Legislative Bills

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

SB0021S01 | Education Amendments

Description

General Description:

This bill amends provisions regarding requirements on the Utah State Board of Education and programs that the Utah State Board of Education administers.

Bill Details

Bill Number:

SB0021S01

Year:

2020

Status:

Governor Signed

Last Action:

Mar 30, 2020

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

None

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Support

Utah PTA Resolution:

EDU 2015-2 | Support for Community Schools

Impact on Children:

1. Students who attend afterschool programs have increased academic performance.

2. Students who attend afterschool programs have additional support for homework completion.

Commission:

Education

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

Utah PTA Resolution EDU 2015-2 Support for Community Schools - Resolved, The Utah PTA urge state legislators to facilitate implementation of community schools to provide services for the whole child and the families in each school community.

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities:

Utah PTA 2020 Legislative Priority #4. Support safe practices and environments for all children.

Utah PTA 2020 Legislative Priority #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

Links

EDU 2015-2 Support for Community Schools

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities 2019-20

SB0024S01 | Child Abuse and Torture Amendments

Description

General Description:

This bill concerns child abuse and torture.

Highlighted Provisions:

This bill: creates a new criminal offense for child torture and provides penalties; adds the offense of child torture to the list of offenses for which imprisonment is
mandatory; amends existing definitions relating to the offenses of child abuse and aggravated criminal child abuse; modifies child abandonment, abuse or neglect of a child with a disability, and other statutes that rely on certain definitions concerning criminal child abuse; includes the offense of child torture in statutes that reference child abuse or aggravated child abuse, including statutes concerning background checks, murder and aggravated murder, child abuse homicide, bigamy, jail release agreements and orders, and adoption, parent-time, and custody statutes; adds the offense of child torture to the definition of "violent felony"; includes the offense of child torture as a registrable offense on the Sex, Kidnap, and Child Abuse Offender Registry; modifies the definition of "severe type of child abuse or neglect" in the juvenile code to refer to the amended definition of serious injury in the criminal child abuse statute; and makes technical and conforming changes.

Bill Details

Bill Number:

SB0024S01

Year:

2025

Status:

Senate/ to Governor

Last Action:

Mar 17, 2025

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

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 bills add child torture to list of felony changes and mandatory jail time. This bill also introduces language about child torture. We do not condone any form of abuse, and feel like bill will help to take offenders out of reach from the children they have abused.

Commission:

Family Life

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

Utah PTA Legislative Policy:

Support legislation, funding, and community partnerships that provide programs and resources to strengthen families and children’s social, emotional and physical learning and well-being

SB0027S02 | Behavioral Health System Amendments

Description

General Description:

This bill creates the Utah Behavioral Health Commission.

Highlighted Provisions:

Creates the Utah Behavioral Health Commission within the Department of Health and Human Services; describes the commission's purpose and duties; creates certain subcommittees under the commission, including moving certain existing behavioral health entities under the direction of the commission; creates the Legislative Policy Committee under the direction of the commission, and describes that committee's duties; provides a sunset date for the commission; amends the sunset date for the Education and Mental Health Coordinating Committee;

Bill Details

Bill Number:

SB0027S02

Year:

2024

Status:

Governor Signed

Last Action:

Mar 14, 2024

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

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:

Create a commission to oversee programs and services for mental health 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.

SB0028 | Radon Related Amendments

Description

General Description:

This bill addresses issues related to radon gas.

Highlighted Provisions:

This bill will develop an online radon gas test data collection mechanism and map; address testing and mitigation in public buildings, including reporting; and repeals the study requirement that has been completed.

