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Legislative Bills

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HB0029S03 | Mental Health Support and Law Enforcement Co-response

Description
General Description: 

This bill requires the Division of Integrated Healthcare to establish a grant program to fund best practice crisis intervention teams.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill creates a grant program for new or expanded crisis intervention or mobile crisis outreach teams to intervene instead of law enforcement if they situation warrants that response.

Bill Details
Bill Number: 
HB0029S03
Year: 
2023
Status: 
House/ filed
Last Action: 
Mar 03, 2023
Sponsor
Representative
Andrew Stoddard
Democrat - District 40
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$2,000,000
This bill appropriates for fiscal year 2024: to the Department of Health and Human Services - Integrated Health Care Services, as a one-time appropriation: from the General Fund, One-time, $2,000,000.
View Fiscal Note
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Utah PTA Resolution: 
HEA 2020-1 | Emotional/Mental Health and Well-Being
Commission: 
Health
Utah PTA Public Policy Program
National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions: 

That Utah PTA support collaborative efforts between the home, school, private physicians, and community resource agencies to create mental health support networks for families, to recognize the prevalence and need for recognition of mental health illnesses and associated diagnosis

That Utah PTA and its constituent associations advocate for programs, policies, and legislation which provide adequate training and resources for recognizing and helping children with emotional and behavioral problems
 

Utah PTA Legislative Policy: 

To promote the welfare of children and youth in home, school, community, and place of worship.

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities: 

HEALTH. Support legislation that addresses mental health needs of Utah’s children and families by increasing education and awareness of current statewide mental health issues; and providing funding for prevention, early intervention, and evidenced-based community outreach programs.

HB0029S02 | Sensitive Material Review Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill amends provisions regarding the evaluation of instructional material to identify and remove pornographic or indecent material.

Highlighted Provisions: 

Sensitive Materials bill that makes changes to review process and rules for banning books. 

Bill Details
Bill Number: 
HB0029S02
Year: 
2024
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 18, 2024
Sponsor
Representative
Ken Ivory
Republican - District 39
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
View Fiscal Note
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Local Issue
Impact on Children: 

Pornographic materials do not belong in our K-12 schools. Local communities may have differing views on what constitutes pornography. Therefore the issue should be left to local boards to manage. Also, a small number of LEAs should not decide this for the whole state.

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

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

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.

HB0031 | Unaccompanied Minors in Autonomous Vehicles

Description
General Description: 

This bill establishes a workgroup on unaccompanied minors and autonomous vehicles.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill establishes a workgroup on unaccompanied minors and autonomous vehicles.

Bill Details
Bill Number: 
HB0031
Year: 
2021
Status: 
House/ filed
Last Action: 
Mar 05, 2021
Sponsor
Representative
Karen Kwan
Democrat - District 34
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
View Fiscal Note
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support

We are having the students follow this bill. Would you put your child in a driverless car to go to soccer practice? This bill presents a lot of good conversation starters, and an opportunity for students to follow a bill that impacts them.

Utah PTA Resolution: 
SAF 2012-3 | Child Passenger Safety
STU 1995-1 | Student Involvement Through PTA/PTSA
Impact on Children: 

We are very concerned with putting a child in a car without a seat belt, what about without a driver? This is an issue that needs to be studied dealing with the safety of our children.

Commission: 
Student Leadership
Day at the Capitol
Utah PTA Public Policy Program
National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions: 

National PTA Resolution on Safety

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities: 

#5 healthy & safe environments for children

#6 parenting skills, civic involvement

HB0032S03 | Crisis Services Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill relates to crisis response treatment and resources.

