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Legislative Bills

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HB0334 | Health Education Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill amends provisions related to health education.

Highlighted Provisions: 

Adds age appropriate education to health classes with the intent to prevent sexual violence. Topics include emotional manipulation, grooming, sexual coercion, and respecting others. Districts and Charter schools will review sexual assault data and use it to inform policy decisions.

Bill Details
Bill Number: 
HB0334
Year: 
2023
Status: 
House/ filed
Last Action: 
Mar 03, 2023
Sponsor
Representative
Carol Spackman Moss
Democrat - District 34
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
View Fiscal Note
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

The latest data shows that sexual violence in our K-12 schools has seen a 43% increase. It is imperative that we work to decrease the serious issues of sexual violence and one way is through proper awareness and education.

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

National: RESPONSE TO SEXUAL HARASSMENT AND SEXUAL VIOLENCE AFFECTING STUDENTS

That National PTA and its constituent associations urge and support compliance with and strengthening of Title IX and other federal, state and local laws that identify, prohibit, and address the effects of sexual harassment and sexual violence impacting students and be it further.

Resolved, That National PTA and its constituent associations encourage and collaborate with school administrations and community partners to ensure that every school provides support services for victims and presents awareness and prevention programs that address sexual harassment and sexual violence affecting students, including the responsibilities of educational institutions and the rights of sexual violence and sexual harassment victims under Title IX and other laws.

HB0334 | Special Needs Training for Law Enforcement Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill requires peace officer training to include training on autism spectrum disorder and other mental illnesses.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill:
▸ requires that peace officers have training in intervention responses to autism spectrum disorder and other mental illnesses.

Bill Details
Bill Number: 
HB0334
Year: 
2021
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 17, 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: 
HEA 2000-1 | Mental Illness (retired)
Impact on Children: 

This bill provides training for police officers in dealing with individuals with autism spectrum disorders and mental illness. This training would help promote better outcomes for everyone involved.

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

That Utah PTA facilitate in the education of parents, local PTA leaders, school teachers and school boards, community organizations, churches, and the general public about cause and effects of mental illnesses in children and youth

Utah PTA Legislative Policy: 

General Principles for Consideration of Proposed Legislation: High standards for those who work in all areas concerned with children and youth.

HB0336 | Distracted Driving Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill amends provisions related to the use of a wireless communication device while operating a motor vehicle.

Highlighted Provisions: 

13 ▸ defines terms related to the use of a wireless communication device;
14 ▸ prohibits certain uses of a wireless communication device while operating a motor
15 vehicle on a roadway;
16 ▸ provides limited exceptions to the prohibition on the use of a wireless
17 communication device while operating a motor vehicle on a roadway;
18 ▸ amends penalties for a violation

Bill Details
Bill Number: 
HB0336
Year: 
2023
Status: 
House/ filed
Last Action: 
Mar 03, 2023
Sponsor
Representative
Carol Spackman Moss
Democrat - District 34
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
View Fiscal Note
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

The changes would increase the ability to enforce the law by not allowing using a wireless communication device while operating a motor vehicle and thereby making Utah roads safer for all.

Commission: 
Safety
Utah PTA Public Policy Program
National PTA and Utah PTA Position Statements: 

NPTA Resolution on Distracted Driving

Resolved, That PTA and its constituent associations support the adoption and enforcement of laws that restrict the manipulation of handheld and portable communication devices while driving;

National PTA Public Policy Agenda

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.

HB0337 | Child Mental Health Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill relates to mental health services provided to a child.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill requires the Office of Child Care to: Collaborate with the Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health to deliver early childhood programs and child care throughout the state; and, coordinate services for training and education regarding child behavioral health; and, requires the Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health to administer a grant program for the purpose of providing education regarding best practices for early childhood mental health support and interventions.

