Safety

HB0479 | Mental Health Wellbeing in Schools Pilot Program

Description

General Description:

This bill creates a one-year pilot program to address mental health in schools.

Bill Details

Bill Number:

HB0479

Year:

2020

Status:

House/ filed

Last Action:

Mar 12, 2020

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

$0

None

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Support w/ Comment

Utah PTA supports and encourages training and education on mental health, however, we believe in local decisions on programs used.

Utah PTA Resolution:

HEA 2019-1 | Prevention & Promotion of Health Behaviors

HEA 2019-2 | Youth Suicide Prevention

Impact on Children:

Utah PTA and its constituent associations will participate and support methods to assess and recognize the risk and protective factors in their local schools, families, and communities;

Utah PTA and its constituent associations encourage the Utah Legislature to provide adequate funding to provide suicide prevention programs in every district and school in the State of Utah

Commission:

Safety

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

That the National PTA and its branches encourage each community to make available mental health programs and services which will meet the needs of all children and youth.

Resolved, That National PTA and its constituent associations strongly encourage efforts to establish comprehensive community mental health providers to offer preventative and treatment services to children and adults and comprehensive school mental health programs that include adequate access to school psychologists, school counselors and school social workers; and be it

Resolved, That National PTA and its constituent associations advocate for ongoing teacher and administrator training to improve the understanding of child emotional and mental health needs with emphasis on the importance of establishing a school climate conducive to good mental health; and be it

Resolved, That National PTA and its constituent associations promote educational programs for parents and families to strengthen understanding and supportive home environment; and be it

Resolved, The National PTA and its constituent associations support efforts to provide education and other supports for school staff and professional development to assist with addressing mental health issues with emphasis on early detection; and be it

Resolved, That National PTA and its constituent associations support and encourage reducing the stigma of mental illness and build a of understanding around children and youth mental health.

Utah PTA Legislative Policy:

Prioritizing the needs of all children and youth, while adhering to fiscal responsibility in government.

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

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities:

Prioritizing the needs of all children and youth, while adhering to fiscal responsibility in government.

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

Links

Resolution on Mental Health Programs and Services

HB0344S01 | Sex Offender Restrictions Amendments

Description

General Description:

This bill provides additional restrictions on individuals who must register as a sex offender.

Bill Details

Bill Number:

HB0344S01

Year:

2020

Status:

Governor Signed

Last Action:

Mar 28, 2020

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

$0

None

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Support

This bill provides that a sex offender may not instruct, supervise, or care for a minor in a professional capacity; accept a minor into the sex offender's home; or serve as a coach, manager, or trainer of a minor

Utah PTA Resolution:

FAM 2009-2 | Child Abuse and Neglect

Impact on Children:

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

Commission:

Safety

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

Utah PTA and its constituent associations will support evidence based programs to decrease risk factors and increase protective factors in our homes, schools and communities; and be it further Resolved, Utah PTA and its constituent associations will support legislation and measures that will promote healthy behaviors with our youth

Utah PTA Legislative Policy:

High standards for those who work in all areas concerned with children and youth.

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

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities:

4. Support safe practices and environments for all children.

National PTA and Utah PTA Position Statements:

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,

Links

RESPONSE TO SEXUAL HARASSMENT AND SEXUAL VIOLENCE AFFECTING STUDENTS

HB0384S02 | Juvenile Justice Amendments

Description

General Description:

This bill addresses provisions related to juvenile justice.

Bill Details

Bill Number:

HB0384S02

Year:

2020

Status:

Governor Signed

Last Action:

Mar 28, 2020

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

$0

None

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Support

This bill amends provisions regarding offenses committed by minors on school property, including requiring a referral to the Division of Juvenile Justice Services if a minor refuses to participate in an evidence-based intervention;

It also specifies that a child may not be confined in a jail, lockup, or used for an adult who is charged with a crime; or in a secure facility operated by the division.

Commission:

Safety

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

Juvenile Justice - Encourage collaboration between law enforcement, the judicial system, and child welfare agencies.