Bill Details

Bill Number:

SB0028

Year:

2023

Status:

Senate/ filed

Last Action:

Mar 03, 2023

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

None

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Support

Utah PTA Resolution:

HEA 2014-1 | Radon

Impact on Children:

Radon detection and mitigation prevents cancer in the lung in families and residents of Utah

Commission:

Health

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

That Utah PTA, along with its constituent bodies, encourage all Utah school districts to have all school buildings periodically tested for radon, especially areas that are frequently occupied and have a floor or a wall touching the ground or above an enclosed crawl space; and be it further

That Utah PTA, along with its constituent bodies, encourage all Utah school districts to work to correct all areas where radon levels are above 4 pCi/L and install radon prevention features during construction of new buildings or renovation of existing buildings

Utah PTA Legislative Policy:

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

SB0034S04 | Affordable Housing Modifications

Description

General Description:

This bill modifies provisions related to a municipality's and a county's general plan related to moderate income housing.

Bill Details

Bill Number:

SB0034S04

Year:

2019

Status:

Governor Signed

Last Action:

Mar 26, 2019

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

None

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Pending

Utah PTA Resolution:

COM 2018-1 | Homelessness and Transiency

Impact on Children:

This bill is a Utah PTA Priority Bill. Children benefit when they have stable, safe and affordable housing.

Commission:

Community Engagement

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

Resolved, That Utah PTA and its constituent associations support adequate funding for federal and state housing programs that increase the number of affordable housing units including rental and homeownership options.

SB0037S06 | Electronic Cigarette and Other Nicotine Product Amendments

Description

General Description:

This bill enacts and amends provisions relating to electronic cigarette products and nicotine products.

Bill Details

Bill Number:

SB0037S06

Year:

2020

Status:

Governor Signed

Last Action:

Mar 30, 2020

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

None

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Pending

We support these bills, but we expect changes to continue to be made on all e cigarette and vaping legislation. With these changes, Utah PTA hopes for, and would support, the following three priorities when considering any amendments or substitutes.
1) It decrease access and usage by our youth.
2) It increases enforcement capabilities.
3) It closes loopholes, i.e., grandfather clauses, allowing mint/menthol flavors, etc.

Utah PTA Resolution:

HEA 2015-2 | Electronic Cigarettes and Utah Youth

Impact on Children:

This bill imposes permitting requirements and processes for the sale of a nicotine product; it requires a tobacco retailer to provide itemized receipts and to maintain an itemized transaction log for sales of a tobacco product, an electronic cigarette product, or a nicotine product in order for the e-cigarettes to be taxed the same as other tobacco products.

Higher taxes on tobacco products have shown to decrease the use among youth.

Commission:

Student Leadership

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

HEA 2015-2 | Electronic Cigarettes and Utah Youth
Resolved, That Utah PTA seek and support legislation that would include ENDS in the Utah Code Annotated definition of tobacco products and treat them as such – including the need for licensing, sales restrictions, tax parity, and marketing; and, be it further
Resolved, That Utah PTA support state and local ordinances that appropriately address regulations of ENDS products; and, be it further
Resolved, That Utah PTA support the position that any revenue generated through taxation of ENDS should support tobacco cessation and prevention programs;

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities:

4. Support safe practices and environments for all children.

SB0037 | Minimum Basic Tax Rate Amendments

Description

General Description:

This bill amends provisions related to the minimum basic tax that school districts impose.

Highlighted Provisions:

This bill amends provisions related to the minimum basic tax (a property tax levy) that school districts impose.

Bill Details

Bill Number:

SB0037

Year:

2025

Status:

Governor Vetoed

Last Action:

Mar 24, 2025

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

None

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Oppose

Utah PTA Resolution:

EDU 2023-1 | Education Funding

Impact on Children:

This bill seeks to take the property tax dollars that are currently going to schools through the Minimum Basic Levy and gives those dollars to the General Fund. This will cause a significant loss of funding to our schools. There is also a concern that local boards will be imposing a tax that will then be given to the state to spend- meaning that the local board will have no control over how the tax is used.

Commission:

Education

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

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

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities:

EDUCATION. Support an adequately funded public school system by funding a 3% Weighted Pupil Unit (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 Local Education Agencies (LEAs) and individual schools.

