Legislative Bills

SB0113S01 | Arts Program Funding Amendments

Description

General Description:

This bill provides for an annual budgetary review for the Beverley Taylor Sorenson Elementary Arts Learning Program in certain circumstances.

Bill Details

Bill Number:

SB0113S01

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

Utah PTA Resolution:

IND 2014-1 | Arts Education

Impact on Children:

Arts education plays an important role in developing students’ skills in critical thinking, creativity, imagination and innovation. Students involved in the arts have a higher level of academic success. At-risk students who are engaged in the arts have better academic achievement, job opportunities and are more engaged civically than those who do not and access to the arts plays a central role in cognitive, motor, language, and social-emotional development. An annual review of the Beverly Sorenson program may provide greater funding for arts programs if necessary.

Commission:

Individual Development

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

Resolved, That Utah PTA advocate for appropriate funding for education that includes the arts as part of a child’s educational experience.

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities:

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.

National PTA and Utah PTA Position Statements:

Arts in Education Position Statement

National PTA believes that the arts, music, literature, dance, drama, and visual arts are central to learning. Infusion of the arts in elementary, secondary, and continuing education curricula is key to the development of students.

National PTA supports:

Programs that promote public awareness of the arts and arts education.
The integration of the arts in school curriculum.

Links

Position Statement - Arts in Education

SB0114S02 | Public School Curriculum Requirements

Description

General Description:

This bill addresses requirements related to the approval of materials for classroom use and certain policies.

Highlighted Provisions:

"12 This bill:
13 ▸requires a process for local school boards and charter school governing boards to
14 approve instructional materials for classroom use;
15 ▸requires local education agencies to adopt policies to provide guidance to educators
16 on the use of materials that have not been approved"

Bill Details

Bill Number:

SB0114S02

Year:

2022

Status:

Senate/ filed

Last Action:

Mar 04, 2022

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

None

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Support

Utah PTA Resolution:

EDU 2011-1 | Excellence in Teaching

EDU 2019-1 | Best Practices in Education

Impact on Children:

There is no positive impact for children from SB114. It will bring stress for teachers and will reduce innovation, spontaneity and inquisitiveness in the classroom.

Commission:

Education

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

Resolved, That Utah PTA advocate for policies that strengthen respect and support for public education and the teaching profession;

WHEREAS, Instructional and curriculum alignment significantly boosts both student and teacher engagement and therefore significantly boosts student transitions, from one course to the next, both within schools and across institutional boundaries by ensuring that teachers see their curriculum within the progression of intended learning and students see the relevance of individual courses toward the achievement of educational and employment and innovation that is driven by data and evidence based practices includes high quality aligned curriculum and resources; 20, 21 now, therefore, be it

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; and be it further

Resolved, That Utah PTA and its constituent associations engage principals and teacher as partners with the PTA to develop relationships, increase capacity within the schools, and improve communities;

National PTA and Utah PTA Position Statements:

National PS - Family Engagement
According to the Global Family Research Project, when families and educators work together to support children’s learning and development, children are more likely to succeed in school, graduate and stay on their path to college or career.

SB0115S01 | High-need School Amendments

Description

General Description:

This bill provides for grants to local education agencies to employ additional educators in high-need schools.

Bill Details

Bill Number:

SB0115S01

Year:

2019

Status:

Governor Signed

Last Action:

Mar 22, 2019

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

$500,000

This bill appropriates in fiscal year 2020: to the State Board of Education - Related to Basic School Programs - Grants for Educators for High-need Schools as an ongoing appropriation: from the Education Fund, $500,000.

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Pending

Utah PTA Resolution:

EDU 2011-1 | Excellence in Teaching

Impact on Children:

This bill will bring provide grant funding to LEAs to help recruit teachers to teach in high-need areas.

Commission:

Education

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

Resolved, 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

SB0116 | Income Tax Modifications

Description

General Description:

This bill modifies income tax provisions.

