Legislative Bills

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HB0273 | School Fees Modifications

Description
General Description: 

This bill amends provisions related to school fees.

Bill Details
Year: 
2019
Status: 
House/ filed
Last Action: 
Mar 14, 2019
Sponsor
Representative
Republican - District 63
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Pending

Utah PTA recognizes that the Utah Constitution provides that public elementary school shall be free and that secondary schools shall be free. While we support legislation that prohibits an LEA from charging a fee for "curricular" activities, we are concerned about the additional costs that may be incurred by LEAs who currently charge for such expenses and continue to urge "the legislature to....adequately fund critical education needs."

Impact on Children: 

This Bill would allow public education to be accessible to all students by prohibiting all "curricular" fees.

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

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

National PTA Public Policy Agenda

Resolved, That Utah PTA and its constituent bodies lobby for legislative funding designated to reimburse districts for a specified percentage of their fee waiver costs.

HB0273 | State Trust Lands Administration Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill modifies the administration of state trust lands.

Highlighted Provisions: 

lines 80-82 no sale of 500+ acres unless authorized by legislature via joint resolution. lines 97-100 no transfers of trust lands to the federal government at all unless it results in a net decrease in the percentage of federally owned land in that county. Line 35- Tries to limit exchange options to energy and natural resource development tracts.

Bill Details
Year: 
2023
Status: 
House/ filed
Last Action: 
Mar 03, 2023
Sponsor
Representative
Republican - District 69
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Oppose
Impact on Children: 

This would significantly limit SITLA's ability to negotiate land exchanges with the federal government. Prohibiting SITLA from selling or transferring its lands to the federal government in "public land counties" (15 of the state's 29 counties are public land counties) unless the transaction results in a net decrease of federally owned lands would essentially render large-scale exchanges impossible and cause SITLA to forego promising opportunities in other parts of rural Utah. This attempt to remove the legislative management committee's authority to approve land exchanges will impede certain conditions when the committee needs to act in a timely manner to secure land exchanges. Overall, this bill will impede SITLA's ability to make land deals that are in the interest of the beneficiaries that it serves.

Commission: 
Trust Lands
Utah PTA Public Policy Program
National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions: 

Resolved-That Utah PTA encourage State and local officials to take all necessary steps to assure that management of the School Trust Lands is in accordance with trust duties and principles including undivided loyalty to the beneficiaries, a duty to make trust property productive, a duty to keep and render accounts, and a duty to exercise prudence and skill in administering the trust, thereby obtaining much-needed revenue for Utah's public schools; and be if further
Resolved-That Utah PTA work to encourage Federal and State officials to fulfill their responsibilities under the Enabling Act by assisting the State in proper management of School Trust Lands for their intended purpose to support public schools; and in cases where management for trust purposes would conflict with other important purposes, such as protection of archaeological, aesthetic, or other environmental or cultural resources, that the Federal Government or State purchase, or trade the affected lands for other lands of comparable value; and be it further

HB0274S03 | Retail Tobacco Business Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill amends provisions relating to the sale of certain tobacco products.

Bill Details
Year: 
2019
Status: 
House/ filed
Last Action: 
Mar 14, 2019
Sponsor
Representative
Democrat - District 24
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Pending
Impact on Children: 

By regulating the flavored nicotine juices it will help discourage use and purchases by youth.

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

Resolved, That Utah PTA support state and local ordinances that appropriately address regulations of ENDS products;
Resolved, That Utah PTA support effective FDA efforts to regulate ENDS as tobacco products;

HB0274 | Health Education Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill amends provisions related to health education.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill requires the State Board of Education to establish curriculum requirements that include instruction in sexual assault resource strategies and in sexual violence behavior prevention. It also requires LEAs to review data, including sexual assault data, to inform LEA's policies on health educaton

Bill Details
Year: 
2022
Status: 
House/ filed
Last Action: 
Mar 04, 2022
Sponsor
Representative
Democrat - District 37
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Utah PTA Resolution: 
Impact on Children: 

Passage of this bill will add more resources to teen sexual assault avoidance and prevention of sexual violence behaviors by adding curriculum requirements into the Health Curriculum specific to these issues.

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

That Utah PTA and its constituent bodies collaborate with local PTAs and PTSAs of
Middle, Jr. High and High schools and community organizations to increase awareness of
the problem of teen dating violence, and to help educate families, teens, educators, and
legislators about responsible relationships and the causes of teen dating violence and
strategies for preventing teen dating violenc

HB0277S01 | Child Care Eligibility Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill modifies the child care subsidy provisions of the Employment Support Act.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill defines "income" and "income-eligible child"; provides criteria for an income-eligible child to be eligible for a child care subsidy or grant through the Employment Support Act; and modifies the Office of Child Care's rulemaking authority to allow the office to make rules on prioritizing awards of a child care subsidy or grant.

Bill Details
Year: 
2021
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 16, 2021
Sponsor
Representative
Democrat - District 38
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Utah PTA Resolution: 
Impact on Children: 

This bill will help more Utah families have access to state subsidies to pay for childcare during the pandemic. It will also provide stability and reduce administrative burdens for the childcare providers who work so hard to meet the needs of low-income working families.

Commission: 
Family Life
Utah PTA Public Policy Program
National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions: 

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

Utah PTA Legislative Policy: 

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

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities: 

Support legislation, funding, and community partnerships that provide programs and resources to strengthen families and children’s social and emotional learning and well-being including, but not limited to: positive behavior programs and classes including art, music, physical education, civic engagement, and character development; early childhood education, parenting skills, and juvenile justice reforms.

HB0278 | School Board Election Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill amends provisions relating to the State Board of Education.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill makes the office of State Board of Education member a nonpartisan office.

Bill Details
Year: 
2026
Status: 
House/ filed
Last Action: 
Mar 06, 2026
Sponsor
Representative
Democrat - District 41
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

This change would make the Utah State Board of Education a non-partisan office, which would help make education decisions non-partisan.

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

Resolved, That Utah PTA support legislation which enacts direct, nonpartisan election of State School Board members and opposes partisan election of the same body.

HB0281S03 | Health Curriculum and Procedures Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill amends provisions regarding health instruction and physical and mental health procedures in the public education system.

Highlighted Provisions: 

1) Requires the Utah Education and Telehealth Network and any health care provider to
obtain written parental consent before providing or facilitating telehealth or another
health care service to a student within a public school;
2) Establishes requirements for in-school mental health therapy, including:
a) Identifying who may and may not provide in-school mental health therapy; and
b) Requiring parental consent and certain parental notification;
5) Ensures that a local or state rule or policy does not create an exemption for otherwise
prohibited endorsement, promotion, or disparagement of a certain religious belief or
viewpoint;

Bill Details
Year: 
2025
Status: 
House/ to Governor
Last Action: 
Mar 17, 2025
Sponsor
Representative
Republican - District 50
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

Clarifies mental health services provided in schools and the consent process

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

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

HB0282 | Child Care Center Sales Tax Exemption

Description
General Description: 

This bill enacts a sales and use tax exemption related to certain child care programs.

Highlighted Provisions: 

Exempts from sales and use tax amounts paid or charged for construction materials used to open or expand a child care program

Bill Details
Year: 
2023
Status: 
House/ filed
Last Action: 
Mar 03, 2023
Sponsor
Representative
Republican - District 67
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Utah PTA Resolution: 
Impact on Children: 

Exempting a child care center's construction costs from sales tax might encourage growth which would create more options for Utah families looking for child care.

