Effective 10/14/2025
Chapter 4
Individual Institutions

Part 1
General Provisions

53H-4-101 General provisions -- Definitions.
Reserved.

Enacted by Chapter 8, 2025 Special Session 1

Part 2
University of Utah

53H-4-201 General provisions -- Definitions.
Reserved.

Enacted by Chapter 8, 2025 Special Session 1

53H-4-202 Health Sciences and School of Medicine.
(1)As used in this section:
(a)”Psychiatry resident” means a medical resident practicing in any type of psychiatry specialty or subspecialty, as determined by the university.
(b)”University” means the University of Utah Health Sciences.
(2)
(a)Subject to legislative appropriations, the university shall annually select up to four more first-year psychiatry residents than the number of first-year psychiatry residents the university selected for the 2018-19 academic year.
(b)Subject to legislative appropriations, the university shall annually select up to two more first-year psychiatry residents than the number of first-year psychiatry residents the university selected for the 2019-2020 academic year.
(c)Nothing in this section prohibits the university from using money from a source other than legislative appropriations to select more than the total number of psychiatry residents described in Subsection (2)(a) or (b).
(d)The university may not use money appropriated for the purposes described in this Subsection (2) to supplant existing money used for psychiatry residents.
(3)
(a)Subject to legislative appropriations, the university shall award a grant to produce a certification in child and adolescent behavioral health primary care for primary care physicians and medical professionals, school counselors, social workers, and other professionals who work with children and adolescents.
(b)The university shall ensure that the amount of the grant awarded under Subsection (3)(a) is matched, at a minimum, by private gifts, grants, and bequests of personal property made to the grant.
(4)Beginning with the 2013-14 school year and subject to Subsection (5), the University of Utah School of Medicine may increase the number of students admitted by 40 students for a total of 122 students admitted annually.
(5)No fewer than 82% of the students admitted annually shall:
(a)meet the qualifications of a resident student for the purpose of tuition in accordance with:
(i)Section 53H-11-202;
(ii)board policy on determining resident status; and
(iii)University of Utah policy on determining resident status;
(b)have graduated from a public or private postsecondary educational institution located in Utah; or
(c)have graduated from a public or private high school located in Utah.
(6) The University of Utah School of Medicine shall ensure that any licensed physicians who oversee fellowship training to specialize in pain treatment are recommending medical providers, as that term is defined in Section 26B-4-201.
(7)Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, the University of Utah School of Medicine may, to teach a medical student from another state or an institution outside the state, enter into an agreement with:
(a)a state entity from the other state; or
(b)the institution of higher education outside the state.

Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 8, 2025 Special Session 1

53H-4-203 Use of dead bodies for medical purposes.
(1)A county shall, within 24 hours after assuming custody of an unclaimed body for which the county is required to provide burial under Section 26B-8-225, provide notice of the county’s custody of the body to the dean of University of Utah School of Medicine.
(2)The notice described in Subsection (1) shall specify the body’s probable cause of death.
(3)Subject to Section 26B-8-225, the county shall, at the request of the dean ofthe University of Utah School of Medicine, forward the body to the university, at the university’s expense, within 24 hours of receiving the dean’s request.
(4)The University of Utah School of Medicine shall, for a body it receives under Subsection (3):
(a)properly embalm and preserve the body for at least 60 days; and
(b)upon request, release the body to a person with priority to control the disposition of the body under Section 58-9-602.
(5)
(a)A person delivering a body to the University of Utah shall receive a receipt for the body.
(b)The University of Utah School of Medicine is responsible for records kept on any body received under this section.
(c)The records shall include all facts necessary for proper identification of the body.
(6)A body unclaimed after 60 days under this section may be used for the following purposes:
(a)to promote medical and surgical science; and
(b)for instruction and study by physicians and students of anatomy and embalming.
(7)The University of Utah School of Medicine shall, upon completion of the purposes outlined in Subsection (6), ensure the remains:
(a)are properly cremated; or
(b)receive a decent burial.
(8)A person who commits the following violations is guilty of a class B misdemeanor:
(a)failure or neglect to give notice required under Subsection (1); or
(b)failure or neglect to forward a body upon request under Subsection (3).

Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 8, 2025 Special Session 1

53H-4-204 Health services -- Huntsman Mental Health Institute -- Behavioral health curriculum.
(1) As used in this section, “Huntsman Mental Health Institute” means the mental health and substance use treatment institute within the University of Utah.
(2)The Huntsman Mental Health Institute shall coordinate with the State Board of Education to develop a youth curriculum to increase awareness about behavioral health challenges facing youth in the state.
(3)The curriculum described in Subsection (2) shall include age-appropriate information on:
(a)the connection and importance of mental health to overall health;
(b)tools for maintaining mental health wellness, including evidence-based practices used to overcome behavioral health challenges;
(c)signs and symptoms of common behavioral health challenges and ways to respond to the signs and symptoms;
(d)the prevalence of behavioral health challenges across all populations;
(e)common behavioral health conditions and evidence-based treatments for common behavioral health conditions; and
(f)how to seek assistance or find support for a behavioral health challenge in a school and the community.
(4)The Huntsman Mental Health Institute shall annually:
(a)update the curriculum in coordination with the State Board of Education;
(b)publish the curriculum on the Huntsman Mental Health Institute’s website in a conspicuous location; and
(c)distribute the curriculum as a resource to:
(i)parents and guardians of elementary and secondary school students;
(ii)elementary and secondary schools; and
(iii)other organizations that serve youth in the state.
(5)The Huntsman Mental Health Institute shall consider feedback provided to the Huntsman Mental Health Institute about the curriculum when annually updating the curriculum under Subsection (4)(a).

Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 8, 2025 Special Session 1

53H-4-205 Research park.
(1)As used in this section:
(a)”Patent” means the patent covering the land acquired by the University of Utah from the United States of America dated October 18, 1968.
(b)
(i)”Research park” means:
(A)research and development facilities;
(B)research institutes;
(C) testing laboratories;
(D)related business and government installations; and
(E)similar facilities, together with land.
(ii)”Research park” includes all necessary appurtenances, rights, and franchises acquired and developed by the University of Utah which are suitable or necessary to promote the social welfare of the state through the advancement of education, science, research, economic development, and related purposes.
(2)The acquisition and provision of any one or more of the following facilities may be included as part of the development of land for the research park but only to the extent that the facilities are incidental to the use of the land as a research park:
(a)water;
(b)sewage;
(c)drainage;
(d) street;
(e)road;
(f) sidewalk;
(g)curb;
(h)gutter;
(i)street lighting;
(j)electrical distribution; and
(k)docking.
(3)The Legislature determines that it is in the public interest of the state, Utah’s citizens, and commerce to develop a research park in Salt Lake County upon property conveyed to the University of Utah under patent from the United States of America dated October 18, 1968.
(4)The University of Utah has the following powers:
(a)to establish, develop, and administer, through nonprofit corporations or foundations controlled by the president and the board of trustees, a research park upon the land acquired by the university under the patent;
(b)to establish, acquire, develop, maintain, and operate a research park, including the acquisition of all necessary or suitable buildings, facilities, and improvements, and to acquire, purchase, construct, reconstruct, improve, remodel, add to, extend, maintain, equip, and furnish the research park or any building or facility, including research and service facilities and areas intended for the common use of the research park tenants;
(c)to form nonprofit corporations or foundations to aid and assist the University of Utah to attain the University of Utah’s charitable, scientific, literary, and educational objectives, including the acquisition, construction, financing, operation, and management of a research park;
(d)to lease to the nonprofit corporation or foundation all or part of the land and facilities included in the research park upon terms and conditions established by the University of Utah, and to enter into any other contract or agreement with the nonprofit corporation or foundation as necessary for the construction, financing, operation, and management of the research park;
(e)to lease, either directly or through a nonprofit corporation or foundation, to any person, firm, partnership, or corporation engaged in business for a profit any part or all of the land, buildings, or facilities of the research park under guidelines established by the university;
(f)to allow a lessee to acquire or construct necessary or suitable buildings, facilities, and improvements upon the leased property, with any improvements acquired or constructed upon the premises during the term of the lease reverting to and becoming the property of the university at the lease’s termination, renewal, or extension; and
(g)to finance all or part of the cost of the research park including the purchase, construction, reconstruction, improvement, remodeling, addition to, extension, maintenance, equipment, and furnishing as permitted by law for the financing of self-liquidating projects by institutions of higher education.
(5)
(a)The nonprofit corporations or foundations may receive and administer legislative appropriations, government grants, contracts, and private gifts to carry out the nonprofit corporation or foundation’s public purposes.
(b)For the purpose of employee benefits, all salaried employees, agents, officers, faculty, and staff of the nonprofit corporation or foundation are considered employees, agents, officers, faculty, and staff of the University of Utah.
(6)The Salt Lake City Council shall provide police and fire protection and furnish, install, and maintain customary municipal services and facilities for street lighting, traffic control, sidewalks, curb, gutter, drainage, sewage disposal, and water supply to all areas of the research park established upon lands conveyed to the University of Utah under the patent.
(7)
(a)The services and facilities are to be furnished and provided as needed and determined by the board subject to connection fees, use charges, and other service fees customarily assessed against similar persons, companies, or properties within the territorial limits of Salt Lake City.
(b)No special improvement district may be created or special taxes imposed with respect to the services and facilities provided under this section.
(c) The Department of Transportation may enter into agreements with the University of Utah between regular sessions of the Legislature designating all or part of the roads within or adjacent to the research park as part of the state highway system.

Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 8, 2025 Special Session 1

53H-4-206 Center for Medical Cannabis Research.
(1)As used in this section:
(a)”Academic research cannabis license” means the license described in Title 4, Chapter 41a, Part 9, Academic Medical Cannabis Research.
(b)”Cannabis” means the same as that term is defined in Section 26B-4-201.
(c)”Cannabis cultivation facility” means the same as that term is defined in Section 4-41a-102.
(d)”Cannabis product” means the same as that term is defined in Section 26B-4-201.
(e)”Center” means the Center for the Medical Cannabis Research created in this section.
(f)”Eligible institution” means an institution of higher education that:
(i)is located in Utah; and
(ii)has or will obtain an academic research cannabis license.
(g)”Medical cannabis patient card” means the same as that term is defined in Section 26B-4-201.
(2)There is created the Center for Medical Cannabis Research within the University of Utah.
(3)The center:
(a)shall seek state, federal, and private funds to award grants for medical cannabis research;
(b)shall facilitate and support funding for research related to the health effects, including the potential risks or side effects, of the use of cannabis products;
(c)shall facilitate and support funding for research related to the efficacy and potential health effects of various cannabis delivery methods, including vaporizing, ingesting, topical application, and combustion;
(d)shall support researchers in applying for and securing federal and private research grant funding for expanding medical cannabis research;
(e)shall review current and future cannabis research literature, clinical studies, and clinical trials;
(f)shall educate medical providers, lawmakers, and the public about medical cannabis research advances;
(g)shall, if requested, consult with researchers and eligible institutions seeking to conduct medical cannabis research regarding legal implications of the research under state and federal law;
(h)shall monitor, to the extent that appropriate and sufficient data are available, patient outcomes in any state with a medicinal cannabis program;
(i)may coordinate, share knowledge, and share best practices with a state:
(i)that has a medical cannabis program; and
(ii)is conducting cannabis research;
(j)may award or facilitate funding for grants to an eligible institution for medical cannabis research, including research regarding the growing of a medical-grade cannabis plant that is used for a cannabis product;
(k)shall support a licensed cannabis cultivation facility to provide medical-grade cannabis products for research;
(l)shall make, for research conducted by the center, the research outcomes publicly available;
(m)shall maintain a catalog of all published scientific reports based on projects funded or managed by the center;
(n)shall ensure that an individual who agrees to use a cannabis product as part of a research project conducted by the center or a grantee has:
(i)a valid medical cannabis patient card from the state; or
(ii)if included in the research project as a resident of another state, the equivalent of a medical cannabis patient card under the laws of another state, district, territory, commonwealth, or insular possession of the United States;
(o)shall obtain an academic research cannabis license;
(p)may apply for, or assist an eligible institution to apply for, a federal cannabis cultivation registration to locate a cannabis cultivation site in Utah; and
(q)for the report described in Section 26B-4-222, shall provide information to the Department of Health and Human Services describing:
(i)all research projects that are funded by a grant awarded by the center, including which institution received the grant;
(ii)all research projects conducted by the center; and
(iii)the adequacy of funding for the center’s duties.
(4)For research funded, conducted, or facilitated by the center, the center shall ensure the research:
(a)includes appropriate research development, testing, and evaluation; and
(b)if the research involves human subjects, is reviewed, approved, and overseen by an institutional review board as defined in Section 26B-4-212.
(5)The University of Utah shall provide staff for the center.

Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 8, 2025 Special Session 1

53H-4-207 Rehabilitation Building -- Proceeds from federal land grants for a Miners Hospital for disabled miners.
(1)There is appropriated to the University of Utah all funds, assets, and revenues which have been, or will be, derived from the sale or other disposition of those lands conveyed to the state of Utah by those federal grants for a Miners Hospital for disabled miners contained in Section 12 of the Enabling Act and in Chapter 280, Public Laws of the Seventieth Congress, 2nd Session (Act of February 20, 1929) which funds, assets, and revenues now are, or in the future will be, in the custody and control of the School and Institutional Trust Lands Board of Trustees.
(2) The funds, assets, and revenues described in Subsection (1) shall be used for the construction, equipment, furnishings, and operation, or either or any of the same, on the campus of the university of a rehabilitation building, either as a separate structure or as an integrated unit in the University of Utah Medical Center.

Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 8, 2025 Special Session 1

53H-4-208 College of Mines and Earth Sciences.
(1)There is established a College of Mines and Earth Sciences at the University of Utah.
(2)The college is the beneficiary of all land grants and appropriations made or to be made by the United States to the state for the establishment and maintenance of a school of mines.
(3)The college may offer courses in and related to mining, metallurgical and electrical engineering, and other branches of engineering that pertain to mining.
(4)
(a)There is established the Utah Engineering Experiment Station in conjunction with the College of Mines and Earth Sciences.
(b)The Utah Engineering Experiment Station is controlled and managed by the University of Utah.
(5)The Utah Engineering Experiment Station has the following functions:
(a)to conduct experiments and investigations on matters that have the potential to benefit the state’s industrial interests or would be for the public good; and
(b)to inform the public of the results of the experiments and investigations conducted by the Utah Engineering Experiment Station.
(6)The Utah Engineering Experiment Station is not to conduct experiments or investigations on those matters that more properly relate to the functions of Utah State University’s experiment station.
(7)The University of Utah makes an annual report on the Utah Engineering Experiment Station to the governor at a time designated by the governor.

Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 8, 2025 Special Session 1

53H-4-209 Reading clinic.
(1)The Legislature recognizes the critical importance of identifying, assessing, and assisting students with reading difficulties at an early age in order for the students to have successful and productive school and life experiences.
(2)To help accomplish this, there is established a reading clinic, hereafter referred to as the “clinic,” based at the University of Utah, College of Education, to assist educators and parents of students statewide in:
(a)assessing elementary school students who do not demonstrate satisfactory progress in reading;
(b)providing instructional intervention to enable the students to overcome reading difficulties; and
(c)becoming better prepared to help all students become successful readers by providing the students with professional development programs in reading that are based on best practices and the most current, scientific research available through nationally and internationally recognized reading researchers and instructional specialists.
(3)
(a)The clinic shall focus primarily on students in grades 1 through 3 since research shows the need for students to become successful readers by the end of grade 3.
(b)The clinic shall make assessment and instructional intervention services available to public education students of all ages.
(4)The clinic shall provide these services at a base site in Salt Lake County and through remote access interactive technology to reach educators, parents, and students throughout the state.
(5)The clinic shall provide:
(a)instruction to teachers in the use of technology and blended learning in providing individualized reading instruction and reading remediation; and
(b)access to students for reading remediation and instruction services through distance learning technology if a student is unable to regularly access a reading clinic location.
(6)The clinic shall integrate both the usage of and instruction on the use of technology-based reading assessment tools as part of the clinic’s services.

Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 8, 2025 Special Session 1

53H-4-210 SafeUT Crisis Line.
(1)As used in this section:
(a)”Commission” means the SafeUT and School Safety Commission established in this section.
(b)”Huntsman Mental Health Institute” means the mental health and substance abuse treatment institute within the University of Utah Hospitals and Clinics.
(2)The Huntsman Mental Health Institute shall:
(a)establish the SafeUT Crisis Line to provide:
(i)a means for an individual to anonymously report:
(A)unsafe, violent, or criminal activities, or the threat of such activities at or near a public school;
(B)incidents of bullying, cyber-bullying, harassment, or hazing; and
(C)incidents of physical or sexual abuse committed by a school employee or school volunteer; and
(ii)crisis intervention, including suicide prevention, to individuals experiencing emotional distress or psychiatric crisis;
(b)provide the services described in Subsection (2)(a) 24 hours a day, seven days a week;
(c)when necessary, or as required by law, promptly forward a report received under Subsection (2)(a) to appropriate:
(i)school officials; and
(ii)law enforcement officials;
(d)in accordance with Subsection (2)(e), report the uses of the SafeUT Crisis Line described in Subsection (2) to the State Bureau of Investigation’s systems described in Subsections 53-10-302(7) and (8);
(e)coordinate with the state security chief to determine the appropriate circumstances necessitating a report described in Subsection (2)(d);
(f)subject to legislative appropriations and in consultation with the School Security Task Force described in Section 53-22-104.1, state security chief described in Section 53-22-102, and School Safety Center described in Section 53G-8-802, develop and deploy additional supports and enhancements for school safety efforts; and
(g)develop a SafeUT software application that is available in multiple languages including Spanish.
(3)There is created the SafeUT and School Safety Commission composed of the following members:
(a)one member who represents the Office of the Attorney General, whom the attorney general appoints;
(b)one member who represents the Utah public education system, whom the State Board of Education appoints;
(c)a designee of the Utah Board of Higher Education, whom the commissioner selects under direction of the board;
(d)one member who represents the Department of Health and Human Services, whom the executive director of the Department of Health and Human Services appoints;
(e)one member of the House of Representatives, whom the speaker of the House of Representatives appoints;
(f)one member of the Senate, whom the president of the Senate appoints;
(g)one member who represents the Huntsman Mental Health Institute, whom the chair of the commission appoints;
(h)one member who represents law enforcement who has extensive experience in emergency response, whom the chair of the commission appoints;
(i)one member who represents the Department of Health and Human Services who has experience in youth services or treatment services, whom the executive director of the Department of Health and Human Services appoints; and
(j)two members of the public, whom the chair of the commission appoints.
(4)
(a)Except as provided in Subsection (4)(b), members of the commission shall be appointed to four-year terms.
(b)The length of the terms of the members shall be staggered so that approximately half of the committee is appointed every two years.
(c)When a vacancy occurs in the membership of the commission, the replacement shall be appointed for the unexpired term.
(5)
(a)The attorney general’s designee shall serve as chair of the commission.
(b)The chair shall set the agenda for commission meetings.
(6)Attendance of a simple majority of the members constitutes a quorum for the transaction of official commission business.
(7)Formal action by the commission requires a majority vote of a quorum.
(8)
(a)Except as provided in Subsection (8)(b), a member may not receive compensation, benefits, per diem, or travel expenses for the member’s service.
(b)Compensation and expenses of a member who is a legislator are governed by Section 36-2-2 and Legislative Joint Rules, Title 5, Legislative Compensation and Expenses.
(9)The Office of the Attorney General shall provide staff support to the commission.
(10)The commission shall coordinate:
(a)statewide efforts related to the SafeUT Crisis Line;
(b)with the State Board of Education and the board to promote awareness of the services available through the SafeUT Crisis Line; and
(c)with the state security chief appointed under Section 53-22-102 to ensure appropriate reporting described in Subsections and (2)(d) and (e).
(11)A local education agency governing board shall inform students, parents, and school personnel about the SafeUT Crisis Line.
(12)
(a)Except as provided in Subsection (12)(b), the Huntsman Mental Health Institute may charge a fee to an institution of higher education or other entity for the use of the SafeUT Crisis Line in accordance with the method described in Subsection (12)(c).
(b)The Huntsman Mental Health Institute may not charge a fee to the State Board of Education or a local education agency for the use of the SafeUT Crisis Line.
(c)The commission shall establish a standard method for charging a fee described in Subsection (12)(a).

