Bill > HB0399

This bill, titled the "Prohibition Against Student Character Tracking and Grading Systems," aims to redefine and restrict the use of "character education" in Utah's public schools. It amends existing laws to remove the term "character development" from the state's educational mission, replacing it with "academic development," and explicitly defines "character education" as subjective interpersonal or intrapersonal competencies, skills, or traits related to attitudes, beliefs, mindsets, or values that are open to interpretation. The bill prohibits public entities, including schools, from categorizing, grading, measuring, monitoring, standardizing, or tracking a student's character education using various frameworks, tools, or data collection methods, including social emotional learning (SEL) frameworks. It also prevents the collection or distribution of student data related to character education in any repository or system, and prohibits the use of student profiles or transcripts that include character education components. The bill emphasizes that the responsibility for a child's character formation rests solely with parents and cannot be assumed by the state, aligning with constitutional protections for religious and partisan freedom. It establishes a process for reporting and investigating alleged violations, with the State Auditor empowered to withhold funds from non-compliant public entities and a private right of action for parents whose children are affected by violations. The bill also mandates instruction in constitutional government and clarifies health curriculum requirements, ensuring they comply with these new restrictions on character education.

Education

https://le.utah.gov/~2026/bills/static/HB0399.html