[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6359297,"mediaKeyId","2187714-7dbe1c2703f2399345e9cdd044f9c87b","parentId",2187714,"title","House panel approves parental-consent rules for school-based mental health and delays curriculum changes to 2026","audioSeconds",5049,"startMs",149000,"endMs",5198000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2187714-7dbe1c2703f2399345e9cdd044f9c87b&start=149&end=5198","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2187714-7dbe1c2703f2399345e9cdd044f9c87b/thumbnail_149000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6359297/Utah/House-panel-approves-parental-consent-rules-for-school-based-mental-health-and-delays-curriculum-changes-to-2026","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6359297-1497c17ff3d80b71f19f00fc0edae7be/orig.mp4?Expires=1771188855&Signature=ONBNOLXECgeBxoADI2m5ibItQNPNamTLi8hZRAoTXWC3DkVHqIqA-KXFplSkh9X56NltG7k6e9K~1Jnvt~l3hyyUaEvZJzWkYv2pzF1gs9NSyJekUKwjdL9p9UjaHgHAO1X6WxxpMH5H70j1Dhk~i38Dvml20cmIEGGa5PQWOlpjGlxyhuERygMKxIMva~JVZsHUvt8EruxOfw74HywC29el54uIf5QyFHSEDwTwftws92bEm6I8E943UOHe4LsR4B~veY2DANJ1WWIR7y3J8OdrF6bIvD~P91ZjKtXFRvcjh5xm9N-ShiLk-zNeapGpThyfi1uiklARfUlwPpz5mA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Utah State Legislature","date","2025-01-31T00:00:00Z","article","The Utah House Education Committee on Friday advanced House Bill 281, a substitute measure that requires parental consent and notification for nonemergency in‑school mental‑health therapy, clarifies telehealth procedures in schools and delays some health‑curriculum changes until the 2026 school year.

Supporters said the substitute tightens definitions around what counts as “in‑school mental health therapy,” preserves emergency exceptions and adds notice requirements so parents are informed when therapy sessions occur. Opponents, including professional therapy associations, warned parts of the bill could deter clinicians from asking standard screening questions and could limit students’ ability to disclose safety concerns.

Representative Stamkretius, sponsor of the bill, told the committee the substitute “defines what constitutes in school mental health therapy” and narrows the definition of who may provide therapy to those licensed in their scope of practice. She said the substitute preserves emergency exceptions and requires parental consent for routine therapeutic sessions, with notification afterward. The substitute also sets a staggered effective date: parental‑consent and telehealth notice provisions take effect July 1 following the regular legislative calendar, while health‑curriculum changes will not take effect until July 1, 2026, giving the State Board of Education a year to prepare.

Dr. Aaron Fisher, director of the Utah School Mental Health Collaborative, described best practices for school‑based therapy and emphasized family involvement. “When we’re thinking about wellness and therapy, it’s really a collaboration between all of the folks who interact with the child,” Fisher said. “Having parent consent for all of the work that we’re doing is critical.”

Public testimony was divided. Proponents said clearer rules will restore parental trust and ensure consistent practices across districts. Diane Livingston, legislative director for Worldwide Organization for Women, told the committee, “We need these people there,” and urged the committee to pass the bill to provide guidelines and reduce delays families face accessing care. Parents and advocacy groups also urged the committee to preserve parents’ ability to limit topics discussed with their children in school counseling sessions.

Therapist associations and several practicing clinicians urged changes. Tanner Hone, president of the Utah School Social Work Association, said the bill’s blanket requirements may duplicate existing consent law and could increase administrative burdens. “Under FERPA, parents already have the right to request access to their child’s education records, including therapy notes,” he said, arguing the statutory framework already provides significant parental rights. Jessica Black, representing the Utah Mental Health Counselors Association, said mandatory prohibitions on topics could prevent clinicians from asking direct safety questions that are considered best practice.

Committee members asked clarifying questions about how the bill distinguishes between short “stress‑management” interactions and deeper therapeutic work, how notice must be provided, treatment plans for students on IEP/504 plans and how group interventions and crisis responses are handled. Sponsors said the substitute exempts basic stress management and generalized crisis responses from the parental‑consent requirements and that notice language was intentionally left flexible to allow families and clinicians to choose the method that works best for them.

During action the committee adopted the first substitute and a subsequent amendment allowing parents to request that they not receive session notices after each individual visit (an opt‑out). The committee then voted to favorably recommend HB 281 as substituted and amended. The motion passed; Representative Hayes and Representative Moss recorded votes against the final favorable recommendation.