Commission: 
Community Engagement
Utah PTA Public Policy Program
National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions: 

That Utah PTA encourage more public and private efforts to provide after-school care

Utah PTA Legislative Policy: 

Coordination and planning by all agencies with clear definition of responsibility at each level of government

HB0284S01 | Public Library Background Check Requirements

Description
General Description: 

This bill provides for criminal background checks of public library employees.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill provides for criminal background checks of public library employees. It would require current and prospective employees of the public library in any employment
position that involves significant contact with minors to submit to a criminal background check as a condition of employment;

Bill Details
Year: 
2023
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 14, 2023
Sponsor
Representative
Republican - District 3
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

This bill provides for criminal background checks of public library employees. It would require current and prospective employees of the public library in any employment position that involves significant contact with minors to submit to a criminal background check as a condition of employment;

Commission: 
Community Engagement
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

Utah PTA Legislative Policy: 

High standards for those who work in all areas concerned with children and youth

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities: 

Support evidence-based community violence intervention and means reduction strategies

HB0286S01 | Artificial Intelligence Transparency Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill enacts the AI Transparency Act relating to transparency and whistleblower protections for frontier artificial intelligence models.

Highlighted Provisions: 

Because children increasingly use AI tools (like chatbots and recommendation systems), the bill aims to make sure companies think carefully about how their products affect kids and disclose what they’re doing to protect them. Supporters highlight that transparency could help prevent AI from producing harmful content or advice that could confuse, mislead, or negatively influence young users.

Bill Details
Year: 
2026
Status: 
House/ filed
Last Action: 
Mar 06, 2026
Sponsor
Representative
Republican - District 48
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

Because children increasingly use AI tools (like chatbots and recommendation systems), the bill aims to make sure companies think carefully about how their products affect kids and disclose what they’re doing to protect them. Supporters highlight that transparency could help prevent AI from producing harmful content or advice that could confuse, mislead, or negatively influence young users.

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

That Utah PTA and its constituent associations assist schools, community councils, parents and students in learning safe and responsible digital wellness and citizen behaviors through trainings, consultation, and distribution of resources; and be it furtherResolved, That Utah PTA and its constituent associations work with legislators, state and local school boards, and school community councils to establish appropriate social media policies and discipline measures in regards to, but not limited to, cyberbullying, sexting, and hazing and be it furtherResolved, That Utah PTA and its constituent associations advocate for laws, policies, and technology development which protects children and youth from surveillance capitalism, persuasive technology, and algorithmswhich encourage addictive usage of social media, and be it furtherResolved, That Utah PTA and its constituent associations support lawmakers in their efforts to create laws which call for appropriate social media policies that protect children and provide parents the ability to know what their child is engaged in, who they are engaging with and how much time they are engaging online, in order to empower parents to make the best decisions for their children and families.

HB0288S01 | Opioid Dispensing Requirements

Description
General Description: 

This bill creates certain requirements for the dispensing of opioids.

Highlighted Provisions: 

For initial use prescriptions of opioids, a prescriber can offer to write a prescription for opioid antagonist like naloxone, unless the prescription is for 3 days or less. Pharmacies can offer counseling and can fill a prescription of an opioid antagonist like naloxone.
 

Bill Details
Year: 
2023
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 15, 2023
Sponsor
Representative
Republican - District 65
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

By the age of 18 almost 20% of children in the United States report having received an opioid prescription at some point during their lifetime, the education and prescription of opioid antagonist like naloxone will be a beneficial option to parents and family to help prevent opioid abuse.

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

National Resolution 2017 - RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING PRESCRIPTION OPIATE ABUSE AWARENESS AND PREVENTION https://www.pta.org/docs/default-source/uploadedfiles/advocacy/recommend...

Expanding state-level initiatives to increase the availability and lower the cost of overdose reversal medications and programs to investigate possible access opportunities to Naloxone mirroring that of Automatic Defibrillators at schools and other areas where youth congregate.
 

HB0288 | Education and Mental Health Coordinating Council

Description
General Description: 

This bill creates and establishes duties for the Education and Mental Health Coordinating Council.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill creates and establishes duties for the Education and Mental Health Coordinating Council which will make finding and recommendations regarding mental and behavioral health, and substance abuse issues support to youth and families.

Bill Details
Year: 
2021
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 16, 2021
Sponsor
Representative
Republican - District 59
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

Passage of this bill will establish a cooperative council of education and mental health leaders to work to provide support for youth and families related to mental and behavioral health, as well as substance abuse issues.

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

That Utah PTA support prevention and intervention initiatives and appropriate state funding for:
(1) collaborative efforts between the home, school, private physicians, and community
resource agencies to create support networks for families,
(2) developing uniform methods for screening and referral,
(3) increasing the number of school psychologists and social workers, and
(4) improving training of primary care physicians in mental illness assessment and
treatment;

HB0289 | Child Sexual Abuse Material Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill addresses offenses related to child sexual abuse material.

Highlighted Provisions: 

Expands the definition of child sexual abuse material to include AI generated images.

Bill Details
Year: 
2026
Status: 
House/ to Governor
Last Action: 
Mar 16, 2026
Sponsor
Representative
Republican - District 15
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

This would help children being exploited by AI

Commission: 
Family Life
Utah PTA Public Policy Program
National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions: 

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 sexually nature and all forms of sexual exploitation; and be it further

HB0290 | School Readiness Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill modifies provisions related to a high quality school readiness program.

Highlighted Provisions: 

11          This bill:
12          ▸     modifies the eligibility requirements for a preschool student to participate in a high
13     quality school readiness program;
14          ▸     modifies requirements for lead teacher certifications in a preschool program that an
15     eligible LEA or an eligible private provider runs as part of a high quality school
16     readiness program; 
.

Bill Details
Year: 
2022
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 24, 2022
Sponsor
Representative
Republican - District 13
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

This expands the access to high quality school readiness programs to include children in foster care and those children learning English. Early childhood education is an important foundation to future academic success. It also helps staffing issues by requiring the lead teacher to obtain certain requirements (CDA - child development associate OR associates/bachelors degree in early childhood education related field AND kindergarten transition plan)

Commission: 
Family Life
Utah PTA Public Policy Program
National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions: 

Utah PTA Resolution Child Care 2022-1
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; 

National PTA and Utah PTA Position Statements: 

 National PTA supports federal and state incentives for quality child care and preschool programs that are affordable and accessible, coordinated at all levels (federal, state and local) and ensure quality in teacher training, health and safety standards.

Files
AttachmentSize
PDF icon FAM 2022-1 Child Care Resolution.pdf141.3 KB

HB0290S01 | Medicaid Waiver for Medically Complex Children Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill amends the Medicaid waiver program for children with disabilities and complex medical conditions.

Highlighted Provisions: 

PTA's mission is to help make every child's potential a reality which includes giving them the opportunities and support they need. Supporting a child with multiple medical needs is a heavy load for parents and caregivers.

