Utah 2026 General Session Status: Enacted 2 R cosponsors

SB 268 — Religious Curriculum in Schools

Last action — Governor Signed

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  1. ✓
    Introduced
  2. ✓
    In Committee
  3. ✓
    Passed Senate
  4. ✓
    Passed House
  5. ✓
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill has been enacted into law. Introduced February 06, 2026. Enacted.

Signed by Governor Spencer Cox (Republican) on March 25, 2026.

Prognosis

Advancing 54% · moderate confidence

Where this bill stands today.

Odds of enactment

High

How often bills like it became law.

  • Enacted

    Current position in the legislative process.

  • 2 sponsors

    1 primary, 1 co-sponsors signed on.

  • Single-party support

    Sponsorship is currently within one party (2 R).

Prognosis reads this bill's own signals — stage, sponsorship breadth, committee status, recorded votes and cross-state momentum. Odds come from a model trained on which bills have become law.

Bill Text

What changed in the latest version

186 added · 232 removed

Plain-language change summary

The recent amendment to SB 268 introduces a requirement for Utah schools to teach a course on American constitutional government and citizenship starting in the 2026-2027 school year. This course will cover important topics such as the structure of government branches and the principles of the Declaration of Independence. By mandating this type of instruction, the bill aims to enhance students' understanding of their rights and responsibilities as citizens, which is crucial for fostering informed participation in democracy.

