Legislative Bills

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HB0128 | Education Impact Fee Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill modifies provisions of the Impact Fees Act.

Highlighted Provisions: 

11 This bill:
12▸ modifies the definition of the term "local political subdivision" in the Impact Fees
13 Act to include a school district;
14▸repeals provisions that prohibit certain impact fees related to a school district;
 

Bill Details
Year: 
2022
Status: 
House/ filed
Last Action: 
Mar 04, 2022
Sponsor
Representative
Republican - District 54
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

This bill allows school districts to collect impact fees to offset the cost of building new school facilities by charging those moving into the area up front to buy into the system that those already living in a community have been paying for through their property taxes.  This prevents the tax burden for building new schools from being passed on to homeowners and businesses in fast-growing areas and helps to guarantee that funding is in place to build necessary schools. 

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;

HB0131 | Clergy Child Abuse Reporting Requirements

Description
General Description: 

This bill modifies provisions relating to reporting requirements for child abuse and neglect.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill clarifies that a member of the clergy may report suspected child abuse or neglect in
certain circumstances; and makes technical corrections.

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
Support
Impact on Children: 

This bill could protect children where the abuse could now be reported. We hope that with more watchdogs in our communities, more child abuse could be prevented and/or stopped when it has come to light.

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

That Utah PTA and its constituent associations collaborate with schools and community organizations to increase awareness of the problem of child abuse, neglect, maltreatment, and exploitation and to help educate families, children, and educators about the causes of and strategies to prevent abuse; and be it further

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

HB0133 | Human Trafficking Expungement Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill addresses the expungement of offenses for human trafficking victims.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill allows an individual to file a petition for expungement, without a certificate of eligibility, if the individual is seeking an expungement of records for prostitution, aiding prostitution, or sexual solicitation and the individual was subject to force, fraud, or coercion at the time of the conduct.

Bill Details
Year: 
2024
Status: 
House/ filed
Last Action: 
Mar 01, 2024
Sponsor
Representative
Republican - District 15
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

Every child deserves the chance to fulfill their full potential, even in the face of mistakes made during their growth. Recognizing the significance of second chances in the developmental journey into adulthood, this bill proposes the expungement of records related to prostitution, aiding prostitution, or sexual solicitation, if the individual was subjected to force, fraud, or coercion at the time of the conduct.

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

Resolved, That Utah PTA and its constituent associations advocate for the protection of rights of victims and support provided measures for the physical, psychological, and social recovery of victims of sexual exploitation; and be it further Resolved, That Utah PTA and its constituent associations encourage and call for members, policy makers, schools and community organizations to actively raise awareness and to address those conditions and situations that contribute to the sexual exploitation of a minor.

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.

HB0133 | Expanded Background Checks for Firearm Transfers

Description
General Description: 

This bill requires a criminal history background check for certain firearms transfers.

Highlighted Provisions: 

requires criminal history background checks for the transfer of a firearm between persons who are not federal firearms licensees;
creates exceptions from criminal history background checks for family members, law enforcement agencies and officers, and others;
allows for temporary transfers of a firearm under specific circumstances;
provides criminal penalties for a violation of the provisions of this bill;

Bill Details
Year: 
2022
Status: 
House/ filed
Last Action: 
Mar 04, 2022
Sponsor
Representative
Democrat - District 28
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support w/ Comment

Utah PTA advocates for gun safety and violence prevention measures for the benefit and safety of children while recognizing the importance of responsible gun ownership and Second Amendment rights to the citizens of Utah.

Impact on Children: 

For nearly 30 years, National PTA has advocated for common-sense and comprehensive gun safety and violence prevention measures while preserving the lawful use of firearms for sport and personal protection.

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

National PTA Gun Safety and Violence Prevention
Our association advocates for the following: Universal background checks, that require any individual or entity who sells a firearm to conduct background checks and fill out proper paperwork so that guns can be traced. This includes sales at gun shows, private transactions and online sales.

National PTA Firearms Position Statement
Given the history and tradition of strong support for the safety and protection of children and youth, PTA supports federal restrictions on firearms that would:
• Require a waiting period and comprehensive background check for all individuals prior to purchasing a firearm, to screen out illegal firearm purchasers such as convicted felons, violent misdemeanors including domestic assaults, and drug-related offenders;

HB0133S02 | Initiative Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill modifies provisions relating to statewide initiatives.

Bill Details
Year: 
2019
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 25, 2019
Sponsor
Representative
Republican - District 60
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.

HB0136 | Safe Storage of Firearms Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill relates to firearm storage.

Bill Details
Year: 
2020
Status: 
House/ filed
Last Action: 
Mar 12, 2020
Sponsor
Representative
Democrat - District 31
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

PTA believes that all children and youth should have an education that develops safe habits and attitudes, and should live in an environment free of avoidable physical hazards; and Gun education programs are widely available and heavily promoted;

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

National PTA Firearm Safety and Awareness Resolution
Resolved, That the National PTA urge its constituent bodies to participate in firearm safety and awareness programs carefully chosen to avoid those that might inadvertently encourage or promote children's access to firearms; and be it further
Resolved, That the National PTA encourage its constituent bodies to educate parents, children, youth and communities about the importance of firearm safety and awareness;

Utah PTA Legislative Policy: 

3. The observance and understanding of the rights and obligations of responsible citizenship and ethical government; 

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities: 

4. Support safe practices and environments for all children.​

National PTA Public Policy Agenda

Enact Legislation to Protect Youth, Families and Communities From Gun and Other Violence Firearms are the second-leading cause of death for American children and teens, with nearly 1,600 children and teens dying by gun homicide every year. Congress must:
✓ Fund federal research on the causes and effects of gun violence on youth and in communities, as well as research on evidence-based strategies to reduce gun violence 

HB0136S01 | Safe School Route Evaluations

Description
General Description: 

This bill requires a school traffic safety committee to include recommendations for infrastructure improvements in a child access routing plan.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill requires a school traffic safety committee to include recommendations for infrastructure improvements in a child access routing plan.