What the bill does
- Requires parental consent for nonemergency in‑school mental‑health therapy and requires notice to parents that a session occurred unless the parent requests otherwise.
- Clarifies that only appropriately licensed providers (or those operating within a defined scope and practice agreement) may provide therapy; exempts basic stress management and generalized crisis response protocols established by the State Board.
- Confirms existing emergency exceptions where immediate stabilization is required and mandates reporting when abuse or safety risk is disclosed.
- Reaffirms that parental collaboration should occur when deciding topics and procedures and permits the State Board to provide guidance to districts.
- Delays curriculum changes included in the substitute until July 1, 2026; consent/notice and telehealth provisions follow the regular July 1 effective date.

Next steps
The committee’s favorable recommendation sends HB 281 to the full House for further consideration. If the House passes the bill it will proceed to the Senate for additional floor votes.

Why it matters
The bill attempts to reconcile growing school‑based mental‑health services with parental oversight and statutory reporting obligations. Supporters say it will increase transparency and parental engagement; critics say it risks creating barriers to clinical practice, adds administrative burden and could unintentionally limit clinicians’ ability to screen for safety concerns.

Ending note
Committee members and a range of professional and parent stakeholders signaled they expect follow‑up work in subsequent legislative or administrative sessions if the bill advances, including technical changes to ensure clinicians can meet ethical obligations while complying with the law.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","House Education Committee - January 31, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Utah House Education Committee on Friday advanced House Bill 281, a substitute measure that requires parental consent and notification for nonemergency in‑school mental‑health therapy, clarifies telehealth procedures in schools and delays some health‑curriculum changes until the 2026 school year.","taxTitle","2025 Utah Legislature, Utah Legislature, Utah Legislative Branch, Utah","taxId",78171,"location","Utah","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6359283,"Panel approves HB 184 to clarify School Children’s Trust responsibilities and add training and compliance language",697,5166000,5863000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2187714-7dbe1c2703f2399345e9cdd044f9c87b&start=5166&end=5863","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2187714-7dbe1c2703f2399345e9cdd044f9c87b/thumbnail_5166000.jpg","/articles/6359283/Utah/Panel-approves-HB-184-to-clarify-School-Childrens-Trust-responsibilities-and-add-training-and-compliance-language","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6359283-63eccf3cd41d3608bf80cbcd33b679dd/orig.mp4?Expires=1771188855&Signature=UqZLV6SJc1h0r0dFO861ytwywx1ht7l-omQ99aOKN6G8dy1lEkQCrnCG2oQ~bT2QYzO3eEiT2qtcHClC2rOhtq9PwhJwI6HglLvHuMTghz3MKCqoWpCSRR8Edyu4hAxhJcKBim8QnKurZB28JaRdfRT7DQAvKKYZMcInMGpTG6D3JyaT8uIgea-FBAhSTtm~6cnO2nUuQmBzzDQ~1jh~XY1XifZKBDm2VMzL0149PaDElvo5kmjfgLNj8TYJMselMCSx2q3f3qYKlxvhZj4iKzV6PBnAp2dTGnG7W~rrx63HKVa7AS0VaRUHDWsvuLqXNbE1xoT7adRGt6sOsRiHkw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The House Education Committee favorably recommended House Bill 184, which clarifies the State Board of Education’s responsibilities related to the School Children’s Trust (often called the school land trust), expands training requirements and refines compliance review processes.

Representative Miller, sponsor of the bill, said the measure updates responsibilities to align with statutory changes and ongoing program needs. The bill adds explicit authority for the School Children’s Trust section to calculate and initiate the annual distribution to each school, administer the trust website and provide annual training that includes the Open and Public Meetings Act. The substitute also expands the list of recipients for training to include district business administrators and charter business officials and clarifies the compliance review process for school land trust plans and expenditures.

The State Board’s deputy superintendent and the School Children’s Trust director described the program’s administrative workload and endorsed the clarifying language. Paula Plant, director of the School Children’s Trust section, told the committee the office currently has a small staff and that additional administrative support would help the section manage training, compliance reviews and the website for nearly 1,000 school plans statewide. She said the requested position would be paid from the trust fund management account, not the general fund.

Supporters included the Utah School Boards Association and school superintendents, who said the clarifications will help local councils fulfill their statutory duties. A representative from the Land Trust Protection and Advocacy office said legislative audit findings had commended the program’s oversight and said the additional resources reflect expanded statutory responsibilities and the increasing number of LEAs and charters that rely on the office for guidance.

