Legislative Bills

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SB0112 | Public Education Information Systems Uniformity Act

Description
General Description: 

This bill requires the State Board of Education to have a system for collecting and reporting public education data.

Bill Details
Year: 
2019
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 21, 2019
Sponsor
Senator
Republican - District 13
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$17,200,000
This bill appropriates in fiscal year 2020: to the State Board of Education - State Administrative Office, as a one-time appropriation: from the Education Fund, One-time, $17,200,000.
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Pending
Impact on Children: 

The Utah Schools Information Management System will consolidate multiple State Education data systems to improve exchanges of information between public education agencies and increase system security/data protection/privacy control. Lack of funding will lead to continued inadequacies in systems integration, increased costs, and elevated data security and privacy risks.

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.

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
Year: 
2020
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 28, 2020
Sponsor
Senator
Republican - District 28
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Utah PTA Resolution: 
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.

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
Year: 
2022
Status: 
Senate/ filed
Last Action: 
Mar 04, 2022
Sponsor
Senator
Republican - District 17
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
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
Year: 
2019
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 22, 2019
Sponsor
Senator
Democrat - District 8
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.
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Pending
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

SB0116S01 | Income Tax Rate Modifications

Description
General Description: 

This bill modifies the income tax rates.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill provides for a reduction of the income tax rate when the actual state revenue exceeds the forecast revenue.

Bill Details
Year: 
2026
Status: 
Senate/ filed
Last Action: 
Mar 06, 2026
Sponsor
Senator
Republican - District 17
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Oppose
Utah PTA Resolution: 
Impact on Children: 

Modifying the tax rate based upon expected revenue means that the dollars available for education funding could be decreased. As our K-12 schools are already underfunded, it would be better to keep the rate flat and use extra dollars to fund critical needs in our schools.

Commission: 
Education
Utah PTA Public Policy Program
National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions: 

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

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
Year: 
2025
Status: 
Senate/ filed
Last Action: 
Mar 07, 2025
Sponsor
Senator
Republican - District 18
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Oppose
Utah PTA Resolution: 
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
Year: 
2023
Status: 
Governor Signed
Sponsor
Senator
Republican - District 8
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.
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Utah PTA Resolution: 
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
Year: 
2021
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 16, 2021
Sponsor
Senator
Democrat - District 1
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
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
Year: 
2024
Status: 
Senate/ filed
Last Action: 
Mar 01, 2024
Sponsor
Senator
Democrat - District 15
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
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
Year: 
2020
Status: 
Senate/ to Governor
Last Action: 
Mar 28, 2020
Sponsor
Senator
Republican - District 7
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
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.

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
Year: 
2024
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 20, 2024
Sponsor
Senator
Republican - District 5
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
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.

SB0123S02 | Privacy and Cybersecurity Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill modifies provisions related to the Utah Cyber Center.

Highlighted Provisions: 

By including local education agencies in statewide cybersecurity planning, the bill aims to strengthen the security of school systems and education technology platforms.

Bill Details
Year: 
2026
Status: 
Senate/ to Governor
Last Action: 
Mar 13, 2026
Sponsor
Senator
Republican - District 16
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

Schools often hold students’ personal information (like names, addresses, grades, test results, and health data), so improved cybersecurity could help protect that sensitive data from breaches that could affect families. This can reduce risks such as identity theft or misuse of student information.

Commission: 
Safety
Utah PTA Public Policy Program
National PTA and Utah PTA Position Statements: 

National PTA supports the ability of families and students to have reasonable control over the collection, warehousing and use of electronic student data, while also supporting the need for research and data analysis to improve student learning outcomes, instructional design and remedial supports. Additionally, National PTA supports current federal law (COPPA) that requires direct notice to parents and parental consent before an operator collects personally identifiable information and that privacy policies must be clear and accessible to families.

SB0124S02 | Child Welfare Modifications

Description
General Description: 

This bill addresses protective custody warrants and child safety warrants relating to child welfare.

Highlighted Provisions: 

Makes juvenile courts able to issue warrants to search a child's home, examine a child or interview a child if there is suspected abuse or there is evidence that the child's safety or health are at risk.

Bill Details
Year: 
2026
Status: 
Senate/ filed
Last Action: 
Mar 06, 2026
Sponsor
Senator
Democrat - District 10
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

Helps protect children from abuse

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

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
Year: 
2022
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 23, 2022
Sponsor
Senator
Republican - District 18
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
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
Year: 
2019
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 26, 2019
Sponsor
Senator
Republican - District 6
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Pending
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
Year: 
2024
Status: 
Senate/ filed
Last Action: 
Mar 01, 2024
Sponsor
Senator
Democrat - District 9
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
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
Year: 
2022
Status: 
Senate/ filed
Last Action: 
Mar 04, 2022
Sponsor
Senator
Democrat - District 3
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Oppose
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
Year: 
2025
Status: 
Senate/ filed
Last Action: 
Mar 07, 2025
Sponsor
Senator
Democrat - District 13
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
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
Year: 
2019
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 26, 2019
Sponsor
Senator
Republican - District 21
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Pending
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
Year: 
2022
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 21, 2022
Sponsor
Senator
Democrat - District 10
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.
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.