Legislative Bills

HB0381S01 | Grow Your Own Teacher and School Counselor Pipeline Program

Description

General Description:

This bill creates the Grow Your Own Teacher and School Counselor Pipeline Program to provide scholarships to certain school employees.

Highlighted Provisions:

This bill:
▸ creates the Grow Your Own Teacher and School Counselor Pipeline Program
(program) to provide scholarships to certain school employees;
▸ establishes eligibility criteria and allowed uses for the program; and
▸ requires the State Board of Education to make rules and administer the program.

Bill Details

Bill Number:

HB0381S01

Year:

2021

Status:

Governor Signed

Last Action:

Mar 17, 2021

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

$9,200,000

This bill appropriates in fiscal year 2022: to the State Board of Education - Minimum School Program - Related to Basic School Programs, as a one-time appropriation: from the Uniform School Fund, One-time, $9,200,000.

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Support

Utah PTA Resolution:

EDU 2011-1 | Excellence in Teaching

Impact on Children:

This bill will help LEAs recruit highly qualified educators and counselors by providing scholarships for paraprofessionals to become licensed teachers or school counselors.

Commission:

Education

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

That Utah PTA support adequate funding for and encourage consideration of financial incentives to recruit and retain highly qualified and effective educators, including appropriation of adequate funding to upgrade salary schedules

That Utah PTA and its constituent associations actively advocate for increased funding for additional trained counselors, psychologists, and social workers to assist and educate families and youth in both elementary and secondary schools participating in the public school system.

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:

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

HB0385 | Social Media Usage Amendments

Description

General Description:

This bill enacts the Utah Digital Expression Act.

Highlighted Provisions:

▸ Requires public disclosure of certain information by social media platforms;
▸ Requires social media platforms to establish a complaint process and procedures related to content removal and account restrictions;
▸ Prohibits viewpoint-based censorship on social media platforms, with certain exceptions;
▸ Authorizes the Division of Consumer Protection to investigate complaints and enforce provisions of the Utah Digital Expression Act;
▸ Allows a private right of action for violations.

Bill Details

Bill Number:

HB0385

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

Utah PTA Resolution:

SAF 2023-2 | Digital Citizenship and Wellness

Impact on Children:

This bill is holding Social Media Platforms accountable for their platform, with regards to prohibiting viewpoint based censorship, public disclosure of personal information, and establishing guidelines for complaints by individuals to these platform companies. Children are affected by what is happening on these platforms and need to be protected.

Commission:

Safety

Internet Safety

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

That 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.

Utah PTA and its constituent associations support lawmakers in their efforts to create laws which call for appropriate social media policies that protect children and provide parents the ability to know what their child is engaged in, who they are engaging with and how much time they are engaging online, in order to empower parents to make the best decisions for their children and families.

Utah PTA Legislative Policy:

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

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities:

The education of families and communities on school safety protocols, children’s online security, and the assessment of digital threats posed to schools across Utah

National PTA and Utah PTA Position Statements:

Protect children and youth and prevent them from accessing dangerous content, including establishing intentional and explicit processes for reporting predatory, discriminatory or dangerous behavior online and holding social media companies accountable for addressing any behavior or content that threatens their physical and mental health and safety;

National PTA Public Policy Agenda

Address threats to the safety and well-being of children that can happen online, such as cyberbullying, exploitation, criminal activity and violence.

HB0386S01 | Online Education Program Amendments

Description

General Description:

This bill amends the definition of a student who is eligible for concurrent enrollment.

Bill Details

Bill Number:

HB0386S01

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 2019-1 | Best Practices in Education

Impact on Children:

This allows additional program opportunities (concurrent enrollment programs) for students enrolled in public on-line education programs.

Commission:

Education

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

Utah PTA Resolution 2019-1 Best Practices in Educatioin - Resolved, That Utah PTA and its constituent associations prioritize programs and activities that are linked to learning opportunities and develop higher forms of family engagement

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities:

Utah PTA Legislative Property #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.

