HB0399S01 | Prohibition Against Student Character Tracking and Grading Systems

Description
General Description: 

This bill defines character education and creates restraints on certain entities regarding the use of character education.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill repeals certain requirements related to civics education and character education; prohibits certain local education agency personnel from providing character education to a student in most instances and levies fines for violation of these restrictions.

Bill Details
Year: 
2026
Status: 
House/ filed
Last Action: 
Mar 06, 2026
Sponsor
Representative
Republican - District 16
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Oppose
Impact on Children: 

This bill would have a detrimental effect on character education in our schools. Teachers and administrators would be prohibited from talking about emotional learning, including topics like: 21st century skills, competencies, civic or family engagement, durable skills, lifelong learning skills, interventions, non-academic skills, social skills, soft skills, subjective skills, personalized learning, or well being. The bill is too broad and will prohibit discussion about and learning valuable skills.

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

National: Resolution on Social and Emotional Learning and Awareness

 

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 National PTA and its constituent associations promote educational programs for parents and families to strengthen understanding and supportive home environment