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HB0320 | School and Institutional Trust Lands Administration Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill modifies provisions related to the School and Institutional Trust Lands Administration.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill would restrict the Trust Land agencies ability to sell Trust Lands for the most beneficial outcome to the beneficiaries.

Bill Details
Bill Number: 
HB0320
Year: 
2024
Status: 
House/ filed
Last Action: 
Mar 01, 2024
Sponsor
Representative
Phil Lyman
Republican - District 69
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
View Fiscal Note
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Oppose
Utah PTA Resolution: 
EDU 2015-1 | School Trust Lands
Impact on Children: 

This bill would impose costly restrictions on all sales of Trust Lands regardless of the size of the sale. Lines 41-53: This would consume an enormous amount of the Trust Land monies to fulfill each time any land is sold, and is not a wise use of the beneficiaries monies. Line 133 only allows for rejection of proposal and not for approval. It tries to allow the Leg. Committee in the interim to outright reject any proposal, but not the allowance to approve the transaction. Line 144 requires notification of the legislator if any portion of the land lies in their district. This is intended to insert more legislative power into the process. We have learned from Trust Lands history that more legislative insertion results in a decrease in the funds and effectiveness of the Trust Lands. Thus why the Trust Lands agencies were constitutionally created so that they would serve the beneficiaries solely and not bend to governmental power grabs. Line 157 would not allow any sale of land to the federal government unless the transaction results in a net decrease of lands owned by the federal government in that county. Trust Lands agency SITLA is bound to serve the beneficiaries of the trust. They need to be allowed to buy/sell land areas that are not serving the Trust in order to trade for lands/areas that will better serve the Trust and beneficiaries. The school children of Utah are the majority beneficiary of the Trust Lands. If we do not do all we can to ensure that Trust Lands are used to the highest benefit of the beneficiaries, then we are not serving the school children of Utah.

Commission: 
Trust Lands
Education
Utah PTA Public Policy Program
National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions: 

That Utah PTA work to encourage Federal and State officials to fulfill their responsibilities under the Enabling Act by assisting the State in proper management of School Trust Lands for their intended purpose to support public schools; and in cases where management for trust purposes would conflict with other important purposes, such as protection of archaeological, aesthetic, or other environmental or cultural resources, that the Federal Government or State purchase, or trade the affected lands for other lands of comparable value

HB0323S01 | High Poverty Schools Teacher Bonus Program Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill makes amendments related to criteria for schools and teachers eligible for the Effective Teachers in High Poverty Schools Incentive Program.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill:
▸ amends the eligibility requirements for teachers in high poverty schools to receive a salary bonus in the 2020-2021 school year;
▸ provides that a school that qualified as a high poverty school in the 2018-2019 or
2019-2020 school year qualifies as a high poverty school for the 2020-2021 school year;
▸ requires the State Board of Education to publish a list of high poverty schools

Bill Details
Bill Number: 
HB0323S01
Year: 
2021
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 17, 2021
Sponsor
Representative
Mike Winder
Republican - District 30
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
View Fiscal Note
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Utah PTA Resolution: 
EDU 2011-1 | Excellence in Teaching
Impact on Children: 

This bill allows for teachers in high poverty schools to continue to receive their incentive bonus this year in the absence of statewide testing.

Commission: 
Education
Utah PTA Public Policy Program
National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions: 

That Utah PTA support adequate funding for and encourage consideration of financial incentives to recruit and retain highly qualified and effective educators

HB0323S02 | School Mental Health Funding Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill addresses provisions relating to school-based mental health support.

Bill Details
Bill Number: 
HB0323S02
Year: 
2020
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 28, 2020
Sponsor
Representative
Steve Eliason
Republican - District 45
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
View Fiscal Note
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support

In Utah, suicide is the leading cause of death for children ages 11-17; and the State of Utah ranks 5th in the nation for suicide deaths in 2018; 

 Suicidal children usually do not want to die, but are unable to recognize other solutions for problems;

 

There are a myriad of reasons why children die by suicide or have suicidal thoughts and it cannot be traced back to one event; 

 

Many suicidal children start off with mental health symptoms including anxiety, depression, lack of coping and decision-making skills, and lack of connection;

Many suicidal children exhibit significant warning signs before they attempt or die by suicide and most people, including parents, trusted adults and friends either do not recognize the seriousness of these warning signs or ignore them because they do not know what to do to help;  It is imperative that children get screened for mental health issues.