Links

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities 2019-20

Utah PTA Resolution 2019-1 Best Practices in Education

HB0386S01 | Economic Development and Affordable Homes Amendments

Description

General Description:

This bill modifies provisions related to housing and community development.

Bill Details

Bill Number:

HB0386S01

Year:

2019

Status:

House/ filed

Last Action:

Mar 14, 2019

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

$3,000,000

This bill appropriates in fiscal year 2020: to the Department of Workforce Services -- Affordable Housing Preservation Fund, as an ongoing appropriation: from the General Fund, $3,000,000.

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Pending

Utah PTA Resolution:

COM 2018-1 | Homelessness and Transiency

Impact on Children:

This bill is a Utah PTA Priority Bill. Children benefit from safe, affordable and stable housing.

Commission:

Community Engagement

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

Resolved, That Utah PTA and its constituent associations support adequate funding for federal and state housing programs that increase the number of affordable housing units including rental and homeownership options

HB0386S01 | Education Innovation Program

Description

General Description:

This bill enacts provisions relating to an innovation program for public education.

Highlighted Provisions:

"12 ▸establishes a process for submitting an application and receiving LEA governing
13 board approval for an innovation program;
14 ▸provides for the features of an innovation program, including alternative curriculum
15 and alternative class schedule;
16 ▸specifies requirements for an innovation program application, including parental
17 consent for student participation;
18 ▸provides a process for LEA governing board approval of an innovation program
19 application;
20 ▸allows for a grant for additional costs related to an innovation program;
21 ▸provides for a review and assessment of the performance of an innovation program"

Bill Details

Bill Number:

HB0386S01

Year:

2022

Status:

Governor Signed

Last Action:

Mar 23, 2022

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

$2,500,000

This bill appropriates in fiscal year 2023: to the State Board of Education -- Contracted Initiatives and Grants, from the Education Fund, one-time, $2,500,000.

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Support

Utah PTA supports innovative practices in the classroom. Utah PTA also supports giving teachers, within the realm of State board approved standards, more latitude to educators to enhance student learning experience and academic achievement.

Utah PTA Resolution:

EDU 2019-1 | Best Practices in Education

Impact on Children:

Innovation that is evidenced-based and has provided results elsewhere is welcome in our schools.

Commission:

Education

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

That Utah PTA and its constituent associations educate parents and community members to support practices which enhance teacher capacity, school leadership, family and student engagement, student-centered learning climates, and instruction and curriculum alignment

HB0387 | Firearm Attachment Amendments

Description

General Description:

This bill addresses firearm attachments.

Highlighted Provisions:

This bill creates the criminal offenses of unlawful possession, manufacture, distribution, or sale of a machinegun firearm attachment

Bill Details

Bill Number:

HB0387

Year:

2025

Status:

House/ filed

Last Action:

Mar 07, 2025

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

None

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Support w/ Comment

The Utah PTA advocates for gun safety and violence prevention to protect children while respecting responsible gun ownership and Second Amendment rights. This bill strengthens safety by prohibiting the possession, manufacture, distribution, and sale of machine gun firearm attachments, reducing access to dangerous modifications and helping to prevent gun violence.

Impact on Children:

This law helps protect children by reducing access to dangerous firearm modifications, lowering the risk of gun violence. By making possession, sale, and distribution of machinegun attachments illegal—especially with stricter penalties for minors—it discourages youth involvement with high-powered weaponry and enhances overall community safety.

Commission:

Safety

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

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.

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities:

SAFETY: Support funding to strengthen school safety and security measures, to ensure a physical, academic, social, and emotional safe school community for all This includes but is not limited to school infrastructure, comprehensive safety training, community violence and bullying intervention and reduction, mental health training and resources as well as the education to families and communities on school safety protocols, children's online security, and the assessment of digital threats posed to schools across Utah.

