House approves school uniform bill after objections about local control and costs

The Utah House passed House Bill 167, a measure allowing schools to adopt uniform or dress-code policies provided they follow specified approval and affordability safeguards.

Sponsor Representative Frank said the bill extends existing secondary-school code to K–6 and contains provisions to ensure uniforms are not unconstitutionally prescriptive or costly. "There is a provision to provide school uniforms for and dress code for individuals who can't afford these uniforms...in a confidential manner," Frank said on the floor, noting attorney‑general and state‑board support.

Opponents raised concerns about how the policy would be implemented and whether a judge could later interpret the language to require districts to provide uniforms. Representative Cox asked whether the language on providing uniforms could lead to court orders making uniform provision mandatory; the sponsor said removing those lines would raise constitutional questions.

The bill includes mechanisms such as a petition threshold (20% of families) to trigger an election and an affirmative majority vote among those who show up. Sponsors emphasized confidentiality and options to provide used uniforms or district-provided assistance for families in need.

The House approved the bill by a recorded vote of 46–25. The sponsor said the bill is intended to reduce in‑school distraction and promote an educational environment focused on learning rather than fashion. The state's superintendent and the Utah State Board of Education were cited in support.