Legislative Bills

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HB0018S01 | Online Dating Safety Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill concerns online dating service safety requirements.

Highlighted Provisions: 

▸ requires certain safety notifications and disclosures by an online dating service provider;
▸ provides enforcement procedures and a penalty for a violation of the notifications

Bill Details
Year: 
2023
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 13, 2023
Sponsor
Representative
Democrat - District 25
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Utah PTA Resolution: 
Impact on Children: 

Too many people including teens are deceived, defrauded, or misled by users of online dating apps. This bill would help to keep our community safe by notifying users of dating apps if another user has a criminal record.

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

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities: 

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

 

HB0018S01 | Driver Education Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill amends provisions related to driver education requirements and driver licenses.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill:
          ▸     extends the term of a learner permit from one year to 18 months;
          ▸     changes identifying information required on a driver license application to include "sex" instead of "gender";
          ▸     removes certain references to a "school district" and replaces that term with "local education agency" to ensure that Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind receive funding and resources for driver education;
          ▸     prohibits rules requiring driver education observation hours; and
          ▸     makes technical changes.

Bill Details
Year: 
2021
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 17, 2021
Sponsor
Representative
Republican - District 20
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support

We are having the PTSA students follow this bill as part of the virtual Student Days at the Capitol.

We are supportive of the additional 6 months for the learner's permit, and of the change in observation hours due to COVID restrictions.

Impact on Children: 

This bill would directly impact high school students learning to drive. We want them to get involved with bills that they can use to help them learn to advocate for themselves.

Commission: 
Student Leadership
Day at the Capitol
Utah PTA Public Policy Program
National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions: 

National PTA Resolution on Teen Driving Safety

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities: 

#6 - Civic Engagement & character development

Having the students follow this bill will help the students develop skills in these areas.

HB0020S01 | Driving Under the Influence Sentencing Amendments

Description
General Description: 

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

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill:
prohibits sentencing reductions for driving under the influence related offenses in
certain circumstances; requires reinstatement of certain sentences if an individual fails to complete certain requirements of an approved 24/7 sobriety program; creates a separate offense for each person in a vehicle that is under 16 years old
when the driver is operating the vehicle while under the influence of drugs or
alcohol; prohibits an impaired driving reduction if: the person had a blood alcohol level of .16 or higher; the person had a blood alcohol level of .05 or higher in addition to any
measurable controlled substance in the person's body; or the person had a combination of two or more controlled substances in the person's body that were not appropriately prescribed or recommended;
provides additional sentencing options for certain individuals convicted of
driving under the influence;
for purposes of sentencing, excludes from the definition of "controlled substance" an
inactive metabolite of the controlled substance;

Bill Details
Year: 
2021
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 16, 2021
Sponsor
Representative
Republican - District 45
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

No child should be put in danger from drunk driving. Drunk driving is not only irresponsible but criminal. This bill will deter the instance of DUI and decrease the crash risk of offenders. Offenders are already arrested because of impairment. This bill increases penalties and prohibits sentencing reductions if the offender has more than .16 BAC or a combination of two or more controlled substances in their body that were not appropriately prescribed.

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

National PTA Resolution on ENFORCEMENT OF LAWS REGARDING ALCOHOL, DRUGS, AND DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE
Resolved, That National PTA and its constituent organizations will support strict enforcement of driving under the influence laws and the passage of more stringent laws that would remove from the road drivers under the influence of alcohol or other drugs;

Resolved, That Utah State PTA support stiffer penalties for alcohol and drug possession by minors; and be it further
Resolved, That Utah State PTA support legislation to suspend driving privileges of minors for alcohol and drug possession offenses.

Utah PTA Legislative Policy: 

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

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities: 

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

HB0020 | Human Trafficking Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill clarifies and amends certain language regarding human trafficking and creates an offense for trafficking a vulnerable adult.

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

This bill replaces references to "children engaged in prostitution" with "children engaged in commercial sex";and directs law enforcement to investigate possible human trafficking of a child when they encounter a child engaged in commercial sex; This law also allows victims to seek Civil recourse from their human traffickers or those benefiting from human trafficking of the victim.

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

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 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;

National PTA Public Policy Agenda

Child Trafficking Resolution from 2009:
Resolved, That National PTA and its constituent organizations support the adoption and enforcement of laws that will deter the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring, or receipt of children for the purpose of exploitation; and be it further

Resolved, That National PTA and its constituent organizations advocate for the protection of rights of victims and support efforts to provide measures for the physical, psychological, and social recovery of victims of child trafficking; and be it further

HB0021S01 | School and Child Care Center Water Testing Requirements

Description
General Description: 

This bill addresses water quality for schools and child care centers.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill requires certain testing of water for lead at schools and child care centers

Bill Details
Year: 
2022
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 23, 2022
Sponsor
Representative
Republican - District 16
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

Exposure to lead can seriously harm a child's health, including: damage to the brain and nervous system; slowed growth and development; learning and behavior problems; and, hearing and speech problems. The key is to keep children from coming into contact with lead. Drinking water delivered through lead-based pipes, faucets, and plumbing fixtures (often found in Utah's older schools and day care facilities) is of especial concern.
 

