SALT LAKE CITY — Utah school districts soon may be hosting annual parent seminars on substance abuse, bullying, mental health and Internet safety.
On Friday, the Senate passed HB298, which requires school districts to hold the annual seminars. The bill does, however, allow school districts to opt out if the local school board determines the seminar unnecessary.
"I would hope school districts would look very, very closely at this now that they have the ability to decide," said Sen. Jim Dabakis, D-Salt Lake City. "Bullying and many of the things listed are a problem in every school district, and I would hope that they would look closely before opting out."
The bill, sponsored by Rep. Steve Eliason, R-Sandy, passed the Senate with a 22-4 vote. The House previously approved the bill, which now goes to the governor.
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