Legislative Bills

HB0428S02 | Public Education Governance and Appeals

Description

General Description:

This bill addresses authority of the State Board of Education over the public education system and certain local school board appeals.

Highlighted Provisions:

This bill establishes the Public Education Appeals Panel (panel) to decide appeals regarding certain local school board decisions and policies; establishes a right for parents representing a certain percentage of total enrollment within a local education agency to submit an appeal to the panel; allows certain rulings, including:
• requiring a local school board to seek state board ratification of a modified decision or policy; or
• revoking a local school board's authority over a school district and assigning management of the school district to another local school board or the state board for a period of time;

Bill Details

Bill Number:

HB0428S02

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

Oppose

Impact on Children:

This bill allows the vocal minority to potentially overturn decisions made by a majority elected body and is a threat to our democratic republic form of government.

Commission:

Education

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Position Statements:

Utah PTA Poistion Statement on HB 428 Public Education Governance and Appeals

Based upon the following principles found within the Utah PTA Public Policy Program, Utah PTA is opposed to HB 428 Public Education Governance and Appeals. We are concerned that this bill is a threat to the democratic republic form of government that our nation is built upon. This bill allows the vocal minority to potentially overturn decisions made by a majority elected body. Constituents need to be engaged and involved in the process and have the opportunity to voice public comment during school board meetings and in direct conversations with their elected representatives. This bill bypasses the voters and turns decisions over to a Public Education Appeals Panel of appointed members. Utah PTA encourages our membership to be actively engaged and involved in all levels of governance as we advocate for children.

"The Utah PTA is a non-profit, grassroots, child advocacy association made up of parents, teachers, and students. The legislative program of the Utah PTA is derived from the work of PTA in home, school, and community. PTA efforts “to secure adequate laws for the care and protection of children and youth” are based upon: (1) the recognition of the home as the foundation of our society; (2) parental involvement as an essential component of all policy-making processes pertaining to children; (3) the observance and understanding of the rights and obligations of responsible citizenship and ethical government; and, (4) the realization that maintaining a free and public education system is a cornerstone of democracy—that the Utah Public Education System is created in the state Constitution to “secure and perpetuate” freedom.

General Principles for Consideration of Proposed Legislation:
1. Equity in the form of 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.
2. High standards for those who work in all areas concerned with children and youth.
3. Coordination and planning by all agencies with clear definition of responsibility at each level of government.
4. Prioritizing the needs of all children and youth, while adhering to fiscal responsibility in government.
5. Maximum local control when it serves the best interest of all children and youth."

The Utah PTA Public Program is the primary authority for public policy action and statements by Utah PTA on state and local legislation and administrative policies and regulations.

HB0430S01 | Prohibition of Genital Mutilation

Description

General Description:

This bill prohibits female genital mutilation and provides a penalty.

Bill Details

Bill Number:

HB0430S01

Year:

2019

Status:

Governor Signed

Last Action:

Mar 27, 2019

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

None

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Pending

Utah PTA Resolution:

FAM 2009-2 | Child Abuse and Neglect

Impact on Children:

This bill would protect a girl from the consequences of genital mutilation and consider the practice child abuse, in all cases. It allows prosecution for the later of 10 years past the act or past the age of 18.

Commission:

Family Life

Health

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.

HB0431S02 | Kinship Child Placement Amendments

Description

General Description:

This bill addresses kinship caregivers for children in the custody of the Division of Child and Family Services.

Highlighted Provisions:

This bill: ▸defines terms; ▸when a child in the custody of the Division of Child and Family Services (division) is placed with the child's relative, requires the division to offer a one-time payment to the relative to help support the child prior to the relative becoming a licensed or certified kinship caregiver; ▸requires the division to report information regarding payments provided to kinship caregivers to the Social Services Appropriations Subcommittee;

Bill Details

Bill Number:

HB0431S02

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

Utah PTA Resolution:

FAM 2018-1 | Foster Care Standards

Impact on Children:

This bill would allow a child to be placed in a happy home while they are waiting for a family to get foster ready and provide for their needs in the meantime.

