Legislative Bills

HB0444 | School Personnel Communications with Parents Amendments

Description

General Description:

This bill amends provisions related to school personnel communications with parents.

Bill Details

Bill Number:

HB0444

Year:

2020

Status:

House/ filed

Last Action:

Mar 12, 2020

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

None

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Support

Utah PTA Resolution:

EDU 2013-1 | Family Engagement in Education (retired)

Impact on Children:

Requires school personnel to communicate with parents regarding concerns about student mental health/wellness and learning needs.

Commission:

Education

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

Utah PTA Resolution 2013-1 Family Engagement - Resolved, That Utah PTA support policies of the State Board of Education and local school districts that result in practices that encourage parental engagement in education.

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities:

Utah PTA Legislative Priority #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.

Links

Utah PTA EDU 2013-1 Family Engagement

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities

HB0448 | State Water Program Reporting Requirements

Description

General Description:

This bill addresses reporting regarding legislative water optimization efforts.

Highlighted Provisions:

This bill addresses reporting regarding legislative water optimization efforts to ensure transparency and effectiveness.

Bill Details

Bill Number:

HB0448

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:

There are many legislative efforts happening all over the state to optimize conserving water. This bill would require a review of those efforts and suggested changes if the programs are not operating effectively to ensure the best conservation efforts possible

Commission:

Health

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Position Statements:

The Right's of Utah's Children to a Sustainable Healthy Environment Position Statement

Utah PTA is committed to supporting policies that encourage efficient water management and promoting water conservation practices in our communities, (including educating children and families about responsible water usage);

HB0448S01 | Utah Schools for the Deaf and Blind Amendments

Description

General Description:

This bill addresses the mission, governance, and operation of the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind.

Highlighted Provisions:

This bill addresses the mission, governance, and operation of the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind (USDB). It clarifies the mission and role of USDB; addresses the educational and financial relationship between USDB and a student's local education agency (LEA) of record; and clarifies provisions regarding the role of the State Board of Education (state board) in relation to USDB.

Bill Details

Bill Number:

HB0448S01

Year:

2026

Status:

House/ to Governor

Last Action:

Mar 12, 2026

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

None

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Support

Utah PTA Resolution:

EDU 2025-2 | High Expectations for Students with Disabilities

Impact on Children:

This bill will improve the ability of USDB to run smoothly and to continue providing an important educational experience for high sensory need students. The multi-campus format will allow students to continue attending school close to their homes.

Commission:

Special Needs Specialist

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

Resolved, that Utah PTA and its constituent associations support schools in implementing best practices in meeting the needs of diverse students . . . and access to accommodations including assistive technology for students with disabilities, that these students be enabled to go as far as possible toward achieving their full potential and living a meaningful, fulfilling life.

National PTA and Utah PTA Position Statements:

PTA believes that all children and youth have the right to a quality, accessible public education that nurtures their potential and dignity. All children and youth can learn and thrive when schools and families partner effectively to support their academic, developmental, and social-emotional growth.

HB0449S02 | Pedestrian Safety and Facilities Act Modifications

Description

General Description:

This bill makes changes to the Pedestrian Safety and Facilities Act.

Highlighted Provisions:

This bill makes changes to include a bicyclist in the provisions of the Pedestrian Safety and Facilities Act, and adds additional safety measures for pedestrians and bicyclists.

Bill Details

Bill Number:

HB0449S02

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

Support

Impact on Children:

This bill requires highway authorities to consider pedestrian and bicyclist safety in all highway engineering and planning projects throughout the state and its political subdivisions. It will help make it safer for children to walk or bicycle in their communities.

Commission:

Safety

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

National PTA - Improved Infrastructure Around Schools Resolution

Resolved That PTA and its constituent associations encourage and collaborate with school administrations and local officials to bring attention to unsafe walking and biking routes to schools; and be it further Resolved That PTA and its constituent associations encourage local governments to seek out and apply for state and federal infrastructure grants, utilizing funds to build and improve infrastructure, including but not limited to sidewalks, crosswalks, bike lanes, crossing signals, traffic signals, and street lighting; and be it further resolved, That PTA and its constituent associations urge federal, state and local governments to adopt policies that encourage transportation planners and engineers to design and improve roadways to provide safe routes to school.

