Legislative Bills

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SB0114S02 | Public School Curriculum Requirements

Description
General Description: 

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

Highlighted Provisions: 

"12 This bill:
13 ▸requires a process for local school boards and charter school governing boards to
14 approve instructional materials for classroom use;
15 ▸requires local education agencies to adopt policies to provide guidance to educators
16 on the use of materials that have not been approved"

Bill Details
Year: 
2022
Status: 
Senate/ filed
Last Action: 
Mar 04, 2022
Sponsor
Senator
Republican - District 17
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

There is no positive impact for children from SB114. It will bring stress for teachers and will reduce innovation, spontaneity and inquisitiveness in the classroom.

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;

WHEREAS, Instructional and curriculum alignment significantly boosts both student and teacher engagement and therefore significantly boosts student transitions, from one course to the next, both within schools and across institutional boundaries by ensuring that teachers see their curriculum within the progression of intended learning and students see the relevance of individual courses toward the achievement of educational and employment and innovation that is driven by data and evidence based practices includes high quality aligned curriculum and resources; 20, 21 now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That Utah PTA and its constituent associations educate parents and community members to support practices which enhance teacher capacity, school leadership, family and student engagement, student-centered learning climates, and instruction and curriculum alignment; and be it further

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;

National PTA and Utah PTA Position Statements: 

National PS - Family Engagement
According to the Global Family Research Project, when families and educators work together to support children’s learning and development, children are more likely to succeed in school, graduate and stay on their path to college or career.

SB0115S01 | High-need School Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill provides for grants to local education agencies to employ additional educators in high-need schools.

Bill Details
Year: 
2019
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 22, 2019
Sponsor
Senator
Democrat - District 8
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$500,000
This bill appropriates in fiscal year 2020: to the State Board of Education - Related to Basic School Programs - Grants for Educators for High-need Schools as an ongoing appropriation: from the Education Fund, $500,000.
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Pending
Impact on Children: 

This bill will bring provide grant funding to LEAs to help recruit teachers to teach in high-need areas.

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

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

SB0117S04 | Domestic Violence Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill amends provisions relating to domestic violence.

Highlighted Provisions: 

▸ requires a law enforcement officer to conduct a lethality assessment when
13 responding to a report of domestic violence between intimate partners;

Bill Details
Year: 
2023
Status: 
Governor Signed
Sponsor
Senator
Republican - District 8
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$1,305,000
This bill appropriates: to the Department of Public Safety -- Programs and Operations -- Department Intelligence Center, as a one-time appropriation: from the General Fund, One-time, $100,000; and to the Department of Public Safety -- Programs and Operations -- Department Intelligence Center, as an ongoing appropriation: from the General Fund, $1,205,000.
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Utah PTA Resolution: 
Impact on Children: 

This bill may help to protect children in a dating relationship that may be the victim of domestic violence by requiring law enforcement to conduct a lethality assessment.

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

Resolved, That Utah PTA supports adequate legislation that applies legal consequences for violence in dating relationships

Utah PTA Legislative Policy: 

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

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities: 

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

SB0117 | Human Smuggling Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill modifies the offenses of human smuggling, aggravated human smuggling, and aggravated human trafficking.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill increases the penalty for human smuggling from a third degree felony to a second degree felony; increases the penalty for aggravated human smuggling from a second degree felony to a first degree felony; and removes the requirement of "in a single episode" when there are 10 or more victims from the offenses of aggravated human smuggling and aggravated human trafficking.

Bill Details
Year: 
2021
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 16, 2021
Sponsor
Senator
Democrat - District 1
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

Human trafficking is a modern-day form of slavery. Traffickers prey on others’ weaknesses, unfortunate circumstances, unfamiliarity, and inexperience. Traffickers are trained to identify vulnerability and use expert manipulation tactics to persuade and control their victims. It is imperative that penalties are increased and requirements for prosecution decreased to 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 sexual nature and all forms of sexual exploitation; and be it further
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;

Utah PTA Legislative Policy: 

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

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 Public Policy Agenda

Enact Legislation to Protect Youth, Families and Communities From Gun and Other Violence

SB0117 | Office of Student Health Affairs

Description
General Description: 

This bill creates the Office of Student Health Affairs (office) within the Department of Health and Human Services (department).

Highlighted Provisions: 

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

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

Children need greater access to health care, especially children in the foster care system.

