HB0061S04 | School Safety Requirements

Description

General Description:

This bill addresses school safety and security issues.

Highlighted Provisions:

▸ creates the School Security Task Force;
▸ requires the task force to develop the qualifications, duties, and scope of authority
of the state security chief;
▸ requires that all secondary schools have a school resource officer

Bill Details

Bill Number:

HB0061S04

Year:

2023

Status:

Governor Signed

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

$78,943,000

This bill appropriates in fiscal year 2024: to the State Board of Education - Contracted Initiatives and Grants, as a one-time appropriation: from the Income Tax Fund, One-Time, $75,000,000; to the State Board of Education - Policy, Communication, & Oversight: from the Income Tax Fund, $3,660,000; and to the Department of Public Safety - Programs and Operations: from the General Fund, $283,000.

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Pending

Utah PTA supports the creation of a School Security Task Force; however, we would request that a parent representative be added to the committee makeup.

Utah PTA Resolution:

SAF 2022-1 | Safe School Policies

Impact on Children:

This bill would make schools safer by creating a School Security Task Force.

Commission:

Safety

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

Resolved, that Utah PTA and its constituent associations encourage all efforts to address school safety to involve all stakeholders, especially students, parents, and families, and consider a variety of factors including the physical and psychological safety of students;

Resolved, that Utah PTA and its constituent associations encourage investment from Federal, State and local decisionmakers for the necessary physical and psychological student supports and services, including locally determined physical safety measures, appropriate resources for health and wellness services, research-based online safety programs, qualified school-based health and wellness practitioners, training on trauma-informed practices, and optional mental health screenings for all students,

Utah PTA Legislative Policy:

To promote the welfare of children and youth in home, school, community, and place of worship.
Prioritizing the needs of all children and youth, while adhering to fiscal responsibility in government.

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities:

SAFETY. Support funding to strengthen school safety measures including upgrading school buildings to be safe and secure, safety training and educating families and communities on school safety policies, children’s online safety, and evaluating digital threats to schools in Utah.