Bill Details
Bill Number: 
HB0032S03
Year: 
2020
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 30, 2020
Sponsor
Representative
Steve Eliason
Republican - District 43
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$16,462,000
This bill appropriates in fiscal year 2021: to Department of Human Services -- Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health -- Community Mental Health Services, as an ongoing appropriation: From General Fund, $10,460,000; to Department of Human Services -- Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health -- Community Mental Health Services, as a one-time appropriation: From General Fund, One-time, $5,652,000; to Governor's Office -- Suicide Prevention -- Suicide Prevention, as an ongoing appropriation: from General Fund, $100,000; and to University of Utah -- SafeUT Crisis Text and Tip Line -- SafeUT Operations, as an ongoing appropriation: from General Fund, $250,000.
View Fiscal Note
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Pending
Utah PTA Resolution: 
HEA 2019-1 | Prevention & Promotion of Health Behaviors
HEA 2019-2 | Youth Suicide Prevention
Impact on Children: 

This bill will help provide resources to individuals, including children, who are experiencing a mental health crisis.  Providing access and also education to families will help children needing this support. The bill specifically requires the Department of Human Services to establish a statewide stabilization services plan and standards for providing stabilization services to a child.  "Stabilization services" means in-home services provided to a child with, or who is at risk for, complex emotional and behavioral needs, including teaching the child's parent or guardian skills to improve family functioning.  The purpose is to increase access to mental health crisis services for individuals experiencing a mental health crisis and reduce the number of people incarcerated or using hospital emergency room resources.

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

Utah PTA Resolution HEA 2019-2 Youth Suicide Prevention
Resolved, That Utah PTA and its constituent associations support education and training to parents, teachers, administrators, students and the community that focuses on recognizing warning signs, teaching intervention skills, and providing safe messaging in regards to suicide; and be it further
Resolved, That Utah PTA and its constituent associations support evidence-based suicide prevention programs focused on improving mental health including, but not limited to, teaching students, teachers, and parents mindfulness skills, coping skills, decision making skills, and helping them to build connections and improve dispositions;

Utah PTA Resolution HEA 2019-1 Prevention & Promotion of Healthy Behaviors

Resolved, Utah PTA and its constituent associations will support evidence based programs to decrease risk factors and increase protective factors in our homes, schools and communities; 

Utah PTA Legislative Policy: 

The legislative policy is the philosophy and general principles which guide the Utah PTA’s consideration of proposed legislation.

The Utah PTA is a non-profit, grassroots, child advocacy association made up of parents, teachers, and students. The legislative program of the Utah PTA is derived from the work of PTA in home, school, and community. PTA efforts “to secure adequate laws for the care and protection of children and youth” are based upon:

1. The recognition of the home as the foundation of our society;
2. Parental involvement as an essential component of all policy-making processes pertaining to children;

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities: 

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.

HB0033S01 | Abuse, Neglect, and Dependency Proceedings Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill addresses proceedings in regards to the abuse, neglect, or dependency of a child and termination of parental rights.

Bill Details
Bill Number: 
HB0033S01
Year: 
2020
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 28, 2020
Sponsor
Representative
Karianne Lisonbee
Republican - District 14
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
View Fiscal Note
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Utah PTA Resolution: 
FAM 2009-2 | Child Abuse and Neglect
Impact on Children: 

1. Advocate for adequate laws to protect children in all areas of child abuse, neglect, maltreatment, and exploitation. 2. Recognizes the importance of parental roles and encourages parental involvement in all aspects of their children’s lives.  3. To help prevent irretrievable destruction of family life.

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

Resolved,That Utah PTA and its constituent associations advocate for adequate laws to protect children in all areas of child abuse, neglect, maltreatment, and exploitation.

Utah PTA Legislative Policy: 

2.High standards for those who work in all areas concerned with children and youth.

1.The recognition of the home as the foundation of our society;

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities: 

4. Support safe practices and environments for all children.

Links
Utah Public Policy
2019-20 Legislative Priorities

HB0034S01 | Cigarette Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill modifies tax and criminal code provisions related to cigarettes.

Highlighted Provisions: 

modifies the definitions of "cigarette" and "electronic cigarette."
line 36 in particular adds the word "heated" to encompass the possibility of IQOS tobacco products entering the market.