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

National PTA Health Reform and Access to Care for Children, Youth, Families and Pregnant Women

 

High-risk families have coverage for services that may not be included in a basic benefit plan, such as outreach, case management, transportation, home visits, and child care. This requires more closely aligned social service agencies, mental health centers, juvenile justice systems, and health departments.

SB0119S03 | School Accountability Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill provides that for the 2018-2019 and 2019-2020 school years, 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: 
Senate/ to Governor
Last Action: 
Mar 28, 2020
Sponsor
Senator
Republican - District 7
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 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.

SB0122 | Youth Apprenticeship Governance Structure Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill creates a youth apprenticeship governance study.

Highlighted Provisions: 

Creates a youth apprenticeship governance study for maximizing efficiencies and expanding youth apprenticeship opportunities for students.

Bill Details
Year: 
2024
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 20, 2024
Sponsor
Senator
Republican - District 5
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Commission: 
Student Leadership
Utah PTA Public Policy Program
National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions: 

National Career and Technical Position Statement

National PTA recommends an investment in educating the public regarding recent changes in the scope and nature of CTE programs, including registered apprenticeship and pre- apprenticeship programs and the benefits of CTE for students at all levels of academic achievement, as well as for the general public.

SB0127S01 | Early Literacy Outcomes Improvement

Description
General Description: 

This bill amends, enhances, and aligns strategies to improve early literacy outcomes in kindergarten through grade 3.

Highlighted Provisions: 

A comprehensive program targeted to improving early literacy outcomes. This involves professional training for local schools, research and resources from higher education, community partnerships, and grants to provide training for teachers, principals and specialists.

Bill Details
Year: 
2022
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 23, 2022
Sponsor
Senator
Republican - District 18
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

This is a focused, evidence-based system to help increase literacy in K-3. Reading on level in 3rd grade has been linked to higher graduation rates, leading to a better chance at making every child's potential a reality.

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

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;

Utah PTA Legislative Policy: 

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.

SB0128S03 | Child Welfare Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill makes amendments to child welfare provisions.

Bill Details
Year: 
2019
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 26, 2019
Sponsor
Senator
Republican - District 6
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Pending
Impact on Children: 

This bill updates information and language to better protect children in aspects of child welfare. It better defines policies and rules, including "threatened harm" to protect children and families.

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.

SB0129 | Medical Director Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill creates the position of medical director within the Department of Health and Human Services, with a focus on children, youth, and families.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill creates the position of medical director within the Department of Health and Human Services, with a focus on children, youth, and families.

Bill Details
Year: 
2024
Status: 
Senate/ filed
Last Action: 
Mar 01, 2024
Sponsor
Senator
Democrat - District 9
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

This would create a centralized position focused on organizing and focusing the DHHS' efforts to improve the physical and mental well-being of Utah's families and children.

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

National PTA Health Reform and Access to Care for Children, Youth, Families and Pregnant Women

High-risk families have coverage for services that may not be included in a basic benefit plan, such as outreach, case management, transportation, home visits, and child care. This requires that social service agencies, mental health centers, juvenile justice systems, and health departments be more closely aligned.

SB0130 | Electronic Cigarette Restrictions

Description
General Description: 

This bill amends provisions relating to the regulation of electronic cigarette products.

Highlighted Provisions: 

Exempts electronic cigarette products that receive marketing authorization from certain regulations regarding nicotine content.

Bill Details
Year: 
2022
Status: 
Senate/ filed
Last Action: 
Mar 04, 2022
Sponsor
Senator
Democrat - District 3
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Oppose
Impact on Children: 

We finally got a rule that set nicotine limits on vaping products, and this bill would essentially be the "nose of the camel" in the tent. It would only apply to two products right now, but it would be leading to who knows how many down the road. It would take the power to control nicotine levels away from the state, and give it to the FDA.

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

Utah PTA support state and local ordinances that appropriately address regulations of ENDS products

Utah PTA Legislative Policy: 

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

SB0132S02 | Beer Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill modifies and enacts provisions related to beer.

Bill Details
Year: 
2019
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 26, 2019
Sponsor
Senator
Republican - District 21
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Pending
Impact on Children: 

This will allow beer with a higher alcohol percentage to be sold in convenience stores and grocery stores, with more accessibility to our children.

