reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Utah Code › Title 53G - Public Education System -- Local Administration › Chapter 9 - Health and Welfare › Part 3 - Immunization Requirements › Section 306 - Immunization record part of student's record -- School review process at enrollment -- Transfer.

Effective 5/4/2022
53G-9-306.
Immunization record part of student's record -- School review process at enrollment -- Transfer.
(1) Each school:
(a) shall request an immunization record for each student at the time the student enrolls in the school;
(b) may not charge a fee related to receiving or reviewing an immunization record or a vaccination exemption form; and
(c) shall retain an immunization record for each enrolled student as part of the student's permanent school record.
(2)
(a) Within five business days after the day on which a student enrolls in a school, an individual designated by the school principal or administrator shall:
(i) determine whether the school has received an immunization record for the student;
(ii) review the student's immunization record to determine whether the record complies with Subsection 53G-9-302(1); and
(iii) identify any deficiencies in the student's immunization record.
(b) If the school has not received a student's immunization record or there are deficiencies in the immunization record, the school shall:
(i) place the student on conditional enrollment, in accordance with Section 53G-9-308; and
(ii) within five days after the day on which the school places the student on conditional enrollment, provide the notice described in Subsection 53G-9-308(3).
(3) A school from which a student transfers shall provide the student's immunization record to the student's new school upon request of the student's legally responsible individual.
Amended by Chapter 329, 2022 General Session
2023 Utah Code › Title 53G - Public Education System -- Local Administration › Chapter 9 - Health and Welfare › Part 3 - Immunization Requirements › Section 309 - School record of students' immunization status -- Confidentiality.

Effective 7/1/2022
53G-9-309.
School record of students' immunization status -- Confidentiality.
(1) Each school shall maintain a current list of all enrolled students, noting each student:
(a) for whom the school has received a valid and complete immunization record;
(b) who is exempt from receiving a required vaccine; and
(c) who is allowed to attend school under Section 53G-9-308.
(2) Each school shall ensure that the list described in Subsection (1) specifically identifies each disease against which a student is not immunized.
(3) Upon the request of an official from a local health department in the case of a disease outbreak, a school principal or administrator shall:
(a) notify the legally responsible individual of any student who is not immune to the outbreak disease, providing information regarding steps the legally responsible individual may take to protect students;
(b) identify each student who is not immune to the outbreak disease; and
(c) for a period determined by the local health department not to exceed the duration of the disease outbreak, do one of the following at the discretion of the school principal or administrator after obtaining approval from the local health department:
(i) provide a separate educational environment for the students described in Subsection (3)(b) that ensures the protection of the students described in Subsection (3)(b) as well as the protection of the remainder of the student body; or
(ii) prevent each student described in Subsection (3)(b) from attending school.
(4) A name appearing on the list described in Subsection (1) is subject to confidentiality requirements described in Section 26B-1-212 and Section 53E-9-202.
Amended by Chapter 255, 2022 General Session
2023 Utah Code › Title 53G - Public Education System -- Local Administration › Chapter 9 - Health and Welfare › Part 4 - Health Examinations › Section 402 - Rules for examinations prescribed by Department of Health -- Notification of impairment.

Effective 5/3/2023
53G-9-402.
Rules for examinations prescribed by the Department of Health and Human Services -- Notification of impairment.
(1)
(a) Each local school board shall implement policies as prescribed by the Department of Health and Human Services for vision, dental, abnormal spinal curvature, and hearing examinations of students attending the district's schools.
(b) Under guidelines of the Department of Health and Human Services, qualified health professionals shall provide instructions, equipment, and materials for conducting the examinations.
(c) The policies shall include exemption provisions for students whose parents contend the examinations violate their personal beliefs.
(2) The school shall notify, in writing, a student's parent of any impairment disclosed by the examinations.
Amended by Chapter 328, 2023 General Session
2023 Utah Code › Title 53G - Public Education System -- Local Administration › Chapter 9 - Health and Welfare › Part 4 - Health Examinations › Section 403 - Personnel to perform health examination.

Effective 5/4/2022
53G-9-403.
Personnel to perform health examination.
A local school board may use teachers or school nurses to conduct examinations required under this part and licensed physicians as needed for medical consultation related to those examinations.
Amended by Chapter 214, 2022 General Session
2023 Utah Code › Title 53G - Public Education System -- Local Administration › Chapter 9 - Health and Welfare › Part 5 - Administration of Medication › Section 502 - Administration of medication to students -- Prerequisites -- Immunity from liability -- Applicability.