Bill Details
Year: 
2023
Status: 
House/ filed
Last Action: 
Mar 03, 2023
Sponsor
Representative
Republican - District 20
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Utah PTA Resolution: 
Impact on Children: 

Children should be able to travel to and from school in a safe manner, this bill will identify the safest routes to and from schools and will recommend improvements that need to be made.

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

Resolved, that Utah PTA and its constituent associations encourage all efforts to address school safety to involve all stakeholders, especially students, parents, and families, and consider a variety of factors including the physical and psychological safety of students;

Resolved, That the National PTA urge its state branches, councils, and local units to work with other community groups and agencies to maintain a continuing surveillance of safety matters in their areas; and be it further

Resolved, That state laws and local ordinances be monitored to assure adequate safety regulations for the protection of children and youth; and be it further

Utah PTA Legislative Policy: 

To promote the welfare of children and youth in home, school, community, and place of worship.
COLLABORATION: We will work in partnership with a wide array of individuals and organizations to broaden and enhance our ability to serve and advocate for all children and families.

Engage the public in united and equitable efforts to secure the physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and social well-being of all children and youth.
 

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities: 

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.

National PTA Public Policy Agenda

PTA firmly believes that all students—including students from historically marginalized populations—have the right to a quality, equitable education in a safe, supportive and inclusive school.

HB0136S02 | Initiative and Referenda Modifications

Description
General Description: 

This bill amends provisions of the Election Code relating to statewide and local initiatives and referenda.

Highlighted Provisions: 

 This bill:
▸     imposes requirements on signature gatherers and provides criminal penalties for violation of those requirements;

Bill Details
Year: 
2021
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 23, 2021
Sponsor
Representative
Republican - District 42
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Oppose
Impact on Children: 

The Utah Legislature has, by statute, made it very difficult and expensive for citizens to bring an initiative or referendum to the People for consideration because of stringent requirements for signature gathering. This bill continues to add to those requirements increasing the difficulty. 

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.

HB0137S01 | Child Placement Background Check Limits

Description
General Description: 

This bill modifies provisions relating to background checks performed and licenses issued by the Office of Licensing within the Department of Human Services.

Bill Details
Year: 
2020
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 28, 2020
Sponsor
Representative
Republican - District 69
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

This is step forward to allow children to stay with family members who have a certain criminal convictions over 10 years old. Modifies the circumstances under which the Office of Licensing is required to conduct a comprehensive review of an applicant's background check.

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

Resolved, 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.

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.

HB0137 | DUI Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill amends provisions related to driving under the influence and related penalties.

Highlighted Provisions: 

Amends provisions related to driving under the influence to clarify that both blood and breath alcohol levels are relevant for certain offenses and penalty purposes;
amends provisions regarding refusal of a chemical test and associated penalties based on the circumstances;
amends provisions regarding penalties and the requirement for a court to order probation in certain circumstances;
amends the definition of "human driver" to clarify that a person without a valid license is subject to traffic laws, including driving under the influence

Bill Details
Year: 
2022
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 22, 2022
Sponsor
Representative
Republican - District 45
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

Drunk driving impacts the lives of Utah's children through the lives that are lost as a result of DUI accidents. It can also impact beginning drivers, who are still students, who may choose to drive under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, or other substances.

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

PTA continue to work to encourage more stringent laws and penalties concerning
driving under the influence of alcohol

Utah PTA Legislative Policy: 

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

HB0138S06 | Sensitive Material Requirements

Description
General Description: 

This bill amends requirements and prohibitions regarding sensitive material within the public school system.

Highlighted Provisions: 

Requires provisions in a contract between the State Board of Education (state board)
or a local education agency (LEA) and a vendor in a contract for digital instructional
material that:
• requires notice of changes to the digital instructional material; and
• allows the relevant state board or LEA to reject the changes or terminate the
contract in certain circumstances; and

Bill Details
Year: 
2023
Status: 
House/ filed
Last Action: 
Mar 03, 2023
Sponsor
Representative
Republican - District 20
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Utah PTA Resolution: 
Impact on Children: 

This bill is important so that school boards or LEAs are aware of the digital material being used in schools, even when that information is being continually updated. It puts the LEA on notice of updates and allows them time to review the updates before they are used in the schools with the students.

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

Resolved, That Utah PTA and its constituent associations work to set high expectations in digital and interactive media, for the distribution, motivation, and skilled use of technology in caring for and protecting children and youth in Utah; and be it further Resolved, That Utah PTA and constituent associations urge its members at all levels to advocate for federaland local laws, regulations and programs that prohibit digital content that is considered illegal or harmful to children;

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.

HB0139S01 | Sex and Kidnap Offender Registry Requirements

Description
General Description: 

This bill amends sex and kidnap offender registry requirements.

Highlighted Provisions: 

▸ amends sex and kidnap offender registry requirements for an offender who commits
certain offenses in another state;

Bill Details
Year: 
2023
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 14, 2023
Sponsor
Representative
Republican - District 61
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

Children should be safe in their community and should be protected from dangerous individuals;

Commission: 
Safety
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;

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.

HB0140 | Standard Response Protocol to Active Threats in Schools

Description
General Description: 

This bill codifies and expands on existing administrative rules related to required emergency drills in public schools.

Highlighted Provisions: 

codifies portions of existing administrative rules made by the State Board of
Education (state board) regarding required emergency preparedness plans,
▸ requires monthly and developmentally appropriate training or drills regarding an
active threat within the school;

Bill Details
Year: 
2023
Status: 
Governor Signed
Sponsor
Representative
Republican - District 3
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Utah PTA Resolution: 
Impact on Children: 

One of the purposes of Utah PTA is to promote the welfare of children and youth in home, school, community, and place of worship. This bill would promote the safety of children at school so students and all school personnel will know what to do in any emergency.
 

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

Resolved, that Utah PTA and its constituent associations encourage all efforts to address school safety to involve all stakeholders, especially students, parents, and families, and consider a variety of factors including the physical and psychological safety of students;

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.
 

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities: 

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.

National PTA Public Policy Agenda

PTA firmly believes that all students—including students from historically marginalized populations—have the right to a quality, equitable education in a safe, supportive and inclusive school.

HB0143 | DUI Penalty Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill modifies the penalty for driving under the influence.