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

Resolved, That Utah State PTA create an awareness of the hazards of selling alcoholic beverages not within the dispensing store where proper I.D. can be closely checked.

National PTA Public Policy Agenda

Resolved, That the National PTA and its constituent organizations work for increased awareness of existing regulations and laws which protect children from these hazards to their health and well being;
https://www.pta.org/home/advocacy/ptas-positions/Individual-PTA-Resoluti...

SB0133S02 | Food Security Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill addresses food security in the state.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill addresses food security in Utah. It creates the State Nutrition Action Coalition at USU to coordinate state efforts in addressing food security

Bill Details
Year: 
2022
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 21, 2022
Sponsor
Senator
Democrat - District 10
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$75,000
This bill appropriates in fiscal year 2023: to Utah State University -- Cooperative Extension, as an ongoing appropriation: from the General Fund, $75,000.
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

Passage of this bill will strengthen Utah PTA's efforts to ensure that all children have better access to healthy food. Food insecurity is linked to lower reading and math scores, falling behind peers academically and socially, and may lead to increased risk of behavioral issues such as anxiety, hyperactivity and aggression.

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

Proper nutrition is the cornerstone of a child’s health, well-being and balance. Unfortunately, in many cases, if a student arrives late for school, they do not have an opportunity to participate in breakfast after the bell, which can lead to lack of focus and attention. Food insecurity is linked to lower reading and math scores, falling behind peers academically and socially, and may lead to increased risk of behavioral issues, such as anxiety, hyperactivity and aggression. National PTA is keenly aware that food insecurity, faced by 14 million children, is exacerbated by meal debt policies that shame and stigmatize.

SB0133 | Electronic Cigarette and Other Nicotine Product Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill modifies provisions relating to the retail sale of electronic cigarettes and other nicotine products.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill requires the State Tax Commission to report suspected sales of illegal electronic cigarette products or nicotine products to the local health department, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Department of Public Safety; It also requires the local health department to investigate whether the sale is illegal; and requires the State Tax Commission to maintain and publish a list of all persons licensed to distribute an electronic cigarette product or a nicotine product in the state. It requires an electronic cigarette product or a nicotine product retailer to purchase the products from a distributor that is licensed in the state; and requires the State Tax Commission to impose a penalty upon a retailer that purchases an electronic cigarette product or nicotine product from a person other than a licensed distributor;

Bill Details
Year: 
2024
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 14, 2024
Sponsor
Senator
Republican - District 24
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$1,000,000
This bill appropriates in fiscal year 2025: to Department of Public Safety - Programs & Operations - CITS State Bureau of Investigation as an ongoing appropriation: from the General Fund, $750,000 to Department of Public Safety - Programs & Operations - CITS State Bureau of Investigation as a one-time appropriation: from the General Fund, One-time, $250,000
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

These requirements further protect Utah's youth from purchasing E-cigarettes and nicotine products that may contain an unlawful amount of nicotine.

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

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.

SB0134S01 | Tobacco Regulation Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill amends provisions relating to the regulation of electronic cigarettes.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill:
▸ provides that a regulation on nicotine content in electronic cigarette products may not be more restrictive than a certain level; and
▸ limits the Department of Health's authority to regulate certain electronic cigarette products that have been authorized for sale by the United States Food and Drug Administration.

 

Substitute 1

▸lower the nicotine level slightly, but not really. Most products could still stay at the higher levels.

▸takes a lot of the positive aspects and wording from SB 189 and puts them in this bill - strengthening of penalties, etc.

▸raises the tax on e-cigarettes

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

SB 134 Sub 1 attempts to placate the crowd who is against this bill by raising the tax, and upping the penalties for retailers who break the rules, in turn, then it would be ok for them to up the levels of nicotine in these products. "See, we are doing something to take them out of the hands of kids, and you don't really care about everyone else being hooked on nicotine, and in case you still are concerned, here's some money..."

 

Senator Bramble has framed this legislation as the case of the Health Dept trying to put in place rules and regulations, but that it should be the legislature who does that. HB 23 had the same wording as HB 415 from 2015, that Senator Bramble was a sponsor of, and he didn't seem to mind that for the past 5 years, but he is upset now since the DOH came back with answers that someone doesn't like. The DOH has come out in opposition to this bill as well, and you don't usually see a department of the government coming out like that. If the senators were listening to this more as a health issue, their responses might be different, but this did get sent to the Senate Business & Labor Commission, so that tells you something about how they are approaching this bill (and most of the vaping legilation over the years).

