Legislative Bills

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SB0141S02 | Family Health Services Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill enacts provisions related to maternal and child health services.

Highlighted Provisions: 

Requires the Department of Health and Human Services to inform eligible individuals about child and maternal health services offered by state agencies, like home visits

Bill Details
Year: 
2024
Status: 
Senate/ filed
Last Action: 
Mar 01, 2024
Sponsor
Senator
Democrat - District 10
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Utah PTA Resolution: 
Impact on Children: 

Support in early childhood has an outsized impact on the health and well being of an individual.  

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

Early Childhoodhat Utah PTA and its constituent bodies advocate for policies and funding to improve early childhood services throughout the state.

SB0141 | Office of Student Health Affairs

Description
General Description: 

This bill creates the Office of Student Health Affairs within the Department of Health and Human Services.

Highlighted Provisions: 

Office of Student Affairs oversees health services provided by department of Utah's public education system coordinating with USBE and local health departments to improve students access to parents approved health services including: 1) physical wellness services, 2) mental health services and 3) programs for the management of chronic health conditions.

Bill Details
Year: 
2025
Status: 
Senate/ filed
Last Action: 
Mar 07, 2025
Sponsor
Senator
Democrat - District 15
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

Improve access and delivery of health services to students from K - 12

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

That Utah PTA and its constitution associations support increased education and awareness campaigns to share evidence-based mental health knowledge and understanding of mental health disorders to students, families, and communities;and,provide early intervention and prevention programs;and, help reduce the stigma associated with mental illness;and be it further

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities: 

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.

National PTA and Utah PTA Position Statements: 

Elements of Comprehensive Health Programs: Health Services that appropriately reflect the educational and community commitment to address identified health problems that limit students’ abilities to learn.

SB0141S02 | Task Force on Food Security

Description
General Description: 

This bill creates the Task Force on Food Security.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill defines terms; creates the Task Force on Food Security (the task force) to develop a plan for establishing food security in the state; establishes membership, quorum, and reporting requirements for the task force; and schedules the repeal of the task force.

Bill Details
Year: 
2021
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 17, 2021
Sponsor
Senator
Democrat - District 10
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

The Plan must include recommendations on: increasing economic security, increasing public awareness and understanding hunger is vital to the health and well-being of the state’s residents, economy, and communities, increasing access to affordable, nutritious, and culturally appropriate food with in the community, increasing the number of individuals who can access nutritious food assistance through community-based organizations, maximizing enrollment in SNAP, improving children’s health by optimizing participation in federal child nutrition programs.

Commission: 
Family Life
Utah PTA Public Policy Program
National PTA and Utah PTA Position Statements: 

National PTA Position Statement-Nutrition for Children and Families
The National PTA and its constituents will continue to work at the local, state, and national levels to enhance the nutritional health of our nation's children and families. The National PTA supports federal legislation to assist states in providing necessary support for families in the areas such as health, nutrition and welfare services.

National PTA Public Policy Agenda

One in six adolescents are obese, while one in five face hunger daily. The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act (HHFKA) is a critical piece of legislation that improves nutrition standards in our nation’s schools. Reauthorization of the Child Nutrition Act must: ✓ Boost child health by including robust school meal requirements on milk, whole grains, fruits and vegetables, calorie limits, and limits on sugar and sodium ✓ Require schools to make nutrition information more readily available and enhance opportunities for parents to participate in the development of local school wellness policies ✓ Ensure low-income and at-risk youth have access to school meals programs ✓ Deliver technical assistance and resources to schools that are not meeting the nutrition standards ✓ Provide federal grants and loan assistance for schools to improve kitchen infrastructure and equipment

SB0142S06 | App Store Accountability Act

Description
General Description: 

This bill enacts provisions governing app store operations and creates requirements for age verification and parental consent.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill enacts provisions governing app store operations and creates requirements for age verification and parental consent.