Effective 5/3/2023
53G-9-502.
Administration of medication to students -- Prerequisites -- Immunity from liability -- Applicability.
(1) A public or private school that holds any classes in grades kindergarten through 12 may provide for the administration of medication to any student during periods when the student is under the control of the school, subject to the following conditions:
(a) the local school board, charter school governing board, or the private equivalent, after consultation with the Department of Health and Human Services and school nurses shall adopt policies that provide for:
(i) the designation of volunteer employees who may administer medication;
(ii) proper identification and safekeeping of medication;
(iii) the training of designated volunteer employees by the school nurse;
(iv) maintenance of records of administration; and
(v) notification to the school nurse of medication that will be administered to students; and
(b) medication may only be administered to a student if:
(i) the student's parent has provided a current written and signed request that medication be administered during regular school hours to the student; and
(ii) the student's licensed health care provider has prescribed the medication and provides documentation as to the method, amount, and time schedule for administration, and a statement that administration of medication by school employees during periods when the student is under the control of the school is medically necessary.
(2) Authorization for administration of medication by school personnel may be withdrawn by the school at any time following actual notice to the student's parent.
(3) School personnel who provide assistance under Subsection (1) in substantial compliance with the licensed health care provider's written prescription and the employers of these school personnel are not liable, civilly or criminally, for:
(a) any adverse reaction suffered by the student as a result of taking the medication; and
(b) discontinuing the administration of the medication under Subsection (2).
(4) Subsections (1) through (3) do not apply to:
(a) the administration of glucagon in accordance with Section 53G-9-504;
(b) the administration of a seizure rescue medication in accordance with Section 53G-9-505; or
(c) the administration of an opiate antagonist in accordance with Title 26B, Chapter 4, Part 5, Treatment Access.
Amended by Chapter 328, 2023 General Session
2023 Utah Code › Title 53G - Public Education System -- Local Administration › Chapter 9 - Health and Welfare › Part 5 - Administration of Medication › Section 506 - Diabetes medication -- Possession -- Self-administration.

Effective 5/14/2019
53G-9-506.
Diabetes medication -- Possession -- Self-administration.
(1) As used in this section, "diabetes medication" means prescription or nonprescription medication used to treat diabetes, including related medical devices, supplies, and equipment used to treat diabetes.
(2) A public school shall permit a student to possess or possess and self-administer diabetes medication if:
(a) the student's parent signs a statement:
(i) authorizing the student to possess or possess and self-administer diabetes medication; and
(ii) acknowledging that the student is responsible for, and capable of, possessing or possessing and self-administering the diabetes medication; and
(b) the student's health care provider provides a written statement that states:
(i) it is medically appropriate for the student to possess or possess and self-administer diabetes medication and the student should be in possession of diabetes medication at all times; and
(ii) the name of the diabetes medication prescribed or authorized for the student's use.
(3) The Utah Department of Health, in cooperation with the state superintendent, shall design forms to be used by public schools for the parental and health care provider statements described in Subsection (2).
(4) Section 53G-8-205 does not apply to the possession and self-administration of diabetes medication in accordance with this section.
Amended by Chapter 293, 2019 General Session
2023 Utah Code › Title 53G - Public Education System -- Local Administration › Chapter 9 - Health and Welfare › Part 6 - Bullying and Hazing › Section 602 - Bullying, hazing, and cyber-bullying prohibited.

Effective 1/24/2018
53G-9-602.
Bullying, hazing, and cyber-bullying prohibited.
(1) A school employee or student may not engage in bullying a school employee or student:
(a) on school property;
(b) at a school related or sponsored event;
(c) on a school bus;
(d) at a school bus stop; or
(e) while the school employee or student is traveling to or from a location or event described in Subsections (1)(a) through (d).
(2) A school employee or student may not engage in hazing or cyber-bullying a school employee or student at any time or in any location.
Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 3, 2018 General Session
2023 Utah Code › Title 53G - Public Education System -- Local Administration › Chapter 9 - Health and Welfare › Part 6 - Bullying and Hazing › Section 603 - Retaliation and making a false allegation prohibited.

Effective 1/24/2018
53G-9-603.
Retaliation and making a false allegation prohibited.
(1) A school employee or student may not engage in retaliation against:
(a) a school employee;
(b) a student; or
(c) an investigator for, or a witness of, an alleged incident of bullying, cyber-bullying, hazing, or retaliation.
(2) A school employee or student may not make a false allegation of bullying, cyber-bullying, hazing, or retaliation against a school employee or student.
Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 3, 2018 General Session
2023 Utah Code › Title 53G - Public Education System -- Local Administration › Chapter 9 - Health and Welfare › Part 6 - Bullying and Hazing › Section 604 - Parental notification of certain incidents and threats required.