National PTA and Utah PTA Position Statements:

National PTA Position Statement - Firearms

National PTA Position Statement - Firearms
Given the history and tradition of strong support for the safety and protection of children and youth, PTA supports federal restrictions on firearms that would:
• Ban bump stocks, military-style semi-automatic assault weapons and large-capacity ammunition magazines;

National PTA Public Policy Agenda

Support sensible solutions to gun violence, including promoting the safe and secure storage of firearms, strengthening the federal background check system, investing in evidence-based community violence interventions and addressing youth access to firearms, especially assault or military-style weapons.

HB0390S01 | Early College and Concurrent Enrollment Program Amendments

Description

General Description:

This bill amends provisions related to Advanced Placement and concurrent enrollment programs.

Highlighted Provisions:

"14 ▸ aligns references to Advanced Placement courses, exams, and credit;
15 ▸amends requirements for a State Board of Education funding distribution formula
16 for early college programs to prioritize funding to cover the cost of each early
17 college program test for certain students;
18 ▸addresses LEA use of certain program funds for concurrent enrollment courses for
19 certain students;
20 ▸ allows an LEA to charge a restricted rate for indirect costs in concurrent enrollment
21 programs"

Bill Details

Bill Number:

HB0390S01

Year:

2022

Status:

Governor Signed

Last Action:

Mar 24, 2022

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

None

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Support

Utah PTA supports lessening the burden on low income families with the lifting of AP test fees. This legislation does not impose a significant financial burden on LEAs but Utah PTA encourages the legislature to appropriate the necessary funds to keep LEAs whole.

Utah PTA Resolution:

EDU 2021-1 | Education Funding (retired)

Impact on Children:

The most financially vulnerable children will be positively impacted by this bill, and not worry about paying fees that they can't afford when they are academically deserving.

Commission:

Education

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

Resolved, That Utah PTA encourage the legislature to adequately fund critical educational needs, including but not limited to, class size reduction, teacher salaries, technology, textbooks and supplies;

HB0391 | School Textbook Fee Amendments

Description

General Description:

This bill amends the definition of textbook and expands the costs and materials provided by a school for which a fee may not be charged to students.

Bill Details

Bill Number:

HB0391

Year:

2020

Status:

Governor Signed

Last Action:

Mar 24, 2020

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

None

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Support

Impact on Children:

Provides a clear definition of materials that the school must provide students a fee waiver.

Commission:

Education

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities:

Utah PTA Legislative Priority #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:

Utah PTA Position Statement School Fees - Utah PTA supports school fees legislation and Board rule that provides a clear definition of a fee, requires the fee to be equal or less than the expense incurred by the LEA (Local Education Agency), and holds LEAs accountable for incorrectly charging school fees.

Links

PS EDU 2019 - School Fees

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities 2019-20

HB0393 | Low Performing Schools Amendments

Description

General Description:

This bill makes changes to the way the State Board of Education designates a low performing school.

Highlighted Provisions:

This bill:
▸ requires the State Board of Education (state board) to set the criteria for designating a low performing school in rules the state board makes

Bill Details

Bill Number:

HB0393

Year:

2021

Status:

House/ filed

Last Action:

Mar 05, 2021

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

None

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Support

Utah PTA Resolution:

EDU 2014-1 | Public School Accountability

Impact on Children:

This bill would allow the state school board to determine the standard for determining a low performing school rather than the legislature. The state school board is the appropriate body to make this designation and to work with a school on a turnaround plan.

Commission:

Education

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

That Utah PTA recognize the State Board of Education as the appropriate body to form standards of accountability and methods of school evaluation based on these standards

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities:

Support accountability for all public schools that take into account the needs of students, teachers, and communities including the suspension or elimination of rating schools with a single letter grade and the establishment of a new baseline for future accountability measures.

HB0393S04 | Suicide Prevention Amendments

Description

General Description:

This bill relates to suicide prevention and mental health treatment.