Bill Details
Bill Number: 
HB0034S01
Year: 
2022
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 23, 2022
Sponsor
Representative
Steve Eliason
Republican - District 45
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
View Fiscal Note
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Utah PTA Resolution: 
HEA 2015-2 | Electronic Cigarettes and Utah Youth
Impact on Children: 

Tobacco companies bring new products into the marketplace, and often will have no regulations in place for the first few years. Like we have seen with e-cigarettes, that gives them time to establish a market with the youth.

Commission: 
Student Leadership
Utah PTA Public Policy Program
National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions: 

That Utah PTA support state and local ordinances that appropriately address regulations of
ENDS products; and, be it further resolved That Utah PTA support the position that any revenue generated through taxation of ENDS
should support tobacco cessation and prevention programs; and, be it further

Utah PTA Legislative Policy: 

To secure adequate laws for the care and protection of children and youth.

National PTA Public Policy Agenda

provide early intervention and prevention programs

HB0037S01 | Child Protection Unit Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill addresses child protection units and teams.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill repeals the Child Protection Unit Pilot Program; reenacts provisions authorizing a child protection unit to share case-specific.

Bill Details
Bill Number: 
HB0037S01
Year: 
2021
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 11, 2021
Sponsor
Representative
Karianne Lisonbee
Republican - District 14
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
View Fiscal Note
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Utah PTA Resolution: 
FAM 2009-2 | Child Abuse and Neglect
Impact on Children: 

This bill reenacts provisions authorizing a child protection unit to share case-specific information with certain persons to protect children.

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

That Utah PTA and its constituent associations advocate for adequate laws to protect children in all areas of child abuse, neglect, maltreatment, and exploitation.

Utah PTA Legislative Policy: 

To promote the welfare of children and youth in home, school, community, and place of worship. High standards for those who work in all areas concerned with children and youth.

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities: 

Support legislation, funding, and community partnerships that provide programs and resources to strengthen families and children’s social and emotional learning and well-being including, but not limited to: positive behavior programs and classes including art, music, physical education, civic engagement, and character development; early childhood education, parenting skills, and juvenile justice reforms.

HB0038 | School Technology Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill requires digital resources, provided by UETN to Utah's public schools, to block obscene or pornographic material.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill:
▸ requires a digital resource provider to ensure that the digital resource provider's products used in public schools block "obscene or pornographic material";
▸ provides that a digital resource provider's failure to comply with this bill after receiving notice is a breach of contract;
▸ requires UETN to enter into contracts with digital resource providers that comply

Bill Details
Bill Number: 
HB0038
Year: 
2021
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 16, 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
Support
Impact on Children: 

Children and youth have been exposed to obscene and pornographic material in school databases at school. These databases are unable to be filtered by the schools' filtering systems. The UETN contracts with companies to provide these databases for research purposes for students. Unfortunately, students have been exposed to harmful material to minors in some of these databases. This bill does not want to get rid of valuable school databases, it simply wants the databases to be responsible for the content that they contain so that children and youth will be protected from harm when they are doing research at school.

Commission: 
Family Life
Utah PTA Public Policy Program
Utah PTA Legislative Policy: 

To secure adequate laws for the care and protection of children and youth.

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: 

Mass Media Position Statement: 
Resolved, That Utah PTA and its constituent associations work to set high expectations in digital and interactive media, for the distribution, motivation, and skilled use of technology in caring for and protecting children and youth in Utah; and be it further
Resolved, That Utah PTA and constituent associations urge its members at all levels to advocate for federal and local laws, regulations and programs that prohibit digital content that is considered illegal or harmful to children;
 

HB0038S01 | Psychotropic Medication Oversight Pilot Program Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill amends provisions related to the psychotropic medication oversight pilot program.

Highlighted Provisions: 

Amends provisions to make the psychotropic medication oversight pilot program permanent, moves operation of the program from the Division of Child and Family Services to the Division of Integrated Healthcare, addresses the membership of the program's oversight team; amends provisions regarding the duties of the oversight team and a foster child's caseworker; adds certain reporting requirements for the division and the oversight team; requires the Department of Health and Human Services to pay standard MedicaidBetter monitoring of Psychotropic medications.