Commission:

Family Life

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

Resolved, That Utah PTA and its constituent associations promote the recruitment of more foster/adoptive families; encourage PTA members to become licensed foster/adoptive families; and continue to work with the Division of Child and Family services and the legislature to ensure that standards are not lowered in order to generate a greater number of approved foster care providers; and be it further

Resolved,That Utah PTA and its constituent associations, advocate for an increase in funding, a raise in the out-of-home reimbursement rate and funding for some childcare expenses of foster children to ensure quality foster homes and services

HB0432S04 | Tobacco and Electronic Cigarette Enforcement Modifications

Description

General Description:

This bill amends provisions related to tobacco and electronic cigarette products.

Highlighted Provisions:

Repeals the ban on flavored vapes, would increase the nicotine content in vape products and repeals the requirement that electronic cigarette products obtain premarket authorization from the FDA

Bill Details

Bill Number:

HB0432S04

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

Oppose

Utah PTA Resolution:

HEA 2015-2 | Electronic Cigarettes and Utah Youth

Impact on Children:

Flavored tobacco products are specifically targeted to youth. Nearly 90% of youth e-cigarette users use flavored products, with fruit, candy/desserts/other sweets.

Commission:

Health

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

Files

Attachment	Size
HB 432 Talking Points.pdf	152.24 KB

HB0434S01 | Funding for Necessarily Existent Small Schools and Rural Schools Amendments

Description

General Description:

This bill amends provisions related to formulas for funding for necessarily existent small schools and creates a process to reimburse rural schools for expenses related to extracurricular activities.

Bill Details

Bill Number:

HB0434S01

Year:

2020

Status:

Governor Signed

Last Action:

Mar 28, 2020

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

$100,000

This bill appropriates: to State Board of Education -- Minimum School Program -- Related to Basic School Programs, as an ongoing appropriation: from the Education Fund, $100,000.

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Support

Utah PTA Resolution:

EDU 2010-2 | Education Funding (retired)

Impact on Children:

Provides students that attend small rural schools the opportunity for greater access to extracurricular activities.

Commission:

Education

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

Utah PTA Resolution EDU 2010-2 Education Funding - 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.

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.

Links

Utah PTA EDU 2010-2 Funding for Education

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities

HB0434S02 | Health and Human Services Amendments

Description

General Description:

This bill amends provisions related to the Department of Health and Human Services.

Highlighted Provisions:

If a student does not have a current asthma action plan on file with the school, a qualified adult may administer stock albuterol to the student if the qualified adult reasonably believes the child is experiencing an asthma emergency.

Bill Details

Bill Number:

HB0434S02

Year:

2025

Status:

Governor Signed

Last Action:

Mar 27, 2025

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

None

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Support

Impact on Children:

Asthma attacks coupled with the lack of a recuse medication, such as alubterol, can have severe consequences. Having access and the ability to provide albuterol in school can quickly aide in improvig symptoms.

Commission:

Health

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Position Statements:

Elements of Comprehensive Health Programs

- Health Services that appropriately reflect the educational and community commitment to address identified health problems that limit students’ abilities to learn.

HB0434 | Parent and Student Rights and School Safety Amendments

Description

General Description:

This bill amends requirements for a local education agency (LEA) to address bullying incidents.

Highlighted Provisions:

15 ▸ clarifies that a school may share certain information regarding an incident of
16 bullying, cyber-bullying, hazing, abusive conduct, or retaliation with a parent upon
17 request;
18 ▸ requires a school to provide regular communication updates to a parent regarding
19 the implementation of an action plan to address an incident of bullying,
20 cyber-bullying, hazing, abusive conduct, or retaliation;
21 ▸ requires an LEA to designate an individual for bullying incident response and
22 outlines the individual's duties;
23 ▸ requires civil rights law training for LEA employees

Bill Details

Bill Number:

HB0434

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

Support

Utah PTA Resolution:

SAF 2001-1 | Bullying

Impact on Children:

When adults respond quickly and consistently to bullying behavior they send the message that it is not acceptable. Research shows this can stop bullying behavior over time.
This bill will help prevent bullying by talking about it, building a safe school environment, and creating a bullying prevention strategy.