Effective 8/1/2023
53G-9-604.
Parental notification of certain incidents and threats required.
(1) A school shall:
(a) notify a parent if the parent's student threatens suicide; or
(b) notify the parents of each student involved in an incident of bullying, cyber-bullying, hazing, abusive conduct, or retaliation of the incident involving each parent's student.
(2)
(a) If a school notifies a parent of an incident or threat required to be reported under Subsection (1), the school shall:
(i) produce and maintain a record that verifies that the parent was notified of the incident or threat;
(ii) maintain a record described in Subsection (2)(a)(i) in accordance with the requirements of:
(A)Title 53E, Chapter 9, Part 2, Student Privacy;
(B)Title 53E, Chapter 9, Part 3, Student Data Protection;
(C) the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, 20 U.S.C. Sec. 1232g; and
(D) 34 C.F.R. Part 99; and
(iii) provide the parent with:
(A) suicide prevention materials and information; and
(B) information on ways to limit the student's access to fatal means, including a firearm or medication.
(b) The state superintendent shall select the materials and information described in Subsection (2)(a)(iii) in collaboration with the state suicide prevention coordinator and public education suicide prevention coordinator.
(3) A local school board or charter school governing board shall adopt a policy regarding the process for:
(a) notifying a parent as required in Subsection (1); and
(b) producing and retaining a record that verifies that a parent was notified of an incident or threat as required in Subsection (2).
(4) At the request of a parent, a school may provide information and make recommendations related to an incident or threat described in Subsection (1).
(5) A school shall:
(a) provide a student a copy of a record maintained in accordance with this section that relates to the student if the student requests a copy of the record; and
(b) expunge a record maintained in accordance with this section that relates to a student if the student:
(i) has graduated from high school; and
(ii) requests the record be expunged.
Amended by Chapter 423, 2023 General Session
2023 Utah Code › Title 53G - Public Education System -- Local Administration › Chapter 9 - Health and Welfare › Part 6 - Bullying and Hazing › Section 605 - Bullying, cyber-bullying, hazing, abusive conduct, and retaliation policy.

Effective 5/14/2019
53G-9-605.
Bullying, cyber-bullying, hazing, abusive conduct, and retaliation policy.
(1) On or before September 1, 2018, an LEA governing board shall update the LEA governing board's bullying, cyber-bullying, hazing, and retaliation policy to include abusive conduct.
(2) A policy shall:
(a) be developed only with input from:
(i) students;
(ii) parents;
(iii) teachers;
(iv) school administrators;
(v) school staff; or
(vi) local law enforcement agencies; and
(b) provide protection to a student, regardless of the student's legal status.
(3) A policy shall include the following components:
(a) definitions of bullying, cyber-bullying, hazing, and abusive conduct that are consistent with this part;
(b) language prohibiting bullying, cyber-bullying, hazing, and abusive conduct;
(c) language prohibiting retaliation against an individual who reports conduct that is prohibited under this part;
(d) language prohibiting making a false report of bullying, cyber-bullying, hazing, abusive conduct, or retaliation;
(e) as required in Section 53G-9-604, parental notification of:
(i) a student's threat to commit suicide; and
(ii) an incident of bullying, cyber-bullying, hazing, abusive conduct, or retaliation, involving the parent's student;
(f) a grievance process for a school employee who has experienced abusive conduct;
(g) an action plan to address a reported incident of bullying, cyber-bullying, hazing, or retaliation; and
(h) a requirement for a signed statement annually, indicating that the individual signing the statement has received the LEA governing board's policy, from each:
(i) school employee;
(ii) student who is at least eight years old; and
(iii) parent of a student enrolled in the charter school or school district.
(4) A copy of a policy shall be:
(a) included in student conduct handbooks;
(b) included in employee handbooks; and
(c) provided to a parent of a student enrolled in the charter school or school district.
(5) A policy may not permit formal disciplinary action that is based solely on an anonymous report of bullying, cyber-bullying, hazing, abusive conduct, or retaliation.
(6) Nothing in this part is intended to infringe upon the right of a school employee, parent, or student to exercise the right of free speech.
Amended by Chapter 293, 2019 General Session
2023 Utah Code › Title 53G - Public Education System -- Local Administration › Chapter 9 - Health and Welfare › Part 6 - Bullying and Hazing › Section 606 - Model policy and state board duties.