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

National PTA urges its members at all levels to monitor, support, and advocate for laws, regulations, and programs that protect children from health risks by testing for specific hazards in and around homes and schools and, if hazards are found, by limiting exposure and addressing remedies.

National PTA and Utah PTA Position Statements: 

Environmental Health, Remediation, Sustainability and Climate Change

National PTA Public Policy Agenda

PTA Calls on Congress and the Administration to Invest in School Infrastructure: Address health hazards including poor air quality, substandard heating and cooling equipment, unsafe drinking water supply and lead contamination.

HB0021 | Intergenerational Poverty Plan Implementation Program Extension

Description
General Description: 

This bill modifies the Legislative Oversight and Sunset Act.

Bill Details
Year: 
2020
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 31, 2020
Sponsor
Representative
Republican - District 58
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

This bill extends the sunset date for the Intergenerational Poverty Plan Implementation Pilot program.

  1. Strengthen families and children social and emotional well being through affordable housing, homelessness initiative.
  2. Award grants to programs impacting those children in Intergenerational Poverty.
Commission: 
Family Life
Utah PTA Public Policy Program
National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions: 

Utah PTA Resolution FAM 2014-1 Intergenerational Poverty Resolved, That Utah PTA support programs that help mentoring families, including those that focus on the individual or family for a significant amount of time, teaching parenting skills, promoting continuing education, encouraging good health care for themselves and their children, and helping children succeed in school.

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities: 

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.

HB0021S05 | Open and Public Meetings Act Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill modifies the Open and Public Meetings Act relating to public comment requirements and electronic meetings for certain public bodies.

Highlighted Provisions: 

12          This bill:
13          ▸     requires a local school board holding an open meeting to allow a reasonable
14     opportunity for the public to provide verbal comments at the meeting, subject to
15     certain exceptions;
16          ▸     requires a local school board to adopt a written policy allowing public comment in a
17     public meeting;

Bill Details
Year: 
2023
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 14, 2023
Sponsor
Representative
Democrat - District 24
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Pending
Impact on Children: 

Allowing reasonable public comment creates a space for advocates of Utah's children to be heard in settings where the welfare of Utah's children and decisions that could affect their future may be being discussed.

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

Resolved,That Utah PTA and its constituent associations encourage local and state school boards as well as school level administration and school level leadership teams to seek input from parents when developing policies to improve education;

Utah PTA Legislative Policy: 

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: 

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

HB0022 | Concurrent Enrollment Revisions

Description
General Description: 

This bill expands the eligibility of a PRIME program certificate.

Highlighted Provisions: 

Expands concurrent enrollment certificate achievement and opportunities for more students in the state, to include CTE and apprenticeships, etc.

Bill Details
Year: 
2024
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 12, 2024
Sponsor
Representative
Republican - District 56
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

This bill would create more opportunities for more students for Career and Technical Education (CTE) and apprenticeship programs.

Commission: 
Student Leadership
Utah PTA Public Policy Program
National PTA and Utah PTA Position Statements: 

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.

HB0023S07 | Tobacco and Electronic Cigarette Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill amends provisions related to tobacco products and electronic cigarettes.

Bill Details
Year: 
2020
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 30, 2020
Sponsor
Representative
Republican - District 55
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Pending

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

Impact on Children: 

Certain stores that sell vaping products are finding loopholes in the law that allow them to operate close to schools. The bill will help to get tobacco specialty shops identified correctly and away from places where children are located.

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

Resolved, That Utah PTA seek and support legislation that would include ENDS in the Utah Code Annotated definition of tobacco products and treat them as such – including the need for licensing, sales restrictions, tax parity, and marketing; and, be it further Resolved, That Utah PTA support state and local ordinances that appropriately address regulations of ENDS products;

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities: 

4. Support safe practices and environments for all children.

HB0025 | Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Girls Task Force Sunset Extension

Description
General Description: 

This bill amends provisions related to the Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Girls Task Force.

Highlighted Provisions: 

16          This bill:
17          ▸     changes the name of the Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Girls Task
18     Force (task force) to the Murdered and Missing Indigenous Relatives Task Force;
19     and
20          ▸     extends from November 30, 2023, to November 30, 2024:

Bill Details
Year: 
2023
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 14, 2023
Sponsor
Representative
Democrat - District 25
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

The Murdered and Missing Indigenous Relatives task force would be extended for a year. The task force will provide a report to the Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee with a summary of their findings and ideas for improvement to keep indigenous women and children safer.

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

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

Utah PTA Legislative Policy: 

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

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities: 

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

National PTA and Utah PTA Position Statements: 

Assist in the identification and return of missing or runaway children.