Legislative Bills

HCR015 | Concurrent Resolution Emphasizing the Importance of Civics Education

Description

General Description:

This bill recognizes the critical role of an engaged and informed citizenry in a healthy democratic government and the importance of civics education in preparing students with the tools necessary for civic engagement.

Highlighted Provisions:

This resolution:
15 recognizes the vital role of civic engagement and the importance of informed and
16 engaged citizens in a healthy democratic government;
17 emphasizes the importance of teaching critical thinking and civic engagement tools
18 to the next generation of citizens;
19 outlines the current civics education requirements for students; and
20 encourages state and education leaders and others interested in civics education to
21 review how civics education is taught in Utah's public education system.

Bill Details

Bill Number:

HCR015

Year:

2021

Status:

Governor Signed

Last Action:

Mar 22, 2021

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Support

Impact on Children:

It has been demonstrated through national data that there is a lack of basic knowledge and functional understanding about our system of government, both nationally and in Utah; this lack of knowledge and understanding is reflected in the current political environment, which is marked by a perpetual and pervasive stream of political rhetoric and content delivered through various media platforms, including social media, some of which is neither credible nor accurate; there is a need to prepare students with the tools necessary to evaluate and analyze the information being disseminated constantly through media channels, including social media platforms

Commission:

Individual Development

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

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.

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 and Utah PTA Position Statements:

Position Statement - Citizenship and Equality
Continued respect for, and expansion of civil rights requires they be defended whenever threatened and that children and youth be taught the significance of civil rights and responsibilities in American culture.

National PTA supports:
Educational programs designed to increase understanding of the U.S. Constitution and civil rights, civil liberties, and appreciation for those individuals who fought for them;

HCR018 | Concurrent Resolution Highlighting the Importance of Supportive Networks of Adults for Child Success and Opportunity

Description

General Description:

This resolution highlights the importance of a supportive network of adults for child success and encourages Utahns to build networks to support and create opportunities for children in the state.

Highlighted Provisions:

This resolution highlights the importance of a supportive network of adults for child success and encourages Utahns to build networks to support and create opportunities for children in the state.

Bill Details

Bill Number:

HCR018

Year:

2022

Status:

House/ filed

Last Action:

Mar 04, 2022

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Support

Utah PTA Resolution:

FAM 2013-1 | Family Engagement in Education (retired)

Impact on Children:

Research shows that a child facing significant adversity can develop resilience and positive lifelong skills through supportive relationships with a network of adults outside of the home, including teachers, clergy, coaches, and other community members;

Encourage individuals, organizations, municipalities, and state leaders to continue engaging with, participating in, and building supportive networks of adults that provide acknowledgment and encouragement to children and create opportunities for all Utah's children to reach full potential.

Commission:

Community Engagement

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

Resolved, That Utah PTA actively seek or develop and promote programs that assist parents in developing the skills they need to raise and protect their children;

Resolved, That Utah PTA and its constituent bodies encourage partnerships between community members and public schools that will champion parental engagement in education.

Utah PTA Legislative Policy:

To promote the welfare of children and youth in home, school, community, and place of worship.
To develop, between educators and the general public, such united efforts as will secure, for all children and youth, the highest advantages in physical, social, and spiritual education.

HCR019 | Concurrent Resolution Acknowledging and Highlighting the History, Culture, and Contributions of the Native American Peoples of Utah

Description

General Description:

This resolution recognizes the eight tribal nations with an ancestral home in Utah and highlights the benefits of learning about the diverse heritage and culture of each of these nations.

Highlighted Provisions:

This resolution:
▸ acknowledges the eight tribal nations that have an ancestral home in Utah;
▸ encourages the State Board of Education and all local education agencies to increase opportunities for students to learn about the history and culture of Utah's eight tribal nations; and
▸ encourages all schools, teams, and communities in Utah with Native American mascots to create dialogue with local tribal nations and Native American communities.