Highlighted Provisions: 

Increases the penalty for a second driving under the influence conviction to a class A misdemeanor under certain circumstances

Bill Details
Year: 
2022
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 22, 2022
Sponsor
Representative
Republican - District 68
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

With a stronger penalty on multiple DUI offenses, that will hopefully be more of a deterrent, and lead to less DUI occurrences, and less DUI accidents and deaths.

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

PTA continue to work to encourage more stringent laws and penalties concerning
driving under the influence of alcohol

Utah PTA Legislative Policy: 

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

HB0146 | Human Trafficking Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill addresses human trafficking education and prevention.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill addresses human trafficking education and prevention by directing the Office of the Attorney General to hire a state human trafficking intervention coordinator. 

Bill Details
Year: 
2024
Status: 
House/ filed
Last Action: 
Mar 01, 2024
Sponsor
Representative
Republican - District 50
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

Empowering individuals through education serves as a potent tool in the fight against human trafficking. This bill aims to sustain and propel the ongoing efforts to prevent and combat human trafficking.

Commission: 
Safety
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;

Resolved, That Utah PTA and its constituent associations encourage and call for members, policy makers, schools and community organizations to actively raise awareness and to address those conditions and situations that contribute to the sexual exploitation of a minor.

Resolved, That National PTA and its constituent organizations encourage and call for members, policy makers in government, inter-governmental bodies and non-governmental, school and community organizations to raise awareness and to address those conditions and situations that contribute to child trafficking.
 

Utah PTA Legislative Policy: 

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

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities: 

Promote the inclusion of safety education in the curriculum at all levels of public schools and incorporate an age appropriate violence prevention component into existing courses of study.

National PTA Public Policy Agenda

Promote the inclusion of safety education in the curriculum at all levels of public schools and incorporate an ageappropriate violence prevention component into existing courses of study.

HB0146 | Concurrent Enrollment Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill amends requirements for a student to be eligible to participate in concurrent enrollment.

Bill Details
Year: 
2019
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 22, 2019
Sponsor
Representative
Republican - District 50
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Pending
Impact on Children: 

Current law allows only students in grades 11 and 12 to participate in Concurrent Enrollment Courses. This Bill will expand those opportunities to students in grades 9 and 10, leading to better college and career readiness.

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

Resolved, That Utah PTA encourage rigor in student academic pursuits, but also value each student's diverse needs and post high school plans by encouraging statewide practices and requirements that achieve balance and flexibility in student curriculum; and be it further

Resolved, That Utah PTA support school rigor in a wide variety of subjects and oppose efforts that too narrowly define academic rigor solely as language arts, math, and science; and be it further

Resolved, That Utah PTA ask the State Board of Education to encourage the implementation of flexible four-year plans as part of the SEOP process for grades 9-12 to help students explore and better focus their high school courses toward post high school plans.

HB0148 | Artificial Pornographic Images Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill amends provisions in Title 76, Chapter 5b, Sexual Exploitation Act.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill clarifies that certain prohibited materials in Title 76, Chapter 5b, Sexual Exploitation Act, includes computer-generated videos.

Bill Details
Year: 
2024
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 13, 2024
Sponsor
Representative
Republican - District 15
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

This bill aims to protect individuals, including minors, from the unauthorized sharing of intimate images, including computer-generated videos.

Commission: 
Safety
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 sexual nature and all forms of sexual exploitation;

 

Resolved, That Utah PTA and its constituent associations encourage and call for members, policy makers, schools and community organizations to actively raise awareness and to address those conditions and situations that contribute to the sexual exploitation of a minor.

Utah PTA Legislative Policy: 

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

National PTA and Utah PTA Position Statements: 

Address threats to the safety and well-being of children that can happen online, such as cyberbullying, exploitation, criminal activity and violence.

HB0148S01 | Alcohol Education Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill creates the Drinking While Pregnant Prevention Media and Education Campaign Restricted Account and provides for the use and oversight of account funds.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill:
        ▸     amends provisions regarding what the Drinking While Pregnant Prevention Media and Education Campaign Restricted Account consists of;
        ▸     requires deposits into the Drinking While Pregnant Prevention Media and Education Campaign Restricted Account of a percentage of the total gross revenue from the sale of liquor;

Bill Details
Year: 
2021
Status: 
House/ filed
Last Action: 
Mar 05, 2021
Sponsor
Representative
Republican - District 51
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

Passage of this bill will take a percentage of the sales of liquor (0.2%-0.4%) to be used to help educate concerning the dangers to the fetus of women alcohol who consume alcohol while they are pregnant.

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

That Utah PTA work to ensure that there are questions asked in prenatal health care about use of alcohol, and that the medical community understand and work to educate people concerning the prevention of FAS/FAE

HB0149 | Student Graduation Attire Revisions

Description
General Description: 

This bill allows individuals to wear cultural attire during graduation ceremonies.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill:
12          ▸     allows all public school students to wear items of religious or cultural significance
13                  as part of their graduation attire.

Bill Details
Year: 
2023
Status: 
House/ filed
Last Action: 
Mar 03, 2023
Sponsor
Representative
Democrat - District 40
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

Being able to honor their family and culture during graduation is of major importance to many of our students.

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

That Utah PTA and its constituent associations call on state, district and local leaders to uphold the value of diversity and multiculturalism as an asset to our state, our communities and our classrooms by seeking out ways to welcome and support refugee students and families to integrate as part of our school community;

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities: 

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

HB0153S01 | Child Welfare Interview Requirements

Description
General Description: 

This bill makes changes concerning child interviews during a child welfare investigation.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill requires the Division of Child and Family Services (division) to take certain steps to ensure a child who is interviewed during a child welfare investigation is supported and comfortable during the interview; requires a support person who is present at a child's interview during a child welfare investigation to meet certain requirements. This does not apply when the interview happens at a Children's Justice Center as those are designed as child friendly centers for children that have been abused. The majority of the time it is a parent that brings them there.

Bill Details
Year: 
2022
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 24, 2022
Sponsor
Representative
Republican - District 9
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

A child going through a child welfare interview has already experienced a stressful situation. Children should be able to feel as comfortable as possible in the interviews.