Effective 5/4/2022
53G-9-606.
Model policy and state board duties.
(1) On or before September 1, 2018, the state board shall:
(a) update the state board's model policy on bullying, cyber-bullying, hazing, and retaliation to include abusive conduct; and
(b) post the model policy described in Subsection (1)(a) on the state board's website.
(2) The state board shall require an LEA governing board to report annually to the state board on:
(a) the LEA governing board's policy, including implementation of the signed statement requirement described in Subsection 53G-9-605(3);
(b) the LEA governing board's training of school employees relating to bullying, cyber-bullying, hazing, and retaliation described in Section 53G-9-607;
(c) the demographics of an individual who is subject to bullying, hazing, cyber-bullying, or retaliation subject to:
(i)Title 53E, Chapter 9, Part 2, Student Privacy;
(ii)Title 53E, Chapter 9, Part 3, Student Data Protection;
(iii) the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, 20 U.S.C. Sec. 1232g; and
(iv) 34 C.F.R. Part 99; and
(d) other information related to this part, as determined by the state board.
Amended by Chapter 399, 2022 General Session
2023 Utah Code › Title 53G - Public Education System -- Local Administration › Chapter 9 - Health and Welfare › Part 6 - Bullying and Hazing › Section 607 - Training, education, and prevention -- Standards.

Effective 5/12/2020
53G-9-607.
Training, education, and prevention -- Standards.
(1)
(a) An LEA governing board shall include in the training of a school employee training regarding bullying, cyber-bullying, hazing, abusive conduct, and retaliation that meets the standards described in Subsection (4).
(b) An LEA governing board may offer voluntary training to parents and students regarding abusive conduct.
(2) To the extent that state or federal funding is available for this purpose, LEA governing boards are encouraged to implement programs or initiatives, in addition to the training described in Subsection (1), to provide for training and education regarding, and the prevention of, bullying, hazing, abusive conduct, and retaliation.
(3) The programs or initiatives described in Subsection (2) may involve:
(a) the establishment of a bullying task force; or
(b) the involvement of school employees, students, or law enforcement.
(4) In accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act, the state board shall make rules that establish standards for high quality training related to bullying, cyber-bullying, hazing, abusive conduct, and retaliation.
Amended by Chapter 408, 2020 General Session
2023 Utah Code › Title 53G - Public Education System -- Local Administration › Chapter 9 - Health and Welfare › Part 6 - Bullying and Hazing › Section 608 - Other forms of legal redress.

Effective 1/24/2018
53G-9-608.
Other forms of legal redress.
(1) Nothing in this part prohibits a victim of bullying, cyber-bullying, hazing, abusive conduct, or retaliation from seeking legal redress under any other provisions of civil or criminal law.
(2) This section does not create or alter tort liability.
Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 3, 2018 General Session
2023 Utah Code › Title 53G - Public Education System -- Local Administration › Chapter 9 - Health and Welfare › Part 7 - Suicide Prevention › Section 703 - Parent education -- Mental health -- Bullying -- Safety.

Effective 5/14/2019
53G-9-703.
Parent education -- Mental health -- Bullying -- Safety.
(1)
(a) Except as provided in Subsection (3), a school district shall offer a seminar for parents of students in the school district that:
(i) is offered at no cost to parents;
(ii) begins at or after 6 p.m.;
(iii) is held in at least one school located in the school district; and
(iv) covers the topics described in Subsection (2).
(b)
(i) A school district shall annually offer one parent seminar for each 11,000 students enrolled in the school district.
(ii) Notwithstanding Subsection (1)(b)(i), a school district may not be required to offer more than three seminars.
(c) A school district may:
(i) develop its own curriculum for the seminar described in Subsection (1)(a); or
(ii) use the curriculum developed by the state board under Subsection (2).
(d) A school district shall notify each charter school located in the attendance boundaries of the school district of the date and time of a parent seminar, so the charter school may inform parents of the seminar.
(2) The state board shall:
(a) develop a curriculum for the parent seminar described in Subsection (1) that includes information on:
(i) substance abuse, including illegal drugs and prescription drugs and prevention;
(ii) bullying;
(iii) mental health, depression, suicide awareness, and suicide prevention, including education on limiting access to fatal means;
(iv) Internet safety, including pornography addiction; and
(v) the SafeUT and Crisis Line established in Section 53B-17-1202; and
(b) provide the curriculum, including resources and training, to school districts upon request.
(3)
(a) A school district is not required to offer the parent seminar if the local school board determines that the topics described in Subsection (2) are not of significant interest or value to families in the school district.
(b) If a local school board chooses not to offer the parent seminar, the local school board shall notify the state board and provide the reasons why the local school board chose not to offer the parent seminar.
Amended by Chapter 293, 2019 General Session
Amended by Chapter 324, 2019 General Session
Amended by Chapter 446, 2019 General Session
2023 Utah Code › Title 53G - Public Education System -- Local Administration › Chapter 9 - Health and Welfare › Part 7 - Suicide Prevention › Section 704 - Youth suicide prevention training for employees.