Bill Details

Bill Number:

HCR019

Year:

2022

Status:

House/ filed

Last Action:

Mar 04, 2022

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Support

Impact on Children:

This resolution will increase opportunities for students in the state's public education system to learn about the eight diverse tribal nations in Utah and the dynamic history, culture, and unique political status of Native Americans, particularly the Native Americans who were first on the land in Utah's geographic region and who live here now.
It will encourage schools, teams, and communities with Native American mascots -- including names, imagery, symbols, regalia, and characterizations -- to engage in dialogue with local Native American communities and create a process to review and find agreement about the use of or to retire these mascots out of respect for the cultural and spiritual traditions and practices of their Native American neighbors.

Commission:

Community Engagement

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

CULTURALLY IN National PTA Resolution: SENSITIVE NAMES, SYMBOLS AND MASCOTS

Resolved, That National PTA and its constituent associations call for and support the renaming of educational facilities and buildings and/or team names and replacement of symbols and mascots which are culturally insensitive;

Resolved, That National PTA and its constituent associations advocate for community and stakeholder input in the renaming and replacement process.

National PTA Public Policy Agenda

National PTA Statement on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: American Indian/Alaska Native Children and Families: Respect cultural traditions. Native culture is a big part of the lives of many students and families, and a source of pride. Cultural education grounds students with traditional values and sets them on the path to success.

HCR020 | Concurrent Resolution Encouraging Prevention of Adverse Childhood Experiences

Description

General Description:

This concurrent resolution recognizes the detrimental effects of an adverse childhood experience (ACE) and emphasizes awareness and community engagement to prevent adverse childhood experiences.

Highlighted Provisions:

This concurrent resolution recognizes the detrimental effects of adverse childhood experiences (ACES) and emphasizes awareness and community engagement to prevent adverse childhood experiences.

Bill Details

Bill Number:

HCR020

Year:

2022

Status:

House/ filed

Last Action:

Mar 04, 2022

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Pending

Impact on Children:

Passage of this resolution will promote awareness of the long-term negative impacts upon children of adverse childhood experiences and encourages Utah's communities to strengthen opportunities for individuals and families to learn about ACEs and connect with services and activities that reduce the potential for future negative outcomes.

Commission:

Health

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Position Statements:

NPTA PS Trauma Informed Care

Trauma-informed or sensitive schools provide resources and supports so that all adults within the school community can recognize and respond to those who have been impacted by traumatic stress, so that the school can provide evidence-based interventions and access to necessary services for students affected by ACEs.

HCR022 | Concurrent Resolution Celebrating the Contributions of Multilingual and Multicultural Families to Utah Schools

Description

General Description:

This concurrent resolution of the Legislature and the Governor recognizes the contributions of multilingual and multicultural families to Utah's schools and recognizes the state's previous support for Utah's multilingual and multicultural families.

Highlighted Provisions:

This resolution:
celebrates the contributions of multilingual and multicultural families to Utah's schools, recognizes the state's previous support for Utah's multilingual and multicultural families; encourages schools to utilize the "Parent and Family Engagement" self-reported indicators in the statewide school accountability system to highlight efforts to engage multilingual and multicultural families in conjunction with the federal Title I Compliance Cycle; encourages the State Board of Education to expand the "Parent and Family Engagement" sample indicators to include metrics specific to multilingual and newcomer family engagement;

Bill Details

Bill Number:

HCR022

Year:

2021

Status:

Governor Signed

Last Action:

Mar 17, 2021

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Support

Utah PTA Resolution:

FAM 2013-1 | Family Engagement in Education (retired)

Impact on Children:

This resolution celebrates the contributions multilingual and multicultural families to Utah's schools. It promotes family engagement and states, " WHEREAS, the Utah Parent-Teacher's Association's resolution entitled, "Family Engagement in Education," affirms that "research has shown that the most significant predictor of a student's academic success is parental engagement in the student's education, regardless of socioeconomic status, ethnic/racial background, or parents' educational level"

Commission:

Community Engagement

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

Resolved, That Utah PTA actively seek or develop and promote programs that assist parents in developing the skills they need to raise and protect their children; and be it further