Impact on Children: 

Flavors and nicotine are the 1-2 punch that gets our children hooked on e-cigarettes. Allowing tobacco companies to triple the amount of nicotine which will be very harmful to anyone who tries e-cigarettes and becomes addicted.

It also increases the Preemption Expansion that was started in HB 23 last year - Removes local power to regulate products - at all - makes it so tobacco companies just need to lobby the state legislature, which may be unfairly influenced by conflicts of interest or special interest money. 

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

That Utah PTA support state and local ordinances that appropriately address regulations of ENDS products.

Utah PTA Legislative Policy: 

Maximum local control when it serves the best interest of all children and youth.

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities: 

Support measures to promote safe and healthy environments and behaviors for children

National PTA and Utah PTA Position Statements: 

National PTA will participate with other organizations in educating the public about the dangers of tobacco products, their effects, and the cost of the use of tobacco products to society as a whole.

SB0134S04 | Special Education Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill amends provisions related to the delivery of special education services in public schools.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill amends provisions related to the delivery of special education services in public schools. This bill requires a local education agency (LEA) to provide special education in the least restrictive environment" and permits an LEA to provide special education to a student with disabilities regardless of whether the other students in the class or setting are students without a disability.

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

Using restricted special education funds for purposes other than to specifically benefit students with disabilities will negatively impact the education of students with disabilities by decreasing the resources available for these students. Also, this bill seems to imply that the least restrictive environment is the general education classroom and the most restrictive environment is the special education classroom. This is not true. LEAs are already required to serve special education students in the LRE for each student according to their Individualized Education Program. The LRE is not a place; it's where a student is least restricted in accessing their curriculum. LRE could be different for every student. It is based on their individual IEPs.

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 funding for ongoing pre-service training and professional development for all teachers regarding adapting instruction to meet the needs of students with disabilities in the general education classroom; accommodations that improve access to the general curriculum; and high expectations for all students with regards to both behavior and academics; and be it further

Resolved, That Utah PTA and its constituent associations support schools in implementing best practices in meeting the needs of diverse students through such practices as Universal Design for Learning (UDL), Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), and inclusion to support instruction from a Core content expert, and access to accommodations including assistive technology for students with disabilities;

Utah PTA Legislative Policy: 

General Principles for Consideration of Proposed Legislation: 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: 

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

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.

SB0141S02 | Family Health Services Amendments

Description
General Description: 

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

Highlighted Provisions: 

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

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

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

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

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

SB0141S02 | Task Force on Food Security

Description
General Description: 

This bill creates the Task Force on Food Security.

Highlighted Provisions: 

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

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

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

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

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

National PTA Public Policy Agenda

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

SB0142S01 | Public Education Funding Amendments

Description
General Description: 

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

Highlighted Provisions: 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Utah PTA Legislative Policy: 

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

SB0143 | Public Education Vision Screening

Description
General Description: 

This bill modifies provisions regarding public education vision screening.

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

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

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

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

SB0145 | Military Family Education Amendments

Description
General Description: 

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

Highlighted Provisions: 

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

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

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

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

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

Utah PTA Legislative Policy: 

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

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

SB0149S01 | Teacher and Student Success Act

Description
General Description: 

This bill creates the Teacher and Student Success Program.

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

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

Impact on Children: 

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

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

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

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

SB0150 | School Employee Licensing Amendments

Description
General Description: 

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

Highlighted Provisions: 

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

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

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

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

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

SB0151S03 | Initiative Procedure Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill amends procedures relating to a statewide initiative.

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

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

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

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

SB0151S01 | Accelerated Student Program Amendments

Description
General Description: 

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

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

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

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

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

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities: 

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

SB0152S03 | Social Media Regulation Amendments

Description
General Description: 

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

Highlighted Provisions: 

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

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

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

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

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

Utah PTA Legislative Policy: 

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

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities: 

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

SB0153S01 | Idling Amendments

Description
General Description: 

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

Highlighted Provisions: 

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

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

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

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

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

SB0155S03 | 988 Mental Health Crisis Assistance

Description
General Description: 

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

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill creates the 988 Suicide and Crisis Services Account

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

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

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

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

SB0157 | Parental Rights in Public Education

Description
General Description: 

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

Highlighted Provisions: 

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

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

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

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

-To develop, between educators and the general public, such united efforts as will secure, for all children and youth, the highest advantages in physical, social, and spiritual education.

