Legislative Bills

It has been demonstrated through national data that there is a lack of basic knowledge and functional understanding about our system of government, both nationally and in Utah; this lack of knowledge and understanding is reflected in the current political environment, which is marked by a perpetual and pervasive stream of political rhetoric and content delivered through various media platforms, including social media, some of which is neither credible nor accurate; there is a need to prepare students with the tools necessary to evaluate and analyze the information being disseminated constantly through media channels, including social media platforms

This resolution will increase opportunities for students in the state's public education system to learn about the eight diverse tribal nations in Utah and the dynamic history, culture, and unique political status of Native Americans, particularly the Native Americans who were first on the land in Utah's geographic region and who live here now.
It will encourage schools, teams, and communities with Native American mascots -- including names, imagery, symbols, regalia, and characterizations -- to engage in dialogue with local Native American communities and create a process to review and find agreement about the use of or to retire these mascots out of respect for the cultural and spiritual traditions and practices of their Native American neighbors.
 

This resolution celebrates the contributions multilingual and multicultural families to Utah's schools. It promotes family engagement and states, " WHEREAS, the Utah Parent-Teacher's Association's resolution entitled, "Family Engagement in Education," affirms that "research has shown that the most significant predictor of a student's academic success is parental engagement in the student's education, regardless of socioeconomic status, ethnic/racial background, or parents' educational level"

Childhood sexual abuse infringes on the basic rights of human beings. The nature and dynamics of sexual abuse and sexually abusive relationships are often traumatic. When sexual abuse occurs in childhood it can hinder normal social growth and be a cause of many different psychosocial problems. This joint resolution encourages greater study and open discussion about the effects and
prevalence of child sexual abuse.

1.  Removes the constitutional guarantee that income tax revenues support educational funding.

The State Board of Education is currently designed to be a body representative of a geographic area and responsive to the voters. Board Members will no longer be held accountable by the voters if the ability to elect the body is removed. PTA supports the democratic process and encourages its membership to be active participants in the election of child/parent-friendly representatives in the various elected bodies, including the State Board of Education.

Proper management of the School Trust Lands enables more funding for public education. 

1.  Students who attend afterschool programs have increased academic performance.

2.  Students who attend afterschool programs have additional support for homework completion.

S.B. 39 seeks to increase the inventory of affordable housing, which PTA has resolved to support, however our first priority is to fully fund education.  Adequately available affordable housing helps children to be ready to learn.  If children are spending time and energy worrying about and / or moving they will not be able to devote the same time or energy to their education, to becoming financial independent, productive citizens.

Continue to establish and operate a psychotropic medication oversight pilot program for children in foster care through Dec 2021, to ensure that foster children are being prescribed psychotropic medication consistent with their needs.

Further defines an area of domestic violence not addressed, in circumstances where children may me living or abiding.

If a minor 14 years of age or older desires an opportunity to address the court or testify, the court shall give the minor's desires added weight, but may not treat the minor's desires as the single controlling factor in a post-adjudication hearing or other hearing described

Families dealing with a mental health crisis do not necessarily need a policemen, EMT or a firefighter, they need a first responder who understands the unique circumstances of someone dealing with a mental health or other behavioral emergency. Paramedics are increasingly expected to respond to behavioral health crises but may not be adequately prepared to do so. This new license program will ensure that families with behavioral and mental health needs will get the emergency treatment they need.

Child abuse and neglect constitute a grave health, emotional, and social problem, and children must be protected from all forms of abuse, neglect, maltreatment, and exploitation;