Highlighted Provisions:

This bill drops income tax rate to 4.5%

Bill Details

Bill Number:

SB0116

Year:

2025

Status:

Senate/ 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:

EDU 2023-1 | Education Funding

Impact on Children:

Lowering the Income Tax rate means that there will be fewer funds available for public education.

Commission:

Education

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

Utah PTA and its constituent associations continue to urge the legislature to make public education revenue allocations and funding effort a high priority;

SB0117S04 | Domestic Violence Amendments

Description

General Description:

This bill amends provisions relating to domestic violence.

Highlighted Provisions:

▸ requires a law enforcement officer to conduct a lethality assessment when
13 responding to a report of domestic violence between intimate partners;

Bill Details

Bill Number:

SB0117S04

Year:

2023

Status:

Governor Signed

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

$1,305,000

This bill appropriates: to the Department of Public Safety -- Programs and Operations -- Department Intelligence Center, as a one-time appropriation: from the General Fund, One-time, $100,000; and to the Department of Public Safety -- Programs and Operations -- Department Intelligence Center, as an ongoing appropriation: from the General Fund, $1,205,000.

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Support

Utah PTA Resolution:

STU 2009-1 | Teen Dating Violence

Impact on Children:

This bill may help to protect children in a dating relationship that may be the victim of domestic violence by requiring law enforcement to conduct a lethality assessment.

Commission:

Safety

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

Resolved, That Utah PTA supports adequate legislation that applies legal consequences for violence in dating relationships

Utah PTA Legislative Policy:

To promote the welfare of children and youth in home, school, community, and place of worship.
Advocate by speaking on behalf of all children and youth in schools, in the community, before governmental bodies, and before other organizations that make decisions affecting children.

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities:

5. SAFETY. Support evidence-based community violence intervention and means reduction strategies.

SB0117 | Human Smuggling Amendments

Description

General Description:

This bill modifies the offenses of human smuggling, aggravated human smuggling, and aggravated human trafficking.

Highlighted Provisions:

This bill increases the penalty for human smuggling from a third degree felony to a second degree felony; increases the penalty for aggravated human smuggling from a second degree felony to a first degree felony; and removes the requirement of "in a single episode" when there are 10 or more victims from the offenses of aggravated human smuggling and aggravated human trafficking.

Bill Details

Bill Number:

SB0117

Year:

2021

Status:

Governor Signed

Last Action:

Mar 16, 2021

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

None

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Support

Utah PTA Resolution:

SAF 2016-2 | Sexual Exploitation of a Minor

Impact on Children:

Human trafficking is a modern-day form of slavery. Traffickers prey on others’ weaknesses, unfortunate circumstances, unfamiliarity, and inexperience. Traffickers are trained to identify vulnerability and use expert manipulation tactics to persuade and control their victims. It is imperative that penalties are increased and requirements for prosecution decreased to combat human trafficking.

Commission:

Safety

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

Resolved, That Utah PTA and its constituent associations promote and support the adoption and enforcement of laws, at all levels of government, to end the recruitment, force or involvement of a minor in conduct or violence of a sexual nature and all forms of sexual exploitation; and be it further
Resolved, That Utah PTA and its constituent associations advocate for the protection of rights of victims and support provided measures for the physical, psychological, and social recovery of victims of sexual exploitation;

Utah PTA Legislative Policy:

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

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities:

5. Support measures to promote safe and healthy environments and behaviors for children to prevent suicide, sexual exploitation, and human trafficking,

National PTA Public Policy Agenda

Enact Legislation to Protect Youth, Families and Communities From Gun and Other Violence

SB0117 | Office of Student Health Affairs

Description

General Description:

This bill creates the Office of Student Health Affairs (office) within the Department of Health and Human Services (department).

Highlighted Provisions:

This bill his bill creates the Office of Student Health Affairs within the Department of Health and Human Services.

Bill Details

Bill Number:

SB0117

Year:

2024

Status:

Senate/ 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:

Children need greater access to health care, especially children in the foster care system.

