SB 34 — Public Education Revisions

53E-8-204.53E-8-204 (Effective 05/06/26).

(EffectiveAuthority 05/06/26)Authority of the state board -- Rulemaking -- Superintendent -- Advisory council.

(1)(1)(a) (a) The state board is the governing board of the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind.

(2)(2)[(a) [(a) The state board shall appoint a superintendent for the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind.] (a)- With7 the- approvalS.B. of the state board, the state superintendent of public instruction shall appoint and supervise a superintendent of the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind who reports directly to the state superintendent.

34 Enrolled Copy (a) With the approval of the state board, the state superintendent of public instruction shall appoint and supervise a superintendent of the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind who reports directly to the state superintendent.

{(c)} {(i) The state board may appoint the state superintendent as the superintendent for the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind under Subsection (2)(a).} {(ii) If the state board appoints the state superintendent as the superintendent under Subsection (2)(c) (i), the state superintendent may delegate duties regarding the role of superintendent for the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind to another employee of the state board.} (3) The superintendent shall:

and - 8 - SB0034 compared with SB0034S04 (b) subject to the approval of the state board, appoint an associate superintendent to administer the Utah School for the Blind based on:

(5)(5)(a) (a) The state board shall submit a report in accordance with Section 53E-1-201 on the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind.

53E-10-310.53E-10-310 (Effective 05/06/26).

(c)(c)(i) (i) "Industry-recognized credential" means a credential that is:

(A)- developed8 and- offeredEnrolled by,Copy orS.B. endorsed by, a nationally recognized industry association or organization representing a sizable portion of the industry sector;

34 (A) developed and offered by, or endorsed by, a nationally recognized industry association or organization representing a sizable portion of the industry sector;

- 9 - SB0034 compared with SB0034S04 (d) "Master credential list" means the list of approved industry-recognized credentials maintained by the state board in accordance with this section.

(ii) the director of the Catalyst Center Grant Program described in Section [53E-3-507.1][ 53E-3-507.1] 53F-5-224;

(a)- a9 framework- forS.B. developing and maintaining the master credential list;

34 Enrolled Copy (a) a framework for developing and maintaining the master credential list;

- 10 - SB0034 compared with SB0034S04 (B) willingness of local industries to participate;

(B) incorporation of multiple learning pathways, including coursework, apprenticeships,- internships,10 work-based- learning,Enrolled andCopy relatedS.B. service opportunities;

34 apprenticeships, internships, work-based learning, and related service opportunities;

and - 11 - SB0034 compared with SB0034S04 (n) guidelines for LEAs to procure industry-recognized certification program licenses, including:

(d) develop clear mechanisms for students to understand how earning one credential can lead to higher-higher-level level certifications or degrees;

and (b) review all automatically included credentials within one year to ensure ongoing compliance- with11 program- requirements.S.B.

34 Enrolled Copy compliance with program requirements.

- 12 - SB0034 compared with SB0034S04 (i) is described in Sections 35A-6-102 and 35A-6-104.5;

(13)- The12 Utah- BoardEnrolled ofCopy HigherS.B. Education shall ensure the scholarship is valid for use within three years from the date the student graduates from high school.

34 (13) The Utah Board of Higher Education shall ensure the scholarship is valid for use within three years from the date the student graduates from high school.

- 13 - SB0034 compared with SB0034S04 (a) review the Utah First Credential Master Plan;

(17)(17)(a) (a) The state board shall administer a first credential grant program for an LEA and award a grant in accordance with the following process.

(B)- preliminary13 goals- forS.B. creating or expanding first credential opportunities within the LEA;

34 Enrolled Copy (B) preliminary goals for creating or expanding first credential opportunities within the LEA;

- 14 - SB0034 compared with SB0034S04 (ii) assign the LEA a placement on the continuum of need;

and (ii)- in14 accordance- withEnrolled TitleCopy 63G,S.B. Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act, and in collaboration with the First Credential Oversight Committee, establish by rule:

34 (ii) in accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act, and in collaboration with the First Credential Oversight Committee, establish by rule:

- 15 - SB0034 compared with SB0034S04 (18) In accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act, and in collaboration with the Utah Board of Higher Education and the Department of Workforce Services, the state board shall make rules to implement the provisions of this section.