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SB0268S01 compared with SB0268 {Omitted text} shows text that was in SB0268 but was omitted in SB0268S01 inserted text shows text that was not in SB0268 but was inserted into SB0268S01 DISCLAIMER:
Enrolled Copy S.B.
This document is provided to assist you in your comparison of the two bills.
268 Religious Curriculum in Schools GENERAL SESSION STATE OF UTAH Chief Sponsor:
Sometimes this automated comparison will NOT be completely accurate.
Todd Weiler House Sponsor:
Therefore, you need to read the actual bills.
Tiara Auxier 3 LONG TITLE General Description:
This automatically generated document could contain inaccuracies caused by:
limitations of the compare program;
bad input data;
or other causes.
Religious Curriculum in Schools GENERAL SESSION STATE OF UTAH Chief Sponsor:
Todd Weiler House Sponsor:Tiara Auxier 3 LONG TITLE General Description:
S AMENDS:
AMENDS:
B 53E-4-205.2 , as enacted by Laws of Utah 2025, Chapter 142 2 53G-10-202 , as last amended by Laws of Utah 2025, Chapter 380 6 SB0268 compared with SB0268S01 53G-10-302 , as last amended by Laws of Utah 2024, Chapter 452 53H-3-605 , as renumbered and amended by Laws of Utah 2025, First Special Session, Chapter 8 ENACTS:
53E-4-205.2, as enacted by Laws of Utah 2025, Chapter 142 53G-10-202, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2025, Chapter 380 53G-10-302, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2024, Chapter 452 53H-3-605, as renumbered and amended by Laws of Utah 2025, First Special Session, Chapter 8 ENACTS:
53E-4-205.3 , Utah Code Annotated 1953 Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
53E-4-205.3, Utah Code Annotated 1953 Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
53E-4-205.2.
53E-4-205.2 .
(1) Beginning in the 2026-2027 school year, except as provided in Subsection (2)(e),{ Ŝ→ {} { except as provided in Subsection (2)(e),}{} ←Ŝ } and as part of the social studies requirement established under Section 53E-4-204, the state board shall require instruction on American constitutional government and citizenship.
S.B.
268 Enrolled Copy (1) Beginning in the 2026-2027 school year, except as provided in Subsection (2)(e), and as part of the social studies requirement established under Section 53E-4-204, the state board shall require instruction on American constitutional government and citizenship.
and - 2 - SB0268 compared with SB0268S01 (e) beginning no later than the 2027-2028 school year, examine the fundamental role of religion in United States history and the primacy of religious liberty to American constitutional government, including the optional topics described in Section 53E-4-205.3.
and (e) beginning no later than the 2027-2028 school year, examine the fundamental role of religion in United States history and the primacy of religious liberty to American constitutional government, including the optional topics described in Section 53E-4-205.3.
(3) { Ŝ→ {} {beginning no later than the 2027-2028 school year, }{} ←Ŝ } examine the{ Ŝ→ {} { fundamental}{} ←Ŝ } role of religion in United States history and the primacy of religious liberty to American constitutional government, including the optional topics described in Section 53E-4-205.3.
(3) The course described in this section shall prioritize a close reading of the following primary source documents:
{(3)} The course described in this section shall prioritize a close reading of the following primary source documents:
(d) the United States Constitution;
- 2 - Enrolled Copy S.B.
268 (d) the United States Constitution;
Section 2 is enacted to read:
Section 53E-4-205.3 is enacted to read:
53E-4-205.3.
53E-4-205.3 .
- 3 - SB0268 compared with SB0268S01 (a) foundational documents and speeches in United States history, including the primary source documents described in Subsection 53E-4-205.2(3);
(a) foundational documents and speeches in United States history, including the primary source documents described in Subsection 53E-4-205.2(3);
(j) social welfare and reform movements, including:
- 3 - S.B.
268 Enrolled Copy (j) social welfare and reform movements, including:
Ŝ→ {[(l) United States support for the Universal Declaration of Human Rights;]} (l){[} {(m)]} {(l){} ←Ŝ } United States reconstruction of former World War II enemies;
(l) United States reconstruction of former World War II enemies;
(m){ Ŝ→ {} [} {(n)]} {(m){} ←Ŝ } the 1950s and 1960s nonviolent Civil Rights Movement;
(m) the 1950s and 1960s nonviolent Civil Rights Movement;
and (n){ Ŝ→ {} [} {(o)]} {(n){} ←Ŝ } religious pluralism in contemporary America.
and (n) religious pluralism in contemporary America.
53G-10-202.
53G-10-202 .
{ Ĥ→ {} {[} (1) - 4 - SB0268 compared with SB0268S01 {(a)} {An LEA may not provide } Except as provided in this section and in Section 53G-10-206, any instructional activity, performance, or display which includes examination of or presentations about religion, political or religious {instruction.} thought or expression, or the influence thereof on music, art, literature, law, politics, history, or any other element of the curriculum, including the comparative study of religions{]} {[(b)} and the fundamental role of religion in the history of the United States and other countries{In } , which is designed to achieve academic educational objectives included within the context of a course or activity and conducted in accordance with {Subsection (1)(a), an LEA } applicable rules or policies of the state and LEA governing boards, may {teach about religion and promote } be undertaken in the public schools.{]} (2) {{ ←Ĥ } { Ĥ→ } {} [} {religious liberty and respect } No aspect of cultural heritage, political theory, moral theory, or societal value shall be included within or excluded from public school curricula for the {religious views} primary reason that it affirms, ignores, or {lack thereof} denies religious belief, {of all} religious doctrine, {including:} a religious sect, or the existence of a spiritual realm or supreme being.{]} {[(i)} (3) [{philosophical questions concerning religion;} Public schools {] {[(ii)} ] A public school {the history } may not sponsor or deny the practice of {religion;} prayer or religious devotionals.{]} {[{(iii)} (4) [{comparative religion;} School officials and employees may not, regardless of a school, LEA, or state board rule or policy, {] {[(iv)} ] Notwithstanding any policy or state board rule, a school official or employee may not {religious texts as literature;
(1) Except as provided in this section and in Section 53G-10-206, any instructional activity, performance, or display which includes examination of or presentations about religion, political or religious thought or expression, or the influence thereof on music, art, literature, law, politics, history, or any other element of the curriculum, including the comparative study of religions and the fundamental role of religion in the history of the United States and other countries, which is designed to achieve academic educational objectives included within the context of a course or activity and conducted in accordance with applicable rules or policies of the state and LEA governing boards, may be undertaken in the public schools.