Effective 5/12/2020
53G-9-704.
Youth suicide prevention training for employees.
(1) A school district or charter school shall require a licensed employee to complete a minimum of two hours of professional development training on youth suicide prevention every three years.
(2) The state board shall:
(a) develop or adopt sample materials to be used by a school district or charter school for professional development training on youth suicide prevention; and
(b) by rule made in accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act, incorporate the training described in Subsection (1) into professional development training described in Section 53E-6-201.
Amended by Chapter 408, 2020 General Session
2023 Utah Code › Title 53G - Public Education System -- Local Administration › Chapter 9 - Health and Welfare › Part 8 - Dropout Prevention and Recovery and Remediation Programs › Section 801 - Definitions.

Effective 5/3/2023
53G-9-801.
Definitions.
As used in Section 53G-9-802:
(1) "Attainment goal" means earning:
(a) a high school diploma;
(b) a Utah High School Completion Diploma, as defined in state board rule made in accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act;
(c) an Adult Education Secondary Diploma, as defined in state board rule made in accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act; or
(d) an employer-recognized, industry-based certificate that is:
(i) likely to result in job placement; and
(ii) included in the state board's approved career and technical education industry certification list.
(2) "Cohort" means a group of students, defined by the year in which the group enters grade 9.
(3) "Designated student" means a student:
(a)
(i) who has withdrawn from an LEA before earning a diploma;
(ii) who has been dropped from average daily membership; and
(iii) whose cohort has not yet graduated; or
(b) who is at risk of meeting the criteria described in Subsection (3)(a), as determined by the student's LEA, using risk factors defined in rules made by the state board in accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act.
(4) "Graduation rate" means:
(a) for a school district or a charter school that includes grade 12, the graduation rate calculated by the state board for federal accountability and reporting purposes; or
(b) for a charter school that does not include grade 12, a proxy graduation rate defined in rules made by the state board in accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act.
(5) "Local education agency" or "LEA" means a school district or charter school that serves students in grade 9, 10, 11, or 12.
(6) "Nontraditional program" means a program, as defined in rules made by the state board under Subsection 53E-3-501(1)(c), in which a student receives instruction through:
(a) distance learning;
(b) online learning;
(c) blended learning; or
(d) competency-based learning.
(7) "Statewide graduation rate" means:
(a) for a school district or a charter school that includes grade 12, the statewide graduation rate, as annually calculated by the state board; or
(b) for a charter school that does not include grade 12, the average graduation rate for all charter schools that do not include grade 12.
(8) "Third party" means:
(a) a private provider; or
(b) an LEA that does not meet the criteria described in Subsection 53G-9-802(3).
Amended by Chapter 527, 2023 General Session
2023 Utah Code › Title 53G - Public Education System -- Local Administration › Chapter 9 - Health and Welfare › Part 8 - Dropout Prevention and Recovery and Remediation Programs › Section 803 - Remediation programs for secondary students.

Effective 5/14/2019
53G-9-803.
Remediation programs for secondary students.
(1) For purposes of this section:
(a) "Secondary school" means a school that provides instruction to students in grades 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12.
(b) "Secondary school student":
(i) means a student enrolled in a secondary school; and
(ii) includes a student in grade 6 if the student attends a secondary school.
(2) A school district or charter school shall implement programs for secondary school students to attain the competency levels and graduation requirements established by the state board.
(3)
(a) A school district or charter school shall establish remediation programs for secondary school students who do not meet competency levels in English, mathematics, science, or social studies.
(b) Participation in the programs is mandatory for secondary school students who fail to meet the competency levels based on classroom performance.
(4) Secondary school students who require remediation under this section may not be advanced to the following class in subject sequences until they meet the required competency level for the subject or complete the required remediation program, except that a school district or charter school may allow secondary school students requiring remediation who would otherwise be scheduled to enter their first year of high school to complete their remediation program during that first year.
(5)
(a) Remediation programs provided under this section should not be unnecessarily lengthy or repetitive.
(b) A secondary school student need not repeat an entire class if remediation can reasonably be achieved through other means.
(6) A school district or charter school may charge secondary school students a fee to participate in the remediation programs.
Amended by Chapter 293, 2019 General Session
2023 Utah Code › Title 53G - Public Education System -- Local Administration › Chapter 9 - Health and Welfare › Part 8 - Dropout Prevention and Recovery and Remediation Programs › Section 804 - Duties of the State Board of Education.

