Bill > HB0197

This bill amends existing law to clarify and strengthen provisions regarding sensitive instructional materials in Utah schools, particularly concerning digital materials. It defines key terms like "contracting entity" (the organization, such as a school district or the state board, that contracts for digital materials), "LEA governing board" (local school board or charter school board), "UETN" (Utah Education and Telehealth Network), and "vendor" (an entity providing digital materials to schools). The bill reiterates that sensitive materials are prohibited in school settings and outlines a detailed process for reviewing and removing such materials, distinguishing between "objective sensitive material" (defined by non-discretionary standards) and "subjective sensitive material" (defined by factor-balancing standards). It establishes a limit on how many times an individual can challenge material within an academic year and mandates that if a material is determined to be objectively sensitive, it must be removed from student access. The bill also introduces a statewide removal process where if a certain number of school districts or a combination of districts and charter schools deem a material objectively sensitive, it must be removed statewide, though the State Board of Education can vote to overturn this statewide removal. Furthermore, it requires LEAs to review all new instructional materials before making them available to students and mandates that vendors cannot sell or promote other goods or services through the digital instructional materials they provide to schools. The bill also includes provisions for state defense and indemnification for those enforcing these laws, and mandates audits and reporting on compliance.

Education

https://le.utah.gov/~2026/bills/static/HB0197.html