This was sent to the Library Media Listserv. I am sharing it with you for your awareness as it has some important details about the implementation of HB29 and what to expect. Please review and share with colleagues as appropriate.
Naomi Watkins, Ph.D. Secondary English Language Arts Specialist Utah State Board of Education (801) 538-7616
From: Sauthoff, Davina via library-media library-media@lists.uen.org Sent: Tuesday, April 16, 2024 1:25 PM Cc: library-media@lists.uen.org Subject: [Library Media] Information on Implementation of HB29
Dear Utah School Librarians and Library Supervisor,
We have received a number of questions about implementation of HB29https://le.utah.gov/~2024/bills/static/HB0029.html and what next steps should be taken in your local community to ensure compliance with the new law which goes into effect July 1, 2024.
First, the USBE is in the process of mapping out implementation and guidance for LEAs and is considering all options as to best support our districts and charters. Below is a timeline and anticipated steps:
April 5:
The Standards & Assessment committeehttps://www.youtube.com/live/ex3OCrjTVdU?si=1N1D-Wxpkb9cMIp4&t=6840 met on and discussed amendments of Board Rule R277-628https://www.schools.utah.gov/administrativerules/_administrative_rules_/_effective_rules/R277628EffectiveJune2022.pdf to support implementation of HB29https://le.utah.gov/~2024/bills/static/HB0029.html.
April 16:
The Standards & Assessment Committeehttps://www.youtube.com/live/zK5qXUaQEyU?si=SYSWd-7JWImlCVxt met during a special session and continued the discussion from April 5. An additional special session will be announced and held at a near future date.
May 2:
A draft of Board Rule R277-628 will likely be presented at the full USBE Board meeting. We expect guidance on LEA reporting requirements to the state board on "objective sensitive materials" removed by LEAs prior to July 1, 2024 and in accordance with Utah Code Subsection 76-10-1227(1)(a)(i), (ii), or (iii)http://le.utah.gov/UtahCode/SectionLookup.jsp?section=76-10-1227&session=2024GS, will be included in the amended board rule and a process provided to LEAs after the May 2 board meeting.
Until July 1:
Until the July 1, 2024 effective date for HB29, LEAs should continue to follow their current policies and operate within existing laws, rules and policies until further guidance is offered.
LEAs may need to evaluate their current policies to ensure alignment with the new requirements of HB29https://le.utah.gov/~2024/bills/static/HB0029.html by the effective date of July 1, 2024. Some requirements related to LEA policies and processes may also be impacted by pending updates to R277-628.
After July 1:
If any material should meet the threshold requirements according to HB29https://le.utah.gov/~2024/bills/static/HB0029.html, that information will be shared by USBE after July 1, 2024. It is expected that LEAs will be notified of any titles that need to be removed statewide after the August Board meeting. Please be aware that at this time, no material has been removed statewide.
We appreciate your efforts to attend to the new law. We will provide additional information as it is available. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. I am always happy to help.
Davina Sauthoff
Library Media Specialist
Utah State Board of Education
250 E 500 S | Salt Lake City, UT 84114
P: 801-538-7530tel:+18015387530|
E: davina.sauthoff@schools.utah.govmailto:davina.sauthoff@schools.utah.gov
https://www.schools.utah.gov/curr/librarymedia
https://emedia.uen.org/hubs/library
Join the USBE Library Media list servehttps://lists.uen.org/mailman/listinfo/library-media
LEAs have the duty to select instructional materials that best correlate to the core standards for Utah public schools and graduation requirements. (UCA 53G-4-402(1(a)). Posting of resources by USBE staff curriculum content specialists does not imply the resources have received official endorsement of the State Board. Educators are responsible to ensure use of these materials complies with LEA policies and directives.