The state was embroiled in a tug of war with Daren and Barbara Jensen over Parker, who at 12 was said to have a life-threatening form of cancer requiring chemotherapy, treatment the state believed was needed. It sought custody to provide it. Parker Jensen never received it and remains healthy today.

While the state did back off, the story became a springboard for critics who assert the system exercises too much power over parents.

Some of the same critics are back this session with legislation aimed at improving protections for parents.

SB83, sponsored by Sen. David Thomas, R-South Weber, has already cleared the Senate and appears destined for passage in the House. Not nearly as controversial as its incantation last year, the measure sets up guidelines by which parents can refuse medical treatment for their child and at what point the state can intervene.

Rep. Wayne Harper, R-West Jordan, is trying to resurrect certain provisions of his failed measure of last year with HB202 — which is up for committee hearing Wednesday morning and proposes sweeping changes to the system, including the provision that accidental injuries do not constitute abuse or neglect.

On Friday, the Legislature's fiscal analysts put a $1.7 million fiscal note on the proposal, meaning analysts project the annual operational costs of DCFS, the Attorney General's Office and the courts would increase by that much if the bill is approved.

The measure will likely be considered by the law enforcement committee this week.

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Contributing: Wendy Leonard; E-mail: amyjoi@desnews.com