Bill Details
Bill Number: 
HB0337
Year: 
2021
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 17, 2021
Sponsor
Representative
Steve Eliason
Republican - District 45
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$2,000,000
This bill appropriates in fiscal year 2022: 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, $500,000. to Department of Human Services -- Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health, Community Mental Health Services, as an ongoing appropriation: From General Fund, $500,000. to Department of Human Service -- Executive Director Operations, Executive Director's Office, as an ongoing appropriation: From General Fund, $1,000,000.
View Fiscal Note
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Utah PTA Resolution: 
HEA 2000-1 | Mental Illness (retired)
HEA 2020-1 | Emotional/Mental Health and Well-Being
Impact on Children: 

Passage of this bill will provide a funding source to provide education regarding best practices for early childhood mental health support and interventions.

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

That Utah PTA collaborate with other agencies to compile and widely distribute current
information about mental health resources to parents and organizations which serve children and youth

HB0337S03 | Office of the Education Ombudsman

Description
General Description: 

This bill creates the Office of the Education Ombudsman.

Highlighted Provisions: 

"17 ▸establishes the duties of the office;
18 ▸enacts provisions governing liability and protected communications of the office;
19 ▸enacts provisions governing office confidentiality and privilege;
20 ▸amends provisions protecting certain records created or submitted to the office"

Bill Details
Bill Number: 
HB0337S03
Year: 
2022
Status: 
House/ filed
Last Action: 
Mar 04, 2022
Sponsor
Representative
Karianne Lisonbee
Republican - District 14
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
View Fiscal Note
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Oppose w/ Comment

Utah PTA is concerned that this bill interferes with the mandate given by the Utah Constitution to the State Board of Education, as stated in Article X, section 3, " The general control and supervision of the public education system shall be vested in a State Board of Education. The USBE has a current system and complaints are handled promptly and professionally.

Utah PTA Resolution: 
EDU 2015-3 | State Board of Education
Impact on Children: 

Utah PTA encourages parents to work with the decision-maker closest to the concern. When there is a problem in the classroom, parents should work with the teacher. When there are concerns in the school, parents should work with the administrator. Parents can develop relationships and work through issues without having to involve someone from the Governor's office. Family engagement in education through positive relationship building in the schools creates a better learning environment for students.  

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

That Utah PTA recognizes the State Board of Education as the body elected to establish policy and standards for education in the State of Utah

HB0338S01 | School District Voter Eligibility Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill creates a student voter pilot project for local school board elections.

Highlighted Provisions: 

allows local school boards to vote to allow students who are 16 and 17 years old to vote in local school board elections

Bill Details
Bill Number: 
HB0338S01
Year: 
2021
Status: 
House/ filed
Last Action: 
Mar 05, 2021
Sponsor
Representative
Joel K. Briscoe
Democrat - District 25
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
View Fiscal Note
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Oppose w/ Comment

Utah PTA encourages positive involvement in the political process by parents and families, which includes more than just voting. The National PTA supports the concept of shared responsibility in the development of school policies and in curriculum decisions. PTA urges all school boards to cooperate with parents, teachers, students, principals, administrators, business, civic and community leaders, and the general public in this process. As students learn and grow in their knowledge and understanding, they can take on more responsibility. Just like the process of learning to drive, where we don't immediately give the keys to the car without going through the driver's education process, we shouldn't be giving the "keys to the car" of voting without going through a similar education process. We encourage school board nominees, as well as all persons running for public office, to find ways to engage with our students to help them as they learn the issues around voting and the political process.

Utah PTA Resolution: 
COM 2017-1 | Partisan Politics and Redistricting
Impact on Children: 

This bill would allow 16 & 17 year-olds to vote in local school board elections, but only if the local school board votes to allow it.

If they register to vote through this process, they will be automatically registered to vote for all elections at age 18, unless they opt out.

 

There is created a student voter pilot project. The student voter pilot project begins on January 1, 2022, and ends on January 1, 2027.
A local school board may participate in the student voter pilot project, in accordance with the requirements of this section and all other applicable provisions of law, by voting to allow student voters to vote in the local school board's elections.

If a local school board votes to participate in the student voter pilot project, the local school board shall, as soon as is reasonably possible after the vote, transmit notice of the vote to all election officers within the local school board's boundaries.