53F-5-218.53F-5-218 (Effective 05/06/26).

and (ii) completing the student's hours of a supervised counseling internship by applying appropriate- school15 counseling- techniquesS.B. under the supervision of a licensed school counselor.

34 Enrolled Copy appropriate school counseling techniques under the supervision of a licensed school counselor.

- 16 - SB0034 compared with SB0034S04 (2) The Grow Your Own Educator Pipeline Program is a competitive grant program created to provide funding to LEAs to award scholarships to paraprofessionals, teachers, school counselor assistants, and school counselor interns within the LEA for education and training to become licensed teachers, licensed school counselors, licensed school psychologists, or licensed school social workers.

(3)(3)(a) (a) The state board shall use money appropriated for the program to provide funding to LEAs that are awarded grants under the program to award scholarships to eligible candidates.

and (b)(b)(i) (i) for a paraprofessional:

(ii)- for16 a- teacher,Enrolled theCopy candidate:S.B.

34 (ii) for a teacher, the candidate:

- 17 - SB0034 compared with SB0034S04 (iv) for a school counselor intern, the candidate is enrolled in a school counselor master's degree program accredited by:

or (ii) a school counselor assistant or school counselor intern, up to two semesters of practicum- or17 internship- hours.S.B.

34 Enrolled Copy practicum or internship hours.

- 18 - SB0034 compared with SB0034S04 (e) administrative costs for regional education service agencies, as that term is defined in Section 53G-4-410;

Section 53F-5-22453F-5-224, which is renumbered from Section 53E-3-507.1 is renumbered and amended to read:

[53E-3-507.1] .53F-5-224 (Effective 05/06/26).

(iv)- incorporates18 industry-standard- tools,Enrolled technologies,Copy andS.B. methods into instruction and student work;

34 (iv) incorporates industry-standard tools, technologies, and methods into instruction and student work;

- 19 - SB0034 compared with SB0034S04 (c) "Consortium" means two or more LEAs located within the same career and technical education geographic planning region.

and (iii) scaling programs that integrate real-world experiences directly into educational environments;- 19 - S.B.

34 Enrolled Copy environments;

- 20 - SB0034 compared with SB0034S04 (d) reports directly to the state superintendent or a deputy superintendent to ensure appropriate program oversight and cross-departmental coordination while maintaining distinct program objectives and outcomes;

(ii) collaborate with the director of career and technical education to align the program with the career and technical education standards described in Section [53E-3-507][ 53E-3-507] 53F-5-224;

and (b)- may20 collaborate- withEnrolled theCopy UtahS.B. System of Higher Education and the First Credential Oversight Committee established in Section 53E-10-310.

34 (b) may collaborate with the Utah System of Higher Education and the First Credential Oversight Committee established in Section 53E-10-310.

or - 21 - SB0034 compared with SB0034S04 (ii) technical colleges, degree-granting institutions, or other postsecondary entities to support postsecondary transitions for students;

(6)(6)(a) (a) An LEA may apply for a grant by submitting an application to the state board.

(C) increased offerings that advance students' progression toward postsecondary education- or21 advanced- training;S.B.

34 Enrolled Copy education or advanced training;

- 22 - SB0034 compared with SB0034S04 [(viii)] (ix) as applicable, a description of how the [catalyst] APEX center programming will align with or enhance programs funded by the weighted pupil unit add-on described in Section 53F-2-311;

(7)(7)(a) (a) The director shall:

[(i)]- (A)22 smaller- grantsEnrolled toCopy bringS.B. existing career and technical education programs to high-quality standards the state board establishes;

34 [(i)] (A) smaller grants to bring existing career and technical education programs to high-quality standards the state board establishes;

and - 23 - SB0034 compared with SB0034S04 [(d)] (iv) allow an LEA to propose [a catalyst] an APEX center collocated on the campus of an institution of higher education if the application includes evidence of an agreement between the LEA and the institution of higher education.