Bill Details

Bill Number:

HB0393S04

Year:

2019

Status:

Governor Signed

Last Action:

Mar 28, 2019

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

$1,615,000

This bill appropriates in fiscal year 2020: to General Fund Restricted -- Survivors of Suicide Loss Account, as an ongoing appropriation: from General Fund, $40,000. to Department of Human Services -- Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health, as an ongoing appropriation: from General Fund -- Survivors of Suicide Loss Account, $40,000. to General Fund Restricted -- Psychiatric Consultation Program Account, as an ongoing appropriation: from General Fund, $275,000. to Department of Human Services -- Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health, as an ongoing appropriation: from General Fund -- Psychiatric Consultation Program Account, $275,000. to Department of Human Services -- Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health, as an ongoing appropriation: from General Fund, $285,000. to Governor's Office -- Suicide Prevention -- Suicide Prevention, as a one-time appropriation: from General Fund, One-time, $700,000.

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Pending

Utah PTA Resolution:

HEA 2019-2 | Youth Suicide Prevention

Impact on Children:

More help and funding for suicide prevention

Commission:

Health

Education

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

Resolved, That the Utah Legislature be encouraged to provide adequate funding to provide suicide prevention programs in every district and school in the State of Utah.

HB0393S01 | Services for People with Disabilities

Description

General Description:

This bill creates the Services for People with Disabilities Perpetual Trust Fund.

Highlighted Provisions:

This bill creates the Services for People with Disabilities Perpetual Trust Fund to pay for services for people on the waiting list for services with the Division of Services for People with Disabilities.

Bill Details

Bill Number:

HB0393S01

Year:

2024

Status:

House/ filed

Last Action:

Mar 01, 2024

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

$840,000,000

This bill appropriates in fiscal year 2025: to Department of Health and Human Services - Long-Term Services & Support - Community Supports Waiver Services as a one-time appropriation: from the Income Tax Fund, One-time, $20,000,000 to Department of Health and Human Services - Services for People with Disabilities Perpetual Trust Fund as a one-time appropriation: from the General Fund, One-time, $400,000,000 to Transfers to Unrestricted Funds - Income Tax Fund as a one-time appropriation: from the American Rescue Plan Act Administrative Fund, One-time, $20,000,000 to Transportation - Transportation Investment Fund of 2005 as a one-time appropriation: from the General Fund, One-time, ($400,000,000)

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Support

Utah PTA Resolution:

FAM 2014-1 | Intergenerational Poverty

Impact on Children:

This would help children who are on the DSPD waitlist get the funding they need to help them and their families.

Commission:

Education

Special Needs Specialist

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

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.

HB0394S01 | Hold Harmless for Public Education Enrollment Decline

Description

General Description:

This bill contingently provides additional funding for the Minimum School Program in certain fiscal years.

Highlighted Provisions:

13          This bill:
14          ▸     contingently provides additional funding for the Minimum School Program in
15     certain fiscal years;
16          ▸     subjects the provision of additional funding to a sunset review by a legislative
17     committee;

Bill Details

Bill Number:

HB0394S01

Year:

2023

Status:

Governor Signed

Last Action:

Mar 14, 2023

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

None

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Pending

Utah PTA Resolution:

EDU 2023-1 | Education Funding

Impact on Children:

Data shows that student enrollment growth will decline over the next 10 years. This will lead to less funding for schools. This bill freezes the enrollment growth for five years so funding levels will not decrease. Implementation of this bill will only occur if the constitutional amendment is approved in the 2024 General election.

Commission:

Education

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

Resolved, That Utah PTA and its constituent associations continue to urge the legislature to make public education revenue allocations and funding effort a high priority; and, be it further
Resolved, That Utah PTA and its constituent associations encourage the legislature to adequately fund critical educational needs, including but not limited to, class size reduction, teacher salaries, technology, programs, supplies, and evidenced-based practices that have an impact on student achievement; and, be it further
Resolved, That Utah PTA and its constituent associations support the maintenance of a stable and adequate funding mechanism to support public education based on the following principles: enrollment growth; inflation; support of a K-12 education Economic Stabilization Restricted Account; funding the USBE Strategic Plan.