Utah PTA Resolution: 
HEA 2019-1 | Prevention & Promotion of Health Behaviors
HEA 2019-2 | Youth Suicide Prevention
Impact on Children: 

Utah PTA and its constituent associations will participate and support methods to assess and recognize the risk and protective factors in their local schools, families, and communities;

Utah PTA and its constituent associations will continue to support methods to gather information that will assist in monitoring, anticipating and predicting youth behaviors;

That Utah PTA and its constituent associations advocate for more research and funding in determining the causes of suicide, and advocate for best practices in treating mental illness and suicidal ideation,

Utah PTA and its constituent associations support that each school district’s crisis intervention procedures include intervention in feeder schools and in the community;

Utah PTA and its constituent associations encourage the Utah Legislature to provide adequate funding to provide suicide prevention programs in every district and school in the State of Utah

Commission: 
Safety
Utah PTA Public Policy Program
Utah PTA Legislative Policy: 

Prioritizing the needs of all children and youth, while adhering to fiscal responsibility in government.

Maximum local control when it serves the best interest of all children and youth.

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities: 

5. Support additional funding to help with the overwhelming mental health crisis including, but not limited to: programs and classes including art, music, civic, character, and physical education; more school psychologists, counselors, nurses, and social workers; and professional development.

6. Support measures to instill proven and effective prevention methods to promote healthy behaviors in children to be able to overcome the ills of society including suicide, tobacco use, vaping, underage drinking, drug abuse, sexual exploitation, bullying, and any form of addiction that is harmful to our children’s well-being.

7. Support legislation, funding, and community partnerships that provide programs and resources to strengthen families and children’s social and emotional well being through affordable housing, homelessness initiatives, education, and parenting skills, and juvenile justice reforms.

National PTA and Utah PTA Position Statements: 

EARLY IDENTIFICATION AND INTERVENTIONS FOR CHILDREN WITH MENTAL HEALTH NEEDS Position Statement

National PTA Public Policy Agenda

Include effective parent and family stakeholder engagement provisions in education and youth-related reauthorization bills

Links
EARLY IDENTIFICATION AND INTERVENTIONS FOR CHILDREN WITH MENTAL HEALTH NEEDS Position Statement

HB0324S04 | Tobacco Age Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill modifies provisions related to an individual's age and tobacco, tobacco paraphernalia, or electronic cigarettes.

Bill Details
Bill Number: 
HB0324S04
Year: 
2019
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 25, 2019
Sponsor
Representative
Steve Eliason
Republican - District 45
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
View Fiscal Note
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Pending

Utah PTA does not support language that limits local control over tobacco ordinances.

Utah PTA Resolution: 
HEA 2015-2 | Electronic Cigarettes and Utah Youth
Impact on Children: 

STudies show that when tobacco is regulated to increase age to 21 then youth use rates decrease

Commission: 
Health
Utah PTA Public Policy Program
National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions: 

"Resolved, That Utah PTA seek and support legislation that would include ENDS in the Utah Code Annotated definition of tobacco products and treat them as such - including the need for licensing, sales restrictions, tax parity, and marketing; and, be it further
Resolved, That Utah PTA support state and local ordinances that appropriately address regulations of ENDS products; and, be it further"

HB0324S06 | Disability Services Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill creates the Coordinated Care Services for Children with Disabilities Grant Program and instructs the Department of Health and Human Services to apply for a Medicaid waiver.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill creates the Coordinated Care Services for Children with Disabilities Grant Program within the Department of Health and Human Services; and appropriates $1,200,000 in one-time money from the General Fund.

