Legislative Bills

This bill provides that each smart phone or tablet (device) that is manufactured after Jan. 1, 2022 , when activated in the state of Utah, will come with the filters blocking material harmful to minors. What this means for children in Utah, is if they are given a device manufactured after Jan. 1, 2022 it will have filters in place to protect them from materials harmful to children. This helps increase in the number of children who are protected from materials harmful to minors on their own device which may also protect other children who may have access to this device also. This is very important for Utah PTA to follow because device manufacturers have thus far been unwilling to manufacture safe devices for children and youth which are free from materials harmful to children. In fact, these device companies are likely to fight against this bill. We should advocate to protect the developing adolescent brains from this harmful material just as we advocate to protect their developing brains from alcohol or vaping or smoking.

There are many changes to consider in this bill.
1. Elected vs. Appointed. It is often said that elected school board members are more accountable than appointed ones. [Utah PTA supports non-partisan elections]
2. Reduction of school board members from 15 to 6. May reduce the voice of some communities. [Utah PTA does not have an official position]
3. Election term lengthening from 4 to 6 years with a maximum of 2 terms. Only one member may be affected by the 12 year maximum rule. [Utah PTA does not have an official position]
4. No party affiliation is noted. [Utah PTA supports non partisan elections]

While the concept of allowing absence for reasons of mental or behavioral health is laudable, parents can currently excuse their child's absences for any reason.