and} use the official's or employee's position to endorse, promote, or disparage a particular religious, denominational, sectarian, agnostic, or atheistic belief or viewpoint.{]} (5) An LEA shall ensure that:
(2) No aspect of cultural heritage, political theory, moral theory, or societal value shall be included within or excluded from public school curricula for the primary reason that it affirms, ignores, or denies religious belief, religious doctrine, a religious sect, or the existence of a spiritual realm or supreme being.
(3) [Public schools ] A public school may not sponsor or deny the practice of prayer or religious devotionals.
(4) [School officials and employees may not, regardless of a school, LEA, or state board rule or policy, ] Notwithstanding any policy or state board rule, a school official or employee may not use the official's or employee's position to endorse, promote, or disparage a particular religious, denominational, sectarian, agnostic, or atheistic belief or viewpoint.
- 4 - Enrolled Copy S.B.
268 (5) An LEA shall ensure that:
and - 5 - SB0268 compared with SB0268S01 (ii) judged by ordinary academic standards of substance, relevance, and other legitimate pedagogical objectives;
and (ii) judged by ordinary academic standards of substance, relevance, and other legitimate pedagogical objectives;
{[(v)} {the } {fundamental } {role of religion in the history of the United States} { } {and } {]} {} { ←Ĥ } { Ĥ→ } {} {[} {other countries} {.} {]} {} { ←Ĥ } {[(1) Ĥ→ (2)] (1) ←Ĥ } {Except as provided in this section and in Section 53G-10-206, any instructional activity, performance, or display which includes examination of or presentations about religion, political or religious thought or expression, or the influence thereof on music, art, literature, law, politics, history, or any other element of the curriculum, including the comparative study of religions, which is designed to achieve academic educational objectives included within the context of a course or activity and conducted in accordance with applicable rules or policies of the state and LEA governing boards, may be undertaken in the public schools.} {[(2) Ĥ→ (3)] (2) ←Ĥ } {No aspect of cultural heritage, political theory, moral theory, or societal value shall be included within or excluded from public school curricula for the primary reason that it affirms, ignores, or denies religious belief, religious doctrine, a religious sect, or the existence of a spiritual realm or supreme being.} {[(3) Ĥ→ (4)] (3) ←Ĥ } {[} {Public schools } {]} {{A public school } }{may not sponsor or deny the practice of prayer or religious devotionals.} {[(4) Ĥ→ (5)] (4) ←Ĥ } {[} {School officials and employees may not, regardless of a school, LEA, or state board rule or policy, } {]} {{Notwithstanding any policy or state board rule, a school official or employee may not } }use the official's or employee's position to endorse, promote, or disparage a particular religious, denominational, sectarian, agnostic, or atheistic belief or viewpoint.} Ĥ→ [(6)] {(5)} ←Ĥ An LEA shall ensure that:} {(a) a student may express the student's beliefs about religion in homework, artwork, and other written or oral assignments free from discrimination based on the religious perspective of the student's submissions;} {(b) home and classroom work is:} {(i) not penalized or rewarded on the basis of religious perspective;
Section 4.
and} {(ii) judged by ordinary academic standards of substance, relevance, and other legitimate pedagogical objectives;
and} - 6 - SB0268 compared with SB0268S01 {(c) notification of the constitutional freedoms described in this section is provided to school officials, employees, and students.} Section 4.
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53G-10-302.
53G-10-302 .
(3) (a) The state board and local school boards shall periodically review school curricula and activities to ensure that effective instruction in American history and government is taking place in the public schools.
(3)(a) The state board and local school boards shall periodically review school curricula and activities to ensure that effective instruction in American history and government is taking place in the public schools.
[and] (iii) the{ Ŝ→ {} { fundamental}{} ←Ŝ } role of religion in United States history and the primacy of religious liberty to American constitutional government;
[and] (iii) the fundamental role of religion in United States history and the primacy of religious liberty to American constitutional government;
(a) the Declaration of Independence;
- 5 - S.B.
268 Enrolled Copy (a) the Declaration of Independence;
- 7 - SB0268 compared with SB0268S01 (g) the writings, speeches, documents, and proclamations of the Founders and the Presidents of the United States;
(g) the writings, speeches, documents, and proclamations of the Founders and the Presidents of the United States;
53H-3-605.
53H-3-605 .
(1) (a) An institution of higher education may not issue a degree, diploma, or certificate outside of the institution of higher education's primary role, as described in Section 53H-3-602, unless the institution of higher education receives approval from the board of the adequacy of the study for which the degree, diploma, or certificate is offered.
(1)(a) An institution of higher education may not issue a degree, diploma, or certificate outside of the institution of higher education's primary role, as described in Section 53H-3-602, unless the institution of higher education receives approval from the board of the adequacy of the study for which the degree, diploma, or certificate is offered.
(b) A student shall demonstrate a reasonable understanding of the [history, principles, form of government, and economic system of the United States] following before receiving a bachelor's degree or teaching credential[.] :
(b) A student shall demonstrate a reasonable understanding of the [history, principles, form of government, and economic system of the United States] following before - 6 - Enrolled Copy S.B.
268 receiving a bachelor's degree or teaching credential[.] :
and (ii) the { Ŝ→ {} {fundamental }{} ←Ŝ } role of religion in United States history and the primacy of religious liberty to American constitutional government.
and (ii) the fundamental role of religion in United States history and the primacy of religious liberty to American constitutional government.
- 8 - SB0268 compared with SB0268S01 (2) Degrees, diplomas, and certificates issued [prior to] before the effective date of this section do not require board approval.
(2) Degrees, diplomas, and certificates issued [prior to] before the effective date of this section do not require board approval.
Effective date.
3-6-26 11:41 AM - 9 -
- 7 -
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How this bill changes current law