Bill Details
Bill Number: 
HB0324S06
Year: 
2024
Status: 
House/ filed
Last Action: 
Mar 01, 2024
Sponsor
Representative
Steven J. Lund
Republican - District 66
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$1,200,000
This bill appropriates in fiscal year 2025: to Department of Health and Human Services - Integrated Health Care Services - Medicaid Other Services as a one-time appropriation: from the General Fund Restricted - Medicaid Restricted Account, One-time, $1,200,000
View Fiscal Note
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Utah PTA Resolution: 
FAM 2014-1 | Intergenerational Poverty
Impact on Children: 

This creates the Coordinated Care Services for Children with Disabilities Grant which will help enable individuals with disabilities to live at home and not be placed in an institutional setting. This program will be evaluated to see if it helps families by reducing the need for hospitalizations and ER visits and helping families overcome financial barriers and access appropriate healthcare for their child with disabilities.

Commission: 
Special Needs Specialist
Utah PTA Public Policy Program
National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions: 

Resolved, That Utah PTA support programs that help mentoring families, including those that focus on the individual or family for a significant amount of time, teaching parenting skills, promoting continuing education, encouraging good health care for themselves and their children, and helping children succeed in school.

HB0326S06 | Firearm Safety Incentives

Description
General Description: 

This bill establishes an income tax credit for the purchase of a firearm safety device.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill establishes an income tax credit for the purchase of a firearm safety device.

Bill Details
Bill Number: 
HB0326S06
Year: 
2024
Status: 
House/ filed
Last Action: 
Mar 01, 2024
Sponsor
Representative
Matt MacPherson
Republican - District 26
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
View Fiscal Note
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Oppose w/ Comment

National PTA has long been an advocate for secure gun storage. While this legislation aims to ensure secure storage of firearms, it is  important to note that the associated $45 million fiscal impact is drawn from the funds allocated for education.

 

 

Utah PTA Resolution: 
EDU 2023-1 | Education Funding
Impact on Children: 

The redirection of $45 million from the Income Tax Fund to implement secure storage measures for firearms has the potential to impact educational resources, programs, and the overall quality of education for children

Commission: 
Safety
Utah PTA Public Policy Program
National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions: 

Resolved, That Utah PTA and its constituent associations oppose funding mechanisms such as vouchers, tax credits, deductions

Utah PTA Legislative Policy: 

ACCOUNTABILITY: All members, employees, volunteers, and partners have a shared responsibility to align their efforts toward the achievement of our association’s strategic initiatives.

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities: 

EDUCATION. Support an adequately funded public school system by funding an 8% WPU increase over and above growth and inflation; implement policies to increase proficiency levels by improving attendance, reducing class sizes, and supporting teachers; increase academic excellence for all Utah students; and prioritize local control to LEAs and individual schools.

HB0327 | School Information Systems Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill requires the State Board of Education to implement an end-to-end system for collecting and reporting public education information.

Bill Details
Bill Number: 
HB0327
Year: 
2019
Status: 
House/ filed
Last Action: 
Mar 14, 2019
Sponsor
Representative
Melissa G. Ballard
Republican - District 20
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$80,000,000
This bill appropriates for fiscal year 2020: to the State Board of Education - State Administrative Office, as a One-time appropriation: from the Education Fund, One-time, $80,000,000.
View Fiscal Note
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Pending

Utah PTA is concerned with the $80,000,000 fiscal note associated with this bill. The State Board of Education is currently seeking $17,200,000 for a system that will communicate with the LEA systems that are in place. With limited education funding it is important that resources be used in the most fiscally responsible way.

Utah PTA Resolution: 
EDU 2010-2 | Education Funding (retired)
Impact on Children: 

This bill has a fiscal note of $80,000,000 from the Education fund to be used to create the end-to-end system and requires by 2028 that all LEAs are using the new system. The Utah State Board of Education is currently seeking 17.2 million for a bridge system that will communicate with the LEAs systems that are in place. With limited education funding it is important that resources be used in the most prudent way.