Bill Details
Year: 
2023
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 15, 2023
Sponsor
Representative
Republican - District 43
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$1,000,000
This bill appropriates in fiscal year 2024: to the Department of Health and Human Services - Integrated Health Care Services, Medicaid Home and Community Based Services, as an ongoing appropriation: from the General Fund, $901,100; to the Department of Health and Human Services - Health Care Administration, Integrated Health Care Administration, as an ongoing appropriation: from the General Fund, $94,200; and to the Department of Workforce Services - Operations and Policy, Eligibility Services, as an ongoing appropriation: from the General Fund, $4,700.
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

This waiver is meant to help families whose children need speciality medical care before the age of 19 that insurance doesn’t cover. We support giving these children the care they need to be successful.

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

That National PTA and its constituent associations support schools in
implementing best practices in meeting the needs of diverse students through
such practices as inclusion, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), Multi-Tiered
System of Supports (MTSS), Response to Intervention (RTI), and any other similar
instructional practices to support instruction from a Core content expert, and
access to accommodations including assistive technology for students with
disabilities, that these students be enabled to go as far as possible toward
achieving their full potential and living a meaningful, fulfilling life.

HB0292 | Children's Health Insurance Plan Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill amends the Utah Children's Health Insurance Act.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill adds treatment for autism spectrum disorder to the program benefits within the Children's Health Insurance Program.

Bill Details
Year: 
2021
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 16, 2021
Sponsor
Representative
Republican - District 39
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

Passage of this bill will ensure that treatment of autism spectrum disorders for children who qualify for health insurance under the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) will be covered which increases support to especially vulnerable children and provides greater equity in services for all children.

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

That Utah PTA support efforts to ensure appropriate and equitable coverage by private health plans and insurers for the diagnosis and medically necessary treatment of individuals with autism and other disorders causing developmental delays

HB0295 | Educator License Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill addresses the licensing of educators by the State Board of Education.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill is designed to give a certified educator license to individual who has successfully completed a certified educator training program, allowing that individual to provide educational services in a public school after demonstrating that the individual meets licensure requirements established in state board rule.

Bill Details
Year: 
2023
Status: 
House/ filed
Last Action: 
Mar 03, 2023
Sponsor
Representative
Republican - District 62
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Oppose

Explanation: There are 33K teachers in the state. 30K hold a professional license; about 1,500 hold an associate license; Less than 1,500 hold a LEA specific license; and less than 500 hold no license at all.
The LEA license path would allow what Rep. Thurston highlights already
The performance of students is lower with lesser licensed teachers, leading to a student achievement problem.

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

That Utah PTA support high standards for teacher preparation, licensing, hiring, recertification, professional development

HB0296 | Reading Disability Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill amends provisions for benchmark assessments in reading.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill puts the definition of dyslexia back into Utah Code. It also amends provisions for benchmark assessments in reading.

Bill Details
Year: 
2024
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 12, 2024
Sponsor
Representative
Republican - District 45
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

Dyslexia is the most common learning disability, with approximately 1 in 10 people impacted by dyslexia. Having a definition in Utah Code gives legal standing to help kids and families get the help they need. This will also help support the parents in having a common language to use when working with schools.

Commission: 
Education
Special Needs Specialist
Utah PTA Public Policy Program
National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions: 

Resolved, That Utah PTA advocate for early identification and interventions for students with dyslexia and other specific learning disabilities in both general education and special education so that all children with dyslexia and other specific learning disabilities can receive the appropriate interventions; and be it further

HB0298S03 | Homelessness Services Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill modifies provisions related to the provision of homeless services.

Highlighted Provisions: 

The amendment makes slight changes to who serves on the Homelessness Councils. It requires homelessness councils to establish goals to achieve functional zero level of homelessness (fewer or the same number of clients entering homelessness as are leaving homelessness). Finally, it lays out how/what data will be collected.

Bill Details
Year: 
2024
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 18, 2024
Sponsor
Representative
Republican - District 60
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

In 2017, 35 percent of the homeless in Utah were families or children. Homelessness is devastating to the normal development and physical and mental health of a child. School communities with high rates of homeless students experience poor attendance rates, high dropout rates, lack of parent involvement and school contribution, lack of community cohesiveness, loss of consistency in educational impact and low predictability in school budget planning.

 

Commission: 
Community Engagement
Utah PTA Public Policy Program
National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions: 

That Utah PTA and its constituent associations support educational guidelines and procedures that support students in homeless situations so that homelessness does not disrupt their right to a fair and free public education.

Utah PTA Legislative Policy: 

1. Equity in the form of equal justice, privileges, opportunities, and responsibilities in every phase of life for all children and youth, while recognizing that each child is unique with individual needs and talents.
4. Prioritizing the needs of all children and youth, while adhering to fiscal responsibility in government.

National PTA Public Policy Agenda

Foster the development of full-service community schools, strengthen community partnerships and encourage the adoption of a whole-child approach that responds to the mental, physical, behavioral, developmental and academic needs of all students. Provide the foundation for all children to learn and thrive, including basic necessities like access to clean air, water and healthy nutrition in all communities.

HB0299S02 | Juvenile Justice Changes

Description
General Description: 

This bill amends provisions related to juvenile justice.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill amends provisions related to juvenile justice.

Bill Details
Year: 
2022
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 22, 2022
Sponsor
Representative
Republican - District 74
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
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. In this bill Juvenile Justice Services is aligning with child welfare for youth that age out of their system with limited parental support.

Commission: 
Safety
Utah PTA Public Policy Program
Utah PTA Legislative Policy: 

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

Coordination and planning by all agencies with clear definition of responsibility at each level of government.

National PTA and Utah PTA Position Statements: 

National PTA CHILD SAFETY AND PROTECTION Position Statement
Encourage collaboration between law enforcement, the judicial system, and child welfare agencies.
Assist youth leaving the juvenile justice system, and prevent their return.

HB0302S01 | Educational Language Services Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill enacts provisions relating to services for students learning English.

Highlighted Provisions: 

11          This bill:
12          ▸     amends provisions related to family engagement with the education process;
13          ▸     requires an LEA to adopt a policy facilitating assistance to students learning English

16          ▸     establishes the Educational Interpretation and Translation Services Procurement
17     Advisory Council (council);
18          ▸     requires the State Board of Education to provide information to the council;
19          ▸     requires the council to advise the purchasing director of the Division of Purchasing
20     and General Services on certain services for students learning English;
21          ▸     requires the council to report to the Education Interim Committee;

Bill Details
Year: 
2022
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 24, 2022
Sponsor
Representative
Republican - District 3
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

Meaningful and clear home-school communication is vital to parents because schools need to partner with parents. The parent is the child’s first teacher and the most important teacher of all. Families need to understand correctly in order to effectively partner. Students with engaged families have a better chance at school success.

Commission: 
Family Life
Utah PTA Public Policy Program
National PTA and Utah PTA Position Statements: 

SUPPORT FOR NEWCOMER AND REFUGEE STUDENTS AND FAMILIES
That Utah PTA and its constituent associations support efforts to provide interpretation and translation services to refugees and encourage individual teachers and staff be made aware of the availability and instructed on the use of services to increase family understanding and engagement in order to meet the unique needs of every family and child, leading to better gains in academics and student behavior;

Files

HB0302S02 | Preserving Sports for Female Students

Description
General Description: 

This bill addresses participation in athletic activities reserved for female students in public education.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill addresses participation in athletic activities reserved for female students in public and higher education.
Highlighted Provisions:

▸     requires schools, local education agencies, and institutions to designate athletic activities by sex;
▸     prohibits a student of the male sex from participating in an athletic activity designated for female students;
▸     prohibits certain complaints or investigations based on a school, local education agency, or institution of higher education for maintaining separate athletic activities for female students;
▸     provides for certain causes of action and waives governmental immunity for those causes of action; and
▸     provides severability clauses.