Commission:

Health

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

National PTA Health Reform and Access to Care for Children, Youth, Families and Pregnant Women

High-risk families have coverage for services that may not be included in a basic benefit plan, such as outreach, case management, transportation, home visits, and child care. This requires more closely aligned social service agencies, mental health centers, juvenile justice systems, and health departments.

SB0119S03 | School Accountability Amendments

Description

General Description:

This bill provides that for the 2018-2019 and 2019-2020 school years, the State Board of Education is not required to assign to each school an overall rating using an A through F letter grading scale.

Bill Details

Bill Number:

SB0119S03

Year:

2020

Status:

Senate/ to Governor

Last Action:

Mar 28, 2020

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:

Establishes a statewide accountability system that does not use letter grade but focuses on other metrics.

Perceptions of school quality may impact the hiring and retention of quality educators and support staff.

Commission:

Education

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

Utah PTA Resolution 2014-1 Public School Accountability
Resolved, That Utah PTA support systems of accountability for public schools that take into account qualitative characteristics, including a welcoming environment, family engagement efforts, administrative leadership, and community collaboration; in addition to quantitative measurements, such as educator qualifications, student absenteeism, average student tested proficiency and student academic growth; and be it further
Resolved, That Utah PTA advocates against the implementation of any accountability system that reduces the evaluation of a school to a single grade or score, that ranks schools beyond statistical confidence, and that grades on a bell curve;

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities:

#3 - Support accountability for all public schools that take into account the needs of students, teachers, and communities.

Links

Utah PTA Resolution EDU 2014-1 Public School Accountability

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities 2019-20

SB0122 | Youth Apprenticeship Governance Structure Amendments

Description

General Description:

This bill creates a youth apprenticeship governance study.

Highlighted Provisions:

Creates a youth apprenticeship governance study for maximizing efficiencies and expanding youth apprenticeship opportunities for students.

Bill Details

Bill Number:

SB0122

Year:

2024

Status:

Governor Signed

Last Action:

Mar 20, 2024

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

None

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Support

Commission:

Student Leadership

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

National Career and Technical Position Statement

National PTA recommends an investment in educating the public regarding recent changes in the scope and nature of CTE programs, including registered apprenticeship and pre- apprenticeship programs and the benefits of CTE for students at all levels of academic achievement, as well as for the general public.

SB0127S01 | Early Literacy Outcomes Improvement

Description

General Description:

This bill amends, enhances, and aligns strategies to improve early literacy outcomes in kindergarten through grade 3.

Highlighted Provisions:

A comprehensive program targeted to improving early literacy outcomes. This involves professional training for local schools, research and resources from higher education, community partnerships, and grants to provide training for teachers, principals and specialists.

Bill Details

Bill Number:

SB0127S01

Year:

2022

Status:

Governor Signed

Last Action:

Mar 23, 2022

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

None

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Support

Utah PTA Resolution:

EDU 2019-2 | Support for Quality Literacy Education

Impact on Children:

This is a focused, evidence-based system to help increase literacy in K-3. Reading on level in 3rd grade has been linked to higher graduation rates, leading to a better chance at making every child's potential a reality.

Commission:

Education

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

That Utah PTA and its constituent associations support teacher development programs that
prepare teachers with a firm understanding of how young students develop literacy skills,
along with proven strategies to ensure reading proficiency and engage families as partners;

Utah PTA Legislative Policy:

3. Support public education funding for high quality part and optional full day kindergarten, as well as other early childhood opportunities to adequately prepare our students to be successful learners.

SB0128S03 | Child Welfare Amendments

Description

General Description:

This bill makes amendments to child welfare provisions.

Bill Details

Bill Number:

SB0128S03

Year:

2019

Status:

Governor Signed

Last Action:

Mar 26, 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 updates information and language to better protect children in aspects of child welfare. It better defines policies and rules, including "threatened harm" to protect children and families.

Commission:

Family Life

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

That Utah PTA and its constituent associations advocate for adequate laws to protect children in all areas of child abuse, neglect, maltreatment, and exploitation.

