Legislative Bills

HB0156S01 | Education Board Amendments

Description

General Description:

This bill amends provisions regarding governance of the public education system.

Highlighted Provisions:

This bill modifies provisions relating to state school board powers by prioritizing legislative control over the USBE.

Bill Details

Bill Number:

HB0156S01

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

Local Issue

Utah PTA Resolution:

EDU 2015-3 | State Board of Education

Impact on Children:

Utah State Board of Education Members are specifically elected by the residents of Utah to manage and direct public education in the state. Their authority should not be supplanted by Legislative decisions.

Commission:

Education

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

hat Utah PTA recognizes the State Board of Education as the body elected to establish policy and standards for education in the State of Utah

HB0158S03 | Juvenile Interrogation Amendments

Description

General Description:

This bill addresses the interrogation of minors who are in custody for an offense.

Highlighted Provisions:

This bill addresses the rights of minors who are taken into custody; addresses the waiver of certain rights by minors; addresses the knowingness and voluntariness of waivers by minors; clarifies a minor's waiver to the right to counsel for court proceedings; and makes technical and conforming changes.

Bill Details

Bill Number:

HB0158S03

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

Impact on Children:

Every child should have the opportunity to reach their full potential—even if they make a mistake while growing up. Second chances are important as children learn and grow into adulthood. This bill would ensure that the rights of minors are taken into custody are preserved.

Commission:

Safety

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

National PTA CHILD SAFETY AND PROTECTION Position Statement

Utah PTA Legislative Policy:

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.
High standards for those who work in all areas concerned with children and youth.
Coordination and planning by all agencies with clear definition of responsibility at each level of government.

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 and Utah PTA Position Statements:

National PTA CHILD SAFETY AND PROTECTION Position Statement
Promote initiatives to address racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic inequities in the juvenile justice system.
Encourage collaboration between law enforcement, the judicial system, and child welfare agencies.
Promote alternative dispute resolution techniques that provide a range of possible sanctions

National PTA Public Policy Agenda

Juvenile Justice is not on the Checklist this year but is part of their public policy agenda. https://www.pta.org/home/advocacy/federal-legislation/Public-Policy-Agen...

HB0160 | Distracted Driver Amendments

Description

General Description:

This bill amends provisions related to the use of a handheld wireless communication device while operating a motor vehicle.

Highlighted Provisions:

This bill:
13          ▸     defines terms related to the operation of handheld wireless communication devices;
14          ▸     prohibits certain uses of a handheld wireless communication device while operating
15     a motor vehicle on a roadway;
16          ▸     provides limited exceptions to the prohibition on the use of a handheld wireless
17     communication device while operating a motor vehicle on a roadway;

Bill Details

Bill Number:

HB0160

Year:

2021

Status:

House/ filed

Last Action:

Mar 05, 2021

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

None

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Support

Impact on Children:

The changes would increase the ability to enforce the law by not allowing any manual manipulation and thereby making Utah roads safer for all.

Commission:

Safety

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

National PTA Resolution on Distracted Driving Resolved, That PTA and its constituent associations support the adoption and enforcement of laws that restrict the manipulation of handheld and portable communication devices while driving;

Utah PTA Legislative Policy:

To secure adequate laws for the care and protection of children and youth.
Prioritizing the needs of all children and youth, while adhering to fiscal responsibility in government.

HB0161S01 | Foreign Language Education Funding Amendments

Description

General Description:

This bill amends provisions related to the funding of foreign language education.

Highlighted Provisions:

Prevents funding from a restricted foreign entity to the dual immersion program.
Aligns the dual immersion programs funding with the WPU (requiring growth and inflation adjustment)

Bill Details

Bill Number:

HB0161S01

Year:

2023

Status:

Governor Signed

Last Action:

Mar 14, 2023

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

$3,115,900

This bill appropriates in fiscal year 2024: to the Minimum School Program - Related to Basic School Programs: from the Uniform School Fund, $2,337,000; and to the University of Utah - Education and General, as an ongoing appropriation: from the Income Tax Fund, $778,900.

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Support

Utah PTA Resolution:

EDU 2023-1 | Education Funding

Impact on Children:

This bill aligns funding for dual immersion with the WPU. It gives an inflationary/growth boost to dual immersion students in the state.

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

HB0161 | Overdose Harm Reduction Working Group

Description

General Description:

This bill creates a working group to study harm reduction oriented strategies to reduce overdose injuries and deaths in the state.