Files

Attachment	Size
CALL TO ACTION - SB37.docx.pdf	92.81 KB
Sample Text Messages - Vote NO on SB37.docx	15.41 KB
Sample Letter - Vote No on SB37.docx	16.22 KB

SB0039S04 | Affordable Housing Amendments

Description

General Description:

This bill modifies provisions related to affordable housing.

Bill Details

Bill Number:

SB0039S04

Year:

2020

Status:

Governor Signed

Last Action:

Mar 28, 2020

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

$10,000,000

This bill appropriates in fiscal year 2021: to the Department of Workforce Services -- Olene Walker Housing Loan Fund as a one-time appropriation: from the General Fund, $10,000,000.

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Support

While Utah PTA supports efforts to provide affordable housing, we oppose monies coming out of the Uniform School Fund to provide funding to help resolve this issue.

Utah PTA Resolution:

COM 2018-1 | Homelessness and Transiency

EDU 2014-2 | Chronic Absenteeism (retired)

FAM 2014-1 | Intergenerational Poverty

Impact on Children:

S.B. 39 seeks to increase the inventory of affordable housing, which PTA has resolved to support, however our first priority is to fully fund education. Adequately available affordable housing helps children to be ready to learn. If children are spending time and energy worrying about and / or moving they will not be able to devote the same time or energy to their education, to becoming financial independent, productive citizens.

Commission:

Community Engagement

SB0040 | Youth Electronic Cigarette, Marijuana, and Other Drug Prevention Program

Description

General Description:

This bill creates the Youth Electronic Cigarette, Marijuana, and Other Drug Prevention Program within the Department of Health.

Bill Details

Bill Number:

SB0040

Year:

2020

Status:

Senate/ filed

Last Action:

Mar 12, 2020

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

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:

1 in 6 Utah teens are now vaping. According to the SHARP survey though, marijuana is double that, and alcohol is almost triple.

The Bill creates the Youth Electronic Cigarette, Marijuana, and Other Drug Prevention Committee. It will consolidate advisory groups and committees with other committees or advisory and help the groups as appropriate to create greater efficiencies and budgetary savings for the department.

The program may help to prevent usage of electronic cigarettes, marijuana and other drugs among our youth.

Commission:

Student Leadership

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

HEA 2015-2 | Electronic Cigarettes and Utah Youth
Resolved, That the Utah PTA work in collaboration with state and local health departments, school boards, school districts, and other agencies to educate youth, parents, communities, and local elected officials on the dangers of ENDS products;

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities:

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

SB0040 | Child Welfare Sunset Provisions

Description

General Description:

This bill amends child welfare provisions that are scheduled to sunset in 2019.

Bill Details

Bill Number:

SB0040

Year:

2019

Status:

Governor Signed

Last Action:

Mar 25, 2019

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

None

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Pending

Utah PTA Resolution:

FAM 2018-1 | Foster Care Standards

Impact on Children:

Continue to establish and operate a psychotropic medication oversight pilot program for children in foster care through Dec 2021, to ensure that foster children are being prescribed psychotropic medication consistent with their needs.

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

That Utah PTA encourage the legislature to pass laws that will ensure that the best interests of the child be given

SB0041S01 | Mental Health Access Amendments

Description

General Description:

This bill modifies an insurer's responsibilities for mental health coverage.

Highlighted Provisions:

This bill allows a diagnosis or treatment of a mental health condition to do be done via telehealth services.

Bill Details

Bill Number:

SB0041S01

Year:

2021

Status:

Governor Signed

Last Action:

Mar 02, 2021

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

None

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 greater access to mental health services for children and adults statewide.

Commission:

Health

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

That Utah PTA support legislation which requires insurance parity for mental illnesses

SB0044S01 | Alternative Education Scholarship Combination

Description

General Description:

This bill combines the Carson Smith Scholarship and Special Needs Opportunity Scholarship Programs.