SB0129 | Medical Director Amendments

Description

General Description:

This bill creates the position of medical director within the Department of Health and Human Services, with a focus on children, youth, and families.

Highlighted Provisions:

This bill creates the position of medical director within the Department of Health and Human Services, with a focus on children, youth, and families.

Bill Details

Bill Number:

SB0129

Year:

2024

Status:

Senate/ 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:

This would create a centralized position focused on organizing and focusing the DHHS' efforts to improve the physical and mental well-being of Utah's families and children.

Commission:

Health

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

National PTA Health Reform and Access to Care for Children, Youth, Families and Pregnant Women

High-risk families have coverage for services that may not be included in a basic benefit plan, such as outreach, case management, transportation, home visits, and child care. This requires that social service agencies, mental health centers, juvenile justice systems, and health departments be more closely aligned.

SB0130 | Electronic Cigarette Restrictions

Description

General Description:

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

Highlighted Provisions:

Exempts electronic cigarette products that receive marketing authorization from certain regulations regarding nicotine content.

Bill Details

Bill Number:

SB0130

Year:

2022

Status:

Senate/ filed

Last Action:

Mar 04, 2022

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:

We finally got a rule that set nicotine limits on vaping products, and this bill would essentially be the "nose of the camel" in the tent. It would only apply to two products right now, but it would be leading to who knows how many down the road. It would take the power to control nicotine levels away from the state, and give it to the FDA.

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 products

Utah PTA Legislative Policy:

Secure adequate laws for the care and protection of children and youth.

SB0130 | Firearm and Firearm Accessory Modifications

Description

General Description:

This bill addresses firearms and firearm accessories.

Highlighted Provisions:

This bill establishes new firearm regulations, including marking requirements for government-use semiautomatic firearms, restrictions on certain firearm attachments and large-capacity magazines, and penalties for possessing firearms without identifying marks. It also introduces a waiting period for firearm purchases, expands offenses related to restricted persons and firearm alterations, and mandates firearm dealers to post liability notices.

Bill Details

Bill Number:

SB0130

Year:

2025

Status:

Senate/ filed

Last Action:

Mar 07, 2025

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

None

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Support w/ Comment

Utah PTA supports gun safety and violence prevention to protect children while respecting responsible gun ownership and Second Amendment rights. This bill strengthens community safety by preventing unauthorized firearm access, reducing gun violence risks, and promoting responsible ownership. These measures help safeguard students, teachers, and families, fostering a safer environment.

Impact on Children:

This bill protects children by preventing unauthorized firearm access, reducing gun violence risks, and promoting responsible ownership. Stronger regulations and oversight create a safer environment at home, in schools, and in the community.

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

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.

SB0132S02 | Beer Amendments

Description

General Description:

This bill modifies and enacts provisions related to beer.

Bill Details

Bill Number:

SB0132S02

Year:

2019

Status:

Governor Signed

Last Action:

Mar 26, 2019

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

None

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Pending

Utah PTA Resolution:

HEA 1989-5 | Availability and Accessibility of Alcoholic Beverages Resolution (retired)

Impact on Children:

This will allow beer with a higher alcohol percentage to be sold in convenience stores and grocery stores, with more accessibility to our children.

Commission:

Health

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

Resolved, That Utah State PTA create an awareness of the hazards of selling alcoholic beverages not within the dispensing store where proper I.D. can be closely checked.

National PTA Public Policy Agenda

Resolved, That the National PTA and its constituent organizations work for increased awareness of existing regulations and laws which protect children from these hazards to their health and well being;
https://www.pta.org/home/advocacy/ptas-positions/Individual-PTA-Resoluti...

SB0133S02 | Food Security Amendments

Description

General Description:

This bill addresses food security in the state.

Highlighted Provisions:

This bill addresses food security in Utah. It creates the State Nutrition Action Coalition at USU to coordinate state efforts in addressing food security

Bill Details

Bill Number:

SB0133S02

Year:

2022

Status:

Governor Signed

Last Action:

Mar 21, 2022

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

$75,000

This bill appropriates in fiscal year 2023: to Utah State University -- Cooperative Extension, as an ongoing appropriation: from the General Fund, $75,000.

