Legislative Bills

HB0559 | Firearm Revisions

Description

General Description:

This bill concerns firearm restrictions and requirements.

Highlighted Provisions:

This bill prohibits the sale, possession, and transfer of certain assault weapons and large-capacity magazines; raises the minimum age to purchase certain firearms to 21 years old and creates exceptions; requires criminal history background checks for certain transfers of a firearm between persons who are not federal firearms licensees;

Bill Details

Bill Number:

HB0559

Year:

2024

Status:

House/ filed

Last Action:

Mar 01, 2024

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

None

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Support

Impact on Children:

PTA has a rich history of advocating for the safety of children and youth. Our leaders must acknowledge and address the ease of access to firearms and assault weapons. We must make every attempt to reduce violence, especially those incidents that involve firearms.

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 Position Statement on Gun Safety and Violence Prevention
Greater enforcement of federal and state minimum age requirements for handgun purchases
Raise the federal minimum age to 21 to purchase handguns, shot guns and rifles from any type of dealer

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.

HB0561S03 | Communication Awareness Pilot Program

Description

General Description:

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

Highlighted Provisions:

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

Bill Details

Bill Number:

HB0561S03

Year:

2024

Status:

Governor Signed

Last Action:

Mar 14, 2024

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

$250,000

This bill appropriates in fiscal year 2025: to Department of Health and Human Services - Operations - Public Affairs, Education & Outreach as a one-time appropriation: from the General Fund, One-time, $250,000

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Support

Utah PTA Resolution:

FAM 2023-1 | Parenting

Impact on Children:

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

Commission:

Family Life

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

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

Utah PTA Legislative Policy:

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

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities:

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

HB0566 | Flavored Tobacco Restrictions

Description

General Description:

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

Highlighted Provisions:

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

Bill Details

Bill Number:

HB0566

Year:

2024

Status:

House/ filed

Last Action:

Mar 01, 2024

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

None

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Support

Utah PTA Resolution:

HEA 2015-2 | Electronic Cigarettes and Utah Youth

Impact on Children:

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

Commission:

Health

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

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

HB0572S01 | State Treasurer Investment Amendments

Description

General Description:

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

Highlighted Provisions:

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

Bill Details

Bill Number:

HB0572S01

Year:

2024

Status:

Governor Signed

Last Action:

Mar 21, 2024

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

None

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Oppose w/ Comment

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

Utah PTA Resolution:

EDU 2023-1 | Education Funding

Impact on Children:

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

Commission:

Community Engagement

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

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

HB0583 | Student Access to Books

Description

General Description:

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

Highlighted Provisions:

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

Bill Details

Bill Number:

HB0583

Year:

2024

Status:

House/ filed

Last Action:

Mar 01, 2024

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

None

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Local Issue

Impact on Children:

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

Commission:

Education

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

Utah PTA Legislative Policy:

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

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities:

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

HB6004 | School Emergency Drills Amendments

Description

General Description:

This bill makes changes to the State Fire Code related to emergency evacuation drill requirements for certain educational facilities during the 2020-2021 school year.

Bill Details

Bill Number:

HB6004

Year:

2020

Status:

Governor Signed

Last Action:

Aug 31, 2020

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

None

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Support

Commission:

Safety

HCR001 | Concurrent Resolution Encouraging Discussion about Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse

Description

General Description:

This concurrent resolution encourages discussion about the effects and prevention of child sexual abuse.

Highlighted Provisions:

This resolution:
14          ▸     acknowledges the widespread nature of child sexual abuse in Utah;
15          ▸     explains the impact of child sexual abuse on survivors and communities;
16          ▸     encourages discussion about the effects and prevalence of child sexual abuse; and
17          ▸     encourages discussion about ways in which the government, communities, and
18     citizens of Utah can prevent child sexual abuse and support those affected.

Bill Details

Bill Number:

HCR001

Year:

2023

Status:

House/ filed

Last Action:

Mar 03, 2023

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Support

Utah PTA Resolution:

FAM 2009-2 | Child Abuse and Neglect

Impact on Children:

We must reduce the number of children who are sexually abused. This bill will help us move forward in that goal.

Commission:

Family Life

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

Resolved, That Utah PTA and its constituent associations collaborate with schools and community organizations to increase awareness of the problem of child abuse, neglect, maltreatment, and exploitation land to help educate families, children, and educators about the causes of and strategies to prevent abuse; and be it further
Resolved, That Utah PTA and its constituent associations support prevention and intervention programs that teach positive parenting skills, coping strategies for caretakers, and appropriate response techniques for children; and be it further
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.