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.

Continued maintenance of the constitutional guarantee of financial support for public schools as the first claim on state revenues.

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities:

1. EDUCATION FUNDING. Support an adequately funded public school system by: supporting a 6.5% WPU increase over and above growth and inflation to be used for purposes such as recruiting, supporting, and retaining teachers; supporting increased access to full-day kindergarten by funding K-12 students at a full WPU; and supporting policies to increase proficiency levels in public schools, improving attendance, and increase academic excellence for all Utah students.

HB0395S04 | DUI Offense Amendments

Description

General Description:

This bill amends provisions related to driving under the influence, including penalties, sentencing, and pretrial detention.

Highlighted Provisions:

This bill:
▸ provides that an actor is guilty of a class A misdemeanor when the actor commits driving under the influence while also operating a vehicle in the opposite direction of traffic on a one-way highway with more than one lane of traffic; reduces the blood alcohol concentration allowed for an individual to plea down to impaired driving;
▸ provides mandatory minimum sentences for certain individuals with prior convictions for driving under the influence who violate ignition interlock requirements;
▸ clarifies that an ignition interlock restriction period begins on the date of installation of the ignition interlock system;
▸ clarifies that the prohibition on operating a motor vehicle without an ignition interlock system installed on the vehicle begins on the date of conviction, not the date of installation of the ignition interlock system;
▸ amends penalties for subsequent offenses related to refusal of a chemical test or negligent operation of a vehicle that results in injury;
▸ amends sentencing requirements for certain offenses of negligent operation of a vehicle that results in injury when there is evidence that the individual was also driving under the influence;
▸ amends sentencing requirements for an offense of negligent operation of a vehicle that results in death;
▸ amends provisions related to pretrial detention of an individual arrested for driving under the influence with another case pending or while on probation for a previous offense of driving under the influence;
▸ requires pretrial detention or electronic monitoring for an individual that is arrested for driving under the influence while already on probation for or while another case is pending for driving under the influence;

Bill Details

Bill Number:

HB0395S04

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

Impact on Children:

Driving under the influence (DUI) detrimentally affects children, exposing them to physical danger, emotional trauma, and potential disruptions in their lives. Witnessing or experiencing a parent's DUI can lead to lasting emotional, cognitive, and behavioral consequences, impacting a child's overall well-being and development. This bill would help children's overall safety.

Commission:

Safety

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

National PTA 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;

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.

HB0396S01 | Paid Professional Hours for Educators

Description

General Description:

This bill requires the State Board of Education to provide funding to local education agencies for additional paid professional hours for educators.

Highlighted Provisions:

13 ▸ requires the State Board of Education (state board) to provide funding to local
14 education agencies (LEAs) for additional paid professional hours for educators;
15 ▸ describes the professional development LEAs will provide with state board funding;
16 and
17 ▸ requires the Executive Appropriations Committee, in preparing budget bills, to use
18 one-time appropriations in the Public Education Economic Stabilization Restricted
19 Account for a certain amount of paid professional hours for educators.

Bill Details

Bill Number:

HB0396S01

Year:

2022

Status:

Governor Signed

Last Action:

Mar 24, 2022

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

$64,000,000

This bill appropriates in fiscal year 2023: to State Board of Education - Minimum School Program - Related to Basic Programs, as a one-time appropriation: from the Public Education Economic Stabilization Restricted Account, One-time, $64,000,000.

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Support

Utah PTA Resolution:

EDU 2019-1 | Best Practices in Education

EDU 2021-1 | Education Funding (retired)

Impact on Children:

More funding flexibly directed to educators' needs can only benefits children.