Bill Details
Bill Number: 
HB0038S01
Year: 
2024
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 14, 2024
Sponsor
Representative
Steve Eliason
Republican - District 43
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
View Fiscal Note
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Utah PTA Resolution: 
HEA 2020-1 | Emotional/Mental Health and Well-Being
Impact on Children: 

Better monitoring of Psychotropic medications for children in foster care. 

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

That Utah PTA support collaborative efforts between the home, school, private physicians, and community resource agencies to create mental health support networks for families, to recognize the prevalence and need for recognition of mental health illnesses and associated diagnosis and treatment. 

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities: 

HEALTH: Support legislative action that focuses on the diverse mental health needs of Utah’s students and families, with a focus on promoting protective factors. This includes increasing public knowledge and understanding of mental health concerns throughout the state, access to resources, as well as providing funding for proactive prevention, timely interventions, and community-based initiatives utilizing evidence-based methods.

HB0040S04 | Native American Child and Family Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill addresses the protection of Indian children and families.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill:
15          ▸     enacts the Utah Indian Child Welfare Act, including:
23               •     addressing placement of Indian children;
24               •     creating a process to return custody of an Indian child;
25               •     addressing information related to tribal affiliation;
26               •     authorizing agreements between the state and Indian tribes under certain
27     circumstances;
28               •     addressing improper removal of an Indian child;
29               •     explaining the application of state or federal standards;
30               •     providing for emergency removal or placement of an Indian child;

Bill Details
Bill Number: 
HB0040S04
Year: 
2023
Status: 
House/ filed
Last Action: 
Mar 03, 2023
Sponsor
Representative
Christine F. Watkins
Republican - District 67
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
View Fiscal Note
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Utah PTA Resolution: 
FAM 1990-2 | Child Adoptions (retired)
FAM 2018-1 | Foster Care Standards
Impact on Children: 

The Indian Child Welfare Act will create a better support system for Indian children by placing them, in a tribal foster home before being removed from the community to be placed in foster care. It also clearly defines the parameters for adopting an Indian child. Indian tribes are given exclusive jurisdiction over all custody hearings.

Commission: 
Community Engagement
Utah PTA Public Policy Program
National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions: 

Resolved: That Utah PTA encourage the legislature to pass laws that will ensure that the best interests of the child be given primary emphasis in placement matters.

Resolved: That Utah PTA encourage the legislature to pass laws that will ensure that the best interests of the child be given primary emphasis in adoption matters

Utah PTA Legislative Policy: 

To promote the welfare of children and youth in home, school, community, and place of worship.To raise the standards of home life. To maximize local control when it serves the best interest of all children and youth.

To secure adequate laws for the care and protection of children and youth.

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities: 

FAMILY ENGAGEMENT. Support policies which will increase family and community engagement and promote local positive parental involvement across the state of Utah.

HB0041S01 | Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Girls Task Force

Description
General Description: 

This bill creates the Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Girls Task Force (task force).

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill:
creates the task force, addressing:
 •     membership;
 •     quorum requirements; and
 •     compensation for task force members;
requires the Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel to staff the task force; and specifies duties of the task force.

Bill Details
Bill Number: 
HB0041S01
Year: 
2021
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 17, 2021
Sponsor
Representative
Angela Romero
Democrat - District 26
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$9,200
This bill appropriates: in fiscal year 2021: to the Legislature - Senate as a one-time appropriation: from the General Fund, One-time, $400; to the Legislature - House of Representatives as a one-time appropriation: from the General Fund, One-time, $400; and to the Legislature - Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel as a one-time appropriation: from the General Fund, One-time, $300; and in fiscal year 2022: to the Legislature - Senate as an ongoing appropriation: from the General Fund, $2,800; to the Legislature - House of Representatives as an ongoing appropriation: from the General Fund, $2,800; and to the Legislature - Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel as an ongoing appropriation: from the General Fund, $2,500.
View Fiscal Note
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Utah PTA Resolution: 
FAM 2009-2 | Child Abuse and Neglect
Impact on Children: 

Children must be protected from all forms of abuse, neglect, maltreatment, and exploitation.