Impact on Children: 

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

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

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

2015-03: That Utah PTA recognizes the State Board of Education as the body elected to establish policy and standards for education in the State of Utah

Utah PTA Legislative Policy: 

The Utah PTA Purposes

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

-To develop, between educators and the general public, such united efforts as will secure, for all children and youth, the highest advantages in physical, social, and spiritual education.

SB0158 | Children's Health Coverage Amendments

Description
General Description: 

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

Highlighted Provisions: 

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

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

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

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

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

SB0162 | Education Expenses Tax Credit During Public Health Emergency

Description
General Description: 

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

Highlighted Provisions: 

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

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

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

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

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

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities: 

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

SB0166S03 | School Readiness Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill amends and enacts preschool provisions.

Bill Details
Year: 
2019
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 26, 2019
Sponsor
Senator
Republican - District 18
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$12,000,000
This bill appropriates in fiscal year 2020: to Department of Workforce Services - Operations and Policy - Workforce Development Division, as an ongoing appropriation: from the General Fund, $6,000,000; to State Board of Education - General System Support - Teaching and Learning, as an ongoing appropriation: from the Education Fund, $500,000; and to the State Board of Education - Initiative Programs - UPSTART, as an ongoing appropriation: from the Education Fund, $5,500,000.
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Pending
Utah PTA Resolution: 
Impact on Children: 

This repeals a non-working, older system, and aligns the work and coordination of multiple committees. It expands the UPSTART program and makes it more than just a pilot program.

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

That Utah PTA and its constituent bodies work collaboratively with existing early childhood programs to better coordinate services; and be it further; That Utah PTA and its constituent bodies advocate for policies and funding to improve early childhood services throughout the state.

SB0166S01 | Education Entity Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill provides a home-based education entity and micro-education entity with certain similar duties, requirements, waivers, and rights as private and charter schools.

Highlighted Provisions: 

▸ requires a county to consider micro-education and home-based education entities as
15 a permitted use in all zoning districts within a county;
16 ▸ subjects a micro-education entity to the same occupancy requirements for Class B
17 Occupancy and prevents a home-based education entity from being subject to any
18 occupancy requirements beyond a primary dwelling requirements;
19 ▸ defines:
20 • education cooperative;
21 • extracurricular lessons;
22 • home-based education entity; and
23 • micro-education entity;
24 ▸ exempts a micro-education entity and a home-based education entity from
25 immunization requirements and compulsory education requirements
26 ▸ prevents government entities from regulating micro-education entity and
27 home-based education entity instructors, student assessments, and food preparation

Bill Details
Year: 
2023
Status: 
Senate/ filed
Last Action: 
Mar 03, 2023
Sponsor
Senator
Republican - District 17
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Oppose

SB0166 Legalizes various loopholes that endanger the lives of children while doing little to educate them. Health and safety hazard loopholes include: prohibition for immunization requirements; prohibition for food preparation inspection; no requirements for background checks for educators.  To the safety and health hazards this bill proposes, it also adds a permissive education environment: no student to teacher ratio; no attendance requirements; no curriculum, no assessment and no credentials for teachers. This bill would be unconscionable for public schools, and is equally unacceptable for any student outside the public school system.

Utah PTA Resolution: 
Impact on Children: 

All Utah students deserve to learn in a safe environment.  This bill disregards both safety and learning.

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

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

SB0167S03 | Sexual Exploitation Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill concerns the sexual exploitation of a minor.

Highlighted Provisions: 

modifies the offense of sexual exploitation of a minor;
creates the offense of aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor;

Bill Details
Year: 
2022
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 22, 2022
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 create the offense of aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor and increase penalties for sexual exploitation of a minor

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.

SB0168 | Commission for Student-centered Public Education Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill creates the Commission for Student-centered Public Education.

Highlighted Provisions: 

"14 ▸ creates the Commission for Student-centered Public Education (commission);
15 ▸ directs the commission to create a systems framework for enabling the K-12 public
16 education system to become more student centered;
17 ▸ directs the commission to hire a consultant to assist the commission with
18 development of the systems framework; and
19 ▸requires the commission to report to the Legislature and the governor."

