Rep. Norm Thurston — Voting Record

Bill

Number

H.B. 264 (2018GS)

Sponsor

Rep. Eliason, S.

Final action

Governor Signed 3/22/2018

Outcome

Became law — signed by Gov. Gary R. Herbert

Summary

What it does

• This bill:
• defines terms;
• authorizes the State Board of Education (board) to award grants to local education agencies to provide targeted school-based mental health supports in elementary schools;
• authorizes the board to make rules for grant applications and awards; and
• requires a local education agency that receives a grant to submit an annual report to the board.

Every vote on this bill

Bill text

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL COUNSELOR PROGRAM
GENERAL SESSION
STATE OF UTAH
Chief Sponsor: Steve Eliason
Senate Sponsor: 
Howard A. Stephenson
Cosponsors:
Bruce R. Cutler
Derrin R. Owens
Christine F. Watkins
Mike Winder
LONG TITLE
General Description:
This bill enacts language authorizing grants for school-based counselors and social
workers.
Highlighted Provisions:
This bill:
▸ defines terms;
▸ authorizes the State Board of Education (board) to award grants to local education
agencies to provide targeted school-based mental health supports in elementary
schools;
▸ authorizes the board to make rules for grant applications and awards; and
▸ requires a local education agency that receives a grant to submit an annual report to
the board.
Money Appropriated in this Bill:
None
Other Special Clauses:
None
Utah Code Sections Affected:
ENACTS:
53F-5-209
, Utah Code Annotated 1953
Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
Section 1. Section 
53F-5-209
 is enacted to read:
 53F-5-209.
Grants for school-based mental health supports.
(1) As used in this section:
(a) "Board" means the State Board of Education.
(b) "Elementary school" means a school that includes any one or all of grades
kindergarten through grade 6.
(c) "Intergenerational poverty" means the same as that term is defined in Section
35A-9-102
.
(d) "Local education agency" or "LEA" means a school district, charter school, or Utah
Schools for the Deaf and the Blind.
(e) "Qualifying personnel" means a school counselor or school social worker who:
(i) is licensed by the board; and
(ii) collaborates with educators and a student's family or guardian on:
(A) early identification and intervention of a student's academic and mental health
needs; and
(B) removing barriers to learning and developing skills and behaviors critical for a
student's academic achievement.
(2) Subject to legislative appropriations and Subsection (3), the board shall award a
grant to an LEA to provide targeted school-based mental health support in an elementary
school, including trauma-informed care, through employment of qualifying personnel.
(3) In awarding a grant under this section, the board shall give:
(a) first priority to an LEA that proposes to target funds to one or more elementary
schools with a high percentage of students exhibiting risk factors for childhood trauma; and
(b) second priority to an LEA that proposes to target funds to one or more elementary
schools with a high percentage of students experiencing intergenerational poverty.
(4) To qualify for a grant, an LEA shall:
(a) submit an application to the board that includes:
(i) measurable goals on improving student safety, student engagement, school culture,
and academic achievement; and
(ii) how the LEA intends to meet goals submitted under Subsection (4)(a)(i) through
the use of the grant funds; and
(b) provide local funds to match grant funds received under this section in an amount
equal to one-half of the amount of the grant funds.
(5) An LEA may not replace federal, state, or local funds previously allocated to
employ qualified personnel with funds distributed under this section.
(6) In accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act, the
board shall make rules specifying:
(a) procedures for applying for and awarding grants under this section, including:
(i) a definition of risk factors for childhood trauma;
(ii) the duration of a grant; and
(iii) a schedule for submission of matching grant funds; and
(b) annual reporting requirements for grantees in accordance with Subsection (7).
(7) An LEA that receives a grant under this section shall submit an annual report to the
board, including:
(a) progress toward achieving the goals submitted under Subsection (4)(a)(i); and
(b) if the LEA decides to discontinue the qualifying personnel position, the LEA's
reason for discontinuing the position.
(8) Beginning on or before July 1, 2019, the board shall provide training that instructs
educators on the impact of trauma on student learning, including information advising
educators against practicing medicine, giving a diagnosis, or providing treatment.