4 changes Share ↗

Compared against the Utah Code as published AI-generated reading aid — verify against the official bill.

The bill modifies education requirements to enhance the focus on religious liberty in various school curricula while also revising degree requirements for higher education graduates.

  • 53E-4-205.2

    the responsibilities of citizenship and participation in civil society; and → the responsibilities of citizenship and participation in civil society; and beginning no later than the 2027-2028 school year, examine the fundamental role of religion in United States history and the primacy of religious liberty to American constitutional government, including the optional topics described in Section 53E-4-205.3.

    Adds a requirement to include religious liberty in the instructional standards starting with the 2027-2028 school year.

  • 53G-10-202

    Public schools → A public school

    Clarifies the wording around the prohibition of public schools sponsoring or denying prayer or religious devotionals.

  • 53G-10-302

    [and] → and the fundamental role of religion in United States history and the primacy of religious liberty to American constitutional government; and

    Increases the emphasis on the role of religion in U.S. history and its relevance to constitutional government in educational curricula.

  • 53H-3-605

    the history, principles, form of government, and economic system of the United States; and the fundamental role of religion in United States history and the primacy of religious liberty to American constitutional government. → the history, principles, form of government, economic system of the United States, and the fundamental role of religion in United States history and the primacy of religious liberty to American constitutional government.

    Reinforces the requirement that higher education graduates demonstrate understanding of religious liberty in relation to U.S. history.

Amendments

5 amendments

Click Show changes on an amendment above to see how it modifies the bill.

Action History

  1. Governor Signed

  2. Senate/ to Governor

  3. Senate/ received enrolled bill from Printing

  4. Senate/ enrolled bill to Printing

  5. Enrolled Bill Returned to House or Senate

  6. Draft of Enrolled Bill Prepared

  7. Bill Received from Senate for Enrolling

  8. Senate/ signed by President/ sent for enrolling

  9. Senate/ received from House

  10. House/ to Senate

  11. House/ signed by Speaker/ returned to Senate

  12. House/ received from Senate

  13. Senate/ to House

  14. Senate/ concurs with House amendment

  15. Senate/ placed on Concurrence Calendar

  16. House/ to Senate

  17. House Conference Committee - Final Passage [Conference Committee]

  18. House Motion to Adopt Joint Conference Comm Rpt [Conference Committee]

  19. LFA/ fiscal note publicly available for SB0268S01

  20. LFA/ fiscal note sent to sponsor for SB0268S01

  21. Conference Committee Report [Conference Committee]

  22. Bill Substituted by Conference Committee [Conference Committee]

  23. LFA/ bill sent to agencies for fiscal input for SB0268S01

  24. LFA/ bill assigned to staff for fiscal analysis for SB0268S01

  25. House/ to Senate

  26. House Conference Committee Appointed [Conference Committee]

  27. House/ refused to recede from House amendment

  28. Senate/ to House

  29. Senate/ refuse to concur with House amendments

  30. Senate/ placed on Concurrence Calendar

  31. Senate/ received from House

  32. House/ to Senate

  33. House/ passed 3rd reading

  34. House/ 3rd reading

  35. House/ 2nd reading

  36. House/ comm rpt/ amended [House Education Committee]

  37. House Comm - Favorable Recommendation [House Education Committee]

  38. House Comm - Amendment Recommendation [House Education Committee]

  39. House/ to standing committee [House Education Committee]

  40. House/ 1st reading (Introduced)

  41. House/ received from Senate

  42. Senate/ to House

  43. Senate/ passed 3rd reading

  44. Senate/ floor amendment

  45. Senate/ 3rd reading

  46. Senate/ passed 2nd reading

  47. Senate/ 2nd reading

  48. Senate/ placed on 2nd Reading Calendar

  49. Senate/ comm rpt/ amended [Senate Education Committee]

  50. Senate Comm - Favorable Recommendation [Senate Education Committee]

  51. Senate Comm - Amendment Recommendation [Senate Education Committee]

  52. Senate/ received fiscal note from Fiscal Analyst

  53. LFA/ fiscal note publicly available for SB0268

  54. LFA/ fiscal note sent to sponsor for SB0268

  55. Senate/ to standing committee [Senate Education Committee]

  56. Senate/ 1st reading (Introduced)

  57. Senate/ received bill from Legislative Research

  58. LFA/ bill sent to agencies for fiscal input for SB0268

  59. LFA/ bill assigned to staff for fiscal analysis for SB0268

  60. Numbered Bill Publicly Distributed

  61. Bill Numbered but not Distributed

Sponsors

Sponsorship breakdown

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1 sponsors · 1 co-sponsors · 102 not signed on

Sponsors (1)

Co-sponsors (1)

Not signed on (102)

102 members have not signed on to this bill.

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"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

Whip count is in markup. Polling the chamber and every recorded vote this session. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Calling the roll · Tallying · Engrossing

Subjects

education
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Frequently asked questions

Who sponsors SB 268?
SB 268 is sponsored by Tiara Auxier (Republican) and Todd Weiler (Republican).
What is the current status of SB 268?
This bill has been enacted into law. Introduced February 06, 2026. Enacted.
Where can I track SB 268?
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