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

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

HB0158S03 | Juvenile Interrogation Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill addresses the interrogation of minors who are in custody for an offense.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill addresses the rights of minors who are taken into custody; addresses the waiver of certain rights by minors; addresses the knowingness and voluntariness of waivers by minors; clarifies a minor's waiver to the right to counsel for court proceedings; and makes technical and conforming changes.

Bill Details
Year: 
2021
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 16, 2021
Sponsor
Representative
Republican - District 61
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

Every child should have the opportunity to reach their full potential—even if they make a mistake while growing up. Second chances are important as children learn and grow into adulthood. This bill would ensure that the rights of minors are taken into custody are preserved.

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

National PTA CHILD SAFETY AND PROTECTION Position Statement

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.
High standards for those who work in all areas concerned with children and youth.
Coordination and planning by all agencies with clear definition of responsibility at each level of government.

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities: 

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

National PTA and Utah PTA Position Statements: 

National PTA CHILD SAFETY AND PROTECTION Position Statement
Promote initiatives to address racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic inequities in the juvenile justice system.
Encourage collaboration between law enforcement, the judicial system, and child welfare agencies.
Promote alternative dispute resolution techniques that provide a range of possible sanctions

National PTA Public Policy Agenda

Juvenile Justice is not on the Checklist this year but is part of their public policy agenda. https://www.pta.org/home/advocacy/federal-legislation/Public-Policy-Agen...

HB0160 | Distracted Driver Amendments

Description
General Description: 

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

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill:
13          ▸     defines terms related to the operation of handheld wireless communication devices;
14          ▸     prohibits certain uses of a handheld wireless communication device while operating
15     a motor vehicle on a roadway;
16          ▸     provides limited exceptions to the prohibition on the use of a handheld wireless
17     communication device while operating a motor vehicle on a roadway;

Bill Details
Year: 
2021
Status: 
House/ filed
Last Action: 
Mar 05, 2021
Sponsor
Representative
Democrat - District 34
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

The changes would increase the ability to enforce the law by not allowing any manual manipulation and thereby making Utah roads safer for all.

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

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

Utah PTA Legislative Policy: 

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.

HB0161S01 | Foreign Language Education Funding Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill amends provisions related to the funding of foreign language education.

Highlighted Provisions: 

Prevents funding from a restricted foreign entity to the dual immersion program.
Aligns the dual immersion programs funding with the WPU (requiring growth and inflation adjustment)

Bill Details
Year: 
2023
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 14, 2023
Sponsor
Representative
Republican - District 49
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$3,115,900
This bill appropriates in fiscal year 2024: to the Minimum School Program - Related to Basic School Programs: from the Uniform School Fund, $2,337,000; and to the University of Utah - Education and General, as an ongoing appropriation: from the Income Tax Fund, $778,900.
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Utah PTA Resolution: 
Impact on Children: 

This bill aligns funding for dual immersion with the WPU. It gives an inflationary/growth boost to dual immersion students in the state.

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

That Utah PTA and its constituent associations encourage the legislature to adequately fund critical educational needs

HB0161 | Overdose Harm Reduction Working Group

Description
General Description: 

This bill creates a working group to study harm reduction oriented strategies to reduce overdose injuries and deaths in the state.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill creates a working group to study harm reduction oriented strategies to reduce overdose injuries and death in the state

Bill Details
Year: 
2022
Status: 
House/ filed
Last Action: 
Mar 04, 2022
Sponsor
Representative
Democrat - District 24
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Utah PTA Resolution: 
Impact on Children: 

The working group created by this bill under the Utah Substance Abuse Advisory Council will study more deeply how to reduce overdose injuries and death

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

That Utah PTA supports legislative action that promotes education or cessation programs regarding substance abuse

HB0161S01 | School Board Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill addresses actions of a school district that may be subject to a referendum.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill, subject to certain exceptions, provides that a law passed by a local school board, other than a law imposing a new tax or tax increase, may be referred to the voters of the school district for the voters approval or rejection.

Bill Details
Year: 
2024
Status: 
House/ filed
Last Action: 
Mar 01, 2024
Sponsor
Representative
Republican - District 71
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Oppose
Impact on Children: 

We are concerned that making local school board property tax increases subject to referendum would destabilize funding mechanisms for public schools.

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

Resolved, That Utah PTA and its constituent associations support the maintenance of a stable and adequate funding mechanism to support public education based on the following principles: enrollment growth

HB0162 | Period Products in Schools

Description
General Description: 

This bill requires local school boards and charter school governing boards to provide period products in certain restrooms within all school facilities.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill requires local school boards and charter school governing boards to provide period products in certain restrooms within all school facilities.

Bill Details
Year: 
2022
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 24, 2022
Sponsor
Representative
Republican - District 14
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

One of the main reasons for absenteeism for teenaged girls in Utah schools is lack of access to feminine products and the ability to purchase them. This also causes anxiety and depression. Providing feminine products at school will improve equity between boys and girls.

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

That Utah PTA and its constituent bodies encourage district school boards or charter school boards to adopt policies to examine their own chronic absenteeism data; implement prevention programs, positive support, and outreach strategies and services for students and families; and develop community-wide awareness strategies to address chronic absenteeism

That Utah PTA support programs that help mentoring families, including those that focus on the individual or family for a significant amount of time, teaching parenting skills, promoting continuing education, encouraging good health care for themselves and their children, and helping children succeed in school.

HB0163 | Protecting Student Religious and Moral Beliefs Regarding Athletic Uniform Requirements

Description
General Description: 

This bill addresses requirements for uniforms worn while participating in certain school athletic activities.