Bill Details
Year: 
2021
Status: 
House/ filed
Last Action: 
Mar 05, 2021
Sponsor
Representative
Republican - District 4
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Unnecessary
Impact on Children: 

There is impact on two specific groups of students.

First, transgender girls (MTF - male transitioning to female) would not be allowed to play in girls sports that are sponsored by schools. They would be allowed to play in boys or coed sports. This would be harmful to an at-risk population with a high rate of mental health issues and suicide rates. Even just having this conversation could be harmful to these students.

Second, girls would be able to compete in girls' sports without having to compete against individuals with scientifically proven advantages based on their biological sex from birth. There are compelling examples of transgender females dominating in girls' and women's sports when they are allowed to compete, as well as examples of bodily harm occurring to the girls/women competing against them. There's also the potential of suicide & mental health issues for girls who lose hope in success in sports due to an unfair playing field.

Commission: 
Student Leadership
Utah PTA Public Policy Program
National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions: 

Recognition of LGBTQ Individuals as a Protected Class

Resolved, That National PTA and its constituent associations seek and support legislation that creates a safe, supportive and accepting environment in schools, specifically with training for educators and other school related professionals to support all students, updated health education standards that deal with the issues of sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression; and be it further

Resolved, That National PTA work with the Department of Education to encourage states to incorporate standards regarding age-appropriate, medically accurate and culturally sensitive information on LGBTQ issues into existing health and other appropriate curricula.

 

UHSSA Handbook

Interps &Guidelines 1.1.4: TRANSGENDER PARTICIPATION This policy addresses eligibility determinations for students who have a gender identity that is different from the gender listed on their official birth certificates. For the protection of competitive balance and the integrity of women’s sports, the UHSAA will review athletic eligibility decisions based on gender assignment of transgender student athletes in accordance with its approved policies and appeals procedures. If a sport is offered for both boys and girls, girls must play on the girls team and boys must play on the boys team. If a school sponsors only a single team in a sport: a. Girls are eligible to play on boys teams. b. Boys are not eligible to play on girls teams.

With the consent of parents or a legal guardian, a student shall be permitted to participate on a gender specific sports team that is consistent with the public gender identity of that student for all other purposes. In making a determination of eligibility, the UHSAA will first refer to the confirmation of the student and his or her local school regarding gender identification. The UHSAA will require that member school districts and schools make a determination of a student’s eligibility to participate in gender specific sports team for a particular season based on the gender identification of that student (1) in current school records, and, (2) daily life activities in the school and community at the time that sports eligibility is determined. A female to male transgender student athlete who is taking a medically prescribed hormone treatment under a physician’s care for the purpose of gender transition is eligible only for participation on a boys team. A male to female transgender student athlete who is not taking hormone treatment related to gender transition may participate only on a boys team. A male to female transgender student athlete who is taking a medically prescribed hormone treatment under a physician’s care for the purpose of gender transition may participate on a boys team at any time, but must complete one year of hormone treatment related to the gender transition before competing on a girls team. In addition to the hormone requirements set out above, decisions regarding eligibility of transgender student athletes should also be based upon the following types of evidence and submitted in writing to the UHSAA: a. A complete list of all the student’s prescribed, non-prescribed or over the counter, treatments or medications; b. Written verification from an appropriate health-care professional (doctor, psychiatrist, or psychologist) of the student’s consistent gender identification and expression; and c. Any other pertinent documentation or information which the student or parent(s)/legal guardian(s) appointed by a court of competent jurisdiction believe relevant and appropriate. It will be the responsibility of the member school and the principal to verify they have followed this policy when a school district submits a roster to the UHSAA. The UHSAA will rely on such a verification to acknowledge that the school and the principal have determined that the students listed on a gender specific sports team are eligible for participation because of their gender identity and compliance with the requirements set out herein, and that the school district has determined that the expression of the student’s gender identity is bona fide and not for the purpose of gaining an unfair advantage in competitive athletics.

HB0303S02 | School Community Council Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill modifies provisions related to school community council and charter trust land council requirements.

Bill Details
Year: 
2019
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 22, 2019
Sponsor
Representative
Republican - District 48
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Pending
Impact on Children: 

This bill dilutes the role of School Community Councils and how Trust Funds are dispersed.

Commission: 
Trust Lands
Education
Safety
Utah PTA Public Policy Program
National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions: 

Resolved That Utah PTA encourage the Utah State Legislature to support all distributions from the permanent State School Fund being dispersed to each K-12 public school to improve student academic performance;

Resolved That Utah PTA and its constituent organizations encourage participation on committees and local school community councils making decisions about the use of the funding and work to ensure funds are used wisely to improve academic excellence in the schools.

HB0303S01 | School Curriculum Requirements

Description
General Description: 

This bill amends provisions that prohibit school officials and employees from endorsing, promoting, or disparaging certain beliefs or viewpoints.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill amends provisions that prohibit school officials and employees from endorsing, promoting, or disparaging certain beliefs or viewpoints. The bill is very restrictive and it will be difficult for educators to know what is permitted and what is not.

Bill Details
Year: 
2024
Status: 
House/ filed
Last Action: 
Mar 01, 2024
Sponsor
Representative
Republican - District 46
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Local Issue
Impact on Children: 

This is a local issue. Local school boards should be making decisions on what topics are appropriate or inappropriate based on the needs of the students in their local community.

Commission: 
Education
Utah PTA Public Policy Program
Utah PTA Legislative Policy: 

General Principles for Consideration of Proposed Legislation: Maximum local control when it serves the best interest of all children and youth.

HB0303 | Public School Directory Sharing Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill amends the communication requirements of a local education agency.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill requires a local education agency to share STUDENT directory information with another local education agency upon request.

Bill Details
Year: 
2025
Status: 
House/ filed
Last Action: 
Mar 07, 2025
Sponsor
Representative
Republican - District 38
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Oppose
Impact on Children: 

Parents and families have the expectation that their children's personal information will not be shared with outside organizations when they give it to their child's school. Other LEAs should need permission from the parents before receiving ANY information about a minor student.

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

National: Student Data Privacy and Security

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 remedial supports. Additionally, National PTA supports current federal law (COPPA) that requires direct notice to parents/guardians and parental/guardian consent before an operator collects personally identifiable information and that privacy policies must be clear and accessible to families.

HB0304S02 | Digital Opportunity Access Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill implements measures to increase broadband infrastructure, digital access, and digital equity.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill implements measures to increase broadband infrastructure, digital access, and digital equity.
creates the Digital Equity Program (program) within the State Library Division
 

Bill Details
Year: 
2021
Status: 
House/ filed
Last Action: 
Mar 05, 2021
Sponsor
Representative
Democrat - District 24
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

To allow equal digital access, digital safety, and digital literacy to all children and youth in the state of Utah.