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Support

Impact on Children:

Passage of this bill will strengthen Utah PTA's efforts to ensure that all children have better access to healthy food. Food insecurity is linked to lower reading and math scores, falling behind peers academically and socially, and may lead to increased risk of behavioral issues such as anxiety, hyperactivity and aggression.

Commission:

Health

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Position Statements:

Proper nutrition is the cornerstone of a child’s health, well-being and balance. Unfortunately, in many cases, if a student arrives late for school, they do not have an opportunity to participate in breakfast after the bell, which can lead to lack of focus and attention. Food insecurity is linked to lower reading and math scores, falling behind peers academically and socially, and may lead to increased risk of behavioral issues, such as anxiety, hyperactivity and aggression. National PTA is keenly aware that food insecurity, faced by 14 million children, is exacerbated by meal debt policies that shame and stigmatize.

SB0133 | Electronic Cigarette and Other Nicotine Product Amendments

Description

General Description:

This bill modifies provisions relating to the retail sale of electronic cigarettes and other nicotine products.

Highlighted Provisions:

This bill requires the State Tax Commission to report suspected sales of illegal electronic cigarette products or nicotine products to the local health department, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Department of Public Safety; It also requires the local health department to investigate whether the sale is illegal; and requires the State Tax Commission to maintain and publish a list of all persons licensed to distribute an electronic cigarette product or a nicotine product in the state. It requires an electronic cigarette product or a nicotine product retailer to purchase the products from a distributor that is licensed in the state; and requires the State Tax Commission to impose a penalty upon a retailer that purchases an electronic cigarette product or nicotine product from a person other than a licensed distributor;

Bill Details

Bill Number:

SB0133

Year:

2024

Status:

Governor Signed

Last Action:

Mar 14, 2024

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

$1,000,000

This bill appropriates in fiscal year 2025: to Department of Public Safety - Programs & Operations - CITS State Bureau of Investigation as an ongoing appropriation: from the General Fund, $750,000 to Department of Public Safety - Programs & Operations - CITS State Bureau of Investigation as a one-time appropriation: from the General Fund, One-time, $250,000

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Support

Utah PTA Resolution:

HEA 2015-2 | Electronic Cigarettes and Utah Youth

Impact on Children:

These requirements further protect Utah's youth from purchasing E-cigarettes and nicotine products that may contain an unlawful amount of nicotine.

Commission:

Health

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

That Utah PTA seek and support legislation that would include ENDS in the Utah Code Annotated definition of tobacco products and treat them as such –including the need for licensing, sales restrictions, tax parity, and marketing.

SB0134S01 | Tobacco Regulation Amendments

Description

General Description:

This bill amends provisions relating to the regulation of electronic cigarettes.

Highlighted Provisions:

This bill:
▸ provides that a regulation on nicotine content in electronic cigarette products may not be more restrictive than a certain level; and
▸ limits the Department of Health's authority to regulate certain electronic cigarette products that have been authorized for sale by the United States Food and Drug Administration.

Substitute 1

▸lower the nicotine level slightly, but not really. Most products could still stay at the higher levels.

▸takes a lot of the positive aspects and wording from SB 189 and puts them in this bill - strengthening of penalties, etc.

▸raises the tax on e-cigarettes

Bill Details

Bill Number:

SB0134S01

Year:

2021

Status:

Senate/ filed

Last Action:

Mar 05, 2021

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

None

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Oppose

SB 134 Sub 1 attempts to placate the crowd who is against this bill by raising the tax, and upping the penalties for retailers who break the rules, in turn, then it would be ok for them to up the levels of nicotine in these products. "See, we are doing something to take them out of the hands of kids, and you don't really care about everyone else being hooked on nicotine, and in case you still are concerned, here's some money..."

