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House passes HB 44 expanding school guardian options, panic-alert requirement routed to 911
Summary
HB 44, a package of school safety and guardian-program changes, passed the House after extended debate. The bill expands LEA flexibility to use 'special function officers,' moves some stipend administration to USBE and directs panic-alert devices to send alerts directly to 911; implementation and funding details were discussed on the floor.
The Utah House passed HB 44 on Feb. 26 after extended floor debate over school safety provisions that expand local flexibility and standardize emergency tools. Sponsor Representative Wilcox said the bill is "primarily about flexibility and providing additional flexibility for our local education agencies," arguing it allows districts to choose options that meet local needs while expanding training and minimum standards.
Key provisions: HB 44 (sixth substitute) authorizes LEAs to use "special function officers" — a lower‑cost option sometimes staffed by retired law enforcement serving in limited…
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