Highlighted Provisions:

This bill creates a working group to study harm reduction oriented strategies to reduce overdose injuries and death in the state

Bill Details

Bill Number:

HB0161

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

Support

Utah PTA Resolution:

HEA 2007-1 | Substance Abuse

Impact on Children:

The working group created by this bill under the Utah Substance Abuse Advisory Council will study more deeply how to reduce overdose injuries and death

Commission:

Health

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

That Utah PTA supports legislative action that promotes education or cessation programs regarding substance abuse

|

Description

General Description:

Highlighted Provisions:

This bill, subject to certain exceptions, provides that a law passed by a local school board, other than a law imposing a new tax or tax increase, may be referred to the voters of the school district for the voters approval or rejection.

Bill Details

Bill Number:

https://le.utah.gov/~2024/bills/static/HB0161.html

Year:

2024

Status:

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Pending

Impact on Children:

We are concerned that making local school board property tax increases subject to referendum would destabilize funding mechanisms for public schools.

Commission:

Education

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

Resolved, That Utah PTA and its constituent associations support the maintenance of a stable and adequate funding mechanism to support public education based on the following principles: enrollment growth

HB0162 | Period Products in Schools

Description

General Description:

This bill requires local school boards and charter school governing boards to provide period products in certain restrooms within all school facilities.

Highlighted Provisions:

This bill requires local school boards and charter school governing boards to provide period products in certain restrooms within all school facilities.

Bill Details

Bill Number:

HB0162

Year:

2022

Status:

Governor Signed

Last Action:

Mar 24, 2022

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

None

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Support

Utah PTA Resolution:

EDU 2014-2 | Chronic Absenteeism (retired)

Impact on Children:

One of the main reasons for absenteeism for teenaged girls in Utah schools is lack of access to feminine products and the ability to purchase them. This also causes anxiety and depression. Providing feminine products at school will improve equity between boys and girls.

Commission:

Health

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

That Utah PTA and its constituent bodies encourage district school boards or charter school boards to adopt policies to examine their own chronic absenteeism data; implement prevention programs, positive support, and outreach strategies and services for students and families; and develop community-wide awareness strategies to address chronic absenteeism

That Utah PTA support programs that help mentoring families, including those that focus on the individual or family for a significant amount of time, teaching parenting skills, promoting continuing education, encouraging good health care for themselves and their children, and helping children succeed in school.

HB0163 | Protecting Student Religious and Moral Beliefs Regarding Athletic Uniform Requirements

Description

General Description:

This bill addresses requirements for uniforms worn while participating in certain school athletic activities.

Highlighted Provisions:

Provides that certain associations and educational organizations may not prohibit a student athlete from wearing religious clothing, or other clothing consistent with the student athlete's beliefs, while participating in an athletic activity

Bill Details

Bill Number:

HB0163

Year:

2023

Status:

Governor Signed

Last Action:

Mar 14, 2023

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

None

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Support

Utah PTA Resolution:

FAM 2022-2 | Support for Newcomer and Refugee Students and Families

Impact on Children:

Uniform requirements would not be allowed to prohibit participants from wearing religious clothing on or under the uniform. Students would also be allowed to wear clothing on or under the uniform to cover or conceal body parts they would not like exposed for moral reasons

Commission:

Individual Development

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

That Utah PTA and its constituent associations call on state, district and local leaders to uphold the value of diversity and multiculturalism as an asset to our state, our communities and our classrooms by seeking out ways to welcome and support refugee students and families to integrate as part of our school community;

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities:

3. FAMILY ENGAGEMENT. Support policies which will increase family and community engagement and promote local positive parental involvement across the state of Utah.

HB0163 | Grow Your Own Educator Pipeline Program Amendments

Description

General Description:

This bill expands scholarship eligibility to include licensed teachers pursuing special education endorsements.

Highlighted Provisions:

This expands scholarship eligibility to include licensed teachers pursuing special education endorsements.

Bill Details

Bill Number:

HB0163

Year:

2026

Status:

House/ to Governor

Last Action:

Mar 03, 2026

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

None

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Support

Utah PTA Resolution:

EDU 2019-1 | Best Practices in Education

Impact on Children:

This bill would help encourage teachers to work toward their special education endorsement by making them eligible for scholarships to cover the costs. Since special education teachers are sometimes difficult to find, this will help address an area of scarcity.

Commission:

Education

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

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

HB0167S01 | State Child Care Amendments

Description

General Description:

This bill addresses on-site child care for state employees.

Highlighted Provisions:

This Bill:
13 ▸ creates the State Child Care Pilot Program (pilot program) within the Division of
14 Human Resource Management to allow certain state agencies to contract with a
15 child care provider to establish an on-site child care center for the agency's
16 employees in a facility owned or operated by the agency;
17 ▸ requires a child care provider that establishes an on-site child care center under the
18 pilot program to maintain liability insurance coverage;

The 1st substitution made changes so it is funded by those using the child care services rather than by the state.

