Utah House approves student communication bill after heated debate on 'coursework' language

The Utah House of Representatives voted to pass Senate Bill 92 on Feb. 14, 2024, approving a requirement that schools include a non-electronic method in their student outreach plans so students without devices still receive schedule changes, extracurricular notices and emergency information. Representative Tuscher, the House sponsor, said the measure includes carve-outs when schools provide electronic devices or in emergency circumstances and is intended to ensure access for students who lack reliable electronic access.

The most contested issue was an amendment offered by the sponsor to reinsert the word "coursework" into the non-electronic access requirement. Representative Karen Peterson questioned whether adding coursework would obligate teachers to provide paper versions of app-based assignments, asking how schools would provide equivalents for activities conducted in apps such as Duolingo. Representative Tuscher replied that the change was meant to prevent students without devices from being excluded, and that schools providing devices would be exempt: "If the school provides that electronic means, then they don't have to provide a non-electronic access," she said.

Opponents argued the amendment would be a step backward and an administrative burden. Representative Walter said he supported the underlying bill but opposed adding "coursework," warning it would require non-electronic curriculum and impede schools that have invested in devices such as Chromebooks. Representative Welton, who teaches in Nebo School District, said many districts already supply devices and that local education agencies (LEAs) should retain flexibility.

Supporters of the amendment, including Representative Birkland, said the change would protect students whose families do not provide devices or choose not to provide them, noting schools should supply devices for in-school use when required for assignments. After debate, the House voted on the amendment; a division was called and the amendment failed. The underlying SB 92 then passed the House by voice and hand vote, 73–0, and will be sent back to the Senate for further consideration.

What happens next: SB 92 proceeds to the Senate for final action on the version approved by the House. The measure includes exemptions for schools that supply devices and for emergency circumstances, and proponents said those carve-outs are intended to limit unintended burdens on teachers and districts.