Highlighted Provisions: 

Provides that certain associations and educational organizations may not prohibit a student athlete from wearing religious clothing, or other clothing consistent with the student athlete's beliefs, while participating in an athletic activity

Bill Details
Year: 
2023
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 14, 2023
Sponsor
Representative
Republican - District 49
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

Uniform requirements would not be allowed to prohibit participants from wearing religious clothing on or under the uniform. Students would also be allowed to wear clothing on or under the uniform to cover or conceal body parts they would not like exposed for moral reasons

Commission: 
Individual Development
Utah PTA Public Policy Program
National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions: 

That Utah PTA and its constituent associations call on state, district and local leaders to uphold the value of diversity and multiculturalism as an asset to our state, our communities and our classrooms by seeking out ways to welcome and support refugee students and families to integrate as part of our school community;

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities: 

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

HB0167S01 | State Child Care Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill addresses on-site child care for state employees.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This Bill:
13 ▸ creates the State Child Care Pilot Program (pilot program) within the Division of
14 Human Resource Management to allow certain state agencies to contract with a
15 child care provider to establish an on-site child care center for the agency's
16 employees in a facility owned or operated by the agency;
17 ▸ requires a child care provider that establishes an on-site child care center under the
18 pilot program to maintain liability insurance coverage;

The 1st substitution made changes so it is funded by those using the child care services rather than by the state.

Bill Details
Year: 
2023
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 15, 2023
Sponsor
Representative
Democrat - District 37
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Utah PTA Resolution: 
Impact on Children: 

This program will study the efficacy of on-site child care. If successful it will help improve care for your children.

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

Resolved, That Utah PTA encourage more public and private efforts to provide after-school care; and be it further
Resolved, That Utah PTA support appropriate regulations to ensure quality child care; and be it further
Resolved, That Utah PTA encourage business and community groups to support child care; and be it further
Resolved, That Utah PTA encourage affected agencies to examine existing policies and create new policies which will better serve the needs of both children and parents; and be it further
Resolved, That Utah PTA help to educate parents concerning the dangers of leaving all schoolchildren unattended, even if the children appear to be mature and have learned survival skills

HB0168 | Sale of Sexual Assault Test Kits Prohibited

Description
General Description: 

This bill prohibits over-the-counter sexual assault evidence kits.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill:
prohibits selling or providing an over-the-counter sexual assault evidence kit; and imposes a penalty for a violation.

Bill Details
Year: 
2021
Status: 
House/ filed
Last Action: 
Mar 05, 2021
Sponsor
Representative
Democrat - District 26
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

Sexual Assault is a serious offense and the sale of these kits would give false hope for any potential prosecution. Even cases with evidence that is collected in a professional manner is difficult to prosecute.

When a victim goes to a hospital to get evidence of rape collected they are treated with a presumption of belief by hospital staff and victims advocates.

Victims are also provided with other resources to deal with the emotional trauma of being raped, this would not be provided for those who purchase kits on the internet.

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

Resolved, That Utah PTA and its constituent associations advocate for the protection of rights of victims and support provided measures for the physical, psychological, and social recovery of victims of sexual exploitation; and be it further
Resolved, That Utah PTA and its constituent associations encourage and call for members, policy makers, schools and community organizations to actively raise awareness and to address those conditions and situations that contribute to the sexual exploitation of a minor.

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.

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities: 

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

National PTA and Utah PTA Position Statements: 

National PTA Position Statement - Child Safety and Protection: Protect children from violence.

HB0168 | School Bus Safety Requirements

Description
General Description: 

This bill modifies the Traffic Code by requiring a new school bus purchased after June 30, 2020, to be equipped with seatbelts.

Bill Details
Year: 
2019
Status: 
House/ filed
Last Action: 
Mar 14, 2019
Sponsor
Representative
Republican - District 33
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Pending

This bill is an unfunded mandate and will require districts to fund the buses themselves at an exorbitant cost.

Impact on Children: 

Research has concluded that high backed padded seats and seat belts together improve overall bus passenger safety by providing true compartmentalization in accidents, especially side impacts and rollovers, and the use of seat belts does not significantly increase evacuation time, and current seat belt buckle design coupled with education on evacuation helps ensure that no child of school age will be trapped in a bus by their seat belt; and use of seat belts on school buses will reinforce the important safety habit of buckling up, and Students who are properly belted in are less distracting to the school bus driver, and a strong seat belt use policy will significantly reduce fatal actions such as putting one's head or arm out of a school bus window, or falling out of a school bus door, by school bus passengers.

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

Resolved, That the National PTA shall support legislation or regulation requiring any new bus purchased for the purpose of transporting school children to be equipped with seat belts, and further be it

Resolved, That National PTA shall encourage all school districts to implement strong seat belt use, education, and enforcement policies.

National PTA Public Policy Agenda

National PTA Resolution Seat Belt in New School Buses

HB0172 | Food Sales Tax Modifications

Description
General Description: 

This bill reduces the tax imposed on amounts paid or charged for certain food.

Highlighted Provisions: 

 This bill:
12          ▸     removes the state sales and use tax from amounts paid or charged for food and food
13     ingredients;
14          ▸     excludes candy from the definition of food and food ingredients;

Bill Details
Year: 
2023
Status: 
House/ filed
Last Action: 
Mar 03, 2023
Sponsor
Representative
Democrat - District 10
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

Removing the state sales tax is one way we can help children and families in Utah afford good nutrition. The relief is immediate instead of waiting for a tax refund. It is a policy changed supported by Utahns Against Hunger.

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

The Utah PTA Purposes

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

To raise the standards of home life.

General Principles for Consideration of Proposed Legislation:
Prioritizing the needs of all children and youth, while adhering to fiscal responsibility in government.

National PTA and Utah PTA Position Statements: 

HEA 2022-4 | PROPOSED Child Nutrition and Food Insecurity Resolution
That Utah PTA and its constituent associations call on state, district and local leaders to take action to reduce and eliminate hunger and food insecurity for Utah’s children through policy and funding;
 

National PTA Public Policy Agenda

To promote the welfare of children and youth in home, school, community, and place of worship.
Engage the public in united and equitable efforts to secure the physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and social well-being of all children and youth.
 

HB0173S01 | Local School Board Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill addresses actions of a school district that may be subject to a referendum.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill provides that a law passed by a local school board, including a law imposing a new tax or a tax increase, may be referred to the voters of the school district for their approval or rejection. 

Bill Details
Year: 
2024
Status: 
House/ filed
Last Action: 
Mar 01, 2024
Sponsor
Representative
Republican - District 49
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Oppose
Utah PTA Resolution: 
Impact on Children: 

Making local school board decisions subject to referendum will increase uncertainty in board decisions and will cost LEAs more money by raising rates for loans. Will also make it difficult for them to enter into contracts and make other financial decisions.