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

That Utah PTA and its constituent associations urge the Utah Legislature to bring the government closer to all Utahns by supporting legislation that protects each voter’s right to be heard in an election without partisan politics controlling the election process, 
That Utah PTA and its constituent associates encourage parents to be actively involved in the election process, recognizing this to be in the best interest of
children.

 

SHARED RESPONSIBILITY IN EDUCATIONAL DECISION MAKING

The National PTA supports the concept of shared responsibility in the development of school policies and in curriculum decisions. PTA urges all school boards to cooperate with parents, teachers, students, principals, administrators, business, civic and community leaders, and the general public in this process.

Utah PTA Legislative Policy: 

(2) parental involvement as an essential component of all policy-making processes pertaining to children;

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities: 

6. 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.

National PTA Public Policy Agenda

 

HB0339 | School Community Council Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill grants the State Board of Education certain rulemaking authority regarding school community councils for which there are insufficient members to fill certain positions.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill grants the State Board of Education certain rulemaking authority regarding school community councils for which there are insufficient members to fill certain positions.

Bill Details
Bill Number: 
HB0339
Year: 
2024
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 12, 2024
Sponsor
Representative
Jefferson Moss
Republican - District 51
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
View Fiscal Note
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Utah PTA Resolution: 
EDU 2015-1 | School Trust Lands
Impact on Children: 

This bill creates a mechanism for USBE to make allowance for schools that cannot fill positions on their School Community Council. Without a functioning SCC, schools should not be given their Trust Land funds. This will allow USBE to work with the school and find a way to resolve the issue.

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

Resolved That Utah PTA encourage the Utah State Legislature to support all distributions from the permanent State School Fund being dispersed to each K-12 public school to improve student academic performance.

HB0339 | Paid Teacher Preparation Days for Curriculum and Classroom Transparency

Description
General Description: 

This bill requires the State Board of Education to provide funding for paid preparation days for teachers to improve curriculum and classroom transparency.

Highlighted Provisions: 

"▸ requires the State Board of Education to provide funding for a certain number of
15 paid preparation days for teachers to improve curriculum and classroom
16 transparency."

Bill Details
Bill Number: 
HB0339
Year: 
2022
Status: 
House/ filed
Last Action: 
Mar 04, 2022
Sponsor
Representative
Jordan D. Teuscher
Republican - District 42
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
View Fiscal Note
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Local Issue

Utah PTA supports additional paid days for teacher preparation, but is concerned for any unfunded mandates, especially with the high fiscal note associated with this legislation (84 Million).

Utah PTA Resolution: 
EDU 2019-1 | Best Practices in Education
Impact on Children: 

Utah students will be better served with more prepared teachers

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

That Utah PTA and its constituent associations encourage the State Legislature to prioritize education funding in the areas of teacher capacity

HB0340 | Mathematics and Science Opportunities for Students and Teachers Program

Description
General Description: 

This bill reinstates the Math and Science Opportunities for Students and Teachers Program.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill reinstates the Math and Science Opportunities for Students and Teachers (MOST)
Program, and addresses the duties and authority of the State Board of Education related to the funding of the MOST Program and associated grants;

Bill Details
Bill Number: 
HB0340
Year: 
2021
Status: 
House/ filed
Last Action: 
Mar 05, 2021
Sponsor
Representative
Steve Eliason
Republican - District 45
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$4,000,000
This bill appropriates in fiscal year 2022: to the State Board of Education - Minimum School Program - Related to Basic School Programs, as an ongoing appropriation: from the Education Fund, $3,900,000; and to the State Board of Education - MSP Categorical Program Administration, as an ongoing appropriation: from the Education Fund, $100,000.
View Fiscal Note
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Utah PTA Resolution: 
EDU 2011-1 | Excellence in Teaching
Impact on Children: 

This bill establishes a grant program for LEAs to increase opportunities for supporting math and science teachers in their instructional delivery. It would increase compensation for math and science teachers by providing opportunities for an expanded contract year. This would provide more opportunities for students in math and science and would also enhance a LEAs' ability to attract and retain talented and highly qualified math and science teachers;

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

Resolved: That Utah PTA support adequate funding for and encourage consideration of financial incentives to recruit and retain highly qualified and effective educators, including appropriation of adequate funding to upgrade salary schedules;

HB0340 | School Absenteeism and Truancy Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill amends provisions related to truancy.