Bill Details
Year: 
2025
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 26, 2025
Sponsor
Senator
Republican - District 8
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

Children need to be protected from harmful content on social media apps. This bill furthers the accountability for age verification to app stores. Parents need to be more informed about what are on the apps their children are using.

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

Utah PTA and its constituent associations support lawmakers in their efforts to create laws which call for appropriate social media policies that protect children and provide parents the ability to know what their child is engaged in, who they are engaging with and how much time they are engaging online, in order to empower parents to make the best decisions for their children and families.
 

National PTA and Utah PTA Position Statements: 

Technology can also give rise to digital environments that could be harmful to children and youth. PTA supports efforts to ensure a safe and positive digital experience for all children and families, fostering learning and healthy lifestyles for all children and equipping them with the technological literacy and access to thrive in an increasingly digital world.

SB0142S01 | Public Education Funding Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill requires the Public Education Appropriations Subcommittee to complete an evaluation and make recommendations for future legislation regarding public education funding and addresses funding for students who are at risk.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill:
▸ requires the Public Education Appropriations Subcommittee to:
• complete an evaluation of public education funding;
• make recommendations for future legislation; and
• report to the Executive Appropriations Committee;

▸ enacts a weighted pupil unit add-on for students who are at risk using weighting based on:
• students who receive free or reduced price lunch; and
• students who are English language learners;

Bill Details
Year: 
2021
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 17, 2021
Sponsor
Senator
Republican - District 10
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

This bill allows for the further study and recommendations from the West Ed study on Education Funding commissioned by the Utah State Board of Education. It furthers study of a WPU add on for at-risk students and other mechanisms to increase equity in education funding.

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

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

Utah PTA Legislative Policy: 

Equity in the form of equal justice, privileges, opportunities, and responsibilities in every phase of life for all children and youth, while recognizing that each child is unique with individual needs and talents.

SB0143 | Public Education Vision Screening

Description
General Description: 

This bill modifies provisions regarding public education vision screening.

Bill Details
Year: 
2019
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 21, 2019
Sponsor
Senator
Democrat - District 1
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Pending
Impact on Children: 

Providing effective and up to date vision screenings under the department of health will help identify vision problems earlier in our children.

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

Resolved, That Utah PTA, with its constituent organizations, encourage the education of teachers, parents, guardians, volunteers, school administrators, etc., about the various visual skills needed in the classroom, screening for visual skills deficiencies, and treatment options for such learning-related vision problems; and be it further
Resolved, That Utah PTA encourages implementation of up-to-date and effective vision screenings in schools;
Resolved, That Utah PTA will seek and support legislation that will improve the awareness and detection of learning-related vision problems that adversely affect students in the classroom, and provide necessary funding for such actions

SB0144S03 | Sexual Crimes Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill addresses sexual crimes.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill:
▸amends sentencing provisions for repeat and habitual sex offenders;
▸provides a definition of a female breast for certain sexual and sexual exploitation offenses
that includes a breast that is undeveloped or partially developed;
▸expands the definition of "child sexual abuse material" to include a minor observing or
being used for sexually explicit conduct;
▸expands the definition of "sexually explicit conduct" concerning certain bodily functions;
▸changes the mental state necessary to commit the offense of sexual exploitation of a
minor;
▸expands the offense of sexual exploitation of a minor to include when an actor accesses
child sexual abuse material with the intent to view;
▸provides a safe harbor provision for certain employees and independent contractors who
access child sexual abuse material within the scope of employment (like law enforcement officers);
▸changes the mental state necessary to commit the offense of aggravated sexual
exploitation of a minor;
▸amends the offense of aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor to remove a lesser
penalty for circumstances when the child sexual abuse material depicts an individual
who is 14 years old or older or pubescent;

Bill Details
Year: 
2025
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 25, 2025
Sponsor
Senator
Democrat - District 12
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Commission: 
Family Life
Utah PTA Public Policy Program
National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions: 

Resolved,That Utah PTA and its constituent associations promote and support the adoption and enforcement of laws, at all levels of government, to end the recruitment, force or involvement of a minor in conduct or violence of a sexually nature and all forms of sexual exploitation; and be it further

National PTA and Utah PTA Position Statements: 

Child Safety and Protection: Prevent exploitation of children and unhealthy work environments.......Protect children from violence.