Commission:

Safety

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

Resolved, That Utah PTA encourage local units to work with the school administration to establish a school climate that clearly and emphatically disapproves of bullying; and be it further

Resolved, That each local unit work with the school administration to develop a school program in compliance with district policies, designed by the entire school community, including parents, teachers, students, professional staff, custodial staff and others, that includes a list of rules, posted in each classroom, against bullying to create a school climate where bullying is not tolerated; and be it further

Resolved, That National PTA and its constituent organizations support policies and programs that address the prevention, intervention, and elimination of bullying; and

Resolved, That National PTA and its constituent organizations endeavor, via educational literature, programs, and projects for parents, students, and school personnel, to bring about an atmosphere of zero tolerance for bullying behavior, and an attitude that bullying behavior is unacceptable and will not be tolerated in homes, schools, playgrounds, buses, school activities, or any place children congregate

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.
To bring in to closer relation the home and the school, that parents and teachers may cooperate more intelligently in the education of children and youth.
To develop, between educators and the general public, such united efforts as will secure, for all children and youth, the highest advantages in physical, social, and spiritual education.

Equity in the form of 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:

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.

HB0437S03 | Interdicted Person Amendments

Description

General Description:

This bill provides that an individual convicted of driving under the influence may be designated as an interdicted person.

Highlighted Provisions:

This bill provides that a person convicted of driving under the influence may be designated as an interdicted person and is prohibited from purchasing alcohol for a certain time period;

Bill Details

Bill Number:

HB0437S03

Year:

2025

Status:

House/ to Governor

Last Action:

Mar 12, 2025

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

None

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Support

Impact on Children:

This bill will help keep children safer because it will allow the courts to designate a person convicted of DUI to be designated as an interdicted person and not allow them to purchase alcohol.

Commission:

Safety

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

National PTA Resolution on 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 secure adequate laws for the care and protection of children and youth.

HB0438 | Electronic Cigarette Requirements

Description

General Description:

This bill amends provisions relating to the provision of electronic cigarette products.

Highlighted Provisions:

sets a limit for nicotine content for an electronic cigarette product that may be sold
in the State at 3%

Bill Details

Bill Number:

HB0438

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

Support

Utah PTA Resolution:

HEA 2015-2 | Electronic Cigarettes and Utah Youth

Impact on Children:

E-cigarettes are the most used tobacco products by our students. The nicotine they contain are harmful to the teenage brain. It’s highly addictive, impacts their emotional well-being, and studies have shown that it causes a cycle of depression that the user feels can only be relieved by increased usage.

Commission:

Student Leadership

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

Utah PTA support state and local ordinances that appropriately address regulations of ENDS product

Utah PTA Legislative Policy:

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

HB0440S02 | School Lunch Amendments

Description

General Description:

This bill enacts provisions related to school community councils, school meals, and recess in public school.

Highlighted Provisions:

Creates a lunch share table. Requires school community councils for K - 6th grade to hold a school lunch planning meeting and report on meeting lunch target goals. Students are to have 20 minutes of seated lunch time. The goal is to increase food availability and to ensure student have enough time to eat their lunches.

Bill Details

Bill Number:

HB0440S02

Year:

2026

Status:

House/ filed

Last Action:

Mar 06, 2026

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

None

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Local Issue

Impact on Children:

Commission:

Health

National PTA Public Policy Agenda

National PTA Resolution on Improving School Meal Programs - Resolved, That National PTA and its constituent associations support legislation and advocate for wellness policies, which include measurable goals and standards regarding child nutrition, that will ensure sufficient time for students to receive and consume a meal, and provide for recess opportunities;

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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