Commission: 
Community Engagement
Utah PTA Public Policy Program
National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions: 

Resolved, That Utah PTA and its constituent associations advocate for adequate laws to protect children in all areas of child abuse, neglect, maltreatment, and exploitation.

HB0044S01 | Social Work Licensure Compact

Description
General Description: 

This bill enacts the Social Work Licensure Compact.

Highlighted Provisions: 

Enacts the Social Work Licensure Compact

Bill Details
Bill Number: 
HB0044S01
Year: 
2024
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 13, 2024
Sponsor
Representative
Sandra Hollins
Democrat - District 21
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
View Fiscal Note
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Utah PTA Resolution: 
HEA 2020-1 | Emotional/Mental Health and Well-Being
Impact on Children: 

Creates greater access to Licensed Clinical Social Workers for families and children. 

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

Resolved, That Utah PTA support collaborative efforts between the home, school, private physicians, and community resource agencies to create mental health support networks for families, to recognize the prevalence and need for recognition of mental health illnesses and associated diagnosis  and  treatment, and  to increase the  number  of  psychologists,  psychiatrists, therapists, and mental health professionals to provide adequate services for those needing help;

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities: 

HEALTH: Support legislative action that focuses on the diverse mental health needs of Utah’s students and families, with a focus on promoting protective factors. This includes increasing public knowledge and understanding of mental health concerns throughout the state, access to resources, as well as providing funding for proactive prevention, timely interventions, and community-based initiatives utilizing evidence-based methods.

HB0045 | Safeut and School Safety Commission Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill extends the repeal date for the SafeUT and School Safety Commission.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill extends the repeal date for the SafeUT and School Safety Commission.

Bill Details
Bill Number: 
HB0045
Year: 
2024
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 12, 2024
Sponsor
Representative
Steve Eliason
Republican - District 43
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
View Fiscal Note
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Utah PTA Resolution: 
SAF 2022-1 | Safe School Policies
Impact on Children: 

This bill would make schools safer by extending the sunset of Safe UT and the 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 decision makers 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.

To secure adequate laws for the care and protection of children and youth.

Engage the public in united and equitable efforts to secure the physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and social well-being of all children and youth.

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities: 

SAFETY: Support funding to strengthen school safety measures. This includes the improvement of school infrastructure to ensure safety and security, implementation of comprehensive safety training, adoption of evidence-based strategies for community violence intervention and means reduction, as well as the education of families and communities on school safety protocols, children's online security, and the assessment of digital threats posed to schools across Utah.

HB0045S03 | Radon Study

Description
General Description: 

This bill requires the Department of Natural Resources to study and make recommendations regarding radon gas.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill: ▸ creates the Radon Task Force
▸ requires the task force to study and make recommendations on:
• ways to increase public awareness about the risks of radon exposure; and
• ways to mitigate exposure to radon

Bill Details
Bill Number: 
HB0045S03
Year: 
2021
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 16, 2021
Sponsor
Representative
Keven J. Stratton
Republican - District 58
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
View Fiscal Note
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Utah PTA Resolution: 
HEA 2014-1 | Radon
Impact on Children: 

Radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer and breathing it over prolonged periods of time can present a significant health risk to families.

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

That Utah PTA work to inform parents about the concerns of radon exposure and make them aware of low cost test kits available for their homes

HB0047S02 | Utah Seismic Safety Commission Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill amends provisions related to the Utah Seismic Safety Commission.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill extends the sunset date of provisions related to the Utah Seismic Safety Commission;

Bill Details
Bill Number: 
HB0047S02
Year: 
2024
Status: 
House/ filed
Last Action: 
Mar 01, 2024
Sponsor
Representative
Thomas W. Peterson
Republican - District 1
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
View Fiscal Note
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Utah PTA Resolution: 
SAF 2023-3 | Improving the Earthquake Safety of Utah Schools
Impact on Children: 

Utah, situated in an earthquake-prone zone, faces a significant risk, with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) identifying a potential Utah Wasatch-Front earthquake as one of the most deadly disasters in the country. It is crucial for the Utah Seismic Safety Commission to persist in their efforts to address and mitigate this risk effectively.  Over 70,000 Utah children( 12% of K-12 public school students) attend school in Unreinforced Masonry buildings.