Senator Bramble has framed this legislation as the case of the Health Dept trying to put in place rules and regulations, but that it should be the legislature who does that. HB 23 had the same wording as HB 415 from 2015, that Senator Bramble was a sponsor of, and he didn't seem to mind that for the past 5 years, but he is upset now since the DOH came back with answers that someone doesn't like. The DOH has come out in opposition to this bill as well, and you don't usually see a department of the government coming out like that. If the senators were listening to this more as a health issue, their responses might be different, but this did get sent to the Senate Business & Labor Commission, so that tells you something about how they are approaching this bill (and most of the vaping legilation over the years).

Utah PTA Resolution:

HEA 2015-2 | Electronic Cigarettes and Utah Youth

Impact on Children:

Flavors and nicotine are the 1-2 punch that gets our children hooked on e-cigarettes. Allowing tobacco companies to triple the amount of nicotine which will be very harmful to anyone who tries e-cigarettes and becomes addicted.

It also increases the Preemption Expansion that was started in HB 23 last year - Removes local power to regulate products - at all - makes it so tobacco companies just need to lobby the state legislature, which may be unfairly influenced by conflicts of interest or special interest money.

Commission:

Student Leadership

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

That Utah PTA support state and local ordinances that appropriately address regulations of ENDS products.

Utah PTA Legislative Policy:

Maximum local control when it serves the best interest of all children and youth.

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities:

Support measures to promote safe and healthy environments and behaviors for children

National PTA and Utah PTA Position Statements:

National PTA will participate with other organizations in educating the public about the dangers of tobacco products, their effects, and the cost of the use of tobacco products to society as a whole.

SB0134S04 | Special Education Amendments

Description

General Description:

This bill amends provisions related to the delivery of special education services in public schools.

Highlighted Provisions:

This bill amends provisions related to the delivery of special education services in public schools. This bill requires a local education agency (LEA) to provide special education in the least restrictive environment" and permits an LEA to provide special education to a student with disabilities regardless of whether the other students in the class or setting are students without a disability.

Bill Details

Bill Number:

SB0134S04

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

Unnecessary

Utah PTA Resolution:

EDU 2017-1 | High Expectations for Students with Disabilities (retired)

Impact on Children:

Using restricted special education funds for purposes other than to specifically benefit students with disabilities will negatively impact the education of students with disabilities by decreasing the resources available for these students. Also, this bill seems to imply that the least restrictive environment is the general education classroom and the most restrictive environment is the special education classroom. This is not true. LEAs are already required to serve special education students in the LRE for each student according to their Individualized Education Program. The LRE is not a place; it's where a student is least restricted in accessing their curriculum. LRE could be different for every student. It is based on their individual IEPs.

Commission:

Education

Special Needs Specialist

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

Resolved, that Utah PTA and its constituent associations support funding for ongoing pre-service training and professional development for all teachers regarding adapting instruction to meet the needs of students with disabilities in the general education classroom; accommodations that improve access to the general curriculum; and high expectations for all students with regards to both behavior and academics; and be it further

Resolved, That Utah PTA and its constituent associations support schools in implementing best practices in meeting the needs of diverse students through such practices as Universal Design for Learning (UDL), Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), and inclusion to support instruction from a Core content expert, and access to accommodations including assistive technology for students with disabilities;

Utah PTA Legislative Policy:

General Principles for Consideration of Proposed Legislation: 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:

Support expedited state special education funding to support and implement IEPs for public school students with disabilities.

National PTA Public Policy Agenda

PTA firmly believes that all students—including students from historically marginalized populations—have the right to a quality, equitable education in a safe, supportive and inclusive school.

SB0137S04 | Course Choice Empowerment

Description

General Description:

This bill establishes a private online course choice program.

Highlighted Provisions:

This bill establishes a private and home school online course choice program.

Bill Details

Bill Number:

SB0137S04

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

Oppose

Utah PTA Resolution:

EDU 2023-1 | Education Funding

Impact on Children:

This bill takes approximately $8 million to create an online course program for homeschool and private school students. This will decrease available funding for public schools, when private or homeschool students can already access public school online options.

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.

Legislative Bills

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