The committee voted to favorably recommend HB 184. Sponsors said the bill preserves parent‑driven decision making for school community councils while clarifying the state office’s duties and making administrative support funding explicit.

Why it matters
The school trust program provides annual distributions to councils at nearly every public school in Utah; clarifying the state office’s role and funding administrative support aims to improve training, compliance and transparency while keeping decisions at the local parent‑led council level.

Next steps
HB 184 will go to the full House for further consideration after the committee’s favorable recommendation.","Lawmakers advanced HB 184 to clarify the State Board of Education’s School Children’s Trust section duties, require annual training (including Open and Public Meetings Act content), refine compliance reviews and authorize administrative support paid from trust funds.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6359287,"Committee approves strategic reinvestment process for higher education, limits bachelor’s degrees to 120 credits",1674,3474000,5148000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2187714-7dbe1c2703f2399345e9cdd044f9c87b&start=3474&end=5148","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2187714-7dbe1c2703f2399345e9cdd044f9c87b/thumbnail_3474000.jpg","/articles/6359287/Utah/Committee-approves-strategic-reinvestment-process-for-higher-education-limits-bachelors-degrees-to-120-credits","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6359287-c8d92bae411f1fd2f9202340c9eba0ba/orig.mp4?Expires=1771188855&Signature=Pru~4KyE7DQdPbHGJr0bB4huB2fEV8ogRz8gkhAqq2~VamECGreKlXpSHrqF1LOAIgnD4z9WpY4aenwJp7dtyP8~mM-u7GdjWVkH2IRHGgmPMwbC-Gp8SAscn9BTqewL4W-mXu0cwswRt8I~JzRy18msFW~xM-lLgv9cBRXNmo1Mn0s5s02vAaErHSs~8-Dv-J~iGBsiUDTxxW~QjfPffU9I9r7eixW73VXnb2JZgcMYZXPTDn9Rx-LnF53UBzeRO3E3e0Yz3BRYfYAmmEuQEPFZUI4fn1VBgSOGChGqEDmtEabCulym0xRXbmZX9diBebe~prPz2~8RM-iFIZ1RjA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","House Bill 265, which directs a systemwide strategic review and reinvestment of a portion of public higher‑education budgets and limits most bachelor’s degrees to 120 credit hours, received a favorable recommendation from the House Education Committee after sponsor presentations and system testimony.

Sponsor(s) and Commissioner Jeff Landward described HB 265 as a data‑driven effort to align program offerings to student demand, workforce needs and institutional missions, and to reinvest savings from program or administrative consolidation into high‑priority instruction. The bill creates a strategic reinvestment fund and asks institutions to present reinvestment plans to the Board of Higher Education and the Legislature; funds targeted in the base budget would be released back to institutions as plans meet statutory criteria.

Commissioner Jeff Landward said the board is neutral on the bill but noted that much of the work HB 265 contemplates — program reviews, data collection and economic analysis, and performance metrics — already exists in statute and in board practice. He said the bill formalizes a process and urges an objective, evidence‑based approach: \"Every dollar appropriated to higher education ... we have to ensure every single dollar provides significant value to the students and to the state,\" Landward said.

Key provisions
- Establishes a strategic reinvestment fund and requires institutions to prepare reinvestment plans tied to enrollment, completion, workforce alignment and other metrics; funds withheld in the base budget can be released once plans are approved and receive legislative oversight.
- Caps bachelor’s degree programs at 120 credit hours, with an exception up to 126 credits subject to Board approval for accreditation or licensing reasons.
- Directs the Legislature and higher education appropriations to revisit performance‑funding metrics so they better reflect differences across institutions (for example, research universities versus community colleges).

Committee members asked how the plan will protect smaller or regionally focused institutions and how the board will ensure teach‑out and student protections if programs are sun‑setted. Sponsors and the commissioner said the statute builds in phased timing for execution (three‑year window to implement) and gives institutions discretion to craft plans appropriate to their mission; the Board of Higher Education will provide guidance and datasets.

Public testimony came from industry and higher‑education stakeholders. Kelvin Cullimore of BIO Utah supported collaborative reinvestment to meet life‑science workforce demand and noted earlier collaborative initiatives between industry and universities. Other public commenters asked for clarity about qualitative and quantitative measurements used to evaluate programs; sponsors pledged to work with stakeholders and the board on implementation guidance.