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:

Child Pedestrian Safety Position Statement

Resolved, That Utah PTA and its constituent associations prompt parental and local PTA engagement in reviewing and providing input about pedestrian safety for each school’s Safe Neighbor Access Program (SNAP) Plan, and encourage parent involvement in school safety committees and community councils, collaborate with government agencies; and urge local governments to rigorously enforce speed limits in the vicinity of school routes.

HB0455S02 | Utah Fits All Scholarship Program Amendments

Description

General Description:

This bill amends provisions related to the Utah Fits All Scholarship Program.

Highlighted Provisions:

This bill amends provisions related to the Utah Fits All Scholarship Program.

Bill Details

Bill Number:

HB0455S02

Year:

2025

Status:

Governor Signed

Last Action:

Mar 06, 2025

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

None

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Oppose

While HB 455 does address some concerns with the Utah Fits All Scholarship Program, Utah PTA is categorically opposed to vouchers that take funding from public education to provide dollars that are used for private school options.

Utah PTA Resolution:

EDU 2023-1 | Education Funding

Commission:

Education

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

That Utah PTA and its constituent associations will always oppose funding methods that divert funds away from public education system if the accountability methods are not equal to or greater than those of public education system

Files

Attachment	Size
Talking Point - NO to UFA Expansion.docx	16.57 KB
LEA No on UFA Expansion.docx	30.84 KB

HB0458S03 | Child Welfare Revisions

Description

General Description:

This bill concerns placement and adoption of a child who is involved in a child welfare case.

Highlighted Provisions:

In regards to foster care and adoption, this bill adds language describing the kin who, in order to be considered to adopt the child, needs to show interest in the child by maintaining or trying to maintain contact with the child within 120 days on which the shelter hearing occurs.

Bill Details

Bill Number:

HB0458S03

Year:

2022

Status:

House/ filed

Last Action:

Mar 04, 2022

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

None

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Pending

Utah PTA Resolution:

FAM 2018-1 | Foster Care Standards

Impact on Children:

Utah PTA cares about what effects the whole child. This bill will take in consideration those foster families who have supported and cared for children in foster care. Utah PTA wants the best safe and emotionally supportive environment for children. This bill clarifies a timeframe and what actions kin need to take to maintain a relationship with the child.

Commission:

Family Life

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

That Utah PTA encourage the legislature to pass laws that will ensure that the best interests of the child be given primary emphasis in placement matters;

HB0460S01 | Settlement Fund Amendments

Description

General Description:

This bill addresses the state's proceeds from certain settlement agreements related to electronic cigarette products.

Highlighted Provisions:

This bill specifies that money received by the attorney general or the Department of Commerce as a result of a judgment, settlement, or compromise of claims related to the manufacture, marketing, distribution, or sale of electronic cigarette products IF the amount exceeds $1,000,000 shall be deposited into the restricted account

Bill Details

Bill Number:

HB0460S01

Year:

2023

Status:

Governor Signed

Last Action:

Mar 15, 2023

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:

Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS)–also known as Electronic Cigarettes (E-Cigarettes), vapes, or vape pens –may contain nicotine, a highly addictive substance. Nicotine has immediate bio-chemical effects on the brain and body, is toxic in concentrated doses, and has been known to affect the youth brain disproportionately. This bill requires revenue from lawsuits over e-cigarettes to be used for cessation and prevention programs. This is critically for our youth who have become addicted to these substances.

Commission:

Student Leadership

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 products; and, be it further
Resolved, That Utah PTA support the position that any revenue generated through taxation of ENDS should support tobacco cessation and prevention programs;

Utah PTA Legislative Policy:

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

HB0463 | Early Literacy Amendments

Description

General Description:

This bill amends provisions related to early interactive reading software for literacy instruction.