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

That Utah PTA and its constituent associations support the maintenance of a stable and adequate funding mechanism to support public education based on the following principles: enrollment growth; inflation; support of a K-12 education Economic Stabilization Restricted Account; funding the USBE Strategic Plan;

HB0174 | Psychiatry Medical Residents Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill requires the University of Utah Health Sciences to select additional psychiatry residents.

Bill Details
Year: 
2019
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 28, 2019
Sponsor
Representative
Republican - District 45
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Pending
Impact on Children: 

Bill is to provide more psychiatrists as we have a shortage of mental health professionals.

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

That National PTA and its constituent associations strongly encourage efforts to establish comprehensive community mental health providers to offer preventative and treatment services to children and adults and comprehensive school mental health programs that include adequate access to school psychologists, school counselors and school social workers;

HB0175S03 | School Fees Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill amends and enacts provisions related to elementary and secondary school fees.

Highlighted Provisions: 

1          This bill:
12          ▸     amends definitions;
13          ▸     prescribes the fees a local education agency (LEA) may charge a secondary school
14     student for a curricular or a co-curricular activity for a certain duration;
15          ▸     authorizes an LEA to charge a secondary school student a fee for an extracurricular
16     activity for a certain duration;
17          ▸     prohibits an LEA from charging a general fee;
18          ▸     amends provisions related to fees for textbooks;
19          ▸     prohibits charging a student in grade 6 a fee for a remediation program; and
20          ▸     makes technical and conforming changes.

Bill Details
Year: 
2023
Status: 
House/ filed
Last Action: 
Mar 03, 2023
Sponsor
Representative
Republican - District 47
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$35,000,000
This bill appropriates in fiscal year 2024: to State Board of Education -- Minimum School Program -- Related to Basic School Programs, as a one-time appropriation: from Uniform School Fund, One-time, $35,000,000.
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Oppose w/ Comment

This bill allocates $35 million to LEAs to finance the missing fees, however that funding is insufficient and if the funding is not appropriated will lead to an unfunded mandate.

Impact on Children: 

The Utah constitution stipulates that “public elementary and secondary schools shall be free”. Eliminating school fees for families would relieve a significant burden for many families, however, if funding is inadequate or not provided, than students do not have a quality learning experience and LEAs must make up the difference taking funding from other important areas. 

According to the census bureau annual public school Spending Per Pupil review, Utah consistently ranks in the bottom three in expenditures per student.

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

Resolved, That Utah PTA and its constituent associations 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 and its constituent associations encourage the legislature to adequately fund critical educational needs, including but not limited to, class size reduction, teacher salaries, technology, programs, supplies, and evidenced-based practices that have an impact on student achievement;

Utah PTA Legislative Policy: 

General Principles for Consideration of Proposed Legislation:

4. Prioritizing the needs of all children and youth, while adhering to fiscal responsibility in government.

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities: 

1. EDUCATION FUNDING. Support an adequately funded public school system by: supporting a 6.5% WPU increase over and above growth and inflation to be used for purposes such as recruiting, supporting, and retaining teachers; supporting increased access to full-day kindergarten by funding K-12 students at a full WPU; and supporting policies to increase proficiency levels in public schools, improving attendance, and increase academic excellence for all Utah students.

HB0175S02 | Education Accountability Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill provides that for the 2018-2019 school year, the State Board of Education is not required to assign to each school an overall rating using an A through F letter grading scale.

Bill Details
Year: 
2020
Status: 
House/ filed
Last Action: 
Mar 12, 2020
Sponsor
Representative
Democrat - District 46
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

Establishes a statewide accountability system that does not use letter grade but focuses on other metrics.  

Perceptions of school quality may impact the hiring and retention of quality educators and support staff.

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

Utah PTA Resolution EDU 2014-1 Public School Accountability
Resolved, That Utah PTA support systems of accountability for public schools that take into account qualitative characteristics, including a welcoming environment, family engagement efforts, administrative leadership, and community collaboration; in addition to quantitative measurements, such as educator qualifications, student absenteeism, average student tested proficiency and student academic growth; and be it further
Resolved, That Utah PTA advocates against the implementation of any accountability system that reduces the evaluation of a school to a single grade or score, that ranks schools beyond statistical confidence, and that grades on a bell curve;

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities: 

3 - Support accountability for all public schools that take into account the needs of students, teachers, and communities.

HB0177S04 | Health Education Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill amends provisions related to health education.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill:
▸ requires the State Board of Education (state board) to establish curriculum
requirements that include instruction in:
• consent, including what does not constitute consent;
• sexual violence behavior prevention; and
• sexual assault resource strategies;
▸ amends provisions related to when a student receives health education instruction;
▸ requires a local education agency (LEA) to review data on sexual assault for each
county in which the LEA is located;

Bill Details
Year: 
2021
Status: 
House/ filed
Last Action: 
Mar 05, 2021
Sponsor
Representative
Democrat - District 37
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support

While Utah PTA supports the concepts to be taught as proposed in this legislation, we are concerned about the conflict between the use of the word "consent" as defined in the bill and the legal definition of "consent." Legally, no minor can give "consent" to sexual activity with another person.

Impact on Children: 

This bill will add into our sexual education curriculum instruction that will empower students to gain knowledge and strategies to avoid and mitigate unwanted sexual advances.

When children are taught about consent, coercion; sexual violence behavior deterrence; and sexual assault mitigation they are better equipped to keep themselves safe and from experiencing sexually violent behavior. It would give them tools to express their limits and that they deserve to be treated in a respectful way.

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

That Utah PTA seek and promote state curriculum objectives which teach behavioral strategies to help students remain abstinent or resume abstinence until marriage

Resolved, That Utah PTA educate its membership about current statistics, trends, and protective and risk factors of early sexual involvement;

Resolved, That Utah PTA encourage state and local public campaigns to create a social expectation of premarital abstinence; and be it further
Resolved, That Utah PTA encourage our state and national legislators to support funding of programs that provide resources for parents to assume their role as primary sex educators of their children;

Resolved, That Utah PTA support varied counseling approaches outside of school course work, with parental permission, for those students who need additional sustained support to delay sexual involvement or return to sexual abstinence;
 

Utah PTA Legislative Policy: 

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

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities: 

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

HB0179S02 | Founders and Constitution Recognition

Description
General Description: 

This bill addresses the recognition of the country's founders and the United States Constitution.