Effective 5/3/2023
53G-9-804.
Duties of the State Board of Education.
(1) The state board shall:
(a) adopt rules that require a local school board or charter school governing board to enact chronic absenteeism prevention and intervention policies that shall:
(i) include provisions that reflect the individual school district's or charter school's unique needs or circumstances; and
(ii) adopt evidence- or research-informed absenteeism and dropout prevention interventions;
(b) support, train, and inform LEAs regarding evidence-informed or research-based models to reduce dropout and chronic absenteeism;
(c) provide guidance to LEAs on interventions and supports available from the Division of Juvenile Justice and Youth Services; and
(d) provide other technical assistance to LEAs around analysis of attendance data.
(2) The rules described in Subsection (1) may require a local school board or charter school governing board to publicize the policies enacted by the local school board or charter school governing board in accordance with the rules described in Subsection (1) through school websites, handbooks, letters to parents, or other reasonable means of communication.
(3) The state board may consult with appropriate stakeholders, including:
(a) parents;
(b) youth;
(c) LEAs;
(d) human services agencies; or
(e) others as the state board develops, enacts, and administers the rules described in Subsection (1).
Enacted by Chapter 93, 2023 General Session
2023 Utah Code › Title 53G - Public Education System -- Local Administration › Chapter 10 - Curriculum Participation and Requirements › Part 2 - General Requirements and Participation › Section 202 - Maintaining constitutional freedom in the public schools.

Effective 7/31/2023
53G-10-202.
Maintaining constitutional freedom in the public schools.
(1) Except as provided 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) 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 may not sponsor or deny the practice of prayer or religious devotionals.
(4) School officials and employees may not use their positions to endorse, promote, or disparage a particular religious, denominational, sectarian, agnostic, or atheistic belief or viewpoint.
Amended by Chapter 294, 2023 General Session
2023 Utah Code › Title 53G - Public Education System -- Local Administration › Chapter 10 - Curriculum Participation and Requirements › Part 2 - General Requirements and Participation › Section 203 - Expressions of belief -- Discretionary time.

Effective 5/3/2023
53G-10-203.
Expressions of belief -- Discretionary time.
(1) Expression of personal beliefs by a student participating in school-directed curricula or activities may not be prohibited or penalized unless the expression unreasonably interferes with order or discipline, threatens the well-being of persons or property, or violates concepts of civility or propriety appropriate to a school setting.
(2)
(a) As used in this section, "discretionary time" means noninstructional time during which a student is free to pursue personal interests.
(b) Free exercise of voluntary religious practice or freedom of speech by students during discretionary time shall not be denied unless the conduct unreasonably interferes with the ability of school officials to maintain order and discipline, unreasonably endangers persons or property, or violates concepts of civility or propriety appropriate to a school setting.
(3) Any limitation under this section on student expression, practice, or conduct shall be by the least restrictive means necessary to satisfy the school's interests, or to satisfy another specifically identified compelling governmental interest.
Amended by Chapter 412, 2023 General Session
2023 Utah Code › Title 53G - Public Education System -- Local Administration › Chapter 10 - Curriculum Participation and Requirements › Part 2 - General Requirements and Participation › Section 205 - Waivers of participation.

Effective 5/3/2023
53G-10-205.
Waivers of participation.
(1) As used in this section:
(a) "School" means a public school.
(b) "Student" means a public school student in kindergarten through grade 12.
(2)
(a) In accordance with Utah Constitution, Article I, Section 4, a student may refrain from participation in any aspect of school that violates a religious belief or right of conscience of the student.
(b) A school may not, in any aspect of school:
(i) require or incentivize a student to affirm or deny the student's or the student's parent's religious belief or right of conscience;
(ii) engage a student in a practice that violates or is contrary to the student's or the student's parent's religious belief or right of conscience; or
(iii) penalize or discriminate against a student for refraining from participation due to the student's or the student's parent's religious belief or right of conscience.
(3) When a student refrains from participating in any aspect of school that violates the student's or the student's parent's religious belief or right of conscience, the school:
(a) shall promptly notify the student's parent;
(b) may offer an alternative that does not violate the student's or the student's parent's religious belief or right of conscience; and
(c) may not require the student or the student's parent to explain, defend, or justify the student's or the student's parent's religious belief or right of conscience.
(4) A student's parent may waive the student's participation in any aspect of school that violates the student's or the student's parent's religious belief or right of conscience.
(5) In accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act, the state board shall make rules consistent with this section.
Amended by Chapter 412, 2023 General Session
2023 Utah Code › Title 53G - Public Education System -- Local Administration › Chapter 10 - Curriculum Participation and Requirements › Part 3 - Miscellaneous Curriculum Requirements › Section 302 - Instruction in American history and government -- Study and posting of American heritage documents.