Commission: 
Family Life
Utah PTA Public Policy Program
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: 

Digital Equity and Access Position Statement
Resolved, That Utah PTA and its constituent associations encourage initiatives and strategies for digital equity in the form of equal privileges, opportunities, and access to internet for all children and youth in Utah;

National PTA Public Policy Agenda

✓ Provide resources to states and school districts to pilot creative methods of increasing access to digital devices and high-capacity broadband services, especially for students and families in rural and lower-income communities

HB0304S04 | Juvenile Justice Revisions

Description
General Description: 

This bill amends provisions related to juvenile justice.

Highlighted Provisions: 

13 ▸ requires the State Board of Education to provide a report on certain law
14 enforcement and disciplinary actions on school grounds to the State Commission on
15 Criminal and Juvenile Justice;
16 ▸ creates a juvenile crime prevention and intervention program to be administered by
17 the State Board of Education;
18 ▸ modifies requirements related to referrals for offenses committed by minors on
19 school property;
20 ▸ amends the requirements for the Criminal Justice Database;
21 ▸ removes a repeal date relating to referrals for offenses committed by minors on
22 school property;
23 ▸ modifies the duties of the State Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice in
24 regards to juvenile justice;
25 ▸ makes it a crime for a minor to possess an auto sear;
26 ▸ enacts data collection and reporting requirements for the State Commission on
27 Criminal and Juvenile Justice and the Administrative Office of the Courts in regards
28 to offenses committed, or allegedly committed, by minors;
29 ▸ amends provisions related to the detention of a child in a holding room if the child
30 is alleged to have committed an act that would be an offense if committed by an
31 adult;
 

Bill Details
Year: 
2023
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 14, 2023
Sponsor
Representative
Republican - District 14
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Pending
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 Position Statements: 

National PTA Position Statement - Child Safety and Protection
*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.
*Support research and data collection regarding youth offenses.

National PTA Gun Safety and Violence Prevention Position statement:

National PTA has a rich history of advocating for the safety of children and youth. Our association is committed to federal efforts to protect children and youth from gun violence and strongly believes that Congress must enact legislation that will help prevent future tragedies from occurring while preserving the lawful use of firearms for sport and personal protection. Additionally, National PTA advocates for restricting access to guns from persons who may endanger public safety.

Any effort to improve the safety of our nation's youth and our communities must be comprehensive and include gun safety and violence-prevention measures. Conversations about school safety, gun safety, and violence prevention cannot be limited to video games, violent programming, and mental health. Our nation's leaders must acknowledge and address the ease of access to firearms and assault weapons. We must make every attempt to reduce violence, especially those incidents that involve firearms.

National PTA and its constituent bodies promote the establishment of, and support for legislation that improves youth and community safety and restrict guns to only responsible owners. Practical gun safety and violence prevention legislation will protect not just our children but all Americans from gun violence while at the same time respecting the rights of law-abiding gun owners. We must all work together to end gun violence.

 

Appropriate evaluation and wrap-around services for students who have brought a firearm to school.

 

National PTA believes that gun violence can and will decrease through these and other measures. Adoption of the measures above will make our communities, as well as our schools, safe for everyone. National PTA believes we must enact common sense legislation that will reduce gun violence and help protect all children and youth while protecting the lawful use of firearms for sport and personal protection.

HB0305 | Child Abuser Education Restrictions

Description
General Description: 

This bill prohibits an individual who has committed child abuse from the exempting the individual's child from required school attendance.

Highlighted Provisions: 

individual's child from required school attendance.

Bill Details
Year: 
2023
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 14, 2023
Sponsor
Representative
Republican - District 60
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

Abuse of children has long term negative effects on the child and society. Every effort should be made to minimize abuse and to promote healing.

Commission: 
Family Life
Utah PTA Public Policy Program
National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions: 

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

HB0305 | Child Abuser Education Restrictions

Description
General Description: 

This bill prohibits an individual who has committed child abuse from the exempting the individual's child from required school attendance.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill prohibits an individual who has committed child abuse from the exempting the individual's child from required school attendance.

Bill Details
Year: 
2023
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 14, 2023
Sponsor
Representative
Republican - District 60
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

Abuse of children has long term negative effects on the child and society. Every effort should be made to minimize abuse and to promote healing.

Commission: 
Family Life
Utah PTA Public Policy Program
National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions: 

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

HB0307 | Earned Income Tax Credit Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill enacts a state earned income tax credit.

Highlighted Provisions: 

"12 ▸ enacts a nonrefundable state earned income tax credit; and
13 ▸provides for apportionment of the state earned income tax credit."

Bill Details
Year: 
2022
Status: 
House/ filed
Last Action: 
Mar 04, 2022
Sponsor
Representative
Republican - District 30
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Oppose w/ Comment

Utah PTA applauds the target of this income tax credit (low and middle income families), but regrets that it would be subsidized by public education funding

Impact on Children: 

This tax credit positively impacts about 80,000 families and negatively impact 250,000 families

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

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

HB0307S01 | Firearm Data Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill concerns law enforcement data collection and reporting concerning firearms.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill establishes law enforcement agency reporting requirements concerning: lost or stolen firearms that are used in a crime; and the disposition of firearms in the custody of a law enforcement agency; requires the State Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice (commission) to receive, compile, and publish law enforcement agency data concerning firearms;

Bill Details
Year: 
2024
Status: 
House/ filed
Last Action: 
Mar 01, 2024
Sponsor
Representative
Democrat - District 32
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

The bill introduces reporting requirements for law enforcement agencies regarding lost or stolen firearms used in crimes and the handling of firearms in their custody. Additionally, it mandates the State Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice to collect, organize, and publish data from law enforcement agencies related to firearms. This data will be a valuable resource to enact laws for the protection of children against gun violence.

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

National PTA Resolution Sale, Resale, and Destruction of Firearms

Resolved, That the National PTA seek and support legislation and appropriations to research the causes and effects of gun violence; and be it further
Resolved, That the National PTA urges constituent associations to seek and support legislation to research the causes and effects of gun violence; and be it further
 

Utah PTA Legislative Policy: 

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

Coordination and planning by all agencies with clear definition of responsibility at each level of government.
 

HB0308S03 | Driving by Minors Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill modifies who may supervise a minor with a learner permit.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill allows an individual with a learner permit who is younger than 18 years old to drive with an adult other than a parent, in certain circumstances.

Bill Details
Year: 
2025
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 25, 2025
Sponsor
Representative
Republican - District 10
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

The law enhances safety by requiring young drivers to have supervised practice, reducing accidents. It fosters skill development, encourages parental involvement in driving education, and provides flexibility for minors without licensed parents to gain experience

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

National PTA Teen Driving Safety

Resolved, That PTA and its constituent organizations promote educating parents, students, school personnel and communities regarding the risks associated with teen driving, the legal requirements of Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) laws, and the crucial role of parents in helping teens become safe drivers;

Utah PTA Legislative Policy: 

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

National PTA and Utah PTA Position Statements: 

National PTA Resolution on Teen Driving Safety

Resolved, That PTA and its constituent organizations promote educating parents, students, school personnel and communities regarding the risks associated with teen driving, the legal requirements of Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) laws, and the crucial role of parents in helping teens become safe drivers;

Resolved, That PTA work with parents, students, and community partners to urge local, state and national leaders to support research and adopt policies and legislation to reduce traffic incidents involving teen drivers and their passengers;

HB0308S01 | School Grading Modifications

Description
General Description: 

This bill amends provisions related to school overall ratings under the school accountability system.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill removes the school grading (A to F) but keeps the qualification associated with the school grading (exemplary, commendable, typical, developing & critical needs)

Bill Details
Year: 
2023
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 14, 2023
Sponsor
Representative
Republican - District 65
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

To the extent that the school grading affects the school enrollment, school staffing, and school resources.