Resolved, That Utah PTA and its constituent bodies provide opportunities for parents to feel welcome at their children’s schools and to interact positively with teachers and other school personnel; and be it further

Resolved, That Utah PTA promote the use of programs and tools, such as the Family Education Plan, to guide parent, alongside their children, in forming plans for their children’s education; and be it further Resolved, That Utah PTA support policies of the State Board of Education and local school districts that result in practices that encourage parental engagement in education; and be it further

Resolved, That Utah PTA and its constituent bodies encourage partnerships between community members and public schools that will champion parental engagement in education

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; (3) the observance and understanding of the rights and obligations of responsible citizenship and ethical government; and, (4) the realization that maintaining a free and public education system is a cornerstone of democracy—that the Utah Public Education System is created in the state Constitution to “secure and perpetuate” freedom.

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

HJR001 | Proposal to Amend Utah Constitution - State Board of Education

Description

General Description:

This joint resolution of the Legislature proposes to amend the Utah Constitution to modify a provision relating to the State Board of Education.

Highlighted Provisions:

This resolution proposes to amend the Utah Constitution to:
eliminate the requirement that State Board of Education members be elected; and
to require that State Board of Education members be appointed as provided by statute (by the Governor).

Bill Details

Bill Number:

HJR001

Year:

2022

Status:

House/ filed

Last Action:

Mar 04, 2022

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Oppose

Utah PTA Resolution:

EDU 2015-3 | State Board of Education

Impact on Children:

Passage of this bill will put onto the ballot a measure to stop the election of State School Board members by the public and have the Governor appoint the members of the State School Board.

Commission:

Education

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

That Utah PTA support legislation which enacts direct, nonpartisan election of State School Board members and opposes partisan election of the same body.

HJR002S02 | Joint Resolution Encouraging Discussion on the Effects of Child Sexual Abuse

Description

General Description:

This joint resolution encourages discussion about the effects and prevention of child sexual abuse.

Highlighted Provisions:

This resolution:
acknowledges the widespread nature of child sexual abuse globally, nationally, and
at the state level;
▸ explains the impact of child sexual abuse on victims and communities;
▸ encourages discussion about the effects and prevalence of child sexual
▸ encourages greater study and discussion about ways in which the government, communities, and citizens of Utah can prevent child sexual abuse and support those affected.

Bill Details

Bill Number:

HJR002S02

Year:

2021

Status:

House/ filed

Last Action:

Mar 05, 2021

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Support

Utah PTA Resolution:

SAF 2016-2 | Sexual Exploitation of a Minor

Impact on Children:

Childhood sexual abuse infringes on the basic rights of human beings. The nature and dynamics of sexual abuse and sexually abusive relationships are often traumatic. When sexual abuse occurs in childhood it can hinder normal social growth and be a cause of many different psychosocial problems. This joint resolution encourages greater study and open discussion about the effects and
prevalence of child sexual abuse.

Commission:

Safety

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

To secure adequate laws for the care and protection of children and youth. Prioritizing the needs of all children and youth, while adhering to fiscal responsibility in government.

Utah PTA Legislative Policy:

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

National PTA Public Policy Agenda

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

HJR003 | Joint Resolution Recognizing School Teachers

Description

General Description:

This resolution recognizes Utah's public school educators for their extraordinary efforts to educate students during a public health crisis.

Highlighted Provisions:

13 ▸ acknowledges the challenges educators in Utah's public schools faced in providing instruction during a public health crisis, including the challenges of remote
17 ▸ declares that curricular decisions should be made at the local level.
Recognizes National Teacher Appreciation Day on May 2, 2023
Legislature declares that curriculum choices for Utah students will continue to be made at the local school district

Bill Details

Bill Number:

HJR003

Year:

2023

Status:

House/ to Lieutenant Governor

Last Action:

Mar 13, 2023

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Support

Utah PTA Resolution:

EDU 2011-1 | Excellence in Teaching

Impact on Children:

Utah PTA recognizes the immense contribution of teachers in helping students achieve their full potential. Teacher quality is the single most important school-based factor in student achievement and teacher morale is essential to job satisfaction in the retention of teachers when measuring public school efficacy. This Resolution recognizes the importance of Utah's teachers to our public education system.