Effective 5/14/2019
53G-10-302.
Instruction in American history and government -- Study and posting of American heritage documents.
(1) The Legislature recognizes that a proper understanding of American history and government is essential to good citizenship, and that the public schools are the primary public institutions charged with responsibility for assisting children and youth in gaining that understanding.
(2)
(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.
(b) The boards shall solicit public input as part of the review process.
(c) Instruction in American history and government shall include a study of:
(i) forms of government, such as a republic, a pure democracy, a monarchy, and an oligarchy;
(ii) political philosophies and economic systems, such as socialism, individualism, and free market capitalism; and
(iii) the United States' form of government, a compound constitutional republic.
(3) School curricula and activities shall include a thorough study of historical documents such as:
(a) the Declaration of Independence;
(b) the United States Constitution;
(c) the national motto;
(d) the pledge of allegiance;
(e) the national anthem;
(f) the Mayflower Compact;
(g) the writings, speeches, documents, and proclamations of the Founders and the Presidents of the United States;
(h) organic documents from the pre-Colonial, Colonial, Revolutionary, Federalist, and post Federalist eras;
(i) United States Supreme Court decisions;
(j) Acts of the United States Congress, including the published text of the Congressional Record; and
(k) United States treaties.
(4) To increase student understanding of, and familiarity with, American historical documents, public schools may display historically important excerpts from, or copies of, those documents in school classrooms and common areas as appropriate.
(5) There shall be no content-based censorship of American history and heritage documents referred to in this section due to their religious or cultural nature.
(6) Public schools shall display "In God we trust," which is declared in 36 U.S.C. 302 to be the national motto of the United States, in one or more prominent places within each school building.
Amended by Chapter 293, 2019 General Session
2023 Utah Code › Title 53G - Public Education System -- Local Administration › Chapter 10 - Curriculum Participation and Requirements › Part 3 - Miscellaneous Curriculum Requirements › Section 303 - Teaching of American sign language.

Effective 7/1/2020
53G-10-303.
Teaching of American sign language.
(1) The Legislature recognizes that American sign language is a fully developed, autonomous, natural language with distinct grammar, syntax, and art forms.
(2) American sign language shall be accorded equal status with other linguistic systems in the state's public and higher education systems.
(3) The state board, in consultation with the state's school districts and members of the deaf and hard of hearing community, shall develop and implement policies and procedures for the teaching of American sign language in the state's public education system at least at the middle school or high school level.
(4) A student may count credit received for completion of a course in American sign language at the middle school or high school level toward the satisfaction of a foreign language requirement in the public education system under rules made by the state board.
(5) The Utah Board of Higher Education, in consultation with the state's public institutions of higher education and members of the state's deaf and hard of hearing community, shall develop and implement policies and procedures for offering instruction in American sign language in the state's system of higher education.
(6) The Joint Liaison Committee, in consultation with members of the state's deaf and hard of hearing community, shall review any policies and procedures developed under this section and make recommendations to either or both boards regarding the policies.
Amended by Chapter 365, 2020 General Session
2023 Utah Code › Title 53G - Public Education System -- Local Administration › Chapter 10 - Curriculum Participation and Requirements › Part 3 - Miscellaneous Curriculum Requirements › Section 304 - Instruction on the flag of the United States of America.

Effective 5/12/2020
53G-10-304.
Instruction on the flag of the United States of America.
(1) In accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act, the state board shall provide by rule for a program of instruction within the public schools relating to the flag of the United States.
(2) The instruction shall include the history of the flag, etiquette, customs pertaining to the display and use of the flag, and other patriotic exercises as provided by 4 U.S.C. Secs. 1 to 10.
(3)
(a) The pledge of allegiance to the flag shall be recited once at the beginning of each day in each public school classroom in the state, led by a student in the classroom, as assigned by the classroom teacher on a rotating basis.
(b) Each student shall be informed by posting a notice in a conspicuous place that the student has the right not to participate in reciting the pledge.
(c) A student shall be excused from reciting the pledge upon written request from the student's parent.
(d)
(i) At least once a year students shall be instructed that:
(A) participation in the pledge of allegiance is voluntary and not compulsory; and
(B) not only is it acceptable for someone to choose not to participate in the pledge of allegiance for religious or other reasons, but students should show respect for any student who chooses not to participate.
(ii) A public school teacher shall strive to maintain an atmosphere among students in the classroom that is consistent with the principles described in Subsection (3)(d)(i).
Amended by Chapter 408, 2020 General Session
2023 Utah Code › Title 53G - Public Education System -- Local Administration › Chapter 10 - Curriculum Participation and Requirements › Part 3 - Miscellaneous Curriculum Requirements › Section 305 - Higher education savings information.