Bill Details
Bill Number: 
HB0340
Year: 
2019
Status: 
House/ filed
Last Action: 
Mar 14, 2019
Sponsor
Representative
V. Lowry Snow
Republican - District 74
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
View Fiscal Note
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Pending
Utah PTA Resolution: 
EDU 2014-2 | Chronic Absenteeism (retired)
Impact on Children: 

Studies showing best practices indicate that parents and community who work together to promote good attendance; ... and provide early identification programs have a positive affect on school attendance. This Bill attempts to create a uniform standard in the specific case of truancy. This will help eliminate confusion among districts on what is an absence in regards to counting toward truancy and will better support students in the context of restorative practices and who should be referred in regards to truancy issues.

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

Resolved, That Utah PTA urge the Utah State Board of Education to adopt policies for early identification of students who are chronically absent; provide targeted prevention, positive support, and outreach strategies and services which include parents and families that address chronic absenteeism; and develop community-wide awareness strategies;

National PTA Public Policy Agenda

IMPROVE THE WELL-BEING AND LEARNING ENVIRONMENT OF CHILDREN
Support the use of positive behavioral interventions and support (PBIS) models in schools instead of exclusionary discipline policies

HB0341S01 | School Closure Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill amends processes for school closures or school boundary changes.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill amends processes for school closures or school boundary changes.

Bill Details
Bill Number: 
HB0341S01
Year: 
2024
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 12, 2024
Sponsor
Representative
Brady Brammer
Republican - District 54
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
View Fiscal Note
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Local Issue
Impact on Children: 

This bill delineates processes local school boards will have to follow to make boundary changes or to close a school. Some of the processes are contradictory and will make it difficult for local school boards to have up to date information on the school. Will also make the changes more costly by requiring parental notification to be done by USPS.

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

General Principles for Consideration of Proposed Legislation: Maximum local control when it serves the best interest of all children and youth

National PTA and Utah PTA Position Statements: 

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.

HB0342 | Behavioral Health Services Access Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill addresses access to behavioral health resources and services.

Highlighted Provisions: 

Creates a website for behavioral health resources and services, renames commission and will have them find out the needs of the public and how people will access services no matter their level of being insured.

Bill Details
Bill Number: 
HB0342
Year: 
2023
Status: 
House/ filed
Last Action: 
Mar 03, 2023
Sponsor
Representative
Melissa G. Ballard
Republican - District 20
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
View Fiscal Note
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Utah PTA Resolution: 
EDU 2021-1 | Education Funding (retired)
HEA 2020-1 | Emotional/Mental Health and Well-Being
Impact on Children: 

Mental health is a growing concern for students and parents, this bill will help connect people in need with the resources that can help them.

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,and to increase the number of psychologists, psychiatrists, therapists, and mental health professionals to provide adequate services for those needing help

HB0343 | School Emergency Drills Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill makes changes to emergency evacuation drill requirements for certain educational facilities during the 2021-2022 school year.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill requires the State Board of Education to, for a portion of the 2021-2022 school year, make rules for:
• conducting monthly emergency evacuation drills; and
• providing age-appropriate emergency evacuation instruction in lieu of
conducting emergency evacuation drills; and requires Group E occupancies
to conduct monthly emergency evacuation drills for
the remainder of the 2021-2022 school year;

Bill Details
Bill Number: 
HB0343
Year: 
2021
Status: 
House/ filed
Last Action: 
Mar 05, 2021
Sponsor
Representative
Carol Spackman Moss
Democrat - District 37
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
View Fiscal Note
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Utah PTA Resolution: 
SAF 2018-1 | Emergency Preparedness
Impact on Children: 

This bill is a follow-up bill to 2020 HB 6004. It allows schools to substitute other types of instruction for the monthly mandatory drills

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

That Utah PTA and its constituent associations work with Utah schools to educate and train students, parents, staff and first responders on their school’s emergency preparedness and response plan by facilitating drills and exercises including evacuation, lockdown, shelter-in place and reunification;

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.
COMMITMENT: We are dedicated to children’s educational success, health, and well-being through strong family and community engagement, while remaining accountable to the principles upon which our association was founded.

