Legislative Bills

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SB0021S01 | Education Amendments

Description
General Description: 

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

Bill Details
Year: 
2020
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 30, 2020
Sponsor
Senator
Democrat - District 8
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

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

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

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

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

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities: 

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

Utah PTA 2020 Legislative Priority #7. Support legislation, funding, and community partnerships that provide programs and resources to strengthen families and children’s social and emotional well being through affordable housing, homelessness initiatives, education, and parenting skills, and juvenile justice reforms

SB0027S02 | Behavioral Health System Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill creates the Utah Behavioral Health Commission.

Highlighted Provisions: 

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

Bill Details
Year: 
2024
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 14, 2024
Sponsor
Senator
Republican - District 28
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

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

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

That Utah PTA support collaborative efforts between the home, school, private physicians, and community resource agencies to create mental health support networks for families, to recognize the prevalence and need for recognition of mental health illnesses and associated diagnosis and treatment,

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities: 

HEALTH: Support legislative action that focuses on the diverse mental health needs of Utah’s students and families, with a focus on promoting protective factors. This includes increasing public knowledge and understanding of mental health concerns throughout the state, access to resources, as well as providing funding for proactive prevention, timely interventions, and community-based initiatives utilizing evidence-based methods.

SB0028 | Radon Related Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill addresses issues related to radon gas.

Highlighted Provisions: 

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

Bill Details
Year: 
2023
Status: 
Senate/ filed
Last Action: 
Mar 03, 2023
Sponsor
Senator
Republican - District 1
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Utah PTA Resolution: 
Impact on Children: 

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

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

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

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

Utah PTA Legislative Policy: 

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

SB0034S04 | Affordable Housing Modifications

Description
General Description: 

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

Bill Details
Year: 
2019
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 26, 2019
Sponsor
Senator
Republican - District 13
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Pending
Impact on Children: 

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

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

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

SB0037S06 | Electronic Cigarette and Other Nicotine Product Amendments

Description
General Description: 

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

Bill Details
Year: 
2020
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 30, 2020
Sponsor
Senator
Republican - District 19
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Pending

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

Impact on Children: 

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

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

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

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

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities: 

4. Support safe practices and environments for all children.

SB0039S04 | Affordable Housing Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill modifies provisions related to affordable housing.

Bill Details
Year: 
2020
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 28, 2020
Sponsor
Senator
Republican - District 13
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$10,000,000
This bill appropriates in fiscal year 2021: to the Department of Workforce Services -- Olene Walker Housing Loan Fund as a one-time appropriation: from the General Fund, $10,000,000.
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support

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

Impact on Children: 

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

Commission: 
Community Engagement

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

Description
General Description: 

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

Bill Details
Year: 
2020
Status: 
Senate/ filed
Last Action: 
Mar 12, 2020
Sponsor
Senator
Republican - District 19
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

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

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

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

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

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

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities: 

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

SB0040 | Child Welfare Sunset Provisions

Description
General Description: 

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

Bill Details
Year: 
2019
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 25, 2019
Sponsor
Senator
Republican - District 19
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Pending
Impact on Children: 

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

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

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

SB0041S01 | Mental Health Access Amendments

Description
General Description: 

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

Highlighted Provisions: 

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

Bill Details
Year: 
2021
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 02, 2021
Sponsor
Senator
Democrat - District 1
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

Passage of this bill will provide greater access to mental health services for children and adults statewide.

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

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

SB0044S01 | Alternative Education Scholarship Combination

Description
General Description: 

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

Highlighted Provisions: 

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

Bill Details
Year: 
2024
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 20, 2024
Sponsor
Senator
Republican - District 17
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Oppose w/ Comment

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

Utah PTA Resolution: 
Impact on Children: 

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

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

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

Resolved, That Utah PTA and its constituent associations will always oppose funding methods that divert funds away from public education system if the accountability methods are not equal to or greater than those of public education system; and, be it further

Resolved, that Utah PTA and its constituent associations oppose the dilution of the constitutional mandate to fully fund public education and oppose income tax cuts and credits that directly reduce the amount allocated to public education funding

 

SB0045 | Domestic Violence Revisions

Description
General Description: 

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

Bill Details
Year: 
2019
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 27, 2019
Sponsor
Senator
Republican - District 19
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Pending
Impact on Children: 

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

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

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

SB0047S01 | Placement of Minors Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill modifies provisions related to placement of a minor.

Bill Details
Year: 
2019
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 21, 2019
Sponsor
Senator
Republican - District 10
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Pending
Impact on Children: 

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

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

That Utah PTA encourage the legislature to pass laws that will ensure that the best interests of the child be given primary emphasis in placement matters

SB0052 | Sex Offender Registry Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill allows for individuals on the Sex and Kidnap Offender Registry to enter restricted areas if accompanied by an adult.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill allows for individuals on the Sex and Kidnap Offender Registry to enter restricted areas if accompanied by an adult and changes the name of sex offender to registrant.