Effective 5/14/2019
53G-10-305.
Higher education savings information.
A public school shall provide, to the parents of a kindergarten student during kindergarten enrollment, information about higher education savings options, including information about opening a Utah Educational Savings Plan account.
Amended by Chapter 226, 2019 General Session
Amended by Chapter 293, 2019 General Session
2023 Utah Code › Title 53G - Public Education System -- Local Administration › Chapter 10 - Curriculum Participation and Requirements › Part 3 - Miscellaneous Curriculum Requirements › Section 306 - Science of reading curriculum.

Effective 5/4/2022
53G-10-306.
Science of reading curriculum.
Each LEA shall adopt science of reading curriculum and intervention programs as advised by the science of reading panel described in Section 53E-3-1003.
Enacted by Chapter 285, 2022 General Session
2023 Utah Code › Title 53G - Public Education System -- Local Administration › Chapter 10 - Curriculum Participation and Requirements › Part 4 - Health Curriculum Requirements › Section 403 - Required parental consent for sex education instruction.

Effective 5/14/2019
53G-10-403.
Required parental consent for sex education instruction.
(1) As used in this section:
(a)
(i) "Sex education instruction" means any course material, unit, class, lesson, activity, or presentation that, as the focus of the discussion, provides instruction or information to a student about:
(A) sexual abstinence;
(B) human sexuality;
(C) human reproduction;
(D) reproductive anatomy;
(E) physiology;
(F) pregnancy;
(G) marriage;
(H) childbirth;
(I) parenthood;
(J) contraception;
(K) HIV/AIDS;
(L) sexually transmitted diseases; or
(M) refusal skills, as defined in Section 53G-10-402.
(ii) "Sex education instruction" does not include child sexual abuse prevention instruction described in Section 53G-9-207.
(b) "School" means the same as that term is defined in Section 53G-10-205.
(2) A school shall obtain prior written consent from a student's parent before the school may provide sex education instruction to the student.
(3) If a student's parent chooses not to have the student participate in sex education instruction, a school shall:
(a) waive the requirement for the student to participate in the sex education instruction; or
(b) provide the student with a reasonable alternative to the sex education instruction requirement.
(4) In cooperation with the student's teacher or school, a parent shall take responsibility for the parent's student's sex education instruction if a school:
(a) waives the student's sex education instruction requirement in Subsection (3)(a); or
(b) provides the student with a reasonable alternative to the sex education instruction requirement described in Subsection (3)(b).
(5) A student's academic or citizenship performance may not be penalized if the student's parent chooses not to have the student participate in sex education instruction as described in Subsection (3).
Amended by Chapter 293, 2019 General Session
2023 Utah Code › Title 53G - Public Education System -- Local Administration › Chapter 10 - Curriculum Participation and Requirements › Part 4 - Health Curriculum Requirements › Section 404 - Adoption information.

Effective 1/24/2018
53G-10-404.
Adoption information.
(1) For a school year beginning with or after the 2012-13 school year, a local school board shall ensure that an annual presentation on adoption is given to its secondary school students in grades 7-12, so that each student receives the presentation at least once during grades 7-9 and at least once during grades 10-12.
(2) The presentation shall be made by a licensed teacher as part of the health education core.
Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 3, 2018 General Session
2023 Utah Code › Title 53G - Public Education System -- Local Administration › Chapter 10 - Curriculum Participation and Requirements › Part 4 - Health Curriculum Requirements › Section 405 - Instruction on the harmful effects of alcohol, tobacco, electronic cigarette products, and controlled substances -- Rulemaking authority -- Assistance from the Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health.

Effective 5/12/2020
53G-10-405.
Instruction on the harmful effects of alcohol, tobacco, electronic cigarette products, and controlled substances -- Rulemaking authority -- Assistance from the Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health.
(1) The state board shall adopt rules providing for instruction at each grade level on the harmful effects of alcohol, tobacco, electronic cigarette products, and controlled substances upon the human body and society. The rules shall require instruction on the following:
(a) teaching of skills needed to evaluate advertisements for, and media portrayal of, alcohol, tobacco, electronic cigarette products, and controlled substances;
(b) directing students towards healthy and productive alternatives to the use of alcohol, tobacco, electronic cigarette products, and controlled substances; and
(c) discouraging the use of alcohol, tobacco, electronic cigarette products, and controlled substances.
(2) At the request of the state board, the Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health shall cooperate with the state board in developing programs to provide this instruction.
(3) The state board shall participate in efforts to enhance communication among community organizations and state agencies, and shall cooperate with those entities in efforts which are compatible with the purposes of this section.
(4) The state board shall establish a library of documented best practices and resources for alcohol, tobacco, and electronic cigarette product cessation interventions for use by local school districts.
Amended by Chapter 161, 2020 General Session