Education

HB 315 requires Utah public schools to include two specific videos in human growth and development instruction for students in grades 3-12: a high-definition ultrasound showing fetal organ development and a video depicting fertilization and pregnancy stages. It mandates that schools make all instructional materials available to parents upon request and directs the State Board of Education to publish approved materials, conduct compliance audits, and share audit results. The bill affects all local education agencies (LEAs) in Utah and their students, while giving parents access to curriculum content. No new funding is provided, and the policy focuses on specific educational content requirements within existing health curriculum standards.

HB 142 limits school fee waivers in Utah public schools to two trips per student annually. It requires students seeking a second waiver to develop an "action plan" with their principal, including school-related contributions like custodial work or service hours. The bill also mandates local education agencies to set caps on total fee waivers and verify student eligibility through income documentation like pay stubs. These changes directly affect students in Utah public schools who qualify for fee waivers for school-sponsored trips.

HB 399 prohibits schools from measuring, grading, tracking, or collecting data on students' character traits or implementing character education programs. It repeals existing requirements for civics and character education in Utah schools and bans administrative staff from using character-based assessments. The bill directly affects public school students and educators by removing mandated character education practices and data collection. It also creates parental rights to receive reports and investigate character education issues, while amending multiple Utah education codes to reflect these changes.