Bill Details
Year: 
2022
Status: 
Senate/ filed
Last Action: 
Mar 04, 2022
Sponsor
Senator
Republican - District 18
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$500,000
This bill appropriates in fiscal year 2023: to the Legislature -- Legislative Services -- Pass-Through: from Education Fund, One-time, $500,000.
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Oppose w/ Comment

Utah PTA supports the purpose of the commission, but is concerned about the creation of a new body separate from the constitutionally mandated school board of education.
 

Impact on Children: 

Utah PTA is supportive of the USBE vision behind the Portrait of the Graduate and its corollary model of teaching Personalized Proficiency Based Learning.

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

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;

SB0169 | Enticement of a Minor Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill concerns the offense of enticement of a minor.

Highlighted Provisions: 

12 ▸ amends provisions concerning the offense of enticement of a minor;

Bill Details
Year: 
2023
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 21, 2023
Sponsor
Senator
Republican - District 20
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

This bill will expand the definition of text messaging to include all electronic messaging when referring to enticing a minor.

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 endthe recruitment, force or involvement of a minor in conduct or violence of a sexually nature and all forms of sexual exploitation; and be it further

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 tothe 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.

SB0170 | Clean Truck Incentive Program

Description
General Description: 

This bill creates the Clean Truck Incentive Program.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill creates the Clean Truck Incentive Program.

Bill Details
Year: 
2024
Status: 
Senate/ filed
Last Action: 
Mar 01, 2024
Sponsor
Senator
Republican - District 29
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

This bill creates a grant using available federal money to incentivize the purchase of clean trucks for either business or personal use. This would remove more gasoline and diesel powered trucks from the road, further improving Utah's air quality.

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

The Right's of Utah's Children to a Sustainable Healthy Environment Position Statement

That Utah PTA exhorts governments, businesses, and individuals to invest in cleaner
technologies, renewable energy sources, and infrastructure improvements that will lead to a
healthier environment for all, especially for children and youth.

SB0171S01 | Behavioral Health Curriculum Program

Description
General Description: 

This bill requires the Huntsman Mental Health Institute, within the University of Utah, to develop a youth behavioral health curriculum.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill requires the Huntsman Mental Health Institute at the University of Utah to develop a public education behavioral health curriculum in coordination with the State Board of Education

Bill Details
Year: 
2022
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 24, 2022
Sponsor
Senator
Republican - District 11
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

Passage of this bill will increase the discussion of mental/behavioral issues within the our schools by having the experts in these issues develop a curriculum for both elementary and secondary schools and then annually update that curriculum. This will be done in cooperation with the Utah Board of Education. This curriculum will help dramatically in helping students have the resources they need for mental health and suicide prevention and will help reduce the stigma associated with mental illness. This is the #5 issue on Utah PTA's Legislative Priorities for this year.

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

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

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities: 

5. Support increased education and awareness campaigns to share evidence-based mental health knowledge and understanding of mental health disorders to students, families, and communities; and, provide early intervention and prevention programs; and, help reduce the stigma associated with mental illness.

SB0173S03 | Market Informed Compensation for Teachers

Description
General Description: 

This bill amends and creates programs to enhance teacher salary supplement opportunities.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill amends and creates programs to enhance teacher salary supplement opportunities.

Bill Details
Year: 
2024
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 18, 2024
Sponsor
Senator
Republican - District 17
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$150,000,000
This bill appropriates in fiscal year 2025: to State Board of Education - State Board and Administrative Operations - Excellence in Education and Leadership Supplement as a one-time appropriation: from the Public Education Economic Stabilization Restricted Account, One-time, $150,000,000
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Oppose
Utah PTA Resolution: 
Impact on Children: 

This bill is concerning because of a huge fiscal note- in sub 3 the cost is $150 million. It creates a teacher salary supplement program that could cause division and damage collaboration between teachers. Definition of what makes up a good teacher would be decided by a group at Utah State University rather than the local LEA.

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;

SB0175S01 | Gang Prevention Awareness Week

Description
General Description: 

This bill designates Gang Prevention Awareness Week.

Bill Details
Year: 
2019
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 21, 2019
Sponsor
Senator
Democrat - District 5
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Pending
Impact on Children: 

Gang involvement negatively affects a child's social, academic and physical well-being; Children will benefit when they see that adults and the community care about them and their safety through this prevention and awareness week.