Commission:

Education

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

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

HJR005 | Proposal to Amend Utah Constitution - Education Amendments

Description

General Description:

This joint resolution of the Legislature proposes to amend the Utah Constitution to modify provisions relating to education.

Bill Details

Bill Number:

HJR005

Year:

2020

Status:

House/ filed

Last Action:

Mar 12, 2020

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Oppose

Utah PTA Resolution:

EDU 2010-2 | Education Funding (retired)

Impact on Children:

1. Removes the constitutional guarantee that income tax revenues support educational funding.

Commission:

Education

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

Utah PTA Legislative Policy:

Utah PTA Resolution EDU 2010-2 Funding for Education - Resolved, That Utah PTA continue to urge the legislature to make public education revenue allocations and funding effort a high priority.

Utah PTA Resolution EDU 2010-2 Funding for Education - 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.

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities:

Utah PTA Legislative Priority 2019-20 #1. Support education legislation which maintains the constitutional guarantee that the Legislature shall provide for the establishment and maintenance of a public education system, which shall be open to all children of the state; and that all revenue from a tax on income shall be used to support the system of public education and higher education.

National PTA and Utah PTA Position Statements:

Proposed Utah PTA Position Statement- 2020 Mass Media

Links

Utah PTA Resolution EDU 2010-2 Funding for Education

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities 2019-20

HJR007 | Joint Resolution Condemning Abusive Coaching Practices

Description

General Description:

This resolution condemns abusive coaching practices in Utah schools.

Highlighted Provisions:

This resolution condemns abusive coaching practices in Utah schools.

Bill Details

Bill Number:

HJR007

Year:

2024

Status:

House/ to Lieutenant Governor

Last Action:

Mar 13, 2024

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Support

Utah PTA Resolution:

FAM 2009-2 | Child Abuse and Neglect

Impact on Children:

Utah PTA unequivocally condemns all forms of child abuse.

Commission:

Education

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.

HJR009S01 | Joint Resolution Calling for an Application Ratings Board for Internet Ready Devices

Description

General Description:

This joint resolution calls on the United States Congress to make recommendations to vendors and distributors of applications and to leading technology companies.

Bill Details

Bill Number:

HJR009S01

Year:

2020

Status:

House/ to Lieutenant Governor

Last Action:

Mar 23, 2020

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Support

Utah PTA Resolution:

SAF 2016-1 | Digital Citizenship (retired)

Impact on Children:

Helps the family to have a tool to have an accurate and independent rating system for apps. This resolution calls on technology and application development companies to establish an application ratings board, comprised of industry representatives, child development, child protection, and internet safety subject matter experts. This board would review application ratings and descriptions of the most downloaded applications and the downloadable content of those applications.

Commission:

Family Life

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

Resolved, That Utah PTA and its constituent associations work with legislators, state and local school boards, and school community councils to establish appropriate social media policies and discipline measures in regards to, but not limited to, cyberbullying, sexting, and hazing.

Utah PTA Legislative Policy:

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

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities:

4. Support safe practices and environments for all children.

National PTA and Utah PTA Position Statements:

Utah PTA 2020 Position Statement on Mass Media

A founding purpose of Utah PTA is to promote safety for children and youth by working to set a standard for the care and protection of children and youth. Utah PTA realizes the technological advances that have an impact on the welfare of children and their families. Utah PTA urges its members at all levels to monitor, support and advocate for laws, regulations and programs that:
● Offer the right of free speech by individuals and the need to uphold freedom of the press.
● Urge parents to be involved with, and monitor the television programs, movies, interactive video games, apps with content available to devices, concerts, music, and print materials their children select.
● Oppose using children and/or their personal information to gather data to be used as a marketing tool.
● Support efforts by parents, broadcast media, content providers, and the FCC to support, monitor, and improve the quality of children’s programming and productions.
● Urge rating systems for apps with content available to devices, recorded music, television programming, movies and interactive video games to alert parents as to objectionable content contained in such.
● Actively seek the vigorous enforcement of current obscenity laws, laws precluding the use of children in pornography and the prohibiting the distribution of pornographic materials to children.
● Firmly oppose the exploitation and/or use of children in suggestive and seductive screen content.
● Increase awareness of the impact of television, video games, apps with content available to devices, music and movie violence on the children of Utah and encourage development of programs to assist families and children in using critical viewing skills.
● Support efforts to encourage broadcasters of network, internet and cable to refrain from making adult materials and programming available for children.

Links

Utah PTA Public Policy

Utah PTA 2019-2020 Legislative Priorities

HJR011 | Joint Resolution for Establishing a State Social Cost of Carbon

Description

General Description:

This resolution addresses a state social cost of carbon.

Highlighted Provisions:

Recognizes the significant risks posed by climate change to economic, human, and
natural systems; describes "social cost of carbon" estimates and their use in federal and state policymaking;

Bill Details

Bill Number:

HJR011

Year:

2023

Status:

House/ filed

Last Action:

Mar 03, 2023

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Support

Impact on Children:

Children grow up in our environment and inherit the world we leave behind, policies should look to being good stewards of the earth.

Commission:

Health

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Position Statements:

National Position statement: https://www.pta.org/docs/default-source/uploadedfiles/advocacy/environme...

Reduce man-made contributions to climate change and mitigate their impact on children’s health.

HJR013 | Joint Resolution Declaring Racism a Moral and Public Health Crisis

Description

General Description:

This joint resolution of the Legislature declares racism to be a moral and public health crisis and states the Legislature's commitment to address the crisis.

Highlighted Provisions:

This resolution affirms that differences in access to opportunities and resources according to race persist; highlights racial disparities in health measures, including COVID-19 risks;
describes calls by various organizations for racism to be addressed; declares racism to be a moral and public health crisis; and expresses the Legislature's commitment to:
• identify and abolish state policies that are discriminatory; and
• identify actions that may be taken by the state to help mitigate the impacts of
any discriminatory policies of the past.

Bill Details

Bill Number:

HJR013

Year:

2021

Status:

House/ filed

Last Action:

Mar 05, 2021

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Support

Impact on Children:

This bill would help to establish rules to change racially discriminatory state laws and policies.

Commission:

Community Engagement

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

Utah PTA Legislative Policy:

1. 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.

National PTA and Utah PTA Position Statements:

National PS Addressing Institutional or Systemic Racism: National PTA stands firmly against racism in all forms and the culture of oppression that permeates the United States. As an association that represents all children, we must listen, educate and advocate beyond rhetoric and rise to correct all inequities and injustices.

HJR013S02 | Proposal to Amend Utah Constitution -- State Board of Education

Description

General Description:

This joint resolution of the Legislature proposes to amend the Utah Constitution to modify a provision relating to the State Board of Education.

Bill Details

Bill Number:

HJR013S02

Year:

2019

Status:

House/ filed

Last Action:

Mar 14, 2019

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Pending

Utah PTA Resolution:

EDU 2015-3 | State Board of Education

Impact on Children:

The State Board of Education is currently designed to be a body representative of a geographic area and responsive to the voters. Board Members will no longer be held accountable by the voters if the ability to elect the body is removed. PTA supports the democratic process and encourages its membership to be active participants in the election of child/parent-friendly representatives in the various elected bodies, including the State Board of Education.

Commission:

Education

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

Resolved, That Utah PTA support legislation which enacts direct, nonpartisan election of State School Board members and opposes partisan election of the same body

HJR013 | Proposal to Amend Utah Constitution - State Board of Education

Description

General Description:

This joint resolution of the Legislature proposes to amend the Utah Constitution to modify a provision relating to the State Board of Education.