Bill Details
Year: 
2022
Status: 
Senate/ filed
Last Action: 
Mar 04, 2022
Sponsor
Senator
Republican - District 14
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Oppose
Impact on Children: 

Children should be safe in their community and should be protected from dangerous individuals. Children should be protected from sex offenders in public places where children congregate.

Commission: 
Safety
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.

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

SB0053 | Behavioral Emergency Services Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill enacts requirements and provisions relating to behavioral emergency services technicians.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill:
▸ defines terms;
▸ creates a new license for behavioral emergency services technicians and advanced behavioral emergency services technicians;
▸ requires the Utah Department of Health to administer the license, including setting initial and ongoing licensure and training requirements;
▸ enacts provisions relating to the new license for behavioral emergency services technicians, including certain testimonial exceptions

Bill Details
Year: 
2021
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 16, 2021
Sponsor
Senator
Republican - District 12
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

Families dealing with a mental health crisis do not necessarily need a policemen, EMT or a firefighter, they need a first responder who understands the unique circumstances of someone dealing with a mental health or other behavioral emergency. Paramedics are increasingly expected to respond to behavioral health crises but may not be adequately prepared to do so. This new license program will ensure that families with behavioral and mental health needs will get the emergency treatment they need.

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

Resolved, That Utah PTA support prevention and intervention initiatives and appropriate state funding for:
(1) collaborative efforts between the home, school, private physicians, and community
resource agencies to create support networks for families,
(2) developing uniform methods for screening and referral,
(3) increasing the number of school psychologists and social workers, and
(4) improving training of primary care physicians in mental illness assessment and
treatment;

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,

SB0055S01 | Public School Instructional Material Requirements

Description
General Description: 

This bill addresses requirements related to the approval of materials for classroom use and certain policies.

Highlighted Provisions: 

15 ▸ requires a process for a local school board or charter school governing board to
16 follow if the board chooses to adopt or approve instructional materials for
17 classroom use across the school district or charter school;
18 ▸ requires local school boards and charter school governing boards to adopt policies
19 to provide guidance to educators on the use of certain learning materials that have
20 not been adopted or approved under the open process;
21 ▸ requires that contracts for online or digital learning materials include a requirement
22 for notice if the provider changes the content of the materials

Bill Details
Year: 
2023
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 17, 2023
Sponsor
Senator
Republican - District 17
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

Having transparency (via an open process) in instructional materials across the LEA with the parents is desirable. So is having a policy giving flexible guidance to educators on the selection of supplemental materials.

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;
 

SB0056S03 | Child Welfare Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill amends provisions of the Utah Juvenile Code related to child welfare.

Highlighted Provisions: 

Substitute: changes to when a child is removed from the home the former foster parents are notified

Bill Details
Year: 
2023
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 15, 2023
Sponsor
Senator
Republican - District 16
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

Children benefit from stability and continuity of care within the foster care system.

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; and be it furtherResolved,That Utah PTA encourage programs that would promote community support and awareness for the foster care family; and be it further

SB0057S02 | Child Abuse Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill amends definitions related to civil child abuse and child neglect.

Bill Details
Year: 
2019
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 25, 2019
Sponsor
Senator
Republican - District 23
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Pending
Impact on Children: 

Child abuse and neglect constitute a grave health, emotional, and social problem, and children must be protected from all forms of abuse, neglect, maltreatment, and exploitation;

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.

SB0057S02 | Sexual Abuse Material Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill addresses the reproduction and possession of sexual abuse material.

Highlighted Provisions: 

12 ▸ prohibits the reproduction of child pornography evidence;
13 ▸ allows the defendant or victim to inspect child pornography evidence at a
14 government facility before trial;

Bill Details
Year: 
2023
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 14, 2023
Sponsor
Senator
Republican - District 2
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

This bill will protect children that are victims of child pornography by not allowing for the reproduction of child pornography evidence.

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: 

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.

Advocate by speaking on behalf of all children and youth in schools, in the community, before governmental bodies, and before other organizations that make decisions affecting children.

SB0059S04 | Tax Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill modifies income tax provisions.

Highlighted Provisions: 

"13 ▸amends the corporate franchise and income tax rates (from 4.95% to 4.9% of a corporation's Utah taxable income; and
14 ▸amends the individual income tax rate (from 4.95% to 4.9%).
Starting on January 1st, 2023"

Fiscal Note: Enactment of this legislation could decrease revenue to the Education Fund by approximately $78.5 million ongoing beginning in FY2023, offset by ($53.8 million) one-time in the first year. These calculations are based on February 2021 revenue estimates and will change as the forecast is updated.

Bill Details
Year: 
2022
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Feb 11, 2022
Sponsor
Senator
Republican - District 11
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Oppose

Utah PTA Income Tax Position Statement 2022: Unless specifically targeted to low socio-economic classes and military families, Utah PTA opposes broad income tax reductions as these directly affect funding for education. 
 

Impact on Children: 

Children do not benefit from reductions in public education spending. The loss to education funding is estimated to 93 Million. 