(8)(8)(a) (a) An LEA that receives a grant shall use program funds to plan for, create, establish, enhance, or expand an APEX center that:

(E) uses student projects that address the specific needs or objectives of industry partners;- 23 - S.B.

34 Enrolled Copy partners;

- 24 - SB0034 compared with SB0034S04 (A) career and technical student organizations as the LEA determines relevant;

[(c)]- (d)24 The- stateEnrolled boardCopy shallS.B. ensure that awarded funds:

34 [(c)] (d) The state board shall ensure that awarded funds:

- 25 - SB0034 compared with SB0034S04 (i) the number of LEAs reached through marketing efforts;

The following section is affected by a coordination clause at the end of this bill.

53F-9-204.53F-9-204 (Effective 07/01/26).

(1) There is created within the Uniform School Fund a restricted account known as the "Public Education Economic Stabilization Restricted Account." (2)(2)(a) (a) Except as provided in Subsection (2)(b), the account shall be funded from the following revenue sources:

(i)- 15%25 of- theS.B. difference between, as determined by the Office of the Legislative Fiscal Analyst:

34 Enrolled Copy (i) 15% of the difference between, as determined by the Office of the Legislative Fiscal Analyst:

(3) Subject to the availability of ongoing appropriations to the account, in accordance with - 26 - SB0034 compared with SB0034S04 Utah Constitution, Article X, Section 5, Subsection (4), the ongoing appropriation to the account shall be used to fund:

(4)(4)(a) (a) The account shall earn interest.

(6) In preparing budget bills for a given fiscal year, the Executive Appropriations Committee shall make the one-time appropriations described in Subsection (3)(a) by appropriating- at26 least- theEnrolled lesserCopy ofS.B. 10% of the total amount of the one-time appropriations to:

34 appropriating at least the lesser of 10% of the total amount of the one-time appropriations to:

- 27 - SB0034 compared with SB0034S04 (7) No later than October 15 of each year, the state board shall report to the Office of the Legislative Fiscal Analyst an estimated cost for each of the one-time appropriations described in Subsection (6).

53G-8-213.53G-8-213 (Effective 05/06/26).

(EffectiveReintegration 05/06/26)Reintegration plan for student alleged to have committed violent felony or weapon offense.

(a)- a27 behavioral- interventionS.B. for the student;

34 Enrolled Copy (a) a behavioral intervention for the student;

(6)(6)(a) - 28 - SB0034 compared with SB0034S04 (a) Notwithstanding Subsection (2), [a school district] an LEA may elect to not integrate a student into a school if the student has committed, or allegedly committed, a forcible felony.

53G-8-701.5.53G-8-701.5 (Effective 05/06/26).

(EffectiveSchool 05/06/26)School safety needs assessment -- School safety personnel -- Alternative requirements.

(1)(1)(a) (a) In accordance with Subsections (1)(c) through (e), no later than October 15 of an applicable year, an LEA shall:

(C)- a28 school's- currentEnrolled threatCopy andS.B. emergency response protocols, including any emergency response agreements with local law enforcement;

34 (C) a school's current threat and emergency response protocols, including any emergency response agreements with local law enforcement;

(b)(b)(i) (i) The school safety specialist described in Section 53G-8-701.6, in collaboration with the county security chief or, regarding the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind, the state security chief, - 29 - SB0034 compared with SB0034S04 and with the local law enforcement of relevant jurisdiction over the school as described in Section 53-25-701, shall conduct the school safety needs assessment for each school.

(e) The LEA shall update the assessment schedule as necessary to ensure compliance with the three-three-year year assessment requirement under Subsection (1)(c).

and (ii)- available29 only- to:S.B.

34 Enrolled Copy (ii) available only to:

(h) An individual who intentionally or knowingly provides the information described in Subsection (1)(1)(g) (g) to an individual or entity not listed in Subsection (1)(g)(ii) is guilty of a class B misdemeanor.

