Education (Libraries)

SB 253 requires school districts (LEAs) to create and adopt a public library collection policy developed under a teacher librarian or certified language arts teacher. The policy must comply with existing law (Section 53G-10-103) and be posted online for public access. This bill directly affects school libraries by mandating transparent, staff-guided collection standards. It does not restrict specific materials but sets procedural requirements for how libraries build their collections. The bill is currently pending review by the Senate Rules Committee.

HB 364 requires Utah school districts and regional education service agencies to hire a full-time certified teacher librarian by July 1, 2031. The librarian must manage library collections, develop curriculum, help schools comply with state laws on library materials, and provide professional training to teachers on literacy and library skills. The State Board of Education will distribute funds (if appropriated by the legislature) to support these positions and set minimum qualifications. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026, with no funds currently allocated in the bill.

HB 298 requires Utah's State Board of Education to create and maintain a public library of standardized school building designs for elementary, middle, high, and multi-level schools. School districts and charter schools must own and submit publicly funded designs to this library, while also using the library for new construction projects. The bill mandates life-cycle cost analysis, safety compliance, cost transparency, and competitive bidding for design fees, with designs required to meet accessibility standards and adapt to local needs. This directly affects all Utah public school districts, charter schools, and architects/engineering firms working on school construction projects.