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,

HB0344S01 | Local Policies for Course Content Transparency

Description
General Description: 

This bill requires local education agency governing boards to establish student instruction transparency policies that include certain determinations.

Highlighted Provisions: 

"the bill requires LEAs to establish a "Content Transparency Policy"
Each local governing board shall establish a policy regarding the content and method of student instruction that:
(a) generally promotes transparency to parents and students"

Bill Details
Bill Number: 
HB0344S01
Year: 
2023
Status: 
House/ filed
Last Action: 
Mar 03, 2023
Sponsor
Representative
Jordan D. Teuscher
Republican - District 44
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
View Fiscal Note
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Local Issue
Utah PTA Resolution: 
EDU 2011-1 | Excellence in Teaching
Impact on Children: 

The "Content Transparency Policy" requirements in HB344 bill dives deep in the content,
method of student instruction, the pedagogical methodology of delivering, and updates to methods of providing any required course content updates. By being prescriptive, it diminishes the trust that is placed in teachers and does not help students achieve.

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

 That Utah PTA advocate for policies that strengthen respect and support for public education and the teaching profession
 

HB0344 | Student Asthma Relief Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill enacts provisions governing the administration of stock albuterol by certain entities to an individual.

Bill Details
Bill Number: 
HB0344
Year: 
2019
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 25, 2019
Sponsor
Representative
Mark A. Wheatley
Democrat - District 35
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
View Fiscal Note
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Pending
Utah PTA Resolution: 
HEA 1996-1 | School Health and First Aid Preparedness (retired)
Impact on Children: 

Will help children with asthma to get needed help in a timely matter.

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

*Resolved, That Utah PTA encourage school districts to educate local schools regarding district policy for Universal Precautions in first aid care and encourage local units to assist in acquiring appropriate supplies and training for all school personnel.

HB0344S01 | Sex Offender Restrictions Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill provides additional restrictions on individuals who must register as a sex offender.

Bill Details
Bill Number: 
HB0344S01
Year: 
2020
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 28, 2020
Sponsor
Representative
Val K. Potter
Republican - District 3
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
View Fiscal Note
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support

This bill provides that a sex offender may not instruct, supervise, or care for a minor in a professional capacity; accept a minor into the sex offender's home; or serve as a coach, manager, or trainer of a minor

Utah PTA Resolution: 
FAM 2009-2 | Child Abuse and Neglect
Impact on Children: 

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

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

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; and be it further Resolved, Utah PTA and its constituent associations will support legislation and measures that will promote healthy behaviors with our youth 

Utah PTA Legislative Policy: 

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.

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities: 

4. Support safe practices and environments for all children.

National PTA and Utah PTA Position Statements: 

That  National  PTA  and  its  constituent  associations  collaborate  with  school administrations, institutions of higher learning, and community partners to ensure that every school: 

Provides support services for victims of sexual harassment and sexual violence,

Links
RESPONSE TO SEXUAL HARASSMENT AND SEXUAL VIOLENCE AFFECTING STUDENTS

HB0345 | Driving Penalty Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill increases fines and penalties for speeding in a school zone and failure to obey school bus signals.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill: increases fines for speeding in a school zone; increases fines and compensatory services for failure to obey school bus signals

Bill Details
Bill Number: 
HB0345
Year: 
2024
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 18, 2024
Sponsor
Representative
Robert M. Spendlove
Republican - District 42
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
View Fiscal Note
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Utah PTA Resolution: 
SAF 2021-1 | School Bus Safety
Impact on Children: 

This bill aims to enhance the safety of school zones and school bus encounters in Utah, by increasing fines for speeding in school zones and disregarding school bus signals.

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

Resolved, That Utah PTA, along with its constituent bodies, encourage all Utah law enforcement agencies to enforce state and local laws regarding stop arm violations.