The committee amended the bill and then voted to favorably recommend HB 265. Representatives Moss, Hayes and Ochsir recorded 'no' votes on the motion to pass the bill out of committee. Sponsors said the measure aims to preserve institutional mission while improving affordability, completion rates and alignment with workforce needs.

Why it matters
The bill creates a formal, legislatively‑directed process to redirect part of the higher‑education budget into high‑priority instructional needs and to limit credit inflation in bachelor’s programs. If enacted, institutions will present data‑driven plans that could change program offerings and administrative structures over a multi‑year timeline.

Next steps
HB 265 proceeds to the House floor for further consideration. The Board of Higher Education will produce guidance and datasets to support institutions as they prepare reinvestment plans.","The committee approved HB 265, establishing a strategic reinvestment fund to reallocate a portion of higher‑education budgets for program review and reinvestment and directing the Board of Higher Education to cap most bachelor’s degrees at 120 credits (126 with board approval).",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6359292,"Committee backs expansion of paid student‑teaching stipends to include coaches and out‑of‑state student teachers planning to teach in Utah",2466,3232000,5698000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2187714-7dbe1c2703f2399345e9cdd044f9c87b&start=3232&end=5698","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2187714-7dbe1c2703f2399345e9cdd044f9c87b/thumbnail_3232000.jpg","/articles/6359292/Utah/Committee-backs-expansion-of-paid-studentteaching-stipends-to-include-coaches-and-outofstate-student-teachers-planning-to-teach-in-Utah","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6359292-217d81ca27a117b1dd2262a7090d4606/orig.mp4?Expires=1771188856&Signature=cJVetlg0o9q0pGQbs8sc8xrfOgTy40urOvW0-2xPaP4MOSJp5w4R7gzr9il~G2UnJk0puQ5xYsqEl~gb5-gWqdefmcXfoLAhSIprYZ-yTdAtJIE4RgTt13fJEvEdmHEHdju32RRtkFxekaY~78sVfYsZ1trNhIH5u4uKg98RWtB~AiJEAhZuA20qsFMEB46Ey35oYksI1nqAU86opmFfQyHizi-qsW0IDD1xBJhfpYqVJRZ94VO46t3cjpj17LI~TQGZa3UldYh7gI~m274JZBCvPqSoLmPIbDMj3czI6rfREcThB56jmzPBnHuoTLUBz8uWGGCjh75iMpzIOOBrAQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The House Education Committee voted unanimously to favorably recommend House Bill 204, a bill amending the stipends for future educators pilot program. The measure clarifies eligibility so certain secondary student teachers who also coach extracurriculars can receive the stipend and allows student teachers who completed degree work out of state but plan to teach in Utah to qualify after signing an affidavit of intent.

Representative Karen Peterson, sponsor of the measure, said the pilot program has already helped roughly 1,300 student teachers qualify for stipends in its first year and that the bill corrects unintended exclusions. \"We had about 91 teachers who helped coach the track team and then didn't get their stipend,\" Peterson said, and the amendment ensures those student teachers are eligible. The bill also adds an affidavit requirement for student teachers who studied outside Utah but plan to teach in Utah so the program supports the in‑state teacher pipeline.

Sylvia Reid, associate dean at Utah State University’s College of Education and Human Services, testified in support, saying the stipend helped student teachers focus on their practicum experiences. \"This gives them a strong start into the profession, and I think that it will, as Karen pointed out, lead to better retention in the profession,\" she said.

The committee adopted Amendment 1, which requires an affidavit to confirm intent to teach in Utah, and voted to recommend the bill favorably to the House. Sponsor and committee members said the amendment protects against stipend “double‑dipping” while maintaining the pilot’s goal of retaining new teachers.

Why it matters
The stipend pilot aims to reduce early career attrition among teachers by supporting full‑time student teachers financially. Supporters cited research that strong induction and training improve retention; the expanded eligibility is intended to preserve access for candidates who otherwise meet the pilot’s goals.

Next steps
HB 204 will be scheduled for floor action in the House after the committee recommendation.","The House Education Committee unanimously approved HB 204 to expand a pilot stipend program for student teachers, adding secondary teachers who coach extracurriculars and out‑of‑state student teachers who commit to teach in Utah.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

House panel approves parental-consent rules for school-based mental health and delays curriculum changes to 2026

Panel approves HB 184 to clarify School Children’s Trust responsibilities and add training and compliance language

Committee approves strategic reinvestment process for higher education, limits bachelor’s degrees to 120 credits

Committee backs expansion of paid student‑teaching stipends to include coaches and out‑of‑state student teachers planning to teach in Utah