SB0145 | Military Family Education Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill expands opportunities for children of military families to enroll in Utah public schools.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill:
          ▸     requires a local education agency (LEA) to permit a student who is the child of a
    member of uniformed services who is relocating to the state or out of the state to:
               •     before the student resides in the state, enroll in a public school within the LEA
     at the same time and in the same manner as individuals residing in the state; and
               •     remain enrolled after the student's parent relocates out of the state;

Bill Details
Year: 
2021
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 17, 2021
Sponsor
Senator
Republican - District 5
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

Military service provides unique challenges to the families and children of service members face with separations, deployments, homecomings, relocations and crises due to military assignments. National studies have reported that military-connected children have an increased risk of depression, emotional problems, stress, behavior problems, alcohol and drug abuse. Identification of military-connected children may be critical to their academic success, behavior, and health, allowing school administrators, teachers, counselors, and staff to meet the specific needs of, and give support to, military-connected children

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

Resolved, That Utah PTA and its constituent bodies support legislation to assist district superintendents, local school administrators, staff and teachers to identify, recognize and support military-connected children and the unique challenges they face;

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.

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

SB0146 | Glucagon Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill amends provisions related to the storage and administration of glucagon kits in public and private schools.

Highlighted Provisions: 

allows a school to stock glucagon kits;  allows a qualified adult to administer a glucagon kit to a student experiencing hypoglycemia; establishes a standing prescription for a school to obtain glucagon kits; establishes training for the use and storage of a glucagon kit

Bill Details
Year: 
2025
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 26, 2025
Sponsor
Senator
Democrat - District 9
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

This bill improves the safety of children with blood sugar irregularities while they are attending school, by allowing for the procurement, storage, and proper administration of life saving medication in the event of a medical emergency.

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

Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Management in Schools

Resolved, That National PTA and its constituent organizations support the development, funding and implementation of school emergency response plans including food allergy guidelines and anaphylactic kits on site including the school lunchroom as well as having staff members trained in allergy symptoms and prevention techniques.

Care of School-Age Children with Diabetes
Resolved, That National PTA and its constituent organizations urge that at least two staff members per school obtain specific training on diabetes care, diabetic emergency procedures, and identification and treatment of symptoms of hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia as allowed by individual state statutes and licensures.

SB0147 | Youth Service Organizations Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill amends provisions related to registered sex offender checks for potential youth workers.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill provides that a youth service organization may require a potential youth worker to
provide the individual's full name and, in certain circumstances, a current identification,
to facilitate a registered sex offender check

Bill Details
Year: 
2025
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 25, 2025
Sponsor
Senator
Republican - District 23
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

This bill provides for sex offenders registry checks of potential youth service organization employees which will protect vulnerable youth.

Commission: 
Individual Development
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.

SB0149S01 | Teacher and Student Success Act

Description
General Description: 

This bill creates the Teacher and Student Success Program.

Bill Details
Year: 
2019
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Apr 02, 2019
Sponsor
Senator
Republican - District 18
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Pending

With the failure of the Gas Tax Question on the November 2018 Ballot, Utah PTA is concerned that the revenue designated for the Teacher and Student Success Account will impact the funding available for the Weighted Pupil Unit. Utah PTAs legislative priority states, "Utah PTA supports public education allocations which fully fund student enrollment growth and increase the WPU by at least 5.5%."

Impact on Children: 

This bill will provide for greater local control by sending revenue directly to the schools to implement the Teacher and Student Success Plan. The principal will work with the community councils, educators, and parents in the school to create and implement the plan. The LAND Trust plan will be one of the components of the Teacher and Student Success Plan.