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

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 Policy: 

Continued maintenance of the constitutional guarantee of financial support for public schools as the first claim on state revenues.

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities: 

Point 1 "Support a 5% WPU increase with maximum flexibility to be used for purposes such as recruiting, supporting, and retaining teachers or upgrading buildings to be physically safe and secure".

SB0059 | Daylight Saving Time Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill, subject to congressional authorization, places Utah on year-round mountain daylight time.

Bill Details
Year: 
2020
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 28, 2020
Sponsor
Senator
Republican - District 6
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

The misalignment of our biological clocks, for 8 months of the year, impacts energy levels and alertness for many. Some people have more flexible circadian rhythms and adjust quickly, others are more sensitive. The transition impacts some children with autism for weeks or months. 

The historical need for Daylight Savings no longer exists. The semiannual ritual affects many Americans. Months immediately after clock changes show increased depression diagnoses, increases in motor vehicle accidents, and a number of other quantifiable problems. 

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

Resolution on Healthy Sleep for Adolescents

Resolved, That National PTA and its constituent associations educate youth, parents, educators, school personnel, school boards, athletic coaches, athletic organizations, state board of education members, and the community about the positive impact that sufficient, quality sleep has for teens’ health, safety, academic success, and future earnings; and be it further 

Resolved, That National PTA and its constituent associations encourage local stakeholders, policymakers and appropriate national organizations to collaborate in order to develop solutions and policies which provide opportunities for sufficient, quality sleep for teens reflective of their local community; and be it further

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities: 

#4 Support safe practices and environments for all children

SB0061S05 | Electronic Cigarette Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill modifies provisions related to electronic cigarettes.

Highlighted Provisions: 

Codifies the 3% nicotine limit

Bill Details
Year: 
2024
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 20, 2024
Sponsor
Senator
Democrat - District 9
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

Utah's e-cigrarette nicotine content would be codified at a less addictive 3%

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

Utah PTA seek and support legislation that would include Electronic  Nicotine  Delivery  Systems  (ENDS) in the Utah Code Annotated definition of tobacco products and treat them as such –including the need for licensing, sales restrictions, tax parity, and marketing

SB0062S04 | Special Needs Opportunity Scholarship Program Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill modifies the Special Needs Opportunity Scholarship Program (the program).

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill modifies the Special Needs Opportunity Scholarship Program by expanding eligibility for the program to include siblings of scholarship students.

Bill Details
Year: 
2022
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 23, 2022
Sponsor
Senator
Republican - District 17
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Oppose

SB 62 started out as a bill called INCOME TAX RATE REDUCTION with the description: “This bill amends the corporate franchise and income tax rates; and amends the individual income tax rate.  Utah PTA Opposed SB 62

 

After passing the Senate Rules Committee it was substituted for a new bill called “SPECIAL NEEDS OPPORTUNITY SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM AMENDMENTS” with the description: “This bill expands eligibility for the program to include siblings of scholarship students.”
 

Impact on Children: 

This bill allows for a corporate and individual income tax credit for donations to the program which decrease the amount of money available for public school funding. It also creates a "scholarship program" for private school funding and other educational expenses.

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

Utah PTA opposes 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.

National PTA and Utah PTA Position Statements: 

National PTA Public Policy: OPPOSING VOUCHERS, TUITION TAX CREDITS AND DEDUCTIONS AS SYSTEMS OF EDUCATION AID The National PTA opposes education voucher proposals for public and nonpublic preschool, elementary and secondary school students. The National PTA opposes tax credits and deductions for elementary and secondary school tuition and other education-related expenses for public and nonpublic school students. The National PTA believes that these funding methods would have a detrimental effect on our public school system. Such funding would promote division without diversity, create division and separation within the community and negate the long struggle to desegregate our schools and our society. It is the opinion of the National PTA that vouchers and similar systems would violate the constitutionally mandated separation of church and state.

SB0067 | School Athletic Director Salary Supplement Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill enacts a salary supplement for certified school athletic directors.

Highlighted Provisions: 

directs the Legislature to annually appropriate money for salary supplements for a certified athletic director and certified master athletic director; includes in money appropriated for a salary supplement employer-paid benefits; requires the State Board of Education to create an application and determine whether an applicant qualifies for a salary supplement; and requires an athletic director to hold a current certificate and apply to the State Board of Education in order to receive the salary supplement

Bill Details
Year: 
2022
Status: 
Senate/ filed
Last Action: 
Mar 04, 2022
Sponsor
Senator
Republican - District 7
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Local Issue
Impact on Children: 

Many students participate in school sports, so the admin over sports should be certified.

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

That Utah PTA and its constituent associations encourage the State Legislature to prioritize education funding in the areas of teacher capacity, school leadership, family and student engagement, student-centered learning climate, and instruction and curriculum alignment.

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.

SB0067S01 | Juvenile Commitment Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill addresses the commitment of a juvenile offender to secure care.