Bill Details

Bill Number:

HJR013

Year:

2020

Status:

House/ filed

Last Action:

Mar 12, 2020

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Oppose

Utah PTA Resolution:

EDU 2015-3 | State Board of Education

Commission:

Education

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

Utah PTA Legislative Policy:

Utah PTA Resolution EDU 2015-3 - Resolved, 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.

Utah PTA Resolution EDU 2015-3 - Resolved, That Utah PTA support legislation which enacts direct, nonpartisan election of State School Board members and opposes partisan election of the same body.

Links

Utah PTA Resolution EDU 2015-3 State Board of Education

HJR016 | Joint Resolution Approving Exchange of School and Institutional Trust Lands

Description

General Description:

This joint resolution approves a proposed land exchange of state school and institutional trust lands and mineral interest for federal lands and mineral interests.

Highlighted Provisions:

The law requires any exchange of land with the federal government of 500 acres or more to have approval of the legislature. This resolution is the vehicle to get approval to remove trust lands out of the Bears Ears Monument. It will allow adjustments so that the trade will be equal in valuation when completed. As Bears Ears continually vacillates between being a monument and not being a monument, it has become vital to get trust lands out of that area. As a national monument the trust lands cannot make money for the school children. By trading out for other lands, the new trust land areas will be better situated to make money for the trust again.

Bill Details

Bill Number:

HJR016

Year:

2022

Status:

House/ filed

Last Action:

Mar 04, 2022

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Support

Utah PTA Resolution:

EDU 2015-1 | School Trust Lands

Impact on Children:

Proper management of the School Trust Lands enables more funding for public education.

Commission:

Trust Lands

Education

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

Be it resolved: 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; and be it further
Resolved: That Utah PTA encourage Federal and State officials to ensure the School Trust is made whole if Trust Lands are captured by the creation of a federal conservation or other area, including an up-front trade of captured Trust Lands for other lands of comparable value;

HJR018 | Proposal to Amend Utah Constitution - State School Fund

Description

General Description:

This joint resolution of the Legislature proposes to amend the Utah Constitution relating to the State School Fund.

Highlighted Provisions:

This resolution proposes to amend the Utah Constitution to:
change the limit on annual distributions from the State School Fund from 4% to 5%. It also directs the Lt. Governor to submit this proposal to the voters at the next general election. If passed, it would take effect January 2025.

Bill Details

Bill Number:

HJR018

Year:

2023

Status:

House/ to Lieutenant Governor

Last Action:

Mar 13, 2023

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Support

Utah PTA Resolution:

EDU 2015-1 | School Trust Lands

Impact on Children:

Conditions have demonstrated that the current Constitutional and statutory 4% restrictions have caused the distribution policy to not meet required intergenerational equity standards by favoring future over present beneficiaries.

Commission:

Trust Lands

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

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;

HJR025S01 | Joint Resolution Encouraging Legislators to Provide Instruction in Civics

Description

General Description:

This resolution encourages legislators to visit students in classrooms to teach the students about the legislative process.

Highlighted Provisions:

This resolution encourages legislators to visit students in classrooms to teach the students about the legislative process.

Bill Details

Bill Number:

HJR025S01

Year:

2024

Status:

House/ filed

Last Action:

Mar 01, 2024

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Support

Utah PTA Resolution:

IND 2022-1 | Character Development Through Civics Education

Impact on Children:

Encouraging legislators to spend time in our public schools has many benefits. It allows students and educators to interact with legislators, and promotes civic engagement among our students. Legislators also benefit by learning more about how our K-12 schools function and what their needs are.

Commission:

Education

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

That Utah PTA and its constituent associations encourage civic engagement through educational campaigns regarding voter registration, forums on candidates and policies, and discussions where a variety of diverse perspectives are shared and reflect the backgrounds and circumstances of diverse students

HJR027 | Joint Resolution Encouraging Water-efficient Landscaping Ordinances for New Construction

Description

General Description:

This resolution encourages municipalities and counties to address water efficient land use for new construction.