Bill Details

Bill Number:

HB0463

Year:

2019

Status:

Governor Signed

Last Action:

Mar 22, 2019

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

None

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Pending

Utah PTA Resolution:

EDU 2010-3 | Providing Appropriate Educational Opportunities for Gifted/Accelerated Learners Statewide (retired)

Impact on Children:

This bill will allow students who are reading beyond grade level in the 2nd and 3rd grades to use early interactive reading software to continue to advance.

Commission:

Education

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

Resolved, That Utah PTA encourage the State Board of Education and the state legislature to support funding that assists the schools in developing programs which promote the appropriate educational, social, and emotional development of gifted/accelerated learners and that such legislative support recognize that funds must be adequate to provide program development and program implementation.

HB0464S01 | School Materials Amendments

Description

General Description:

This bill amends provisions regarding student access to pornographic or indecent materials within the public education system.

Highlighted Provisions:

"▸ requires local education agencies (LEAs) to:
• add vulgarity to the definition of sensitive materials.
• engage in certain review processes when a parent communicates an allegation that an instructional material is prohibited by state law; and
• publicly vote on and explain a determination to reinstate or preserve student access to challenged instructional material;
▸ establishes the precedential effect of LEA and state board determinations;
▸ requires the State Board of Education (state board) to:
• review LEA determinations regarding certain sensitive material; and
• make rules, including to establish an age-appropriateness rating system for instructional materials;
▸ establishes a private right of action for judicial review of LEA and state board determinations regarding challenged instructional material;"

Bill Details

Bill Number:

HB0464S01

Year:

2023

Status:

House/ filed

Last Action:

Mar 03, 2023

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

None

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Local Issue

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 Resolution:

EDU 2019-1 | Best Practices in Education

Impact on Children:

By involving parents who are reflective of the community, this bill acknowledges that addressing appropriateness is best addressed at the local level. Additionally, this bill runs the risk of futher alienating a population of vulnerable students known to prone to suicide and bullying. Finally, the introduction of the possibility of litigation is not conducive to trust and will lead to a damaged learning environment.

Commission:

Education

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

That Utah PTA and its constituent associations encourage local and state school boards aswell as school level administration and school level leadership teams to seek input from parents whendeveloping policies to improve education

HB0464S01 | Social Media Amendments

Description

General Description:

This bill concerns harm to minors from social media.

Highlighted Provisions:

This bill enacts provisions regarding harm to minors from the excessive use of algorithmically curated social media services.

Bill Details

Bill Number:

HB0464S01

Year:

2024

Status:

Governor Signed

Last Action:

Mar 13, 2024

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

None

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Support

Utah PTA Resolution:

SAF 2023-2 | Digital Citizenship and Wellness

Impact on Children:

This bill helps to set boundaries for children using algorithmically curated social media services. Because of the researched and documented findings correlating poor mental health with Social Media Platforms, this bill is important to help mitigate this ever-increasing crisis.

Commission:

Safety

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

Utah PTA and its constituent associations advocate for laws, policies, and technology development which protects children and youth from surveillance capitalism, persuasive technology, and algorithms which encourage addictive usage of social media.

National PTA and Utah PTA Position Statements:

Technology may also give rise to digital environments that can harm children and youth. On social media, children and youth can become targets of cyberbullying, harassment and discrimination, predatory marketing, criminal and predatory activity, and encounter threats to the privacy of their personal information. Emerging research suggests that social media exposure may negatively impact mental health during an important developmental period and may undermine physical health and academic performance.

According to the U.S. Surgeon General, studies have begun to uncover a link between social media use and increasing adolescent sleep problems and eating disorders and have shown that adolescents who spend more than 3 hours per day on social media may face double the risk of experiencing poor mental health outcomes.

Technology can also create digital environments that could be harmful to children and youth. PTA supports efforts to ensure a safe and positive digital experience for all children and families, fostering learning and healthy lifestyles for all children and equipping them with the technological literacy and access to thrive in an increasingly digital world.

Legislative Bills

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