Commission:

Education

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

That Utah PTA encourage the legislature to adequately fund critical educational needs, including but not limited to, class size reduction, teacher salaries, technology, textbooks and supplies

Teacher quality is the single most important school-based factor in student achievement; teacher’s knowledge of subject matter and effective pedagogies for teaching specific content and skills, along with particular knowledge about their students’ backgrounds, interests, and learning styles are central to effective teaching and learning; and to build teacher capacity the focus should be on policy, training, pedagogy, infrastructure development, teacher welfare, and empowerment

Resolved, That Utah PTA and its constituent associations educate parents and community members to support practices which enhance teacher capacity, school leadership, family and student engagement, student-centered learning climates, and instruction and curriculum alignment;

HB0396 | Small School District Scale of Operations Formula

Description

General Description:

This bill amends the formula for necessarily existent small schools funding.

Highlighted Provisions:

This bill amends the formula for necessarily existent small schools funding.

Bill Details

Bill Number:

HB0396

Year:

2025

Status:

Governor Signed

Last Action:

Mar 24, 2025

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

None

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Support

Impact on Children:

Our rural and small schools experience significant challenges. Additional resources through the Necessarily Existent Small Schools funding helps them address these unique situations.

Commission:

Education

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

National Resolution on Teacher Quality

That National PTA and its constituent organizations support programs and policies for the recruitment and retention of talented and committed educators, with special emphasis placed on ensuring teacher diversity and addressing the special needs of rural and urban areas

HB0398S02 | Special Needs Opportunity Scholarship Program Amendments

Description

General Description:

This bill amends provisions related to the Special Needs Opportunity Scholarship Program.

Highlighted Provisions:

This bill amends provisions related to the Special Needs Opportunity Scholarship
Program.
This bill:
14 ▸ modifies defined terms;
15 ▸ expands the expenses for which a scholarship recipient may use a scholarship
16 award;
17 ▸ amends the formula for calculating a scholarship amount for an eligible student;
18 ▸ allows a scholarship granting organization to prorate a scholarship award under
19 certain circumstances;
20 ▸ increases the amount of donations a scholarship granting organization may carry
21 forward in a fiscal year;

Bill Details

Bill Number:

HB0398S02

Year:

2023

Status:

Governor Signed

Last Action:

Mar 14, 2023

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

None

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Pending

Utah PTA Resolution:

EDU 2023-1 | Education Funding

Impact on Children:

This bill expands the Special Needs Opportunity Scholarship to be used for a wider variety of services, including transportation, educational software, computer hardware, tutoring services, etc. This bill also allows money not spent to be rolled over for the next year. This bill would take money away from the public education fund and send it to private schools. Families attending private schools must waive their rights to special education services, since private schools are not required to provide these services.

Commission:

Special Needs Specialist

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

Resolved, That Utah PTA and its constituent associations oppose funding mechanisms such as vouchers, tax credits, deductions; and, be it further
Resolved, 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; and, be it further
Resolved, That Utah PTA and its constituent associations and its constituent associations oppose the dilution of the constitutional mandate to fully fund public education and oppose income tax cuts and credits that directly reduce the amount allocated to public education funding.

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities:

EDUCATION FUNDING. Support an adequately funded public school system

HB0398 | Child Abuse Reporting Amendments

Description

General Description:

This bill amends provisions related to the reporting of child abuse or neglect.

Highlighted Provisions:

This bill requires an individual to report information about heinous child abuse or heinous child neglect, with certain exceptions; requires the Division of Child and Family Services and a law enforcement agency that investigates to include certain information in their final report; requires the division to make reports available to the Legislature, under certain conditions; amends provisions related to the investigation of an individual who fails to report.

Bill Details

Bill Number:

HB0398

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

Utah PTA Resolution:

FAM 2009-2 | Child Abuse and Neglect

Impact on Children:

This bill clarifies child abuse terms and when to report these heinous crimes. More reporting in accurate ways allows more children to be protected and to help stop the abuse. Utah PTA does not condone abuse in any form. We want to protect our children.

Commission:

Family Life

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.