Bill Details

Bill Number:

HB0167S01

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:

FAM 2022-1 | Child Care

Impact on Children:

This program will study the efficacy of on-site child care. If successful it will help improve care for your children.

Commission:

Family Life

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

Resolved, That Utah PTA encourage more public and private efforts to provide after-school care; and be it further
Resolved, That Utah PTA support appropriate regulations to ensure quality child care; and be it further
Resolved, That Utah PTA encourage business and community groups to support child care; and be it further
Resolved, That Utah PTA encourage affected agencies to examine existing policies and create new policies which will better serve the needs of both children and parents; and be it further
Resolved, That Utah PTA help to educate parents concerning the dangers of leaving all schoolchildren unattended, even if the children appear to be mature and have learned survival skills

HB0168 | Artificial Intelligence in Education

Description

General Description:

This bill establishes a task force to guide the implementation and use of artificial intelligence in Utah's education system.

Highlighted Provisions:

This bill establishes a task force to guide the implementation and use of artificial intelligence in Utah's education system.

Bill Details

Bill Number:

HB0168

Year:

2025

Status:

House/ filed

Last Action:

Mar 07, 2025

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

None

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Support w/ Comment

The Utah PTA supports HB 168, which establishes the Artificial Intelligence in Education Task Force.We recognize the importance of exploring AI’s role in education to enhance learning, improve equity, and protect student privacy. However we strongly recommend increasing the representation of classroom teachers on the task force. Currently the bill provides for only one teacher, but to ensure that AI policies and guidelines reflect the diverse needs of Utah’s students, teachers from elementary, middle and high schools should be
included. These educators bring firsthand knowledge of the unique challenges and
opportunities present at different grade levels, which is critical for developing thoughtful and
practical AI policies. We urge lawmakers to consider expanding teacher representation on the
task force to create a more inclusive and well- rounded perspective as Utah moves forward in
shaping AI’s role in education.

Impact on Children:

Creating a task force to address and understand the issues and concerns of Artificial Intelligence and its effects on children in the public school system is necessary and important. With the regular increase of AI's potential for good and bad in our public schools, increased vigilance and knowledge is critical for the safety and health of our children.

Commission:

Safety

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

That Utah PTA and its constituent associations be familiar with advances in technology, social networking, digital devices, applications (apps), gaming technologies, etc., their uses, and the potential impact on the safety and development on youth and teens

National PTA and Utah PTA Position Statements:

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

HB0168 | Sale of Sexual Assault Test Kits Prohibited

Description

General Description:

This bill prohibits over-the-counter sexual assault evidence kits.

Highlighted Provisions:

This bill:
prohibits selling or providing an over-the-counter sexual assault evidence kit; and imposes a penalty for a violation.

Bill Details

Bill Number:

HB0168

Year:

2021

Status:

House/ filed

Last Action:

Mar 05, 2021

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

None

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Support

Utah PTA Resolution:

SAF 2016-2 | Sexual Exploitation of a Minor

Impact on Children:

Sexual Assault is a serious offense and the sale of these kits would give false hope for any potential prosecution. Even cases with evidence that is collected in a professional manner is difficult to prosecute.

When a victim goes to a hospital to get evidence of rape collected they are treated with a presumption of belief by hospital staff and victims advocates.

Victims are also provided with other resources to deal with the emotional trauma of being raped, this would not be provided for those who purchase kits on the internet.

Commission:

Safety

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

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; and be it further
Resolved, That Utah PTA and its constituent associations encourage and call for members, policy makers, schools and community organizations to actively raise awareness and to address those conditions and situations that contribute to the sexual exploitation of a minor.

Utah PTA Legislative Policy:

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 and Utah PTA Position Statements:

National PTA Position Statement - Child Safety and Protection: Protect children from violence.

HB0168 | School Bus Safety Requirements

Description

General Description:

This bill modifies the Traffic Code by requiring a new school bus purchased after June 30, 2020, to be equipped with seatbelts.

Bill Details

Bill Number:

HB0168

Year:

2019

Status:

House/ filed

Last Action:

Mar 14, 2019

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

None

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Pending

This bill is an unfunded mandate and will require districts to fund the buses themselves at an exorbitant cost.