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

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

HB0311 | Controlled Substance Enhancement Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill increases the penalty for a person convicted of engaging in a criminal enterprise.

Bill Details
Year: 
2020
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 24, 2020
Sponsor
Representative
Republican - District 38
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support

This bill increases the penalty for a person convicted of engaging in a criminal enterprise that uses minors in furtherance of the enterprise.

Utah PTA Resolution: 
Impact on Children: 

Substance abuse can destroy the lives of individuals and their families and friends, and is a major contributor to the breakdown of communities and society in general; 

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

That Utah PTA supports legislative action that institutes or appropriately increases criminal penalties for individuals or organizations promoting substance abuse of any kind (including the sale or distribution of alcohol and/or tobacco to underage persons)

Utah PTA Legislative Policy: 

Equal justice, privileges, opportunities, and responsibilities in every phase of life for all children and youth, while recognizing that each child is unique with individual needs and talents.

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities: 

4. Support safe practices and environments for all children.

6. Support measures to instill proven and effective prevention methods to promote healthy behaviors in children to be able to overcome the ills of society including suicide, tobacco use, vaping, underage drinking, drug abuse, sexual exploitation, bullying, and any form of addiction that is harmful to our children’s well-being

National PTA and Utah PTA Position Statements: 

Substance and alcohol abuse affects many areas of the brain and can cause adverse behavioral, psychological, and social consequences; and over the counter sale of dangerous substances make them readily available to our youth; 

That the National PTA and its constituent organizations increase public awareness regarding the methods, symptoms, effects and dangers of substance and alcohol abuse to our children and youth. 

HB0311S03 | Social Media Usage Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill regulates social media companies and the use and design of social media platforms.

Highlighted Provisions: 

12          This bill:
13          ▸     defines terms;
14          ▸     enacts the Utah Social Media Regulation Act;
15          ▸     provides that a contract entered into by a minor by means of an interactive computer
16     service is invalid unless the minor's parent or legal guardian consents to the
17     contract;
18          ▸     prohibits a social media company from using a design or feature that the company
19     knows causes a minor to have an addiction to a social media platform;
20          ▸     grants the Division of Consumer Protection enforcement and auditing authority to
21     enforce requirements under the act;
22          ▸     authorizes a private right of action to collect attorney fees and damages from a
23     social media company for harm incurred by a minor's use of the company's social
24     media platform;
25          ▸     creates a rebuttable presumption that harm and causation occurred in some

Bill Details
Year: 
2023
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 23, 2023
Sponsor
Representative
Republican - District 44
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Pending
Impact on Children: 

The purpose is to keep children safe online and in social media. Research shows that the logarithms of social media companies are harmful and can be addictive by causing dopamine dumps in the adolescent brain. Also, children can be exposed to pornography and other harmful material on social media. The U.S. Surgeon General says 13 is 'too early' to join social media because they are still "developing their identity." Also in the journal "The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health, found that social media may harm girls' mental health by increasing their exposure to bullying and reducing their sleep and physical exercise.

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

Resolved, That Utah PTA and its constituent associations advocate for laws, policies, and technology development which protects children and youth from surveillance capitalism, persuasive technology, and logarithms which encourage addictive usage of social media, and be it further

 

Utah PTA Legislative Policy: 

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

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities: 

4. SAFETY. Support funding to strengthen school safety measures including upgrading school buildings to be safe and secure, safety training and educating families and communities on school safety policies, children’s online safety, and evaluating digital threats to schools in Utah.

National PTA and Utah PTA Position Statements: 

From National PTA Resolution: Increase awareness of the impact of social media, television, video games, music and movie violence on the children of this nation and encourage development of programs to assist families and children in using critical viewing skills.

HB0311S02 | Elections Study

Description
General Description: 

This bill directs the Gary R. Herbert Institute for Public Policy at Utah Valley University and the Center for Constitutional Studies at Utah Valley University to conduct an elections study.

Highlighted Provisions: 

HB311 is essentially a "security" bill that gives poll workers more authority to double-check signatures and requires voters to use more specific types of ID.

Bill Details
Year: 
2026
Status: 
House/ to Governor
Last Action: 
Mar 12, 2026
Sponsor
Representative
Republican - District 64
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Oppose
Impact on Children: 

This bill modifies the types of ID that qualify for valid voting. For young adults (18-year-olds) voting for the first time, these changes define how accessible the ballot box is. Overly strict requirements can disenfranchise young or mobile voters (like college students) who may not have consistent signatures or updated IDs; fiscal note comes from income tax fund 

Commission: 
Community Engagement
Utah PTA Public Policy Program
National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions: 

That Utah PTA and its constituent associations urge the Utah Legislature to bring the government closer to all Utahns by supporting legislation that protects each voter’s right to be heard in an election without partisan politics controlling the election process,

Utah PTA Legislative Policy: 

PTA efforts “to secure adequate laws for the care and protection of children and youth” are based upon: (3) the observance and understanding of the rights and obligations of responsible citizenship and ethical government;

HB0315 | Effective Teachers in High Poverty Schools Incentive Program Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill makes changes to the Effective Teachers in High Poverty Schools Incentive Program.

Highlighted Provisions: 

"14 ▸clarifies that special education teachers are eligible for the Effective Teachers in
15 High Poverty Schools Incentive Program (incentive program);
16 ▸ makes kindergarten teachers eligible for the incentive program;
17 ▸adds a second method for teachers in grades 1 through 3 to be eligible for the
18 incentive program;"

Bill Details
Year: 
2022
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 23, 2022
Sponsor
Representative
Republican - District 30
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

Children benefit from high quality teachers starting in kindergarten. This bill helps to bring quality teachers into high poverty schools. 

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

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.

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;

HB0315S01 | Recreational Therapy Medicaid Coverage Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill enacts provisions relating to recreational therapy coverage under Medicaid.

Highlighted Provisions: 

Allows Medicaid reimbursement for recreational therapy for those enrolled in Medicaid, and has been referred to recreational therapy by a physician.

Bill Details
Year: 
2023
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 15, 2023
Sponsor
Representative
Republican - District 36
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

Recreational Therapy can be used for the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of an individual, including children.

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

That Utah PTA advocate for funding and legislation for integrated home and classroom intervention programs; continued research and clinical trials of treatment medications to support children and youth;and support insurance parity for mental illness;and be it further

HB0315S02 | Human Development Instruction

Description
General Description: 

This bill expands on a requirement to provide instruction in human development.

Highlighted Provisions: 

would require students Grades 3-12 watch a video on human development.