Commission: 
Education
Trust Lands
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;

Resolved, that Utah PTA work with the Utah State Board of Education to develop high level training for local SCCs and school boards; this training may include, but is not limited to, assuring that the trust funds be spent on the greatest academic need, data evaluation, establishing measurable goals, the meaning of participation in the development of School Improvement Plans, School LAND Trust Plans, safe walking routes, Professional Development plans, Reading plans and other required plans; the roles of chairman and principal; how to conduct a meeting; Open Meetings Act compliance, and the use of subcommittees;"

SB0150 | School Employee Licensing Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill addresses the use of money appropriated for targeted school-based mental health support.

Highlighted Provisions: 

Allows a local education agency to pay licensure costs for certain mental health
personnel with money appropriated for targeted school-based mental health support.
 

Bill Details
Year: 
2023
Status: 
Senate/ filed
Last Action: 
Mar 03, 2023
Sponsor
Senator
Democrat - District 15
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

Adding mental health professionals to a school will directly benefit children as we see increasing mental health needs in our students.

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

That Utah PTA and its constituent associations actively advocate for increased funding for additional trained counselors, psychologists, and social workers to assist and educate families and youth in both elementary and secondary schools participating in the public school system.

SB0151S03 | Initiative Procedure Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill amends procedures relating to a statewide initiative.

Bill Details
Year: 
2019
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 25, 2019
Sponsor
Senator
Republican - District 7
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Pending
Impact on Children: 

Children benefit when all avenues of direct democracy including initiatives are protected and secure.

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

Resolved, That Utah PTA and its constituent bodies support the right of the people to participate in direct democracy through initiatives and referenda and oppose any legislation that weakens their ability to do so.

SB0151S01 | Accelerated Student Program Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill amends provisions related to early college programs and a program for accelerated students.

Bill Details
Year: 
2020
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 30, 2020
Sponsor
Senator
Democrat - District 5
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

This legislation provides for funding distribution formulas for the Enhancement for Accelerated Students Program and early college programs to prioritize increasing access to the programs for groups of students who are underrepresented in the programs.  Gifted students as well as at-risk populations of students are covered by the legislation.

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

Utah PTA Resolution EDU 2010-3 Providing Appropriate Educational Opportunities for Gifted/Accelerated Learners Statewide - Resolved, That Utah PTA encourage the State Board of Education and the state legislature to support funding that assists the schools in developing programs which promote the appropriate educational, social, and emotional development of gifted/accelerated learners.

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities: 

Utah PTA 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.

SB0152S03 | Social Media Regulation Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill enacts provisions related to the regulation of social media companies and social media platforms.

Highlighted Provisions: 

5 ▸ requires a social media company to verify the age of Utah residents;
16 ▸ requires a social media company to obtain the consent of a parent or guardian before
17 a Utah resident under the age of 18 may maintain or open an account;
18 ▸ prohibits a social media company from permitting a person to open an account if
19 that person does not meet age requirements under state or federal law;
20 ▸ requires that for accounts held by a Utah resident who is under the age of 18, certain
21 social media companies:
22 • shall prohibit direct messaging with certain accounts;
23 • may not show a minor's account in search results;
24 • may not display advertising;
25 • may not collect, share, or use personal information from the account, with
26 certain exceptions;
27 • may not target or suggest ads, accounts, or content; and
28 • shall limit hours of access, subject to parental or guardian direction;
29 ▸ requires a social media company to provide a parent or guardian access to the
30 content and interactions of an account held by a Utah resident under the age of 18;
31 ▸ directs the Division of Consumer Protection to receive and investigate complaints
32 of violations of the requirements established under the act and impose
33 administrative fines for violations;
34 ▸ authorizes the division to seek enforcement through an injunction, civil penalties,
35 and other relief through the judicial process;
36 ▸ requires fines and civil penalties to be deposited into the Consumer Protection
37 Education and Training Fund;
38 ▸ requires an annual report from the division;
39 ▸ authorizes a private right of action to collect attorney fees and damages from a
40 social media company for harm incurred in relation to a violation of the
41 requirements established by the act; and