Impact on Children:

Research has concluded that high backed padded seats and seat belts together improve overall bus passenger safety by providing true compartmentalization in accidents, especially side impacts and rollovers, and the use of seat belts does not significantly increase evacuation time, and current seat belt buckle design coupled with education on evacuation helps ensure that no child of school age will be trapped in a bus by their seat belt; and use of seat belts on school buses will reinforce the important safety habit of buckling up, and Students who are properly belted in are less distracting to the school bus driver, and a strong seat belt use policy will significantly reduce fatal actions such as putting one's head or arm out of a school bus window, or falling out of a school bus door, by school bus passengers.

Commission:

Education

Safety

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

Resolved, That the National PTA shall support legislation or regulation requiring any new bus purchased for the purpose of transporting school children to be equipped with seat belts, and further be it

Resolved, That National PTA shall encourage all school districts to implement strong seat belt use, education, and enforcement policies.

National PTA Public Policy Agenda

National PTA Resolution Seat Belt in New School Buses

Links

National PTA Resolution on Seat Belts in New School Buses

HB0170S02 | School Board Referendum Amendments

Description

General Description:

This bill amends provisions related to local referendums.

Highlighted Provisions:

Subject to certain exceptions, establishes a process for voters who are residents of a school district to hold a referendum on a law passed by the school district's local school board, including a law that increases a tax or imposes a new tax.

Bill Details

Bill Number:

HB0170S02

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

Oppose

Utah PTA Resolution:

EDU 2025-3 | Education Funding

Impact on Children:

Making local school board decisions subject to referendum adds a significant element of uncertainty to implementing new policies or needed budget items. Voters already have the ability to elect new local board leadership if they are unhappy with the decisions made by their local school board members.

Commission:

Education

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

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

HB0172 | Food Sales Tax Modifications

Description

General Description:

This bill reduces the tax imposed on amounts paid or charged for certain food.

Highlighted Provisions:

This bill:
12          ▸     removes the state sales and use tax from amounts paid or charged for food and food
13     ingredients;
14          ▸     excludes candy from the definition of food and food ingredients;

Bill Details

Bill Number:

HB0172

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

Impact on Children:

Removing the state sales tax is one way we can help children and families in Utah afford good nutrition. The relief is immediate instead of waiting for a tax refund. It is a policy changed supported by Utahns Against Hunger.

Commission:

Health

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

Utah PTA Legislative Policy:

The Utah PTA Purposes

To promote the welfare of children and youth in home, school, community, and place of worship.

To raise the standards of home life.

General Principles for Consideration of Proposed Legislation:
Prioritizing the needs of all children and youth, while adhering to fiscal responsibility in government.

National PTA and Utah PTA Position Statements:

HEA 2022-4 | PROPOSED Child Nutrition and Food Insecurity Resolution
That Utah PTA and its constituent associations call on state, district and local leaders to take action to reduce and eliminate hunger and food insecurity for Utah’s children through policy and funding;

National PTA Public Policy Agenda

To promote the welfare of children and youth in home, school, community, and place of worship.
Engage the public in united and equitable efforts to secure the physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and social well-being of all children and youth.

|

Description

General Description:

Highlighted Provisions:

This bill provides that a law passed by a local school board, including a law imposing a new tax or a tax increase, may be referred to the voters of the school district for their approval or rejection.

Bill Details

Bill Number:

https://le.utah.gov/~2024/bills/static/HB0173.html

Year:

2024

Status:

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Pending

Utah PTA Resolution:

EDU 2023-1 | Education Funding

Impact on Children:

Making local school board decisions subject to referendum will increase uncertainty in board decisions and will cost LEAs more money by raising rates for loans. Will also make it difficult for them to enter into contracts and make other financial decisions.

Commission:

Education

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

That Utah PTA and its constituent associations support the maintenance of a stable and adequate funding mechanism to support public education based on the following principles: enrollment growth; inflation; support of a K-12 education Economic Stabilization Restricted Account; funding the USBE Strategic Plan;

HB0174 | Psychiatry Medical Residents Amendments

Description

General Description:

This bill requires the University of Utah Health Sciences to select additional psychiatry residents.

Bill Details

Bill Number:

HB0174

Year:

2019

Status:

Governor Signed

Last Action:

Mar 28, 2019

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

None

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Pending

Impact on Children:

Bill is to provide more psychiatrists as we have a shortage of mental health professionals.

Commission:

Health

Education

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

That National PTA and its constituent associations strongly encourage efforts to establish comprehensive community mental health providers to offer preventative and treatment services to children and adults and comprehensive school mental health programs that include adequate access to school psychologists, school counselors and school social workers;

Links

National PTA Resolution on Mental Health Programs and Services

HB0175S03 | School Fees Amendments

Description

General Description:

This bill amends and enacts provisions related to elementary and secondary school fees.