Highlighted Provisions: 

12 ▸ amends provisions regarding the extension of a juvenile offender's term of secure
13 care;

Bill Details
Year: 
2023
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 14, 2023
Sponsor
Senator
Democrat - District 14
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. Juveniles should not be required to spend more time in secure care than an adult would for the same misdemeanor offense.

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

National PTA Position Statement - CHILD SAFETY AND PROTECTION

A founding purpose of National PTA is to promote safety for children and youth. National PTA
urges its members at all levels to monitor, support, and advocate for laws and programs

National PTA and Utah PTA Position Statements: 

National PTA Position Statement - CHILD SAFETY AND PROTECTION

A founding purpose of National PTA is to promote safety for children and youth. National PTA
urges its members at all levels to monitor, support, and advocate for laws and programs

• Assist youth leaving the juvenile justice system, and prevent their return.

SB0069 | Income Tax Amendments

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: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 14, 2024
Sponsor
Senator
Republican - District 2
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.

SB0074S01 | Digital Wellness, Citizenship, and Safe Technology Commission Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill amends provisions related to the Digital Wellness, Citizenship, and Safe Technology Commission.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill extends the sunset date for the Digital Wellness, Citizenship, and Safe Technology Commission from July 1, 2023 to July 1, 2025

Bill Details
Year: 
2023
Status: 
Senate/ filed
Last Action: 
Mar 03, 2023
Sponsor
Senator
Republican - District 27
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

The Digital Wellness, Citizenship, and Safe Technology Commission was formed on March 20, 2020 with the signature of Governor Gary Herbert and became effective May 12, 2020. It was not funded until over a year later. The Commission started working on their goal to advance the training of every student in healthy behaviors related to technology use in 2022. It would be short-sighted to end this Commission when their work is just beginning and thus the request to extend the sunset date.

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

To secure adequate laws for the care and protection of 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 and Utah PTA Position Statements: 

Media Safety: Resolved, That Utah PTA and its constituent associations support increased awareness of the impact of advertising, television, video games, apps with content available to devices, music and movie violence to the children of Utah and encourage the development of programs to assist families and children in developing critical skills in Digital Wellness, Digital Citizenship, and Media Literacy;

Any mental health intervention, prevention programs or services must include a strong family engagement component—including collaborative relationships with the family, school and community partners (physicians, early learning providers and caregivers and other related health providers)—as well as transparent and open communication and coordination between provider, school, parents and families.

National PTA Public Policy Agenda

✓ Support every student’s mental health and provide and connect students with necessary behavioral and mental health resources at school and in their community

SB0077S01 | Education Scholarship Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill amends provisions related to scholarships for elementary and secondary education.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill addresses the Special Opportunity Needs Scholarship's (known) issues.
1. It reduces the time to provide an audit from 180 to 120 days of the state fiscal year.
2. A private school is not eligible to enroll scholarship students if charges a scholarship student more in tuition or fees than another student based solely upon the scholarship student being a scholarship recipient under this part.
3. It also extend procurement deadline as needed "For the year 2023, if the state board determines that it is not feasible to successfully meet a procurement and contracting deadline in this part, the state board may extend the deadline by no more than 90 days."
4. the state auditor shall conduct regular audits of the SNOS, Carson, and the Utah Fit All scholarships

Bill Details
Year: 
2023
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 17, 2023
Sponsor
Senator
Republican - District 17
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support w/ Comment

Utah PTA welcomes any effort to keep granting organizations entrusted with taxpayers' money to higher levels of scrutiny and transparency.

Utah PTA Resolution: 
Impact on Children: 

Utah PTA is concerned with the lack of transparency and accountability surrounding the various scholarship programs. Poor, inadequate, substandard use of funds are detrimental to Utah children.

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

That Utah PTA and its constituent associations will always oppose funding methods that divert funds away from public education system if the accountability methods are not equal to or greater than those of public education system

SB0079 | School Information Management System Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill amends certain deadlines for the operation of a school information management system.

Highlighted Provisions: 

"13 This bill:
14 ▸ amends certain deadlines for the operation of a school information management (from Jul 1st 2023 to 2024)
15 system."

Bill Details
Year: 
2022
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 23, 2022
Sponsor
Senator
Republican - District 22
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

This bill will continue to bring standardization and interoperability between the disparate information systems across LEAs & at the State Board of Education, as it will eliminate double entry and result in faster and higher quality on mandatory reporting which will produce timely results for more targeted and timely intervention.

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

1. "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
2. That Utah PTA work closely with the State Board of Education in designing and implementing policies and educational standards that benefit the children of the State of
Utah"

SB0083 | Public Education Funding Equalization

Description
General Description: 

This bill requires the inclusion of an appropriation to the Local Levy Growth Account in public education budget legislation under certain circumstances.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill requires the inclusion of an appropriation to the Local Levy Growth Account in public education budget legislation if the legislature appropriates more than the inflation increase for the WPU.