Bill Details
Year: 
2023
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 23, 2023
Sponsor
Senator
Republican - District 25
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Pending
Impact on Children: 

This bill helps protect minor's private information, helps parents view their child's social media content, empowers parents to set time limits on social media, empowers parents to be able to go after social media companies who cause harm to their children, protects minors from advertising and

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

Resolved, That Utah PTA and its constituent associations support lawmakers in their efforts to create laws which call for appropriate social media policies that protect children and provide parents the ability to know what their child is engaged in, who they are engaging with and how much time they are engaging online, in order to empower parents to make the best decisions for their children and families.

Utah PTA Legislative Policy: 

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

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities: 

4. SAFETY. Support funding to strengthen school safety measures including upgrading school buildings to be safe and secure, safety training and educating families and communities on school safety policies, children’s online safety, and evaluating digital threats to schools in Utah.

SB0153S01 | Idling Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill allows a local highway authority to enact an ordinance to prohibit or restrict certain commercial vehicles from idling.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill allows certain local highway authorities to enact an ordinance to prohibit or restrict certain commercial vehicles from idling; and allows an individual who reports an idling violation or certain other emissions violations to receive a reward for reporting the violation. It also allows an ordinance to include increased penalties for violations during times when air quality is unsafe for sensitive groups. However, certain vehicles are exempt from an idling ordinance particularly those owned or operated by government entity; and an exemption is allowed for certain commercial vehicles if the purpose of the vehicle might require idling. This bill also allows a person to purchase an exemption for a fleet of vehicles in certain circumstances. This bill allows a local highway authority to impose a road usage charge for road usage during times when air quality is unsafe for sensitive groups.

Bill Details
Year: 
2024
Status: 
Senate/ filed
Last Action: 
Mar 01, 2024
Sponsor
Senator
Democrat - District 13
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

This bill would help protect our "spare the air days" when air quality is at its worst. Our children are among the most vulnerable to air pollution, and reducing the number of idling commercial vehicles would improve the air quality they breathe.

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

The Right of Utah's Children to a Sustainable Healthy Environment: The Utah PTA exhorts governments, businesses, and individuals to invest in infrastructure improvements that will lead to a healthier environment for all, especially for children and youth

SB0155S03 | 988 Mental Health Crisis Assistance

Description
General Description: 

This bill creates the Statewide Behavioral Health Crisis Response Account and amends provisions related to the membership and duties of the Behavioral Health Crisis Response Commission.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill creates the 988 Suicide and Crisis Services Account

Bill Details
Year: 
2021
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 11, 2021
Sponsor
Senator
Republican - District 12
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$4,923,600
This bill appropriates in fiscal year 2021: to the Legislature - Senate, as a one-time appropriation: from the General Fund, $1,600; to the Legislature - House of Representatives, as a one-time appropriation: from the General Fund, $1,600; to the Attorney General - Attorney General, as a one-time appropriation: from the General Fund, $1,000; to Department of Human Services - Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health, as a one-time appropriation: from the General Fund, $2,451,800; and to University of Utah - School of Medicine, as a one-time appropriation: from Education Fund, ($600,000). This bill appropriates in fiscal year 2022: to the Legislature - Senate, as a one-time appropriation: from the General Fund, $6,400; to the Legislature - House of Representatives, as a one-time appropriation: from the General Fund, $6,400; to the Attorney General - Attorney General, as a one-time appropriation: from the General Fund, $3,000; and to Department of Human Services - Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health, as an ongoing appropriation: from the General Fund, $1,851,800.
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

Passage of this bill will move forward the funding necessary to initiate the national 988 Suicide and Crisis phone number to provide the necessary services for a person needing mental health services in a time of severe crisis. Similar to '911' which deals with sending help in times of physical crisis, '988' will offer similar support in a situation of severe mental or emotional crisis such as a person seriously contemplating suicide.

