Violent youthful offenders may not be allowed in residential areas.

HB94, which would prohibit the operation of group homes for juveniles in neighborhoods zoned for single families, may be expanded to include homes that are already operating and homes that house adults. Currently the bill would prohibit only new group homes and apply only to youthful offenders who had committed certain crimes, including rape or aggravated assault.

Members of the House Political Subdivisions Committee postponed a decision on the bill until Thursday, when they may take more testimony and allow further debate. The committee had to adjourn Tuesday because of scheduled floor time.

HB94 was prompted by a proposed group home in a Holladay neighborhood which has been denied by the city. Originally, the bill would have applied to all group homes, but a $1.8 million fiscal note caused sponsoring Rep. Carol Spackman Moss, D-Holladay, to revise it to primarily address the Holladay home. Some committee members, however, urged her to reconsider that move because they have concerns about other homes.