Promote alternative dispute resolution techniques that provide a range of possible sanctions.

Prohibit youth who are charged with a serious crime from being tried in the adult court system unless there has been an opportunity for a judicial hearing and appeal.

Prohibit the incarceration of youth in adult facilities.

Utah PTA Legislative Policy:

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.

High standards for those who work in all areas concerned with children and youth.

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

National PTA and Utah PTA Position Statements:

Juvenile Justice - Encourage collaboration between law enforcement, the judicial system, and child welfare agencies.

National PTA Public Policy Agenda

Include effective parent and family stakeholder engagement provisions in education and youth-related reauthorization bills

Links

CHILD SAFETY AND PROTECTION PS

HB0311 | Controlled Substance Enhancement Amendments

Description

General Description:

This bill increases the penalty for a person convicted of engaging in a criminal enterprise.

Bill Details

Bill Number:

HB0311

Year:

2020

Status:

Governor Signed

Last Action:

Mar 24, 2020

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

$0

None

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Support

This bill increases the penalty for a person convicted of engaging in a criminal enterprise that uses minors in furtherance of the enterprise.

Utah PTA Resolution:

HEA 2007-1 | Substance Abuse

Impact on Children:

Substance abuse can destroy the lives of individuals and their families and friends, and is a major contributor to the breakdown of communities and society in general;

Commission:

Safety

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

That Utah PTA supports legislative action that institutes or appropriately increases criminal penalties for individuals or organizations promoting substance abuse of any kind (including the sale or distribution of alcohol and/or tobacco to underage persons)

Utah PTA Legislative Policy:

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:

4. Support safe practices and environments for all children.

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

National PTA and Utah PTA Position Statements:

Substance and alcohol abuse affects many areas of the brain and can cause adverse behavioral, psychological, and social consequences; and over the counter sale of dangerous substances make them readily available to our youth;

That the National PTA and its constituent organizations increase public awareness regarding the methods, symptoms, effects and dangers of substance and alcohol abuse to our children and youth.

Links

SUBSTANCE AND ALCOHOL ABUSE AWARENESS AND PREVENTION

HB0323S02 | School Mental Health Funding Amendments

Description

General Description:

This bill addresses provisions relating to school-based mental health support.

Bill Details

Bill Number:

HB0323S02

Year:

2020

Status:

Governor Signed

Last Action:

Mar 28, 2020

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

$0

None

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Support

In Utah, suicide is the leading cause of death for children ages 11-17; and the State of Utah ranks 5th in the nation for suicide deaths in 2018;

Suicidal children usually do not want to die, but are unable to recognize other solutions for problems;

There are a myriad of reasons why children die by suicide or have suicidal thoughts and it cannot be traced back to one event;

Many suicidal children start off with mental health symptoms including anxiety, depression, lack of coping and decision-making skills, and lack of connection;

Many suicidal children exhibit significant warning signs before they attempt or die by suicide and most people, including parents, trusted adults and friends either do not recognize the seriousness of these warning signs or ignore them because they do not know what to do to help; It is imperative that children get screened for mental health issues.

Utah PTA Resolution:

HEA 2019-1 | Prevention & Promotion of Health Behaviors

HEA 2019-2 | Youth Suicide Prevention

Impact on Children:

Utah PTA and its constituent associations will participate and support methods to assess and recognize the risk and protective factors in their local schools, families, and communities;

Utah PTA and its constituent associations will continue to support methods to gather information that will assist in monitoring, anticipating and predicting youth behaviors;

That Utah PTA and its constituent associations advocate for more research and funding in determining the causes of suicide, and advocate for best practices in treating mental illness and suicidal ideation,

Utah PTA and its constituent associations support that each school district’s crisis intervention procedures include intervention in feeder schools and in the community;

Utah PTA and its constituent associations encourage the Utah Legislature to provide adequate funding to provide suicide prevention programs in every district and school in the State of Utah

Commission:

Safety

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

Utah PTA Legislative Policy:

Prioritizing the needs of all children and youth, while adhering to fiscal responsibility in government.