Bill Details
Year: 
2026
Status: 
House/ filed
Last Action: 
Mar 06, 2026
Sponsor
Representative
Republican - District 28
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Local Issue
Impact on Children: 

This would force kids to watch a video on human development and fertilization process

Commission: 
Family Life
Utah PTA Public Policy Program
National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions: 

That Utah PTA seek Utah law and state school policy that gives local districts and parent/school committees the authority to select their own sex education programs as long as they follow state law and state board policies on curriculum content; and be it further

|

Description
General Description: 
Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill would restrict the Trust Land agencies ability to sell Trust Lands for the most beneficial outcome to the beneficiaries.

Bill Details
Year: 
2024
Status: 
Sponsor
Representative
Republican - District 69
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Pending
Impact on Children: 

This bill would impose costly restrictions on all sales of Trust Lands regardless of the size of the sale. Lines 41-53: This would consume an enormous amount of the Trust Land monies to fulfill each time any land is sold, and is not a wise use of the beneficiaries monies. Line 133 only allows for rejection of proposal and not for approval. It tries to allow the Leg. Committee in the interim to outright reject any proposal, but not the allowance to approve the transaction. Line 144 requires notification of the legislator if any portion of the land lies in their district. This is intended to insert more legislative power into the process. We have learned from Trust Lands history that more legislative insertion results in a decrease in the funds and effectiveness of the Trust Lands. Thus why the Trust Lands agencies were constitutionally created so that they would serve the beneficiaries solely and not bend to governmental power grabs. Line 157 would not allow any sale of land to the federal government unless the transaction results in a net decrease of lands owned by the federal government in that county. Trust Lands agency SITLA is bound to serve the beneficiaries of the trust. They need to be allowed to buy/sell land areas that are not serving the Trust in order to trade for lands/areas that will better serve the Trust and beneficiaries. The school children of Utah are the majority beneficiary of the Trust Lands. If we do not do all we can to ensure that Trust Lands are used to the highest benefit of the beneficiaries, then we are not serving the school children of Utah.

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

That Utah PTA work to encourage Federal and State officials to fulfill their responsibilities under the Enabling Act by assisting the State in proper management of School Trust Lands for their intended purpose to support public schools; and in cases where management for trust purposes would conflict with other important purposes, such as protection of archaeological, aesthetic, or other environmental or cultural resources, that the Federal Government or State purchase, or trade the affected lands for other lands of comparable value

HB0323S01 | High Poverty Schools Teacher Bonus Program Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill makes amendments related to criteria for schools and teachers eligible for the Effective Teachers in High Poverty Schools Incentive Program.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill:
▸ amends the eligibility requirements for teachers in high poverty schools to receive a salary bonus in the 2020-2021 school year;
▸ provides that a school that qualified as a high poverty school in the 2018-2019 or
2019-2020 school year qualifies as a high poverty school for the 2020-2021 school year;
▸ requires the State Board of Education to publish a list of high poverty schools

Bill Details
Year: 
2021
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 17, 2021
Sponsor
Representative
Republican - District 30
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

This bill allows for teachers in high poverty schools to continue to receive their incentive bonus this year in the absence of statewide testing.

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

That Utah PTA support adequate funding for and encourage consideration of financial incentives to recruit and retain highly qualified and effective educators

HB0323S02 | School Mental Health Funding Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill addresses provisions relating to school-based mental health support.

Bill Details
Year: 
2020
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 28, 2020
Sponsor
Representative
Republican - District 45
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support

In Utah, suicide is the leading cause of death for children ages 11-17; and the State of Utah ranks 5th in the nation for suicide deaths in 2018; 

 Suicidal children usually do not want to die, but are unable to recognize other solutions for problems;

 

There are a myriad of reasons why children die by suicide or have suicidal thoughts and it cannot be traced back to one event; 

 

Many suicidal children start off with mental health symptoms including anxiety, depression, lack of coping and decision-making skills, and lack of connection;

Many suicidal children exhibit significant warning signs before they attempt or die by suicide and most people, including parents, trusted adults and friends either do not recognize the seriousness of these warning signs or ignore them because they do not know what to do to help;  It is imperative that children get screened for mental health issues.

Impact on Children: 

Utah PTA and its constituent associations will participate and support methods to assess and recognize the risk and protective factors in their local schools, families, and communities;

Utah PTA and its constituent associations will continue to support methods to gather information that will assist in monitoring, anticipating and predicting youth behaviors;

That Utah PTA and its constituent associations advocate for more research and funding in determining the causes of suicide, and advocate for best practices in treating mental illness and suicidal ideation,

Utah PTA and its constituent associations support that each school district’s crisis intervention procedures include intervention in feeder schools and in the community;

Utah PTA and its constituent associations encourage the Utah Legislature to provide adequate funding to provide suicide prevention programs in every district and school in the State of Utah

Commission: 
Safety
Utah PTA Public Policy Program
Utah PTA Legislative Policy: 

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

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

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.

6. Support measures to instill proven and effective prevention methods to promote healthy behaviors in children to be able to overcome the ills of society including suicide, tobacco use, vaping, underage drinking, drug abuse, sexual exploitation, bullying, and any form of addiction that is harmful to our children’s well-being.

7. Support legislation, funding, and community partnerships that provide programs and resources to strengthen families and children’s social and emotional well being through affordable housing, homelessness initiatives, education, and parenting skills, and juvenile justice reforms.

National PTA and Utah PTA Position Statements: 

EARLY IDENTIFICATION AND INTERVENTIONS FOR CHILDREN WITH MENTAL HEALTH NEEDS Position Statement

National PTA Public Policy Agenda

Include effective parent and family stakeholder engagement provisions in education and youth-related reauthorization bills

HB0324S04 | Tobacco Age Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill modifies provisions related to an individual's age and tobacco, tobacco paraphernalia, or electronic cigarettes.

Bill Details
Year: 
2019
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 25, 2019
Sponsor
Representative
Republican - District 45
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Pending

Utah PTA does not support language that limits local control over tobacco ordinances.

Impact on Children: 

STudies show that when tobacco is regulated to increase age to 21 then youth use rates decrease

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

"Resolved, 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; and, be it further
Resolved, That Utah PTA support state and local ordinances that appropriately address regulations of ENDS products; and, be it further"

HB0324S06 | Disability Services Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill creates the Coordinated Care Services for Children with Disabilities Grant Program and instructs the Department of Health and Human Services to apply for a Medicaid waiver.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill creates the Coordinated Care Services for Children with Disabilities Grant Program within the Department of Health and Human Services; and appropriates $1,200,000 in one-time money from the General Fund.

Bill Details
Year: 
2024
Status: 
House/ filed
Last Action: 
Mar 01, 2024
Sponsor
Representative
Republican - District 66
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$1,200,000
This bill appropriates in fiscal year 2025: to Department of Health and Human Services - Integrated Health Care Services - Medicaid Other Services as a one-time appropriation: from the General Fund Restricted - Medicaid Restricted Account, One-time, $1,200,000
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

This creates the Coordinated Care Services for Children with Disabilities Grant which will help enable individuals with disabilities to live at home and not be placed in an institutional setting. This program will be evaluated to see if it helps families by reducing the need for hospitalizations and ER visits and helping families overcome financial barriers and access appropriate healthcare for their child with disabilities.

Commission: 
Special Needs Specialist
Utah PTA Public Policy Program
National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions: 

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

HB0326S06 | Firearm Safety Incentives

Description
General Description: 

This bill establishes an income tax credit for the purchase of a firearm safety device.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill establishes an income tax credit for the purchase of a firearm safety device.

