their profits at the expense of the children placed in their care. If passed, the bill would prevent the Department from restricting admissions to facilities operating under a conditional license, even when they were under investigation for abuse, fraud, neglect, or even wrongful death.
The Fight Against SB0240
Survivors and advocates showed up in full force to oppose the bill, countering industry representatives who testified in favor of it. Programs framed it as a matter of fairness, claiming they deserved due process before facing consequences. But what they failed to acknowledge was that conditional licenses are not issued lightly. When a program reaches this level of scrutiny, it is already under investigation for serious violations. Allowing them to continue admitting children unchecked creates a dangerous loophole that benefits the worst actors in the industry.
Every senator who spoke on SB0240 reaffirmed that abuse will not be tolerated and that bad actors should not be allowed to operate in Utah. While we appreciate that sentiment, we believe lawmakers underestimate just how many bad actors exist. This is not an industry with just a few rogue programs—this is an industry built on the idea that breaking children down through abuse is a profitable business model. Many of these programs rebrand, shuffle staff between facilities, and find ways to slip through regulatory cracks. The reality is that without strong oversight, children will continue to suffer.
Despite these concerns, SB0240 passed out of committee with a 3–2 vote. While this outcome was disappointing, 40% of the committee voted against it, and others raised key questions. That means there is still an opportunity to push for amendments before the bill moves forward.
A United Front Against the Troubled Teen Industry
One of the most powerful aspects of this fight was the unity shown by survivors, advocates, and organizations that came together to oppose SB0240. The Utah Disability Law Center, Survivors Unrestrained, Unsilenced and ICAPA Network were there to represent survivors and the voices of children impacted by institutional abuse. Their testimonies underscored the real and lasting harm caused by these programs and the necessity of strong oversight.
In addition to those who testified, several organizations submitted letters of opposition, including the Alliance Against Seclusion and Restraint, End the TTI, WWASP Survivors, Breaking Code Silence, Lives in the Balance, and The Disability Policy Consortium. Their support helped reinforce the truth that this is not just a small group of people with grievances—this is a nationwide movement against child abuse in congregate care.
It is a testament to the strength of our cause that we can present such a united front. The troubled teen industry is powerful, well-funded, and deeply entrenched in political circles, but the collective voices of survivors, advocates, and organizations continue to push back. This fight is far from over, and as long as lawmakers and the public continue to hear the truth, we will make progress.
In addition to survivor testimony and organizational opposition, community members are making their voices heard through a petition against SB0240. With over 100 signatures and counting, this petition sends a clear message to lawmakers: the public does not support rolling back protections for vulnerable youth. Every signature represents someone who understands the dangers of this bill and stands against the troubled teen industry’s influence over policy.
If you haven’t already, please take a moment to sign and share the petition: Oppose Utah SB0240 – Protect Vulnerable Youth. The more voices we add, the stronger our impact will be. Let’s make sure our lawmakers know that the safety of children must come before industry profits.
What’s Next?
Though we didn’t stop SB0240 in committee, the fight isn’t over. We are actively working with the bill’s sponsor to explore amendments that would preserve the Department’s ability to act when children are at risk. This is a crucial moment to ensure that oversight is strengthened, not weakened.
We also want to recognize the survivors who stood up and testified, as well as those who continue to fight behind the scenes. Lobbying isn’t just about passing new laws—it’s also about defending the progress we’ve made. The troubled teen industry will always push back, using its deep pockets and political influence to roll back protections. But we have something more powerful: the truth.
Continuing the Fight
Moving forward, we need to ensure lawmakers understand the difference between legitimate congregate care and the for-profit troubled teen industry. Many legislators have good intentions, but they do not always see the full picture. It is up to us to make sure they do.
If you want to get involved, follow our updates and help us advocate for the amendments needed to protect children. The fight is far from over, and together, we can make a difference.
Utah TTI Laws