Highlighted Provisions:

This joint resolution recognizes the importance of water to the state and supports water-efficient landscaping as a key strategy for meeting water optimization goals. It also recommends that municipalities and counties adopt water-efficient landscaping ordinances and water use and preservation elements into their general plans

Bill Details

Bill Number:

HJR027

Year:

2024

Status:

House/ filed

Last Action:

Mar 01, 2024

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Support

Impact on Children:

Urging cities to embrace forward-thinking planning that integrate water-efficient practices and landscaping strategies not only prioritizes the well-being of Utah's children but also secures a sustainable water future for them.

Commission:

Health

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Position Statements:

The Rights of Utah's Children to a Healthy Environment

Resolved, Utah PTA is committed to supporting policies that encourage efficient water
management and promoting water conservation practices in our communities, (including educating children and families about responsible water usage)

SB0001S01 | Public Education Base Budget Amendments

Description

General Description:

This bill supplements or reduces appropriations otherwise provided for the support and operation of public education for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2020, and ending June 30, 2021, and appropriates funds for the support and operation of public education for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2021, and ending June 30, 2022.

Highlighted Provisions:

This bill:
15          ▸     provides appropriations for the use and support of school districts, charter schools,
16     and state education agencies;
17          ▸     sets the value of the weighted pupil unit (WPU) at $3,809 for fiscal year 2022;
18          ▸     adjusts the number of weighted pupil units to reflect anticipated student enrollment
19     in fall 2021;
20          ▸     creates the Enrollment Growth Contingency Program;
21          ▸     creates the Supplemental Educator COVID-19 Stipend;
22          ▸     repeals a budgetary obligation related to increases in the value of the WPU, which
23     this bill satisfies through increased funding;
24          ▸     enacts repeal dates for the Enrollment Growth Contingency Program and the
25     Supplemental Educator COVID-19 Stipend;
26          ▸     makes technical changes;
27          ▸     provides appropriations for other purposes as described; and
28          ▸     approves intent language.

Bill Details

Bill Number:

SB0001S01

Year:

2021

Status:

Governor Signed

Last Action:

Feb 04, 2021

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

$13,870,481,400

This bill appropriates $580,393,800 in operating and capital budgets for fiscal year 2021, including: $142,500,000 from the Uniform School Fund; $5,299,500 from the Education Fund; and $432,594,300 from various sources as detailed in this bill. This bill appropriates $75,000 in expendable funds and accounts for fiscal year 2021. This bill appropriates ($23,400,000) in restricted fund and account transfers for fiscal year 2021. This bill appropriates $6,027,166,400 in operating and capital budgets for fiscal year 2022, including: $7,892,800 from the General Fund; $3,636,394,700 from the Uniform School Fund; $167,481,800 from the Education Fund; and $2,215,397,100 from various sources as detailed in this bill. This bill appropriates $3,327,000 in expendable funds and accounts for fiscal year 2022. This bill appropriates $292,568,200 in restricted fund and account transfers for fiscal year 2022, including: $314,218,200 from the Education Fund; and ($21,650,000) from various sources as detailed in this bill. This bill appropriates $122,600 in fiduciary funds for fiscal year 2022.

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Support

Utah PTA Resolution:

EDU 2010-2 | Education Funding (retired)

Impact on Children:

This bill provides appropriations for the use and support of public schools, sets the value of the weighted pupil unit (WPU), adjusts the number of WPUs for anticipated enrollment growth, and creates the Supplemental Educator COVID-19 Stipend.

Commission:

Advocacy

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;

Utah PTA Legislative Policy:

1. Support education legislation, including a constitutional change, that the Legislature shall provide for the establishment and maintenance of a public education system, which shall be open to all children of the state; and that sustains/establishes revenue sources that support the system of public education including:
          a. Automatic increases for enrollment growth in the base budget;
          b. Automatic increases in the WPU based on inflation;
          c. Establishes and funds a “public education rainy day fund” to support the Uniform School Fund in times of economic downturns experienced in the Nation or State.

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities:

National PTA Public Policy Agenda

Continue to Increase Investments in Education Through a Regular Appropriations Process

Legislative Bills

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