Resolved, That Utah PTA, along with its constituent bodies, support all efforts to make school bus stops safer.

Utah PTA Legislative Policy: 

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

HB0345S02 | School Resource Officers Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill amends provisions relating to a local education agency's ability to contract with a law enforcement agency for school resource officer services.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill places conditions on the ability of a local education agency (LEA) to contract with a
law enforcement agency for school resource officer services, including requiring:
• that the contract procure services in secondary schools;
• governing board review of the contract;
• the collection of certain information by the LEA; and
• a biennial review of certain policies and information

Bill Details
Bill Number: 
HB0345S02
Year: 
2021
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 17, 2021
Sponsor
Representative
Sandra Hollins
Democrat - District 23
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
View Fiscal Note
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Local Issue
Impact on Children: 

National PTA Position Statement: Addressing Institutional or Systemic Racism
We recognize that action at the local level has a direct impact on our communities. Local advocacy should focus on issues such as disparate discipline; equitable education for immigrant children; recruitment and retention of Black and Brown teachers; housing development policies; access to healthcare; juvenile and criminal justice; and other such issues which are relevant to local schools, communities and states. We will work to ensure more comprehensive guidelines and training are required on the use of force by school resource officers, other law enforcement officers and security personnel.
 

Commission: 
Safety
Utah PTA Public Policy Program
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.

National PTA and Utah PTA Position Statements: 

National PTA Position Statement: ADDRESSING INSTITUTIONAL OR SYSTEMIC RACISM
Institutional racism is racism embedded as a routine practice within society or an organization, cumulatively and disparately impacting historically disadvantaged peoples.

Ongoing institutional racism and deeply embedded injustices, prejudices and inequities in the fabric of our nation have caused the violent deaths of innocent Black and Brown men, women and children over the years at the hands of a percentage of police officers and ordinary citizens.

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.
 

HB0347S03 | Educational Rights Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill requires an LEA to provide a safe and minimally disrupted educational environment.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill requires an LEA provide an educational environment that is safe for all students and staff including students and staff in special education; requires an LEA to ensure an educational environment has minimal disruptions.

Bill Details
Bill Number: 
HB0347S03
Year: 
2024
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 12, 2024
Sponsor
Representative
Raymond P. Ward
Republican - District 19
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
View Fiscal Note
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Unnecessary
Impact on Children: 

This bill would cause LEAs to bear the costs of court cases and the money would not be able to come from Special Education funding. This would negatively affect all students. There is no fiscal note attached to this bill and no guidance on where Special Education students would go if not in the classroom. 

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

INCLUSIVE SCHOOLS BUILD STRONGER COMMUNITIES

That National PTA, and its constituent associations build inclusive communities by working with experts in the education field to develop programs and
resources to educate the community about how the educational system impacts families and students with special needs; and be it further

Resolved, That National PTA, and its constituent associations encourage and work with the entire school community to include families and children with special needs; and be it further

Resolved, That National PTA, and its constituent associations work with their local school districts to research and advocate for the implementation of the most inclusive programs that best serve students with special needs.

Utah PTA Legislative Policy: 

General Principles for Consideration of Proposed Legislation: 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.

HB0348S02 | Participation Waiver Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill clarifies how a school responds when a student refrains from participation in school due to a student's or a student's parent's religious belief or right of conscience.

Highlighted Provisions: 

Clarifies how a school responds when a student refrains from participation in school due to a student's or a student's parent's religious belief or right of conscience

Bill Details
Bill Number: 
HB0348S02
Year: 
2023
Status: 
Governor Signed
Sponsor
Representative
Cheryl K. Acton
Republican - District 38
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
View Fiscal Note
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Local Issue
Utah PTA Resolution: 
EDU 2019-1 | Best Practices in Education
Impact on Children: 

Protects a student from having to engage in any aspect at school that violates their religious belief or right of conscience.

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

support practices which enhance teacher capacity, school leadership, family and student engagement, student-centered learning climates, and instruction and curriculum alignment;
and encourage local and state school boards as well as school level administration and school level leadership teams to seek input from parents when developing policies to improve education

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities: 

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