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

Resolved, that local, council, region, and state PTA become actively involved in the education, prevention and intervention of gang related activity.

SB0175S03 | Special Education Least Restrictive Requirement Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill amends provisions related to the delivery of special education services in public schools.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill amends provisions related to the delivery of special education services in public schools.

Bill Details
Year: 
2021
Status: 
Senate/ filed
Last Action: 
Mar 05, 2021
Sponsor
Senator
Republican - District 13
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Oppose
Impact on Children: 

This would create two standards for special ed services, a state standard and a federal standard. This would make it confusing and difficult for LEAs to serve students effectively. It would allow GenEd services to count as specially designed instruction and would allow SpEd funding to pay for the teacher and/or para. This would not require that the student receive the services and supports on the IEP in addition to the gen ed services when placed in a regular class. This bill wants to give the extra WPUs currently allotted to SpEd students to the LEAs for doing nothing extra except holding the IEP meetings and possible "monitoring" the students.

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

Resolved, that Utah PTA and its constituent associations support funding for ongoing pre-service training and professional development for all teachers regarding adapting instruction to meet the needs of students with disabilities in the general education classroom; accommodations that improve access to the general curriculum; and high expectations for all students with regards to both behavior and academics; and be it further Resolved, That Utah PTA and its constituent associations support schools in implementing best practices in meeting the needs of diverse students through such practices as Universal Design for Learning (UDL), Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), and inclusion to support instruction from a Core content expert, and access to accommodations including assistive technology for students with disabilities;

SB0176S01 | Child Care Services Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill enacts the Child Care Capacity Expansion Act.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill creates the Child Care Capacity Expansion Act; describes the purpose of the Child Care Capacity Expansion Act; directs certain state departments to collaborate on implementing the Child Care Capacity Expansion Act; creates a restricted account; and requires an annual report to legislative committees.

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

This bill allows for more access to child care. In our current financial environment, we find more families in two- and single-parent working households. Access to good childcare is even more important than ever before. This bill would help remedy this situation and provide safety for our kids, as their parents work to provide for their families.

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

Resolved that the Utah PTA encourage more public and private efforts to provide after-school care and, further, That the Utah PTA encourage business and community groups to support child care.

SB0177 | Scholarships for Special Needs Students

Description
General Description: 

This bill creates the Special Needs Opportunity Scholarship Program and related income tax credits.

Bill Details
Year: 
2019
Status: 
Senate/ filed
Last Action: 
Mar 14, 2019
Sponsor
Senator
Republican - District 10
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Pending
Impact on Children: 

This is a private school voucher. Utah PTA opposes the diversion of public education monies to private schools.

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

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.

SB0177S01 | Behavioral Health Crisis Response Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill modifies the Statewide Behavioral Health Crisis Response Account.

Highlighted Provisions: 

Brings $14,863,215 from the General Fund to the Department of Health and Human Services--Integrated Health Care Services for non-Medicaid Behavioral Health Treatment and Crisis Response

Bill Details
Year: 
2022
Status: 
Senate/ filed
Last Action: 
Mar 04, 2022
Sponsor
Senator
Republican - District 12
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$29,726,400
This bill appropriates in fiscal year 2023: to General Fund Restricted -- Behavioral Health Crisis Response Account, as an ongoing appropriation: from General Fund, $14,863,200; and to Department of Health and Human Services -- Integrated Health Care Services -- Non-Medicaid Behavioral Health Treatment and Crisis Response, as an ongoing appropriation: from General Fund, $14,863,200.
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

Passage of this bill will further expand state resources to help with the growing needs of crisis response efforts involving mental health issues, providing ongoing funding for these critical efforts.

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, and to increase the number of psychologists, psychiatrists, therapists, and mental health professionals to provide adequate services for those needing help;

SB0177 | Absenteeism Prevention Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill allows a school age child's grade to include attendance under certain circumstances.

