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
Bill Number: 
SB0187S04
Year: 
2021
Status: 
Governor Vetoed
Last Action: 
Mar 24, 2021
Sponsor
Senator
Ronald M. Winterton
Republican - District 20
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
View Fiscal Note
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.