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

Resolved, That Utah PTA and its constituent bodies collaborate with the Utah Seismic Safety
Commission, the Utah Division of Emergency Management, Envision Utah, and other
community partners to educate PTA members, public officials, school board members,
school district leaders, community members, teachers, school support staff, and
appropriate-aged students about the risks of URM and encourage these individuals to
know the earthquake-risk status of their local schools;

Utah PTA Legislative Policy: 

To promote the welfare of children and youth in home, school, community, and place of worship.

To secure adequate laws for the care and protection of children and youth

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities: 

SAFETY: Support funding to strengthen school safety measures. This includes the improvement of school infrastructure to ensure safety and security, implementation of comprehensive safety training, adoption of evidence-based strategies for community violence intervention and means reduction, as well as the education of families and communities on school safety protocols, children's online security, and the assessment of digital threats posed to schools across Utah.

National PTA Public Policy Agenda

Enhance the physical safety of school buildings, address environmental health hazards and invest in disaster preparedness through emergency planning, infrastructure improvements and physical security measures without undermining the school environment.

HB0047S02 | DUI Revisions

Description
General Description: 

This bill makes changes to bail provisions for DUI offenses.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill:
defines terms; and creates a presumption of detention for individuals charged with certain DUI offenses while awaiting trial.

Bill Details
Bill Number: 
HB0047S02
Year: 
2021
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 16, 2021
Sponsor
Representative
Steve Eliason
Republican - District 45
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
View Fiscal Note
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Utah PTA Resolution: 
SAF 1985-2 | Suspension of Driving Privileges (retired)
Impact on Children: 

This bill is known as Sarah's law. On July 30, Sarah Frei and her three friends were hit head-on by a drunk driver in Cache County. All four survived, but Sarah lost her legs and is paralyzed from the waist down. The drunk driver walked away. No child should be put in danger from drunk driving. Drunk driving is not only irresponsible but criminal. This bill will require those drivers who hurt or kill someone while driving drunk to see a judge before they can be released on bail.

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

Resolved, That National PTA and its constituent organizations will support strict enforcement of driving under the influence laws and the passage of more stringent laws that would remove from the road drivers under the influence of alcohol or other drugs;

Resolved, That Utah State PTA support stiffer penalties for alcohol and drug possession by minors; and be it further
Resolved, That Utah State PTA support legislation to suspend driving privileges of minors for alcohol and drug possession offenses.

Utah PTA Legislative Policy: 

To promote the welfare of children and youth in home, school, community, and place of worship.

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,

HB0048S02 | School Trust Fund Modifications

Description
General Description: 

This bill amends provisions related to school and institutional trust fund management, advocacy, and distribution of funds.

Bill Details
Bill Number: 
HB0048S02
Year: 
2019
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 25, 2019
Sponsor
Representative
Jefferson Moss
Republican - District 2
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
View Fiscal Note
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Pending
Utah PTA Resolution: 
EDU 2015-1 | School Trust Lands
Impact on Children: 

This is a clean up bill for State Trust Funds and would further protect the fund.

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

Resolved, That Utah PTA encourage State and local officials to take all necessary steps to assure that management of the School Trust Lands is in accordance with trust duties and principles including undivided loyalty to the beneficiaries, a duty to make trust property productive, a duty to keep and render accounts, and a duty to exercise prudence and skill in administering the trust, thereby obtaining much-needed revenue for Utah's public schools;

HB0054S04 | Tax Revisions

Description
General Description: 

This bill modifies state tax provisions.