Highlighted Provisions: 

Designates the month of September as American Founders Month and sets aside Sept 17th as Constitution Day

Bill Details
Year: 
2023
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 13, 2023
Sponsor
Representative
Republican - District 58
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

This bill would create a day for all school children to read directly from the constitution and participate in a civics education lesson about constitutional principals.

Commission: 
Individual Development
Utah PTA Public Policy Program
National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions: 

That Utah PTA and its constituent associations promote character development through civic education and the development of civic disposition by encouraging families to provide opportunities for students to discuss current events and civic issues in their home, participate in service and community outreach projects, and to engage civilly and respectfully in the community

Utah PTA Legislative Policy: 

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.

HB0180S02 | Child Welfare Placement Review Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill amends provisions of the Utah Juvenile Code related to the termination of parental rights.

Highlighted Provisions: 

addresses the analysis a juvenile court undertakes when evaluating whether to
terminate parental rights

Bill Details
Year: 
2023
Status: 
House/ filed
Last Action: 
Mar 03, 2023
Sponsor
Representative
Republican - District 50
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

addresses the analysis a juvenile court undertakes when evaluating whether to
terminate parental rights

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

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

Utah PTA Legislative Policy: 

Prioritizing the needs of all children and youth

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities: 

5. SAFETY. Support evidence-based community violence intervention and means reduction strategies.

HB0182 | Interventions for Reading Difficulties Program Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill repeals the Interventions for Reading Difficulties Program.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill repeals the Interventions for Reading Difficulties Program. repeals a sunset date that the repeal renders obsolete; and makes technical and conforming changes.

Bill Details
Year: 
2023
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 14, 2023
Sponsor
Representative
Republican - District 74
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

SB 127 Early Literacy Outcomes Improvement passed 2022 is a more comprehensive approach to reading and makes HB 182 redundant.

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

Resolved, That Utah PTA and its constituent associations support schools in implementing best practices in meeting the needs of diverse students . . .

HB0182S05 | Student Survey Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill amends student survey requirements.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill requires an LEA to update policies to require parental consent for any non-academic survey given to a student; to obtain parental consent annually in writing; to obtain new parental consent from parents of a transferring student; and makes technical changes.

Bill Details
Year: 
2024
Status: 
House/ enrolled bill to Printing
Last Action: 
Mar 14, 2024
Sponsor
Representative
Republican - District 14
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Oppose
Impact on Children: 

Bill would make it more difficult for schools to have students fill out a survey

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

Resolved, Utah PTA and its constituent associations will continue to support methods to gather information (such as the SHARP survey) that will assist in monitoring, anticipating and predicting youth behaviors

HB0182 | Interventions for Reading Difficulties Program Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill repeals the Interventions for Reading Difficulties Program.

Highlighted Provisions: 

 This bill:
13          ▸     repeals the Interventions for Reading Difficulties Program;

Bill Details
Year: 
2023
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 14, 2023
Sponsor
Representative
Republican - District 74
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

During the 2022 Legislative Session, SB 127 Early Literacy Outcomes Improvement passed. This bill lead to significant investments in early literacy including reading coaches, professional development, and providing books for families. This new initiative has replaced the Interventions for Reading Difficulties Program. This bill repeals the earlier program. 

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

Resolved, That Utah PTA and its constituent associations support teacher development programs that prepare teachers with a firm understanding of how young students develop literacy skills, along with proven strategies to ensure reading proficiency and engage families as partners; and be it further

Resolved,That Utah PTA and its constituent associations encourage the Governor and the State Legislature to continue funding early literacy efforts in Utah and making literacy a priority for all Utah students.

HB0183 | Income Tax Reduction

Description
General Description: 

This bill modifies income tax provisions.

Highlighted Provisions: 

Reduces the income tax rate from 4.65% to 4.55%

Bill Details
Year: 
2024
Status: 
House/ filed
Last Action: 
Mar 01, 2024
Sponsor
Representative
Republican - District 53
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Oppose
Utah PTA Resolution: 
Impact on Children: 

Further reductions in the income tax rate harm our public schools. There are many unmet needs that could be met with the additional funding.

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

That Utah PTA and its constituent associations continue to urge the legislature to make public education revenue allocations and funding effort a high priority

HB0184 | Teacher Professional Development Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill amends a notice requirement for a reallocation of instructional hours or school days for teacher preparation time or teacher professional development.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill:
13          ▸     amends a notice requirement for a reallocation of instructional hours or school days
14     for teacher preparation time or teacher professional development; and
15          ▸     makes technical changes.

Bill Details
Year: 
2022
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Feb 22, 2022
Sponsor
Representative
Republican - District 2
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

Children do not benefit from understaffed schools, missing teachers and no substitutes. This bill will give space for educators to reorganize curriculum and return to teaching within a maximum of 32 working hours

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

Resolved: That Utah PTA and its constituent associations engage principals and teacher as partners with the PTA to develop relationships, increase capacity within the schools, and improve communities

HB0185 | Public Education Enrollment Options Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill addresses public education enrollment options.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This Bill:
▸ allows a local education agency to provide a home-centered, school-supported enrollment option allowing students to complete a portion of the students' course 
work from home; prohibits home school students from participating in a home-centered, school-supported enrollment option;

Bill Details
Year: 
2023
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 13, 2023
Sponsor
Representative
Republican - District 45
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

This bill allows students enrolled in an LEA to complete part of their course work at home and the rest of theoir course work at the school. Enrolled students are still subject to the same testing and standards at traditionally enrolled students. The LEA's funding for these students remains the same. Homeschool students are not eligible.

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

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

HB0185 | Tax Restructuring Revisions - Repeal

Description
General Description: 

This bill repeals S.B. 2001, Chapter 1, Laws of Utah 2019, Second Special Session.