Bill Details
Year: 
2023
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 17, 2023
Sponsor
Senator
Republican - District 17
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Utah PTA Resolution: 
Impact on Children: 

The ability for all districts to have adequate and equitable funding regardless of location in Utah and the type of districts (rural and urban) benefits Utah students.

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

SB0083 | Firearm Storage Requirements

Description
General Description: 

This bill addresses the secure storage of firearms.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill enacts civil and criminal provisions relating to an individual's failure to safely store a firearm in certain conditions.

Bill Details
Year: 
2024
Status: 
Senate/ filed
Last Action: 
Mar 01, 2024
Sponsor
Senator
Republican - District 8
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. Research indicates that strong child access prevention laws decrease unintentional shootings, suicides, and school shootings. States with secure storage or child access prevention laws had the lowest rates of injury or death from unintentional child shootings.

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. This bill requires owners or authorized users to store firearms in locked containers when not in use and introduces legal action against owners or users who fail to secure a firearm and cause harm.

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

National PTA RESOLUTION ON SAFE STORAGE OF FIREARMS

That National PTA urges its constituent associations to encourage state governments to enact laws which require owners to store firearms, whether they are loaded or unloaded, in a securely locked container, to prevent access by children under the age of 18

Utah PTA Legislative Policy: 

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

National PTA Public Policy Agenda

Support sensible solutions to gun violence, including promoting the safe and secure storage of firearms, strengthening the federal background check system, investing in evidence-based community violence interventions and addressing youth access to firearms, especially assault or military-style weapons.

SB0086S03 | Local Government Bonds Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill modifies provisions relating to local government bonds.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill will prohibit local governmental agencies (School Boards) from using lease revenue bonds unless they are building a prison.

Bill Details
Year: 
2024
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 20, 2024
Sponsor
Senator
Republican - District 17
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Oppose
Utah PTA Resolution: 
Impact on Children: 

Removing the Lease Revenue Bond seriously curtails the ability of a local school board to meet building needs. Especially needs that may be sudden or unanticipated.

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

SB0088S01 | Juvenile Justice Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill amends provisions related to juvenile justice.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill clarifies requirements regarding the collection of a DNA specimen from a minor adjudicated by the juvenile court; allows the Division of Juvenile Justice Services to manage accounts and finances for minors in the custody of the Division of Juvenile Justice Services; provides that a minor may not be placed in a correctional facility that is intended to hold adults accused or convicted of offenses as an alternative to detention; provides a time period in which an agency is required to send an affidavit to an individual who is the subject of an expungement order by the juvenile court;

Bill Details
Year: 
2024
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 14, 2024
Sponsor
Senator
Democrat - District 14
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. Children should be safe from harm while in the juvenile justice system.

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

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

National PTA and Utah PTA Position Statements: 

National PTA Position Statement Child Safety and Protection

Prohibit the incarceration of youth in adult facilities.
Assist youth leaving the juvenile justice system, and prevent their return.

National PTA Public Policy Agenda

Prioritize restorative justice, positive school discipline and alternative dispute resolution techniques over the detention, exclusion or incarceration of youth, including providing training for school personnel on safe de-escalation techniques, trauma-informed care and positive behavioral interventions and supports, while intentionally eliminating any discipline practices that may historically or currently target youth of color and contribute to a school-to-prison pipeline.

SB0089 | Social Media Modifications

Description
General Description: 

This bill changes when the provisions of the Utah Social Media Regulation Act become effective.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill is an extension of time for the the Utah Social Media Regulation Act from March 1, 2024 to October 1, 2024. 

Bill Details
Year: 
2024
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Jan 19, 2024
Sponsor
Senator
Republican - District 19
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

This bill wants social media companies to be accountable for harms against children through their social media platforms. 

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

That Utah PTA and its constituent associations advocate for laws, policies, and technology development which protects children and youth from surveillance capitalism, persuasive technology, and algorithms which encourage addictive usage of social media, and be it further 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: 

Safety:
Support funding to strengthen school safety measures. This includes the improvement of school infrastructure to ensure safety and security, implementation of comprehensive safety training, adoption of evidence-based strategies for community violence intervention and means reduction, as well as the education of families and communities on school safety protocols, children's online security, and the assessment of digital threats posed to schools across Utah.

SB0091 | School Accountability Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill amends provisions related to school overall ratings under the school accountability system.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill removes the requirement on the State Board of Education to use a letter grade when assigning a school overall rating and replaces the grade with a performance indicator.

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

Utah PTA advocates against the implementation of any accountability system that reduces the evaluation of a school to a single grade or score. Utah PTA supports 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.

Impact on Children: 

Perceptions of school quality are impacted by schools’ accountability ratings and have consequences for the economy of the schools’ community. Stakeholders recognize the inadequacy of a single letter grade for schools.

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

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,

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities: 

4. Support accountability for all public schools that take into account the needs of students, teachers, and communities including the suspension or elimination of rating schools with a single letter grade and the establishment of a new baseline for future accountability measures.