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

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities:

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

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

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.

National PTA and Utah PTA Position Statements:

EARLY IDENTIFICATION AND INTERVENTIONS FOR CHILDREN WITH MENTAL HEALTH NEEDS Position Statement

National PTA Public Policy Agenda

Include effective parent and family stakeholder engagement provisions in education and youth-related reauthorization bills

Links

EARLY IDENTIFICATION AND INTERVENTIONS FOR CHILDREN WITH MENTAL HEALTH NEEDS Position Statement

HB0084 | Traffic Code Amendments

Description

General Description:

This bill amends provisions in the Traffic Code regarding the penalties for passing a school bus.

Bill Details

Bill Number:

HB0084

Year:

2020

Status:

Governor Signed

Last Action:

Mar 24, 2020

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

$0

None

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Support

Impact on Children:

While school buses remain the safest way for students to get to and from school, students who ride in buses are most vulnerable when they are outside the bus in the "danger zone", the area that they enter or exit a school bus. In a recent one-day test with the state of Utah, officials found 917 drivers totally disregarded school bus stop arms, this translates into more than 165,000 Stop Arm Violations in a school year.

Studies have shown that, without the threat of enforcement and without the public actually seeing or hearing about the law being enforced (this includes prosecution and conviction) there will be no change in behavior.

Commission:

Safety

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

Resolved, That the National PTA urge its state branches, councils, and local units to work with other community groups and agencies to maintain a continuing surveillance of safety matters in their areas; and be it further

Resolved, That state laws and local ordinances be monitored to assure adequate safety regulations for the protection of children and youth;

Utah PTA Legislative Policy:

3. The observance and understanding of the rights and obligations of responsible citizenship and ethical government; and,

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities:

4. Support safe practices and environments for all children.

Links

National PTA Safety Resolution

HB0236S01 | Safe School Route Evaluations

Description

General Description:

This bill requires a school traffic safety committee to include recommendations for infrastructure improvements in a child access routing plan.

Bill Details

Bill Number:

HB0236S01

Year:

2020

Status:

House/ filed

Last Action:

Mar 12, 2020

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

$0

None

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Local Issue

Utah PTA believes this is a local issue. Schools should work with their local municipal or county highway authority shall evaluate the recommendations for improvements in the child access routing plan and provide feedback to the committee on the improvements recommended in the child access routing plan that the municipal or county highway authority has prioritized for the following year.

Utah PTA Resolution:

SAF 1998-1 | Pedestrian Safety

SAF 2001-2 | School Pedestrian Safety

Impact on Children:

According to Safe Routes Utah -

Creating safe walking and biking routes to school leads to
Improved Academics - Students who are healthy, awake and alert show improved academic performance and decreased tardiness and absence due to transportation challenges.
Physical Activity - Daily physical activity builds strong bones, muscles and joints. It forms healthy lifelong habits that decrease the risk of chronic disease and obesity.
Social Development - Spending time with family and community provides positive social opportunities.
Safer Students -Traffic safety instruction and practice increases confidence and safe behaviors. It also decreases dangerous traffic congestion during pickup and drop-off.
Cleaner Air - Walking and biking to school reduces the need for bus services and idling cars during pickup and drop-off.
Saves Time and Money - When you avoid driving your kids to school, you save on gasoline and wear and tear on your car.

Commission:

Safety

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

SAF 2001-2 School Pedestrian Safety

Resolved, That local PTAs review and offer suggestions on pedestrian safety for each school’s child access routing plan.

SAF 1998-1 Pedestrian Safety
Resolved, That Utah PTA and its constituent bodies educate parents and students about pedestrian safety issues and solutions; and be if further ...
Resolved, That Utah PTA continue to work with the Utah State Legislature to secure adequate funding specifically dedicated to safe school routes and pedestrian safety devices; and be it further
Resolved, That Utah PTA work with Utah State Legislature to ensure that whenever public funds are used to construct road improvements, pedestrian safety, with particular attention to school crossings, zones and sidewalks be addressed during planning and construction.