-(2)(a) 30 - SB0034 compared with SB0034S04 (2) (a) An LEA shall ensure each school within the LEA has the following school safety personnel:

(3)- (a)30 An- LEA,Enrolled schoolCopy administrator,S.B. or private school may apply to the state security chief for an approved alternative to the requirements described in:

34 (3)(a) An LEA, school administrator, or private school may apply to the state security chief for an approved alternative to the requirements described in:

- 31 - SB0034 compared with SB0034S04 (iv) available funding;

53G-8-701.6.53G-8-701.6 (Effective 05/06/26).

(EffectiveSchool 05/06/26)School safety and security specialist.

(2)(2)(a) (a) Subject to Subsection (2)(b) and except as provided in Subsection 53G-8-701.5(3), every campus within an LEA shall designate a school safety and security specialist from the employees of the relevant campus.

(b) oversee school safety and security practices to ensure a safe and secure school environment- for31 students- andS.B. staff;

34 Enrolled Copy environment for students and staff;

- 32 - SB0034 compared with SB0034S04 (vii) the county security chief regarding a school other than the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind;

or (ii)- the32 implementation- ofEnrolled practices,Copy policies,S.B. procedures, and protocols relating to school safety and security;

34 (ii) the implementation of practices, policies, procedures, and protocols relating to school safety and security;

- 33 - SB0034 compared with SB0034S04 (k) abide by any LEA, school, or law enforcement agency policy outlining the chain of command;

53G-8-701.8.53G-8-701.8 (Effective 05/06/26).

(EffectiveSchool 05/06/26)School safety and security director.

(1) Except as provided in Subsection 53G-8-701.5(3), an LEA shall designate a school safety and security director as the LEA point of contact for the county security chief regarding- a33 school- otherS.B. than the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind, local law enforcement, and the state security chief.

34 Enrolled Copy regarding a school other than the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind, local law enforcement, and the state security chief.

- 34 - SB0034 compared with SB0034S04 (d) coordinate security responses among, if applicable, the following individuals in the LEA that employs the school safety and security director:

(5)- A34 school- mayEnrolled useCopy theS.B. services of the school safety and security director on a temporary basis to satisfy the school safety personnel requirement of Subsection 53G-8-701.5(2).

34 (5) A school may use the services of the school safety and security director on a temporary basis to satisfy the school safety personnel requirement of Subsection 53G-8-701.5(2).

53G-9-702.53G-9-702 (Effective 05/06/26).

(EffectiveYouth 05/06/26)Youth suicide prevention programs -- State board to develop model programs.

- 35 - SB0034 compared with SB0034S04 (1) As used in the section:

and (iii)- methods35 of- strengtheningS.B. a youth's relationships in the school and community;

34 Enrolled Copy (iii) methods of strengthening a youth's relationships in the school and community;

and - 36 - SB0034 compared with SB0034S04 (iv) postvention for family, students, and faculty.

(6) A public school suicide prevention program may allow school personnel to ask a student- questions36 related- toEnrolled youthCopy suicideS.B. prevention, intervention, or postvention.

(7)34 (a)student Subjectquestions torelated legislative appropriation and except as provided in Section 53F-2-525, the state board may distribute money to ayouth school district or charter school to be used to implement evidence-based practices and programs, or emerging best practices and programs, for preventing suicide inprevention, theintervention, school district or charterpostvention. school.

(7)(a) Subject to legislative appropriation and except as provided in Section 53F-2-525, the state board may distribute money to a school district or charter school to be used to implement evidence-based practices and programs, or emerging best practices and programs, for preventing suicide in the school district or charter school.

(c)(c)(i) - 37 - SB0034 compared with SB0034S04 (i) A school shall use money allocated to the school under Subsection (7)(b) to implement evidence-evidence-based based practices and programs, or emerging best practices and programs, for preventing suicide.

Effective date.

{This(1) } Except as provided in Subsection (2), this bill takes effect {on } May 6, 2026.

3-6-26 11:06 AM - 3837 -