SB0092S01 | Student Communication Methods

Description
General Description: 

This bill requires local school boards to develop policies and procedures for students to have non-electronic notification of and access to certain activities and events.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill requires local school boards to develop policies and procedures to ensure that students have non-electronic notification of and access to certain activities and events.

Bill Details
Year: 
2024
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 20, 2024
Sponsor
Senator
Democrat - District 14
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Local Issue
Impact on Children: 

Decisions about how to communicate with parents should be worked out on a local level. Schools can provide a wide variety of options to meet the needs of parents and students.

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.

SB0093 | School Climate Data Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill amends the required components for establishing and reporting data from the school climate survey.

Highlighted Provisions: 

Requires the State Board of Education (state board) to: establish a school climate survey; make rules regarding survey logistics; and  report aggregated school-level survey results on the state board's parent portal;  describes who should receive a survey;

Bill Details
Year: 
2024
Status: 
Senate/ filed
Last Action: 
Mar 01, 2024
Sponsor
Senator
Republican - District 17
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support w/ Comment
Impact on Children: 

Understanding where our students are in regards to risk and protective factors informs the policies and actions of schools to help provide the education, prevention and necessary interventions.

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

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

SB0095S01 | Autism Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill amends provisions related to insurance coverage for autism spectrum disorder.

Bill Details
Year: 
2019
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 26, 2019
Sponsor
Senator
Republican - District 16
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Pending
Impact on Children: 

Will help our children diagnosed with Autism to receive needed help with insurance coverage.

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

Resolved, That Utah PTA support efforts to ensure appropriate and equitable coverage by private health plans and insurers for the diagnosis and medically necessary treatment of individuals with autism and other disorders causing developmental delays;

SB0099S03 | Child Welfare Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill addresses provisions related to child welfare.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill:
12          ▸     modifies definitions and defines terms;
13          ▸     repeals a requirement that the Child Welfare Training Coordinator be appointed by
14     the director of the Division of Child and Family Services;
15          ▸     modifies the training requirements for caseworkers of the Division of Child and
16     Family Services;
17          ▸     clarifies that the Division of Child and Family Services may share a record related
18     to an investigation of a report of child abuse or neglect with certain persons;
19          ▸     modifies provisions that require the Division of Child and Family Services to
20     remove certain information from a record related to a report or an investigation of
21     child abuse or neglect before disclosing the record to the subject of the report or a
22     parent or guardian;
23          ▸     allows certain information and records contained in the Management Information
24     System developed by the Division of Child and Family Services to be classified as
25     private or controlled under the Government Records Access and Management Act;
26          ▸     allows the Division of Child and Family Services to share a record related to a
27     report or an investigation of child abuse or neglect with the Division of Substance
28     Abuse and Mental Health, the Department of Health, or a local substance abuse authority for
29     the purpose of providing substance abuse treatment to a parent of a newborn child;
30          ▸     directs the Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health to coordinate with the
31     Department of Health and other health care providers to develop a program to
32     reduce substance abuse by parents of a newborn child;
33          ▸     requires the Department of Human Services to perform a review of a child who has
34     suffered a near fatality and is the subject of an open case for child welfare services
35     within one year of the near fatality;
36          ▸     modifies the fatality review process of the Department of Human Services to allow
37     review of near fatalities of children;
38          ▸     modifies the requirements giving notice of a summons for a parent or guardian of a
39     juvenile proceeding;
40          ▸     amends the requirements for returning a child to the custody of a parent or guardian
41     in a shelter hearing;
42          ▸     clarifies that an adjudication for abuse, neglect, or dependency of a child, or
43     termination or restoration of parental rights may not be expunged;
44          ▸     modifies the type of records that a court may order sealed in a juvenile
45     expungement proceeding;

Bill Details
Year: 
2021
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 16, 2021
Sponsor
Senator
Republican - District 6
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

This bill updates information and language to better protect children in aspects of child welfare. All stakeholders came together for the clean up, technical changes, and clarifications. The training coord. requirement codifies the position to merit based vs at will.

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.
 

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.

SB0099S01 | School Leadership Development Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill creates a grant program to provide awards for mentorship and training activities for new and aspiring principals.

Bill Details
Year: 
2020
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 30, 2020
Sponsor
Senator
Republican - District 5
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$5,000,000
This bill appropriates in fiscal year 2021: to the State Board of Education - Minimum School Program - Related to Basic School Programs, as an ongoing appropriation: from the Education Fund, $4,800,000; and to the State Board of Education - State Administrative Office - General System Support, as an ongoing appropriation: from the Education Fund, $200,000.
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Pending

PTA supports the concept of improving school leadership as a best practice of education; nevertheless, our first priority is funding a 6% growth in the WPU.

