Legislative Bills

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HB0561S03 | Communication Awareness Pilot Program

Description
General Description: 

This bill creates the Communication Habits to reduce Adolescent Threats, or CHAT, Pilot Program.

Highlighted Provisions: 

 This bill creates the Communication Habits to reduce Adolescent Threats (CHAT) Pilot Program;  requires the Department of Health and Human Services to issue a request for proposals;  requires the Department of Health and Human Services to report to the Health and Human Services Interim Committee; and makes technical changes.

Bill Details
Year: 
2024
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 14, 2024
Sponsor
Representative
Republican - District 65
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$250,000
This bill appropriates in fiscal year 2025: to Department of Health and Human Services - Operations - Public Affairs, Education & Outreach as a one-time appropriation: from the General Fund, One-time, $250,000
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Utah PTA Resolution: 
Impact on Children: 

This bill is creating a pilot program called CHAT, Communication Habits to reduce Adolescent Threats. This program focuses on communication skills with minors and their trusted adults and to help reduce the mental health stigma. This is such an important skill. We support this Pilot Program in their attempt to create tools and facilitate skills to discuss mental health.

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

That Utah PTA sponsor, encourage, and promote programs and activities in cooperation with other organizations which will promote family growth and unity in helping families and individuals realize their educational, emotional, spiritual, and social goals; 

Utah PTA Legislative Policy: 

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

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities: 

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.

HB0565 | Traffic Safety Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill establishes a red light camera pilot program.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill establishes a red light camera pilot program.

Bill Details
Year: 
2025
Status: 
House/ filed
Last Action: 
Mar 07, 2025
Sponsor
Representative
Democrat - District 30
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

The Red Light Camera Pilot Program would improve traffic safety at high-risk intersections. By deterring red-light running, the program may lead to fewer crashes, reducing the risk of injury or death for children as pedestrians, bicyclists, or passengers in vehicles. Additionally, the program's public education phase may raise awareness among families about safe driving habits, fostering a culture of traffic safety that benefits children long-term. If successful, the program could lead to permanent safety measures that make roads safer for everyone, including young and vulnerable road users.

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

RESOLVED, That Utah PTA and its constituent associations encourage the Utah Department of Public Safety to update and review training programs for school crossing guards, as well as emphasize pedestrian safety in Drivers Education; and also urge the Utah State Board of Education (USBE) to implement a robust pedestrian safety curriculum for Utah schools; moreover, local PTAs are encouraged to take an active role in educating parents and students about pedestrian safety issues and solutions; and furthermore, compel the Utah State Legislature and other government agencies to appropriate adequate funding specifically dedicated to safe school routes, pedestrian safety devices and technology to ensure safer street crossings

Utah PTA Legislative Policy: 

To promote the welfare of children and youth in home, school, community, and place of worship. To secure adequate laws for the care and protection of children and youth.

HB0566 | Flavored Tobacco Restrictions

Description
General Description: 

This bill prohibits the distribution of certain flavored tobacco and similar products.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill prohibits the distribution of all flavored tobacco and similar products except for the following flavors: tobacco; mint; and menthol.

Bill Details
Year: 
2024
Status: 
House/ filed
Last Action: 
Mar 01, 2024
Sponsor
Representative
Republican - District 57
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

Flavored tobacco products are specifically targeted to youth. Nearly 90% of youth e-cigarette users use flavored products, with fruit, candy/desserts/other sweets,

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

Resolved,That Utah PTA support state and local ordinances that appropriately address regulations of ENDS (Electronic Nicotine Delivery System) products

HB0572S01 | State Treasurer Investment Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill directs the state treasurer to deposit into the Utah Homes Investment Program.

Highlighted Provisions: 

Creates the Utah Homes Investment Program and directs the state treasurer on terms for depositing funds into the program.

Bill Details
Year: 
2024
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 21, 2024
Sponsor
Representative
Republican - District 42
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Oppose w/ Comment

While Utah PTA supports adequate funding for federal and state housing programs that will increase the number of affordable housing units we are also resolved to encourage the legislature to take all necessary steps to ensure stable and adequate funding mechanisms to properly facilitate the education of all students including but not limited to areas of high growth. Removal of the tax increment income from LEAs, severely hinders their ability to properly manage the potential growth due to increased housing.

Utah PTA Resolution: 
Impact on Children: 

While this would create more affordable housing for families and children it takes away funding received by LEAs through the tax increment. This would make it difficult for schools to support the potential increased growth.

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

Be it 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.

HB0583 | Student Access to Books

Description
General Description: 

This bill amends provisions regarding sensitive materials to provide broad access to materials.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill amends provisions regarding sensitive materials to provide broad access to materials.

Bill Details
Year: 
2024
Status: 
House/ filed
Last Action: 
Mar 01, 2024
Sponsor
Representative
Democrat - District 23
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Local Issue
Impact on Children: 

Pornographic materials do not belong in our K-12 schools. But local communities may have differing views on what constitutes pornography. Therefore the issue should be left to local boards to manage.

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

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

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities: 

EDUCATION. Support an adequately funded public school system by funding an 8% WPU increase over and above growth and inflation; implement policies to increase proficiency levels by improving attendance, reducing class sizes, and supporting teachers; increase academic excellence for all Utah students; and prioritize local control to LEAs and individual schools.