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

That Utah PTA support prevention and intervention initiatives and appropriate state funding for collaborative efforts between the home, school, private physicians, and community resource agencies to create support networks for families.

SB0157 | Parental Rights in Public Education

Description
General Description: 

This bill addresses the rights of parents, and the sovereignty of the state, with respect to public education.

Highlighted Provisions: 

13 ▸ recognizes and exercises state sovereignty in public education;
14 ▸ recognizes, exercises, and protects the rights and responsibilities of parents in the
15 education of their children; and
16 ▸ grants parents the right to opt out or withdraw their children from objectionable
17 matters and materials.

Bill Details
Year: 
2022
Status: 
Senate/ filed
Last Action: 
Mar 04, 2022
Sponsor
Senator
Republican - District 19
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Oppose w/ Comment

Utah PTA acknowledges the importance of the partnership between parents and public education.  We strive to accomplish the Utah PTA Purposes as found in the Utah PTA Public Policy Program:

-To bring in to closer relation the home and the school, that parents and teachers may cooperate more intelligently in the education of children and youth.

-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.

Impact on Children: 

Children are best served when politics is out of public education. Rather than create an atmosphere of partnership between the school and the parent - this bills aims to create an adversarial relationship between parents and the school system. 

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

2019-1: That Utah PTA and its constituent associations educate parents and community members to support practices which enhance teacher capacity, school leadership, family and student engagement, student-centered learning climates, and instruction and curriculum alignment

2015-03: 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 Legislative Policy: 

The Utah PTA Purposes

-To bring in to closer relation the home and the school, that parents and teachers may cooperate more intelligently in the education of children and youth.

-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.

SB0158 | Children's Health Coverage Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill creates a program to increase health insurance coverage for children and directs the Department of Health to expand eligibility for children's Medicaid and CHIP.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill creates a program to increase health insurance coverage for children and directs the Department of Health to expand eligibility for children's Medicaid and CHIP.

Bill Details
Year: 
2021
Status: 
Senate/ filed
Last Action: 
Mar 05, 2021
Sponsor
Senator
Democrat - District 10
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

Passage of this bill will increase health insurance coverage under children's Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) to include children whose family is at, or below, 200% of the federal poverty level. Also, this bill includes a media outreach campaign to raise awareness of options for health insurance coverage that are available for Utah children

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

NPTA Position Statement National Health Reform and Access to Care for Children, Youth, Families and Pregnant Women
Health Care Costs. The National PTA believes that agencies with responsibilities for educational, health or welfare services must have provisions for adequate funding and structure to meet effective legislative intent[16] and to provide adequate funding for school and community services to children in areas under federal government control. Any health plan should provide adequate reimbursement levels to encourage the development of primary care practices and to ensure appropriate distribution of health resources to underserved areas, and not shift costs to families, particularly those of low income. Costs should be contained in all sectors of the health care system, and administrative procedures be simplified.

SB0162 | Education Expenses Tax Credit During Public Health Emergency

Description
General Description: 

This bill enacts a nonrefundable income tax credit for certain education expenses during a public health emergency.

Highlighted Provisions: 

Enacts a nonrefundable individual income tax credit that an individual may claim for a dependent's education expenses incurred as a result of a change in school enrollment or instruction caused by a public health emergency.

Bill Details
Year: 
2021
Status: 
Senate/ filed
Last Action: 
Mar 05, 2021
Sponsor
Senator
Republican - District 16
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Oppose
Impact on Children: 

This bill diverts tax dollars to private interests with no transparency or accountability.

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

That Utah PTA oppose vouchers, tax credits and deductions and other similar funding sources for public and private preschool, elementary and secondary school tuition and other education-related expenses for students.

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities: 

Support education legislation which guarantees that public funds intended for the funding of the public education system not be allocated for private interests including vouchers, tax credits, or other means.