Tribune editorial on Adoption Reform Bill: Taking an inclusive look at lawmaking.

Adoption reform bill is an example of taking an inclusive look at lawmaking

As the Legislature proceeds with its work, let lawmakers consider the long-range implications of their bills.

“Take a problem, a concern, maybe just an issue. Look into it fully. Ask people with many different perspectives and interests on the matter what they think and what they need. Try to synthesize it all into a proposal that might work toward a solution, or maybe just an improvement.

That process, not just partisan score-settling or online rage-baiting, should be the norm for people who write our laws….

Utah state Rep. Katy Hall, a Republican from South Ogden, has proposed a measure, House Bill 51, that would do many things that would help to ensure that women who want to place a child for adoption are cared for but not exploited, threatened or coerced, that their medical, travel and basic living expenses are covered but that they have neither been bribed nor promised large payments that may or may not materialize…

The measure is supported by Utah adoption agencies and by advocates for birth mothers and adoptive parents. It has already won the bipartisan endorsement of the Legislature’s Judiciary Interim Committee and stands a good chance of becoming law during the current session.

This is legislation that seeks to solve a problem, or at least ameliorate one. It stands to make life better for a great many people, without drawing any partisan blood or winning its sponsors any Instagram anger points….”