Bill Details
Year: 
2020
Status: 
Governor Signed
Sponsor
Representative
Republican - District 65
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

This bill repeals SB2001 Tax Restructuring Revisions. Utah PTA opposed the original bill because it reduced the income tax fund without addressing education funding. It also increased the sales tax on food and gas which hurts families that do not qualify for the rebates and tax credits. 

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

Utah PTA Resolution 2010-2 Education Funding
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; and be it further
Resolved, 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.

The Utah PTA Legislative Policy
PTA efforts “to secure adequate laws for the care and protection of children and youth” are based upon:
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 2019-2020 Legislative Priorities
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. 
2. Support education appropriations which fully fund enrollment growth and increase the WPU by 6%.

National PTA Public Policy Agenda

Continue to Increase Investments in Education Through a Regular Appropriations Process
National PTA urges Congress to raise the discretionary spending caps and build on its recent investments in public education. A

HB0188S01 | T.h. Bell Program Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill amends provisions related to the Terrel H. Bell Teaching Incentive Loans Program.

Bill Details
Year: 
2019
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 22, 2019
Sponsor
Representative
Republican - District 74
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Pending
Impact on Children: 

Research shows that teacher quality is the single most important school-based factor in student achievement. This Bill will help to incentivize students to work in public education in Utah.

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; and be it further
Resolved, That Utah PTA support high standards for teacher preparation, licensing, hiring, recertification, professional development, particularly for beginning teachers, and ongoing training as curriculum changes, in order to promote the academic achievement of all students; and be it further
Resolved, That Utah PTA support adequate funding for and encourage consideration of financial incentives to recruit and retain highly qualified and effective educators, including appropriation of adequate funding to upgrade salary schedules.

HB0190S01 | Local Education Agency Personnel Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill establishes additional mechanisms for growth opportunities for certain school employees.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill:
14 ▸ broadens the scope of the Teacher Salary Supplement Program by removing a
15 requirement for a given number of years in a qualifying teaching background;
16 ▸ broadens the scope of the Grow Your Own [Educator] Pipeline Program to include
17 individuals seeking education to become a school psychologist or school social
18 worker;
19 ▸ adds psychologists and social workers to a non-inclusive list of local education
20 agency (LEA) employees for whom an LEA may establish a separate salary
21 schedule;
22 ▸ requires LEAs to ensure that the salary rate for certain positions meets a relative
23 minimum

Bill Details
Year: 
2023
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 14, 2023
Sponsor
Representative
Republican - District 20
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

This bill fills the gap for the Grow your Own program and adds school psychologists and school social workers to the list of positions available
It expedites the eligibility to Teacher Salary Supplemental Program funding for the teachers (from 10 to 1 year)
It requires LEAs to segregates masters/PhD in their salary grid and not discriminate towards teachers and non teachers with similar degrees.

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 youthin both elementary and secondary schoolsparticipating inthe public school system.

HB0191S02 | Adoption Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill amends and enacts provisions relating to adoption.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This Bill allows an attorney in the adoption or the child-placing agency to be provided the adoption report; allows the attorney in the adoption or the child-placing agency to take the adoption report to the state registrar; allows the spouse of a preexisting parent to adopt a child after the child's death; if a child-placing agency placed a child for adoption, provides that the child-placing agency file an affidavit regarding fees and expenses with the Office of Licensing within the Department of Human Services; and makes technical and conforming changes.

Bill Details
Year: 
2021
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 11, 2021
Sponsor
Representative
Republican - District 68
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

This was presented at the request of the Utah Adoption Council. It makes clarifications and housekeeping to existing language to make things run smoother in areas of adoption. The changes made help protect the child rights better in cases of adoption.

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 adoption matters

Utah PTA Legislative Policy: 

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

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.

HB0191 | Student Graduation Attire Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill addresses cultural and religious attire requirements worn during a high school graduation ceremony.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill:
13          ▸     defines terms; and
14          ▸     provides that students may wear recognized cultural or religious adornments during
15     a high school graduation unless the adornment substantially disrupts or materially
16     interferes with the graduation ceremony.

Bill Details
Year: 
2023
Status: 
House/ filed
Last Action: 
Mar 03, 2023
Sponsor
Representative
Republican - District 43
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

Being able to honor their family and culture during graduation is of major importance to many of our students.

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

That Utah PTA and its constituent associations call on state, district and local leaders to uphold the value of diversity and multiculturalism as an asset to our state, our communities and our classrooms by seeking out ways to welcome and support refugee students and families to integrate as part of our school community;

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities: 

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

HB0193S05 | Full-day Kindergarten

Description
General Description: 

This bill amends provisions related to optional enhanced kindergarten.

Highlighted Provisions: 

$12.2 million from the Uniform Education Fund will be distributed by the state board based on greatest need. If the cost of Optional Extended Day Kindergarten gets to 80% of the cost of the WPU, the Public Education Appropriations Subcommittee shall study the feasibility of kindergarten getting a full WPU. It also states that you cannot require a student to attend full day kindergarten.

Bill Details
Year: 
2022
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 24, 2022
Sponsor
Representative
Republican - District 8
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$12,200,000
This bill appropriates in fiscal year 2023: to the Minimum School Program - Related to Basic School Programs: From the Uniform School Fund, $12,200,000.
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support w/ Comment

The fifth substitute for HB193 is a far cry from the original bill that would have given a full WPU for a kindergarten student. Although Utahns put education as their top priority it is once again near the bottom when it comes to funding. The 3rd substitute of this bill was supported and pushed for by every educational stakeholder in the state of Utah. The fifth substitute does give some increased funding but not to the level that will meet need or demand.

Impact on Children: 

This bill gives a start to expanding full day kindergarten options for Utah's children. Currently on 30% of Utah has access to full day kindergarten (FDK). Kindergarten is the foundation of a strong education. A successful kindergarten student will be more confident and have more skills to succeed.

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

That Utah PTA supports the expansion of optional full-day kindergarten programs for students in need of support to achieve minimal learning
standards and requests increased funding to support such expansion

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. Prioritizing the needs of all children and youth, while adhering to fiscal responsibility in government.

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities: 

3. Support public education funding for high quality part and optional full day kindergarten, as well as other early childhood opportunities to adequately prepare our students to be successful learners.