Highlighted Provisions: 

 Allows a school age child's grade to include attendance under certain circumstances;
 

Bill Details
Year: 
2024
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 21, 2024
Sponsor
Senator
Republican - District 21
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Utah PTA Resolution: 
Impact on Children: 

Studies  indicate  that  chronic absenteeism,  whether  excused  or  unexcused,  is  a  proven predictor of lower academic performance, study skills and habits, and higher dropout rates; chronic absenteeism also tends to predict significant adverse consequences in students’ lives, from the inability to reach early learning milestones to poorer outcomes later in life and lower overall wellbeing

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

That Utah PTA and its constituent associations urge the Utah legislature to appropriate sufficientfundingforthecollectionanddetailedanalysisofdataonchronicabsenteeism;for thecreation,implementationandrolloutofprogramsforchronicallyabsentstudents;andfor information campaigns to parents and students

SB0178 | Education Deadline and Fiscal Flexibility

Description
General Description: 

This bill extends or provides flexibility regarding certain education deadlines and spending restrictions.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill allows a local education agency (LEA) to transfer a portion of state restricted funds
in the LEA's general fund to be used without the state restrictions under certain conditions; extends certain expenditure deadlines by one fiscal year; delays by one year a requirement that a student fee be equal to or less than the cost to the LEA of providing an activity, course, or program.

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

This bill gives funding flexibility to LEAs to meet some of the challenges brought about by the covid-19 pandemic. It also delays some deadlines giving LEAs more time to comply.

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

PS STU 2021 Coronavirus Pandemic Impact on Student Learning
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 education appropriations that support a 4% increase in the Weighted Pupil Unit (WPU) and additional appropriations that support schools/districts with additional expenses incurred due to Covid 19.

SB0179 | Educator Salary Adjustments Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill adds the educator salary adjustments to the list of programs receiving a cost adjustment for inflation.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill adds the educator salary adjustments to the list of programs receiving a cost adjustment for inflation
 

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

Educators salaries deserve to be indexed to inflation. This serves as a minimal tool for attraction and retention of educators.

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

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

SB0183 | Educator Salary Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill makes additions to the appropriations calculation of certain educator salary programs.

Highlighted Provisions: 

 This bill:
13          ▸     adds an appropriation adjustment for the educator salary adjustments and the
14     Teacher Salary Supplement Program;
15          ▸     modifies what constitutes an eligible teacher for purposes of the educator salary
16     adjustments and the Teacher Salary Supplement Program;

Bill Details
Year: 
2023
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 17, 2023
Sponsor
Senator
Republican - District 28
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

Better paid teachers helps attracting and retaining good teachers

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

That Utah PTA support adequate funding for and encourage consideration of financial incentives to recruit and retain highly qualified and effective educator

SB0184S03 | School Assessment and Accountability Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill makes amendments to provisions related to public school assessment and accountability.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill:
▸ provides that, for the 2020-2021 school year, the State Board of Education is not
required to:
• identify schools not achieving state-established acceptable levels of student
performance for the 2020-2021 school year;
• assign to each school an overall rating using an A through F letter grading scale;
• publish a report card for each school on the state board's website; or
• determine school performance success and student academic achievement under the Teacher and Student Success Program.

Bill Details
Year: 
2021
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 17, 2021
Sponsor
Senator
Democrat - District 15
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

Perceptions of school quality are impacted by schools’ accountability ratings and have consequences for the economy of the schools’ community. It will be beneficial to remove the focus on assessment in order to focus on helping students and schools overcome the disruptions caused by the pandemic.

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

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: 

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.

SB0187S04 | Local Education Agency Policies Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill creates certain requirements for public health orders that directly affect local education agencies and private schools.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill provides that a local education agency is not required to enforce a requirement in a
public health order for individuals to wear a face mask on school grounds

Bill Details
Year: 
2021
Status: 
Governor Vetoed
Last Action: 
Mar 24, 2021
Sponsor
Senator
Republican - District 20
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Unnecessary
Impact on Children: 

Masks are currently recommended by the CDC and mandated by the State of Utah to be worn in schools. This bill would leave many students and teachers at risk of contracting covid-19 if an LEA chooses to not enforce the mandate.

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

National PTA Position Statement - Reopening Schools for 2020-21
It is our association’s position that plans for reopening shall incorporate the best available science and the expertise of infectious disease doctors and health practitioners. Plans should also strictly follow the most up-to-date Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines, including but not limited to reasonable social distancing, rigorous sanitizing processes and viral screening and testing protocols. National PTA believes that states and school districts must plan and align logistics, educational strategies and public health approaches into one coherent response.