Highlighted Provisions:

1          This bill:
12          ▸     amends definitions;
13          ▸     prescribes the fees a local education agency (LEA) may charge a secondary school
14     student for a curricular or a co-curricular activity for a certain duration;
15          ▸     authorizes an LEA to charge a secondary school student a fee for an extracurricular
16     activity for a certain duration;
17          ▸     prohibits an LEA from charging a general fee;
18          ▸     amends provisions related to fees for textbooks;
19          ▸     prohibits charging a student in grade 6 a fee for a remediation program; and
20          ▸     makes technical and conforming changes.

Bill Details

Bill Number:

HB0175S03

Year:

2023

Status:

House/ filed

Last Action:

Mar 03, 2023

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

$35,000,000

This bill appropriates in fiscal year 2024: to State Board of Education -- Minimum School Program -- Related to Basic School Programs, as a one-time appropriation: from Uniform School Fund, One-time, $35,000,000.

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Oppose w/ Comment

This bill allocates $35 million to LEAs to finance the missing fees, however that funding is insufficient and if the funding is not appropriated will lead to an unfunded mandate.

Impact on Children:

The Utah constitution stipulates that “public elementary and secondary schools shall be free”. Eliminating school fees for families would relieve a significant burden for many families, however, if funding is inadequate or not provided, than students do not have a quality learning experience and LEAs must make up the difference taking funding from other important areas.

According to the census bureau annual public school Spending Per Pupil review, Utah consistently ranks in the bottom three in expenditures per student.

Commission:

Education

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

Resolved, That Utah PTA and its constituent associations continue to urge the legislature to make public education revenue allocations and funding effort a high priority; and, be it further

Resolved, That Utah PTA and its constituent associations encourage the legislature to adequately fund critical educational needs, including but not limited to, class size reduction, teacher salaries, technology, programs, supplies, and evidenced-based practices that have an impact on student achievement;

Utah PTA Legislative Policy:

General Principles for Consideration of Proposed Legislation:

4. Prioritizing the needs of all children and youth, while adhering to fiscal responsibility in government.

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities:

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

HB0175S02 | Education Accountability Amendments

Description

General Description:

This bill provides that for the 2018-2019 school year, 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:

HB0175S02

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 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 EDU 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

HB0177S04 | Health Education Amendments

Description

General Description:

This bill amends provisions related to health education.

Highlighted Provisions:

This bill:
▸ requires the State Board of Education (state board) to establish curriculum
requirements that include instruction in:
• consent, including what does not constitute consent;
• sexual violence behavior prevention; and
• sexual assault resource strategies;
▸ amends provisions related to when a student receives health education instruction;
▸ requires a local education agency (LEA) to review data on sexual assault for each
county in which the LEA is located;

Bill Details

Bill Number:

HB0177S04

Year:

2021

Status:

House/ filed

Last Action:

Mar 05, 2021

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

None

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Support

While Utah PTA supports the concepts to be taught as proposed in this legislation, we are concerned about the conflict between the use of the word "consent" as defined in the bill and the legal definition of "consent." Legally, no minor can give "consent" to sexual activity with another person.

Utah PTA Resolution:

HEA 2000-3 | Sex Education in Public Schools (retired)

HEA 2010-1 | Home & Community Influence on Early Sexual Involvement (retired)

HEA 2010-2 | Additional School Strategies to Address Teen Sexual Involvement (retired)

Impact on Children:

This bill will add into our sexual education curriculum instruction that will empower students to gain knowledge and strategies to avoid and mitigate unwanted sexual advances.

When children are taught about consent, coercion; sexual violence behavior deterrence; and sexual assault mitigation they are better equipped to keep themselves safe and from experiencing sexually violent behavior. It would give them tools to express their limits and that they deserve to be treated in a respectful way.

Commission:

Safety

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

That Utah PTA seek and promote state curriculum objectives which teach behavioral strategies to help students remain abstinent or resume abstinence until marriage

Resolved, That Utah PTA educate its membership about current statistics, trends, and protective and risk factors of early sexual involvement;

Resolved, That Utah PTA encourage state and local public campaigns to create a social expectation of premarital abstinence; and be it further
Resolved, That Utah PTA encourage our state and national legislators to support funding of programs that provide resources for parents to assume their role as primary sex educators of their children;

Resolved, That Utah PTA support varied counseling approaches outside of school course work, with parental permission, for those students who need additional sustained support to delay sexual involvement or return to sexual abstinence;

Utah PTA Legislative Policy:

To promote the welfare of children and youth in home, school, community, and place of worship.

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,

Legislative Bills

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