Commission: 
Education
Utah PTA Public Policy Program
National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions: 

Resolved, That Utah PTA continue to urge the legislature to make public education revenue allocations and funding effort a high priority; and be it further
Resolved, That Utah PTA encourage the legislature to adequately fund critical educational needs, including but not limited to, class size reduction, teacher salaries, technology, textbooks and supplies;

HB0330 | Restorative Justice Definition

Description
General Description: 

This bill creates a definition of "restorative justice" to be used across the entire code.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill creates a definition of "restorative justice" to provide consistency and clarity for existing sections of the entire code.

Bill Details
Bill Number: 
HB0330
Year: 
2021
Status: 
House/ filed
Last Action: 
Mar 05, 2021
Sponsor
Representative
Andrew Stoddard
Democrat - District 44
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
View Fiscal Note
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

Equity in the form of equal justice, privileges, opportunities, and responsibilities in every phase of life for all children and youth, while recognizing that each child is unique with individual needs and talents.
High standards for those who work in all areas concerned with children and youth.
Coordination and planning by all agencies with clear definition of responsibility at each level of government.

Commission: 
Safety
Utah PTA Public Policy Program
Utah PTA Legislative Priorities: 

5. Support measures to promote safe and healthy environments and behaviors for children to prevent suicide, sexual exploitation, and human trafficking,

National PTA and Utah PTA Position Statements: 

National PTA CHILD SAFETY AND PROTECTION Position Statement
Promote initiatives to address racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic inequities in the juvenile justice system.
Encourage collaboration between law enforcement, the judicial system, and child welfare agencies.
Promote alternative dispute resolution techniques that provide a range of possible sanctions

National PTA Public Policy Agenda

PTA Calls on Congress and the Administration to Meaningfully Incorporate Policies that Promote Safe, Supportive and Inclusive Practices in Schools for All Students. PTA firmly believes that all students—including students from historically marginalized populations—have the right to a quality, equitable education in a safe, supportive and inclusive school. PTA believes that the education system should engage in rigorous self-examination to identify and eliminate practices and policies which are systemically racist. PTA supports policies and legislation that ensure equity for every student, are grounded in social justice and support the whole child and family. Policies and legislation must:

✓ Encourage schools to use positive behavioral interventions and supports that are effective, fair and consistently implemented. Such practices may include restorative justice and trauma-informed care. 

HB0330S01 | Juvenile Justice Competency Revisions

Description
General Description: 

This bill amends provisions related to evaluations of competency of juveniles.

Bill Details
Bill Number: 
HB0330S01
Year: 
2019
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 27, 2019
Sponsor
Representative
Jon Hawkins
Republican - District 57
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
View Fiscal Note
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Pending
Impact on Children: 

This bill allows for not holding a juvenile longer than adequate to review the competency of the minor. By allowing a new timeline, it serves the best interest of the youth, family and courts

Commission: 
Family Life
Utah PTA Public Policy Program
National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions: 

Juvenile Justice - Encourage collaboration between law enforcement, the judicial system, and child welfare agencies.

Links
National PTA Position Statement- Child Safety and Protection

HB0331 | Income Tax Reductions

Description
General Description: 

This bill amends the income tax rates.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill reduces the income tax rate from 4.95% to 4.9%.

Bill Details
Bill Number: 
HB0331
Year: 
2021
Status: 
House/ filed
Last Action: 
Mar 05, 2021
Sponsor
Representative
Travis M. Seegmiller
Republican - District 62
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
View Fiscal Note
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Oppose
Utah PTA Resolution: 
EDU 2010-2 | Education Funding (retired)
Impact on Children: 

Enactment of this bill could decrease revenues to the Education Fund by $19,496,000 in FY 2022 and $68,496,000 in FY 2023.

Commission: 
Education
Utah PTA Public Policy Program
National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions: 

Resolved: That Utah PTA continue to urge the legislature to make public education revenue allocations and funding effort a high priority.
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