HCR002 | Concurrent Resolution Encouraging Discussion about Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse

Description

General Description:

This concurrent resolution encourages discussion about the effects and prevention of child sexual abuse.

Highlighted Provisions:

This resolution:
acknowledges the widespread nature of child sexual abuse in Utah;
explains the impact of child sexual abuse on survivors and communities;
encourages discussion about the effects and prevalence of child sexual abuse; and
encourages discussion about ways in which the government, communities, and
citizens of Utah can prevent child sexual abuse and support those affected.

Bill Details

Bill Number:

HCR002

Year:

2022

Status:

House/ filed

Last Action:

Mar 04, 2022

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Support

Utah PTA Resolution:

SAF 2016-2 | Sexual Exploitation of a Minor

Impact on Children:

Childhood sexual abuse infringes on the basic rights of human beings. The nature and dynamics of sexual abuse and sexually abusive relationships are often traumatic. When sexual abuse occurs in childhood it can hinder normal social growth and be a cause of many different psychosocial problems. This joint resolution encourages greater study and open discussion about the effects and prevalence of child sexual abuse

Commission:

Safety

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

To secure adequate laws for the care and protection of children and youth. Prioritizing the needs of all children and youth, while adhering to fiscal responsibility in government.

National PTA and Utah PTA Position Statements:

National PTA Resolution: RESPONSE TO SEXUAL HARASSMENT AND SEXUAL VIOLENCE
AFFECTING STUDENTS

Resolved, That National PTA and its constituent associations collaborate with school administrations, institutions of higher learning, and community partners to ensure that every school:

Provides support services for victims of sexual harassment and sexual violence, and
Presents awareness and prevention programs that address sexual harassment and sexual violence affecting students, and
Includes training on the responsibilities of educational institutions, as well as the rights of sexual violence and sexual harassment victims under Title IX and other laws and regulations.

HCR003 | Concurrent Resolution Regarding Child Sexual Abuse Material

Description

General Description:

This resolution declares child sexual abuse material to be at odds with the standards of the people of Utah.

Highlighted Provisions:

This resolution: discusses the increased proliferation of child sexual abuse material on the Internet; outlines how emerging technologies contribute to the proliferation of these heinous materials; describes the damages caused by child sexual abuse material; and declares child sexual abuse material, no matter how it is produced, to be at odds with the standards of the people of Utah.

Bill Details

Bill Number:

HCR003

Year:

2024

Status:

Governor Signed

Last Action:

Feb 28, 2024

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Support

Utah PTA Resolution:

SAF 2016-2 | Sexual Exploitation of a Minor

Impact on Children:

This resolution focuses on the increasing issue of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) on the internet, particularly its creation through artificial intelligence (AI). It states that CSAM, regardless of its production method, is against Utah's societal values. The resolution also emphasizes the state's commitment to combat the use of AI in spreading CSAM, asserting that there is no value or justification for such material

Commission:

Safety

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

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

Resolved, That Utah PTA and its constituent associations work with policy makers in government, non-government, school and community organizations to raise awareness of the effects of prolonged and increased exposure to sexually explicit materials,

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.

HCR003 | Concurrent Resolution Encouraging Consideration of a Later Start Time for High School

Description

General Description:

This concurrent resolution encourages school districts and charter schools to consider the possible benefits and consequences of a later start to the school day for high schools.

Bill Details

Bill Number:

HCR003

Year:

2020

Status:

Governor Signed

Last Action:

Mar 24, 2020

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Support w/ Comment

Utah PTA appreciates the opportunity this Resolution gives us to begin the discussion regarding healthy sleep requirements of our adolescent children. We also recognize that each of our LEAs will need the local control to do what’s best for families, employees and resources regarding scheduling.

Impact on Children:

Natural sleep rhythms change as children grow into adolescence, such that adolescents require an increased amount of sleep, have difficulty falling asleep before 11:00 PM, and function optimally if permitted to remain asleep until 8:00 AM or later; and Studies have demonstrated that the duration of sleep is positively correlated with academic outcomes for secondary school students;

Commission:

Student Leadership

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

National PTA Resolution on Healthy Sleep for Adolescents

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;

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities:

4. Support safe practices and environments for all children.

Legislative Bills

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