Highlighted Provisions: 

Reduce the income tax rate of individuals and corporations from 4.85% to 4.80%

Bill Details
Bill Number: 
HB0054S04
Year: 
2023
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 22, 2023
Sponsor
Representative
Steve Eliason
Republican - District 43
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
View Fiscal Note
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Pending

Reducing the income tax rates to individuals and corporations is both myopic and unconscionable when the State of Utah considers its obligation to its children, vulnerable segments of the population and other programs in need of funds that will provide for a good future for Utahns. A tax cut is akin to indulging in discretionary expenses to the detriment of investing in Utah's future.

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

This bill will reduce the amount of funding flow to Public Education and reduce the ability to provide high quality public education which benefits all citizens of Utah. 

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

Resolved, That Utah PTA and its constituent associations 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 and its constituent associations encourage the legislature to adequately fund critical educational needs, including but not limited to, class size reduction, teacher salaries, technology, programs, supplies, and evidenced-based practices that have an impact on student achievement; and, be it further

Resolved, That Utah PTA and its constituent associations support the maintenance of a stable and adequate funding mechanism to support public education based on the following principles: enrollment growth; inflation; support of a K-12 education Economic Stabilization Restricted Account; funding the USBE Strategic Plan; and, be it further

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

Resolved, That Utah PTA and its constituent associations will always oppose funding methods that divert funds away from public education system if the accountability methods are not equal to or greater than those of public education system; and, be it further

Resolved, That Utah PTA and its constituent associations and its constituent associations oppose the dilution of the constitutional mandate to fully fund public education and oppose income tax cuts and credits that directly reduce the amount allocated to public education funding.

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities: 

EDUCATION FUNDING. Support an adequately funded public school system by: supporting a 6.5% WPU increase over and above growth and inflation to be used for purposes such as recruiting, supporting, and retaining teachers

HB0055 | Juvenile Justice Services Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill addresses services provided by the Division of Juvenile Justice Services.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill addresses services provided by the Division of Juvenile Justice Services as children age out with limited parental support.

Bill Details
Bill Number: 
HB0055
Year: 
2022
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 23, 2022
Sponsor
Representative
Cheryl K. Acton
Republican - District 43
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
View Fiscal Note
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Utah PTA Resolution: 
SAF 1993-2 | Coordinating Services for Youth in Custody
Impact on Children: 

Every child should have the opportunity to reach their full potential—even if they make a mistake while growing up. Second chances are important as children learn and grow into adulthood. In this bill Juvenile Justice Services is aligning with child welfare for youth that age out of their system with limited parental support.

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

Resolved, That Utah PTA encourage the State of Utah Division of Family Services and Division of Youth Corrections to establish a coordination and communication network among placing agencies and workers;

Utah PTA Legislative Policy: 

To promote the welfare of children and youth in home, school, community, and place of worship.

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.

Coordination and planning by all agencies with clear definition of responsibility at each level of government.

National PTA and Utah PTA Position Statements: 

National PTA CHILD SAFETY AND PROTECTION Position Statement

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

Assist youth leaving the juvenile justice system, and prevent their return.

HB0056 | Intergenerational Poverty Mitigation Act Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill amends the Intergenerational Poverty Mitigation Act.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill amends the Intergenerational Poverty Mitigation Act. It amends the membership of the Utah Intergenerational Welfare Reform Commission; and amends the membership of the Intergenerational Poverty Advisory Committee.

Bill Details
Bill Number: 
HB0056
Year: 
2021
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 16, 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: 
FAM 2014-1 | Intergenerational Poverty
Impact on Children: 

The Committee and Commissions created make recommendations on how the commission and the state can effectively address the needs of children affected by intergenerational poverty.

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

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.

Utah PTA Legislative Policy: 

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.

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities: 

Support legislation, funding, and community partnerships that provide programs and resources to strengthen families and children’s social and emotional learning and well-being including, but not limited to: positive behavior programs and classes including art, music, physical education, civic engagement, and character development; early childhood education, parenting skills, and juvenile justice reforms.
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