Impact on Children: 

1.  Leadership is second only to teaching among school-related influences on student success; and principals make important contributions to school culture and climate, have detectable and substantial impacts on student achievement, and have a powerful impact on the teachers in their buildings by setting smart professional development agendas, selecting and supporting accomplished teachers to take on leadership roles, working one-on-one as mentors for teachers who need guidance and support, shaping a vision of academic success for all students, creating a climate hospitable to education, and managing people, data and processes to foster school improvement

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

Utah PTA Resolution EDU 2019-1 Best Practices in Education - That Utah PTA and its constituent associations encourage the State Legislature to prioritize education funding in the areas of teacher capacity, school leadership, family and student engagement, student-centered learning climate, and instruction and curriculum alignment.

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.

SB0100S02 | School Gender Identity Policies

Description
General Description: 

This bill enacts provisions ensuring a parent's access to information related to a parent's child, including gender identity.

Highlighted Provisions: 

Parents have access to children's school records

Bill Details
Year: 
2023
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Feb 16, 2023
Sponsor
Senator
Republican - District 8
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Utah PTA Resolution: 
Impact on Children: 

Children are most likely to succeed in life if their family is involved in their care.

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

That Utah PTA recognizes the importance of parental roles and encourages parental involvement in all aspects of their children’s lives;

SB0102S03 | Wireless Communication Device Use in a Motor Vehicle

Description
General Description: 

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

Highlighted Provisions: 

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

Bill Details
Year: 
2022
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 24, 2022
Sponsor
Senator
Republican - District 25
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 using a wireless communication device while operating a motor vehicle and thereby making Utah roads safer for all.
 

Commission: 
Safety
Utah PTA Public Policy Program
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.

National PTA and Utah PTA Position Statements: 

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;

SB0103S04 | Victim Targeting Penalty Enhancements

Description
General Description: 

This bill enacts provisions relating to sentencing for a criminal offense committed against a victim who is selected because of certain personal attributes.

Bill Details
Year: 
2019
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Apr 02, 2019
Sponsor
Senator
Republican - District 12
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Pending
Commission: 
Community Engagement
Safety
Utah PTA Public Policy Program
National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions: 

Prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, gender, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, national origin, language, religion, age, physical and academic ability, and sexual orientation;

SB0103S02 | Student Graduation Attire Modifications

Description
General Description: 

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

Highlighted Provisions: 

Students may wear recognized cultural & religious attire during graduation.
HB 149 & SB 103 include rules on how an LEA can determine if something is "recognized."
SB 103 also includes a line referencing that it includes not limiting the right for students to wear tribal regalia, which is what was included in HB 30 in 2022.

Bill Details
Year: 
2023
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 17, 2023
Sponsor
Senator
Democrat - District 12
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

Allows graduating students to honor their family and culture during high school graduation.

Commission: 
Student Leadership

SB0103 | Special Education Licensing Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill makes changes to licensing requirements for directors of special education at charter schools.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill makes changes to licensing requirements for directors of special education at charter schools. This bill requires a director of special education at a charter school to hold an appropriate license issued by the State Board of Education.

Bill Details
Year: 
2022
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 23, 2022
Sponsor
Senator
Republican - District 24
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

Charter school students who receive special education services and their families will greatly benefit by having a Special Education director who is appropriately trained and licensed in this field.

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

Resolved, that Utah PTA and its organizations support education policies and legislation that will improve advocacy and parental education within the public school system to benefit children with special needs.

Utah PTA Legislative Policy: 

General Principles for Consideration of Proposed Legislation:
High standards for those who work in all areas concerned with children and youth.

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities: 

Support expedited state special education funding to support and implement IEPs for public school students with disabilities.

National PTA and Utah PTA Position Statements: 

PTA believes that all children have the right to a quality public education, which allows each child the opportunity to reach their fullest potential.

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.

SB0104S04 | Children's Device Protection Act

Description
General Description: 

This bill enacts the Children's Device Protection Act.

Highlighted Provisions: 

▸ Requires a tablet or a smartphone (a device) manufactured on or after January 1, 2025, to automatically enable a filter upon device activation by a minor;

▸ Requires the filter enabled for minors at activation to: prevent a minor user of the device from accessing material that is obscene; and

▸ Allows adult users and parents or legal guardians to deactivate and re-activate the filter with a password;

Bill Details
Year: 
2024
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 13, 2024
Sponsor
Senator
Republican - District 8
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

Social media has many negative aspects of it pertains to children and their use of it. We need to have parents be more involved and accountable for what their children are participating in on these platforms. Filters and their use are a part of this accountabilty. We need to support digital safety measures for our children and protect them from harmful content on social media platforms.

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

Utah PTA and its constituent associations help educate parents on the importance of monitoring their youth and teens’ digital behavior and activity online and help parents find appropriate resources such as, but not limited to, training on digital wellness, existing phone manufacturer filters, other filters and other technological tools to help limit exposure to potentially harmful content.

SB0106S01 | Mental Health Services in Schools

Description
General Description: 

This bill enacts provisions relating to coverage of certain mental health services by the Medicaid program and certain health insurers.

