Senate approves multiple bills on consent and second-reading calendars; education notice bill passes after debate

The Utah State Senate advanced and approved a package of measures during its ninth day in session, moving several bills through the consent and second-reading calendars and recording multiple final and referral votes.

Among the measures approved was the first substitute to Senate Bill 60, a schools-related bill that requires schools — including public, charter and private institutions that notify parents about concerns — to inform parents that assessment and Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) services are available through local education agencies. Sponsor Senator Davis said the bill requires only that information be given and that parents retain control over their children’s education. Senators pressed the sponsor during floor debate about whether the change could intrude on homeschools or private schools; Senator Dayton said he remained concerned and indicated he would vote no absent further clarification. The Senate recorded the first-substitute SB60 as passing on a recorded roll-call vote: 23…