HB0400S02 | School Absenteeism Amendments

Description

General Description:

This bill enacts provisions relating to school absenteeism and student behavior.

Highlighted Provisions:

directs local education agencies to include certain evidence-based strategies for
13 children as part of their efforts to reduce student absenteeism;
14 ▸ requires local education agencies to provide professional learning opportunities for
15 educators to have the tools to address student behavior;
16 ▸ enacts new duties for the State Board of Education with respect to addressing
17 chronic absenteeism prevention and intervention; and
18 ▸ amends the responsibilities of the Division of Juvenile Justice and Youth Services
19 to require the use of evidence-informed and research-informed interventions

Bill Details

Bill Number:

HB0400S02

Year:

2023

Status:

House/ to Governor

Last Action:

Mar 13, 2023

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

None

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Support

Utah PTA Resolution:

EDU 2023-2 | Chronic Absenteeism

Impact on Children:

Absenteeism can have lasting consequences for students that go far behond academic achievements. A public school student who does not attend school cannot be taught by public school teachers. Attendance does not guarantee academic success but allows it for most students.

Commission:

Education

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

That Utah PTA and its constituent associations empower parents, legal guardians, community members and students with the knowledge of the benefits of consistent attendance

HB0403 | Student Mental Health Amendments

Description

General Description:

This bill amends provisions of public education student mental health screening.

Highlighted Provisions:

This bill:
12 ▸ defines "non-participating LEA" (non-participating local education agency);
13 ▸ requires an LEA to determine whether the LEA will be a participating or
14 non-participating LEA;
15 ▸ requires a non-participating LEA to report each year whether the LEA will change
16 or maintain the LEA's participation status;
17 ▸ amends participating LEA mental health screening and parental notification
18 requirements;
19 ▸ amends the annual mental health screening report requirements for the State Board
20 of Education; and
21 ▸ amends the uses for which an LEA may use State Board of Education funds and
22 when the board may distribute those funds.

Bill Details

Bill Number:

HB0403

Year:

2023

Status:

Governor Signed

Last Action:

Mar 14, 2023

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

None

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Support

Utah PTA Resolution:

HEA 2020-1 | Emotional/Mental Health and Well-Being

Impact on Children:

Studies show that at least one in six U.S. youth aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year; and 49.5% of American youth will have had a diagnosable mental illness at some point before they are 18; and in children, mental health disorders have deleterious consequences on individual and socioeconomic factors and can impede healthful transitioning into adulthood, and the incidence of mental health disorders has been increasing over the decades. This bill enables LEAs to identify as participating LEAs and provide parents with information regarding available mental health screenings.

Commission:

Health

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

Resolved, That Utah PTA support collaborative efforts between the home, school, private physicians, and community resource agencies to create mental health support networks for families, to recognize the prevalence and need for recognition of mental health illnesses and associated diagnosis and treatment, and to increase the number of psychologists, psychiatrists, therapists, and mental health professionals to provide adequate services for those needing help; and be it further

Resolved, That Utah PTA and its constitution associations support increased education and awareness campaigns to share evidence-based mental health knowledge and understanding of mental health disorders to students, families, and communities; and, provide early intervention and prevention programs; and, help reduce the stigma associated with mental illness; and be it further

Resolved, That Utah PTA and its constituent associations advocate for programs, policies, and legislation which provide adequate training and resources for recognizing and helping children with emotional and behavioral problems and improving the training of primary care physicians in mental illness assessment and treatment; and be it further

Resolved, That Utah PTA and its constituent associations advocate for best practices for school-based screenings and referrals for early detection of emotional and mental disorders,

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities:

2. HEALTH. Support legislation that addresses mental health needs of Utah’s children and families by increasing education and awareness of current statewide mental health issues; and providing funding for prevention, early intervention, and evidenced-based community outreach programs.

National PTA Public Policy Agenda

Support every student’s mental health and provide and connect students with necessary behavioral and mental health resources at school and in their community.

Legislative Bills

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