Bill Details
Year: 
2019
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 22, 2019
Sponsor
Senator
Republican - District 10
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Pending
Impact on Children: 

To allow these services to be billed to Medicaid will help our children receive services at school that may not be received due to parents work schedule, school schedule, etc...

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

Resolved, That Utah PTA support prevention and intervention initiatives and appropriate state funding for:
(1) collaborative efforts between the home, school, private physicians, and community
resource agencies to create support networks for families,
(2) developing uniform methods for screening and referral,
(3) increasing the number of school psychologists and social workers, and
(4) improving training of primary care physicians in mental illness assessment and
treatment;

SB0107 | Income Tax Rate Reduction Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill modifies provisions related to income tax.

Bill Details
Year: 
2020
Status: 
Senate/ filed
Last Action: 
Mar 12, 2020
Sponsor
Senator
Republican - District 10
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Oppose

This legislation would provide automatic cuts in the income tax rate if the percentage is higher than the state’s gross domestic product (GDP).  

Impact on Children: 

1.  Places a cap on an increase in income tax based on the state;s gross domestic product which limits revenue that would be allocated for the education of our children.

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

Utah PTA Resolution EDU 2010-2 - Resolved that Utah PTA continue to urge the legislature to make public education revenue allocations and funding effort a high priority.  Resolved that Utah PTA encourage the legislature to adequately fund critical educational needs, including but not limited to, class size reduction, teacher salaries, technology, textbooks and supplies.

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities: 

Utah PTA Legislative Priority #2. Support education appropriations which fully fund enrollment growth and increase the WPU by 6%.

SB0107S07 | In-person Instruction Prioritization

Description
General Description: 

This bill requires the Department of Health to support widespread testing of a school's students for COVID-19 under certain conditions to facilitate a requirement for in-person instruction.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill requires the Department of Health to provide support to a local education agency
14 (LEA) that initiates widespread COVID-19 testing for a school (test to stay
15 program);
16 ▸ requires that guidance that the Department of Health provides to LEAs related to
17 test to stay programs complies with certain statutory provisions;
18 ▸ establishes the case threshold in a school above which the LEA initiates a "test to
19 stay program" for the school;

Bill Details
Year: 
2021
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 24, 2021
Sponsor
Senator
Republican - District 8
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Oppose

Comment: Utah PTA believes decisions regarding delivery of instruction are best made at the local level and is concerned by the legislative overreach in this bill.

Impact on Children: 

This bill encourages in person learning by raising the threshold for schools to transition to virtual to 30 covid cases or 2%. It promotes the use of the test to stay program for those school that reach the threshold thus providing for more students to be able to receive in person instruction.

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

PS STU 2021 Coronavirus Pandemic Impact on Student Learning.pdf
Resolved, that Utah PTA, parents, policy leaders and educators must communicate clearly and honestly about the challenges they are facing, and share the steps they are taking to support educators, students and families.

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities: 

Support accountability for all public schools that take into account the needs of students, teachers, and communities including the suspension or elimination of rating schools with a single letter grade and the establishment of a new baseline for future accountability measures.

SB0112 | Public Education Information Systems Uniformity Act

Description
General Description: 

This bill requires the State Board of Education to have a system for collecting and reporting public education data.

Bill Details
Year: 
2019
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 21, 2019
Sponsor
Senator
Republican - District 13
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$17,200,000
This bill appropriates in fiscal year 2020: to the State Board of Education - State Administrative Office, as a one-time appropriation: from the Education Fund, One-time, $17,200,000.
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Pending
Impact on Children: 

The Utah Schools Information Management System will consolidate multiple State Education data systems to improve exchanges of information between public education agencies and increase system security/data protection/privacy control. Lack of funding will lead to continued inadequacies in systems integration, increased costs, and elevated data security and privacy risks.

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

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.

SB0113S01 | Arts Program Funding Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill provides for an annual budgetary review for the Beverley Taylor Sorenson Elementary Arts Learning Program in certain circumstances.

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

Arts education plays an important role in developing students’ skills in critical thinking, creativity, imagination and innovation. Students involved in the arts have a higher level of academic success. At-risk students who are engaged in the arts have better academic achievement, job opportunities and are more engaged civically than those who do not and access to the arts plays a central role in cognitive, motor, language, and social-emotional development. An annual review of the Beverly Sorenson program may provide greater funding for arts programs if necessary. 

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

Resolved, That Utah PTA advocate for appropriate funding for education that includes the arts as part of a child’s educational experience.

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities: 

5. Support additional funding to help with the overwhelming mental health crisis including, but not limited to: programs and classes including art, music, civic, character, and physical education; more school psychologists, counselors, nurses, and social workers; and professional development.

National PTA and Utah PTA Position Statements: 

Arts in Education Position Statement

National PTA believes that the arts, music, literature, dance, drama, and visual arts are central to learning. Infusion of the arts in elementary, secondary, and continuing education curricula is key to the development of students.

National PTA supports:

Programs that promote public awareness of the arts and arts education.
The integration of the arts in school curriculum.