Highlighted Provisions:

Combines the Carson Smith Scholarship and the Special Needs Opportunity Scholarship into the Carson Smith Opportunity Scholarship Program. Allows for homeschool and preschool aged students to receive scholarships. Adds expenses with a qualifying provider to allowable scholarship expenses. Provides regulatory autonomy for a qualifying school, qualifying provider, and home-school student. Allows scholarships to be used for services from eligible service providers and establishes an approval process. Allows students with disabilities and their siblings to be awarded scholarship amounts of up to 2.5 times the WPU amount. Phases out new applications and extensions for the Carson Smith Scholarship Program after the 2023-2024 school year and makes technical changes.

Bill Details

Bill Number:

SB0044S01

Year:

2024

Status:

Governor Signed

Last Action:

Mar 20, 2024

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

None

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Oppose w/ Comment

Utah PTA is concerned about the lack of oversight on this bill. There is no mechanism to ensure that these taxpayer funds are being spent for the designated purpose and there is no follow up to see if these funds are actually helping students with disabilities to progress in their education. Further, having multiple SGOs creates potential mismanagement of funds. The USBE has been a better steward of taxpayer funds and should be considered as the SGO of choice to handle this program.

Utah PTA Resolution:

EDU 2023-1 | Education Funding

Impact on Children:

This bill would prevent tax money going into the funds providing for public education. Scholarships are awarded to students with disabilities and their siblings for up to 2.5 times the WPU amount. Donors to the scholarship fund receive a tax credit for the full amount of their donation.

Commission:

Education

Special Needs Specialist

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

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

SB0045 | Domestic Violence Revisions

Description

General Description:

This bill adds aggravated cruelty to an animal to the list of offenses that may qualify as a domestic violence offense.

Bill Details

Bill Number:

SB0045

Year:

2019

Status:

Governor Signed

Last Action:

Mar 27, 2019

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

None

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Pending

Utah PTA Resolution:

FAM 1996-3 | Domestic Violence Education (retired)

Impact on Children:

Further defines an area of domestic violence not addressed, in circumstances where children may me living or abiding.

Commission:

Family Life

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

That Utah PTA work to support stronger legislation that focuses on intervention for and prevention of domestic violence.

SB0046S01 | Youth Electronic Cigarette, Marijuana, and Other Drug Prevention Program Sunset Extension

Description

General Description:

This bill addresses the Youth Electronic Cigarette, Marijuana, and Other Drug Prevention Program, the Youth Electronic Cigarette, Marijuana, and Other Drug Prevention Committee, and the Electronic Cigarette Substance and Nicotine Product Proceeds Restricted Account.

Highlighted Provisions:

Youth Electronic Cigarette, Marijuana, and Other Drug Prevention Program Sunset Extension

Bill Details

Bill Number:

SB0046S01

Year:

2025

Status:

Governor Signed

Last Action:

Mar 26, 2025

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

None

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Support

Utah PTA Resolution:

HEA 2007-1 | Substance Abuse

Impact on Children:

Requires the Youth Electronic Cigarette, Marijuana, and Other Drug Prevention Committee to meet at least quarterly;
Establishes an order of priority for the various program funding distributions from the
Electronic Cigarette Substance and Nicotine Product Proceeds Restricted Account; and
Extends the sunset dates for the Youth Electronic Cigarette, Marijuana, and Other Drug
Prevention Committee and Program.

Commission:

Health

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

That Utah PTA supports the age-appropriateeducation of all children and families regarding the dangers and consequences of substance abuse.

SB0047S01 | Placement of Minors Amendments

Description

General Description:

This bill modifies provisions related to placement of a minor.

Bill Details

Bill Number:

SB0047S01

Year:

2019

Status:

Governor Signed

Last Action:

Mar 21, 2019

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

None

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Pending

Utah PTA Resolution:

FAM 2018-1 | Foster Care Standards

Impact on Children:

If a minor 14 years of age or older desires an opportunity to address the court or testify, the court shall give the minor's desires added weight, but may not treat the minor's desires as the single controlling factor in a post-adjudication hearing or other hearing described

Commission:

Family Life

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

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

Legislative Bills

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