Utah PTA Legislative Policy:

4. Support safe practices and environments for all children.

HB0116S04 | Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Girls Task Force

Description

General Description:

This bill creates the Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Girls Task Force.

Bill Details

Bill Number:

HB0116S04

Year:

2020

Status:

Governor Signed

Last Action:

Mar 28, 2020

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

$9,200

This bill appropriates in fiscal year 2021: to the Legislature - Senate as a one-time appropriation: from the General Fund, $3,200; to the Legislature - House of Representatives as a one-time appropriation: from the General Fund, $3,200; to the Legislature - Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel as a one-time appropriation: from the General Fund, $2,800.

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Support

Impact on Children:

Among native youth, more than 60% have been recently exposed to violence in different sectors of their lives - at home, school, and within their community and 75% of those youth are more likely to become a future victims of violence or a perpetrator. A 2019 Center for Disease Control report shows that homicide is the 2nd and 3rd leading cause of death for Native American girls ages 1 to 4 and 5 to 9 respectively.

Commission:

Safety

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

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

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities:

4. Support safe practices and environments for all children.

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

HB0136 | Safe Storage of Firearms Amendments

Description

General Description:

This bill relates to firearm storage.

Bill Details

Bill Number:

HB0136

Year:

2020

Status:

House/ filed

Last Action:

Mar 12, 2020

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

$0

None

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Support

Impact on Children:

PTA believes that all children and youth should have an education that develops safe habits and attitudes, and should live in an environment free of avoidable physical hazards; and Gun education programs are widely available and heavily promoted;

Commission:

Safety

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

National PTA Firearm Safety and Awareness Resolution
Resolved, That the National PTA urge its constituent bodies to participate in firearm safety and awareness programs carefully chosen to avoid those that might inadvertently encourage or promote children's access to firearms; and be it further
Resolved, That the National PTA encourage its constituent bodies to educate parents, children, youth and communities about the importance of firearm safety and awareness;

Utah PTA Legislative Policy:

3. The observance and understanding of the rights and obligations of responsible citizenship and ethical government;

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities:

4. Support safe practices and environments for all children.

National PTA Public Policy Agenda

Enact Legislation to Protect Youth, Families and Communities From Gun and Other Violence Firearms are the second-leading cause of death for American children and teens, with nearly 1,600 children and teens dying by gun homicide every year. Congress must:
✓ Fund federal research on the causes and effects of gun violence on youth and in communities, as well as research on evidence-based strategies to reduce gun violence

Links

National PTA Firearm Safety and Awareness Resolution

HB0109 | Universal Background Checks for Firearm Purchasers

Description

General Description:

This bill requires a background check for all firearm sales.

Bill Details

Bill Number:

HB0109

Year:

2020

Status:

House/ filed

Last Action:

Mar 12, 2020

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

$0

None

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Support w/ Comment

Utah PTA advocates for gun safety and violence prevention measures for the benefit and safety of children while recognizing the importance of responsible gun ownership and Second Amendment rights to the citizens of Utah.

Impact on Children:

For nearly 30 years, National PTA has advocated for common-sense and comprehensive gun safety and violence prevention measures while preserving the lawful use of firearms for sport and personal protection.

Commission:

Safety

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Position Statements:

National PTA Firearms Position Statement
Given the history and tradition of strong support for the safety and protection of children and youth, the National PTA supports federal restrictions on firearms that would require, prior to purchasing a firearm, a waiting period and background check to screen out illegal firearm purchasers such as convicted felons and drug-related offenders;

National PTA Public Policy Agenda

Enact Legislation to Protect Youth, Families and Communities From Gun and Other Violence
Firearms are the second-leading cause of death for American children and teens, with nearly 1,600 children and teens dying by gun homicide every year. Congress must:
Require a waiting period and a comprehensive background check for any individual prior to buying a firearm from both licensed and unlicensed dealers

Links

Position Statement - Firearms

National PTA's 2019-2020 Public Policy Agenda