Bill Details
Year: 
2024
Status: 
House/ filed
Last Action: 
Mar 01, 2024
Sponsor
Representative
Republican - District 26
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Oppose w/ Comment

National PTA has long been an advocate for secure gun storage. While this legislation aims to ensure secure storage of firearms, it is  important to note that the associated $45 million fiscal impact is drawn from the funds allocated for education.

 

 

Utah PTA Resolution: 
Impact on Children: 

The redirection of $45 million from the Income Tax Fund to implement secure storage measures for firearms has the potential to impact educational resources, programs, and the overall quality of education for children

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

Resolved, That Utah PTA and its constituent associations oppose funding mechanisms such as vouchers, tax credits, deductions

Utah PTA Legislative Policy: 

ACCOUNTABILITY: All members, employees, volunteers, and partners have a shared responsibility to align their efforts toward the achievement of our association’s strategic initiatives.

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities: 

EDUCATION. Support an adequately funded public school system by funding an 8% WPU increase over and above growth and inflation; implement policies to increase proficiency levels by improving attendance, reducing class sizes, and supporting teachers; increase academic excellence for all Utah students; and prioritize local control to LEAs and individual schools.

HB0327 | School Information Systems Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill requires the State Board of Education to implement an end-to-end system for collecting and reporting public education information.

Bill Details
Year: 
2019
Status: 
House/ filed
Last Action: 
Mar 14, 2019
Sponsor
Representative
Republican - District 20
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$80,000,000
This bill appropriates for fiscal year 2020: to the State Board of Education - State Administrative Office, as a One-time appropriation: from the Education Fund, One-time, $80,000,000.
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Pending

Utah PTA is concerned with the $80,000,000 fiscal note associated with this bill. The State Board of Education is currently seeking $17,200,000 for a system that will communicate with the LEA systems that are in place. With limited education funding it is important that resources be used in the most fiscally responsible way.

Impact on Children: 

This bill has a fiscal note of $80,000,000 from the Education fund to be used to create the end-to-end system and requires by 2028 that all LEAs are using the new system. The Utah State Board of Education is currently seeking 17.2 million for a bridge system that will communicate with the LEAs systems that are in place. With limited education funding it is important that resources be used in the most prudent way.

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

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

HB0330 | Restorative Justice Definition

Description
General Description: 

This bill creates a definition of "restorative justice" to be used across the entire code.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill creates a definition of "restorative justice" to provide consistency and clarity for existing sections of the entire code.

Bill Details
Year: 
2021
Status: 
House/ filed
Last Action: 
Mar 05, 2021
Sponsor
Representative
Democrat - District 44
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

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.

Commission: 
Safety
Utah PTA Public Policy Program
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

PTA Calls on Congress and the Administration to Meaningfully Incorporate Policies that Promote Safe, Supportive and Inclusive Practices in Schools for All Students. 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. PTA believes that the education system should engage in rigorous self-examination to identify and eliminate practices and policies which are systemically racist. PTA supports policies and legislation that ensure equity for every student, are grounded in social justice and support the whole child and family. Policies and legislation must:

✓ Encourage schools to use positive behavioral interventions and supports that are effective, fair and consistently implemented. Such practices may include restorative justice and trauma-informed care. 

HB0330S01 | Juvenile Justice Competency Revisions

Description
General Description: 

This bill amends provisions related to evaluations of competency of juveniles.

Bill Details
Year: 
2019
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 27, 2019
Sponsor
Representative
Republican - District 57
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Pending
Impact on Children: 

This bill allows for not holding a juvenile longer than adequate to review the competency of the minor. By allowing a new timeline, it serves the best interest of the youth, family and courts

Commission: 
Family Life
Utah PTA Public Policy Program
National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions: 

Juvenile Justice - Encourage collaboration between law enforcement, the judicial system, and child welfare agencies.

HB0331 | Income Tax Reductions

Description
General Description: 

This bill amends the income tax rates.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill reduces the income tax rate from 4.95% to 4.9%.

Bill Details
Year: 
2021
Status: 
House/ filed
Last Action: 
Mar 05, 2021
Sponsor
Representative
Republican - District 62
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Oppose
Impact on Children: 

Enactment of this bill could decrease revenues to the Education Fund by $19,496,000 in FY 2022 and $68,496,000 in FY 2023.

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

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

HB0331S05 | Hope Scholarship Program

Description
General Description: 

This bill creates the Hope Scholarship Program.

Highlighted Provisions: 

"11 This bill:
12 ▸ requires a scholarship granting organization to submit reports on the Hope
13 Scholarship Program (program);
14 ▸ defines terms;
15 ▸ authorizes a scholarship granting organization to establish scholarship accounts on
16 behalf of eligible students to pay for private education goods and services starting in
17 the 2023-24 school year;
18 ▸ requires the board to contract with, no later than October 1, 2022, a scholarship
19 granting organization to administer the program;
20 ▸ prohibits a scholarship granting organization from accepting scholarship funds in
21 certain circumstances;
22 ▸ requires private schools and service providers to meet certain standards to be
23 eligible to receive scholarship funds;
24 ▸ authorizes a scholarship granting organization to receive donations to the program;
25 ▸ requires the scholarship granting organization to conduct audits;
26 ▸ prohibits certain regulations of eligible schools and eligible service providers;
27 ▸ requires background checks for employees and officers of a scholarship granting"

Bill Details
Year: 
2022
Status: 
House/ filed
Last Action: 
Mar 04, 2022
Sponsor
Representative
Republican - District 49
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$72,000,000
This bill appropriates in fiscal year 2023: to State Board of Education -- Contracted Initiatives and Grants -- Hope Scholarship Program, as an appropriation: from Education Fund, ongoing $36,000,000; and from Education Fund, one-time ($34,000,000), leaving $2,000,000 for Fiscal Year 2023.
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Oppose
Impact on Children: 

This bill proposes that the taxpayer subsidize private schools, diverting precious resources away from public schools to which they are intended to benefit. It will benefit a few families and be a detriment to most.

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

That Utah PTA oppose vouchers, tax credits and deductions and other similar funding sources for public and private preschool, elementary and secondary school tuition and other education-related expenses for students.

Utah PTA Legislative Policy: 

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

National PTA and Utah PTA Position Statements: 

OPPOSING VOUCHERS, TUITION TAX CREDITS AND DEDUCTIONS AS SYSTEMS OF EDUCATION AID The National PTA opposes education voucher proposals for public and nonpublic preschool, elementary and secondary school students. The National PTA opposes tax credits and deductions for elementary and secondary school tuition and other education-related expenses for public and nonpublic school students. The National PTA believes that these funding methods would have a detrimental effect on our public school system. Such funding would promote division without diversity, create division and separation within the community and negate the long struggle to desegregate our schools and our society. It is the opinion of the National PTA that vouchers and similar systems would violate the constitutionally mandated separation of church and state. The National PTA recognizes that changes must be made within the public schools to provide an equitable and excellent educational opportunity for every child. Vouchers, tax credits, deductions and other such funding sources do not provide the means for bringing about improvements in our public schools. The National PTA supports our system of public education as the major vehicle for perpetuating the basic values of a democratic system of government. This system must be strengthened and continue to be governed by public officials accountable to the public and supported by adequate funding.