Amended by Chapter 238, 2026 General Session

53H-4-211 Utah Museum of Natural History.
(1)For purposes of this section:
(a)”Collections” means the same as that term is defined in Section 9-8a-302.
(b)”Curation facility” means:
(i)the museum;
(ii)an accredited facility meeting federal curation standards;
(iii)for the purposes described in Subsection (7)(c), a paleontology museum; or
(iv)an appropriate state park.
(c)”Museum” means the Utah Museum of Natural History.
(d)”Paleontology museum” means a museum owned or established by a city of the first or second class, that:
(i)is designed for the curation and display of specimens and paleontological resources;
(ii)has a designated paleontologist responsible for the care and preservation of the specimens, collections, and paleontological resources; and
(iii)is an approved repository, as that term is defined in 43 C.F.R. Sec. 49.5, or has a detailed plan to become an approved repository.
(e)”Repository” means:
(i)a facility designated by the museum through memoranda of agreement;
(ii)for the purposes described in Subsection (7)(c), a paleontology museum; or
(iii)a place of reburial.
(f)”School and institutional trust lands” are those properties defined in Section 53C-1-103.
(2)There is established at the University of Utah the Utah Museum of Natural History, where tangible objects reflecting the past, present, and continuing development of our natural history may be collected and displayed for educational and cultural purposes.
(3)
(a)The museum shall make available to people throughout the state, through traveling exhibits and outreach programs, archeological and paleontological objects retrieved from the state.
(b)The museum shall provide professional expertise and assistance in the proper care of the archeological and paleontological collections from state lands as the collections are housed throughout the state.
(4)The museum shall submit an annual request to the Legislature to fund the ongoing costs of the programs authorized under Subsection (3) as part of the museum’s base budget.
(5) The University of Utah is authorized to receive gifts, contributions, and donations of all kinds, including tangible objects and specimens for the development of or display in the museum.
(6)The museum shall make rules to ensure the adequate curation of all collections from lands owned or controlled by the state or the state’s subdivisions.
(a)The rules shall:
(i)conform to, but not be limited by, federal curation policy;
(ii)recognize that collections recovered from school and institutional trust lands are owned by the respective trust, and shall be made available for exhibition as the beneficiaries of the respective trust may request, subject to museum curation policy and the curation facility’s budgetary priorities;
(iii)recognize that any collections obtained in exchange for collections found on school and institutional trust lands shall be owned by the respective trust; and
(iv)recognize that if, at the museum’s discretion, the curation facility makes and sells reproductions derived from collections found on school or institutional trust lands, any money obtained from these sales shall be given to the respective trust, but the curation facility may retain money sufficient to recover the direct costs of preparation for sale and a reasonable fee for handling the sale.
(7)
(a)Subject to Subsection (7)(c), the museum may enter into memoranda of agreement with other repositories located in and outside the state to act as the museum’s designee for the curation of collections.
(b)In these memoranda, the museum may delegate some or all of the museum’s authority to curate.
(c)A city that has a paleontology museum may retain, curate, and manage paleontological specimens, paleontological collections, and paleontological resources recovered on lands owned or controlled by the city.
(8)
(a)All collections recovered from lands owned or controlled by the state or the state’s subdivisions shall be deposited at the museum, a curation facility, or at a repository within a reasonable time after the completion of field work.
(b)The museum shall make rules establishing procedures for selection of the appropriate curation facility or repository.
(c)The rules shall consider:
(i)whether the permittee, authorized pursuant to Section 9-8a-305, is a curation facility;
(ii)the appropriateness of reburial;
(iii)the proximity of the curation facility or repository to the point of origin of the collection;
(iv)the preference of the owner of the land on which the collection was found;
(v)the nature of the collection and the repository’s or curation facility’s ability and desire to curate the collection in question, and ability to maximize the scientific, educational, and cultural benefits for the people of the state and the school and institutional trusts;
(vi)selection of a second curation facility or repository, if the original repository or curation facility becomes unable to curate the collections under the original repository or curation facility’s care; and
(vii)establishment of an arbitration process for the resolution of disputes over the location of a curation facility or repository, which shall include an ultimate arbitration authority consisting of the landowner, the state archaeologist or paleontologist, and a representative from the governor’s office.
(d)The repository or curation facility may charge a curation fee commensurate with the costs of maintaining those collections, except that a fee may not be charged to the respective trust for collections found on school or institutional trust lands.
(9)The repository or curation facility shall make specimens available through loans to museums and research institutions in and out of the state when, in the opinion of the repository or curation facility:
(a)the use of the specimens is appropriate; and
(b)arrangements are made for safe custodianship of the specimens.
(10)The museum shall comply with the procedures of Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act, regarding publication of the museum’s rules in the Utah State Bulletin and the Utah Administrative Code.

Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 8, 2025 Special Session 1

53H-4-212 Utah Museum of Fine Arts.
(1)There is established at the University of Utah the Utah Museum of Fine Arts as:
(a)a state general and multicultural art museum; and
(b)a state institution charged with the broad responsibility of collecting and exhibiting, for the education and enrichment of Utah’s citizens, art and related objects from around the world from prehistoric times to the present.
(2)The museum shall:
(a)serve as a repository in Utah of the objects referred to in Subsection (1);
(b)collect and display tangible art objects that reflect the past, present, and continuing development of the visual arts in America and throughout the rest of the world;
(c)provide professional expertise and assistance in the proper care of the tangible art objects displayed at the museum; and
(d)engage visitors to the museum in discovering meaningful connections with the artistic expressions of the world’s cultures by:
(i)acting as a responsible steward of the material legacy of the visual arts located at the Utah Museum of Fine Arts for the people of Utah;
(ii)serving as a teaching, learning, and research resource for the University of Utah, the state’s greater educational community, and the general public;
(iii)promoting an open dialogue with visitors and the community about the role of visual arts in our society;
(iv)fostering and celebrating the diverse artistic expressions and accomplishments of the people of Utah and around the world;
(v)cultivating community partnerships and collaborations to ensure that the visual arts reach a broad spectrum of the general public; and
(vi)offering a wide range of experiences that will enable visitors to the museum to explore the variety of ways the arts can inform and enhance the human experience.
(3)The University of Utah may receive gifts, contributions, and donations of all kinds, including tangible objects for the development of or display in the museum.

Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 8, 2025 Special Session 1

53H-4-213.1 Educational telecommunications -- Definitions.
(1)As used in Sections 53H-4-213.1 through 53H-4-213.7:
(a)”Digital resource” means a digital or online library resource, including a database.
(b)”Digital resource provider” means an entity that offers a digital resource to customers for license or sale.
(c)”Education Advisory Council” means the Utah Education Advisory Council created in Section 53H-4-213.6.
(d)”Obscene or pornographic material” means material that:
(i)an average person, applying contemporary community standards, finds that, taken as a whole, appeals to prurient interest in sex;
(ii)is patently offensive in the description or depiction of nudity, sexual conduct, sexual excitement, sadomasochistic abuse, or excretion; and
(iii)taken as a whole does not have serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value.
(e)”Telehealth” means the electronic transfer, exchange, or management of related data for diagnosis, treatment, and consultation, and educational, public health, or other related purposes.
(f)”Telehealth Advisory Council” means the Utah Telehealth Advisory Council created in Section 53H-4-213.5.
(g)”Utah Education and Telehealth Network,” or “UETN,” means a consortium and partnership between public and higher education, the Department of Health and Human Services, and health care providers, that is created in Section 53H-4-213.4.
(2)The Legislature finds and determines the following:
(a)the University of Utah’s Dolores Dore’ Eccles Broadcast Center is the statewide public broadcasting and telecommunications facility for education in Utah;
(b)the center shall provide services to citizens of the state in cooperation with higher and public education, state and local government, and private industry;
(c)distribution services provided through the center shall include KUED - TV, KUER - FM, and KUEN - TV;
(d)KUED - TV and KUER - FM are licensed to the University of Utah;
(e)the Utah Education and Telehealth Network’s broadcast entity, KUEN - TV, is licensed to the Utah Board of Higher Education and, together with UETN, is operated on behalf of the state’s systems of public and higher education;
(f)all the entities referred to in Subsection (2)(c) are under the administrative supervision of the University of Utah, subject to the authority and governance of the Utah Board of Higher Education and
(g)this section neither regulates nor restricts a privately owned company in the distribution or dissemination of educational programs.

Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 8, 2025 Special Session 1

53H-4-213.2 Educational telecommunications -- General powers of University of Utah related to public broadcasting and telecommunication for education.
(1)Subject to applicable rules of the Federal Communications Commission and the Utah Board of Higher Education, the University of Utah shall:
(a)serve as the state’s provider of public television services, with programming from the Public Broadcasting Service and other syndicated and locally produced programs;
(b)serve as the state’s primary provider of public radio services, with programming from National Public Radio and other syndicated and locally produced programs; and
(c)subject to Section 53H-8-208, accept and use gifts and apply for and receive funds from federal and other sources to carry out the purposes of this part.
(2)Subject to future budget constraints, the Legislature shall provide an annual appropriation to operate KUED - TV.
(3)This section neither regulates nor restricts a privately owned company in the distribution or dissemination of educational programs.

Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 8, 2025 Special Session 1

53H-4-213.3 Educational telecommunications -- Responsibilities of the Utah Board of Higher Education, the State Board of Education, the University of Utah, KUED - TV, KUER - FM, and UETN related to public broadcasting and telecommunication for education and government.
(1)Subject to applicable rules of the Federal Communications Commission and Section 53H-4-213.4, the Utah Board of Higher Education, the State Board of Education, the University of Utah, KUED - TV, KUER - FM, and UETN shall:
(a)coordinate statewide services of public radio and television;
(b)develop, maintain, and operate statewide distribution systems for KUED - TV, KUER - FM, and KUEN, the statewide distance learning service, the educational data network, connections to the Internet, and other telecommunications services appropriate for providing video, audio, and data telecommunication services in support of public and higher education, state government, and public libraries;
(c)support the delivery of these services to as many communities as may be economically and technically feasible and lawfully permissible under the various operating licenses;
(d)cooperate with state and local governmental and educational agencies and provide leadership and consulting service for telecommunication for education;
(e)represent the state with privately owned telecommunications systems to gain access to the state’s networks for the delivery of programs and services sponsored or produced by public and higher education;
(f)acquire, produce, coordinate, and distribute a variety of programs and services of an educational, cultural, informative, and entertaining nature designed to promote the public interest and welfare of the state;
(g)coordinate with the state system of higher education to acquire, produce, and distribute broadcast and nonbroadcast college credit telecourses, teleconferences, and other instructional and training services;
(h)coordinate with school districts and public schools to acquire, produce, and distribute broadcast and nonbroadcast telecourses, teleconferences, and other instructional and training services to the public schools;
(i)coordinate the development of a clearing house for the materials, courses, publications, media, software, and other applicable information related to the items addressed in Subsections (1)(g) and (h);
(j)coordinate the provision of the following services to public schools:
(i)broadcast, during school hours, of educational and administrative programs recommended by the State Board of Education;
(ii)digitization of programs for broadcast purposes; and
(iii)program previewing;
(k)share responsibility for instructional television awareness and utilization; and
(l)provide teleconference and training services for state and local governmental agencies.
(2)This section neither regulates nor restricts a privately owned company in the distribution or dissemination of education programs.

Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 8, 2025 Special Session 1

53H-4-213.4 Educational telecommunications -- Utah Education and Telehealth Network.
(1)There is created the Utah Education and Telehealth Network, or UETN.
(2)UETN shall:
(a)coordinate and support the telecommunications needs of public and higher education, public libraries, and entities affiliated with the state systems of public and higher education as approved by the Utah Education and Telehealth Network Board, including the statewide development and implementation of a network for education, which utilizes satellite, microwave, fiber-optic, broadcast, and other transmission media;
(b)coordinate the various telecommunications technology initiatives of public and higher education;
(c)provide high-quality, cost-effective Internet access and appropriate interface equipment for schools and school systems;
(d)procure, install, and maintain telecommunication services and equipment on behalf of public and higher education;
(e)develop or implement other programs or services for the delivery of distance learning and telehealth services as directed by law;
(f)apply for state and federal funding on behalf of:
(i)public and higher education; and
(ii)telehealth services;
(g)in consultation with health care providers from a variety of health care systems, explore and encourage the development of telehealth services as a means of reducing health care costs and increasing health care quality and access, with emphasis on assisting rural health care providers and special populations; and
(h)in consultation with the Department of Health and Human Services, advise the governor and the Legislature on:
(i)the role of telehealth in the state;
(ii)the policy issues related to telehealth;
(iii)the changing telehealth needs and resources in the state; and
(iv)state budgetary matters related to telehealth.
(3)In performing the duties under Subsection (2), UETN shall:
(a)provide services to schools, school districts, and the public and higher education systems through an open and competitive bidding process;
(b)work with the private sector to deliver high-quality, cost-effective services;
(c)avoid duplicating facilities, equipment, or services of private providers or public telecommunications service, as defined under Section 54-8b-2;
(d)utilize statewide economic development criteria in the design and implementation of the educational telecommunications infrastructure; and
(e)assure that public service entities, such as educators, public service providers, and public broadcasters, are provided access to the telecommunications infrastructure developed in the state.
(4)The University of Utah shall provide administrative support for UETN.
(5)
(a)The Utah Education and Telehealth Network Board, which is the governing board for UETN, is created.
(b)The Utah Education and Telehealth Network Board shall have 13 members as follows:
(i)five members representing the state system of higher education, of which at least one member represents technical colleges, appointed by the commissioner of higher education;
(ii)four members representing the state system of public education appointed by the State Board of Education;
(iii)one member representing the state library appointed by the state librarian;
(iv)two members representing hospitals as follows:
(A)the members may not be employed by the same hospital system;
(B)one member shall represent a rural hospital;
(C)one member shall represent an urban hospital; and
(D)the chief administrator or the administrator’s designee for each hospital licensed in this state shall select the two hospital representatives; and
(v)one member representing the office of the governor, appointed by the governor.
(c)When a vacancy occurs in the membership for any reason, the replacement shall be appointed for the unexpired term.
(d)
(i)The Utah Education and Telehealth Network Board shall elect a chair.
(ii)The chair shall set the agenda for the Utah Education and Telehealth Network Board meetings.
(6)A member of the Utah Education and Telehealth Network Board may not receive compensation or benefits for the member’s service, but may receive per diem and travel expenses in accordance with:
(a)Section 63A-3-106;
(b)Section 63A-3-107; and
(c)rules made by the Division of Finance pursuant to Sections 63A-3-106 and 63A-3-107.
(7)The Utah Education and Telehealth Network Board:
(a)shall hire an executive director for UETN who may hire staff for UETN as permitted by the budget;
(b)may terminate the executive director’s employment or assignment;
(c)shall determine the executive director’s salary;
(d)shall annually conduct a performance evaluation of the executive director;
(e)shall establish policies the Utah Education and Telehealth Network Board determines are necessary for the operation of UETN and the administration of UETN’s duties; and
(f)shall advise UETN in:
(i)the development and operation of a coordinated, statewide, multi-option telecommunications system to assist in the delivery of educational services and telehealth services throughout the state; and
(ii)acquiring, producing, and distributing instructional content.
(8)The executive director of UETN shall be an at-will employee.
(9)UETN shall locate and maintain educational and telehealth telecommunication infrastructure throughout the state.
(10)Educational institutions shall manage site operations under policy established by UETN.
(11)Subject to future budget constraints, the Legislature shall provide an annual appropriation to operate UETN.
(12)If the network operated by the Division of Technology Services is not available, UETN may provide network connections to the central administration of counties and municipalities for the sole purpose of transferring data to a secure facility for backup and disaster recovery.

Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 8, 2025 Special Session 1

53H-4-213.5 Educational Telecommunications -- Utah Telehealth Advisory Council.
(1)There is created the Utah Telehealth Advisory Council, which may, at the discretion of the Utah Education and Telehealth Network Board, be combined with the Utah Education Advisory Council created in Section 53H-4-213.6.
(2)The Utah Telehealth Advisory Council members shall be appointed by the Utah Education and Telehealth Network Board.
(3)
(a)The Utah Telehealth Advisory Council shall annually elect a chairperson from the Utah Telehealth Advisory Council’s membership.
(b)The chair shall set the agendas for the meetings of the advisory council and shall report to the Utah Education and Telehealth Network Board.
(c)The Utah Telehealth Advisory Council shall hold meetings at least once every three months.
(d)Meetings may be held from time to time on the call of the chair or a majority of the Utah Education and Telehealth Network Board members.
(4)A member may not receive compensation or benefits for the member’s service, but, at the executive director’s discretion, may receive per diem and travel expenses in accordance with:
(a)Section 63A-3-106;
(b)Section 63A-3-107; and
(c)rules made by the Division of Finance pursuant to Sections 63A-3-106 and 63A-3-107.
(5)The Utah Education and Telehealth Network Board shall provide staff support to the council.
(6)The council shall:
(a)advise and make recommendations on telehealth service issues to the Utah Education and Telehealth Network Board and other state entities;
(b)advise and make recommendations on telehealth-related patient privacy to the Utah Education and Telehealth Network Board;
(c)promote collaborative efforts to establish technical compatibility, uniform policies, and privacy features to meet legal, financial, commercial, and other societal requirements;
(d)identify, address, and seek to resolve the legal, ethical, regulatory, financial, medical, and technological issues that may serve as barriers to telehealth service;
(e)explore and encourage the development of telehealth as a means of reducing health care costs and increasing health care quality and access, with emphasis on assisting rural health care providers and special populations with access to or development of electronic medical records; and
(f)seek public input on telehealth issues.

Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 8, 2025 Special Session 1

53H-4-213.6 Educational telecommunications -- Utah Education Advisory Council.
(1)
(a)There is created the Utah Education Advisory Council which may, at the discretion of the Utah Education and Telehealth Network Board, be combined with the Utah Telehealth Advisory Council created in Section 53H-4-213.5.
(b)The Utah Education Advisory Council members shall be appointed by the Utah Education and Telehealth Network Board.
(c)The Utah Education Advisory Council shall annually elect a chairperson from the Utah Education Advisory Council membership.
(d)The chair shall set the agenda for Utah Education Advisory Council meetings and report to the Utah Education and Telehealth Network Board.
(e)The Utah Education Advisory Council shall hold meetings at least once every three months.
(f)Meetings may be held from time to time on the call of the chair or a majority of the Utah Education and Telehealth Network Board members.
(2)A member of the Utah Education Advisory Council may not receive compensation or benefits for the member’s service, but at the executive director’s discretion may receive per diem and travel expenses in accordance with:
(a)Section 63A-3-106;
(b)Section 63A-3-107; and
(c)rules made by the Division of Finance pursuant to Sections 63A-3-106 and 63A-3-107.
(3)The Utah Education Advisory Council shall:
(a)advise the Utah Education and Telehealth Network Board and other public entities regarding:
(i)the coordination of the various telecommunications technology initiatives of public and higher education;
(ii)how to provide high-quality, cost-effective Internet access and appropriate interface equipment for schools and school systems;
(iii)recommendations for the procurement, installation, and maintenance of telecommunication services and equipment on behalf of public and higher education; and
(iv)the development or implementation of other programs or services for the delivery of distance learning and digital health services as directed by law; and
(b)seek public input on the development and operation of a coordinated, statewide, multi-option telecommunications system to assist in the delivery of educational services and digital health services throughout the state.
(4)The Utah Education and Telehealth Network Board shall provide staff to the council.

Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 8, 2025 Special Session 1

53H-4-213.7 Educational telecommunications -- Digital resource standards.
(1)A digital resource purchased or licensed by UETN and offered to students in public schools must have safety policies and technology protection measures that:
(a)prohibit and prevent a public school student using the resource from sending, receiving, viewing, or downloading obscene or pornographic material; and
(b)filter or block access to obscene or pornographic material.
(2)
(a)Regardless of any contract provision to the contrary, if UETN discovers a digital resource does not meet the requirements described in Subsection (1), UETN:
(i)shall notify the digital resource provider; and
(ii)may withhold future payments pending the digital resource provider’s compliance with Subsection (1).
(b)A digital resource provider is in breach of contract if the digital resource provider fails to verify compliance with Subsection (1) within 90 days after the day on which UETN provides the notice described in Subsection (2)(a)(i).
(c)A contract UETN enters into for a digital resource shall contain provisions that comply with this section.
(3)Before November 30 of each year, UETN shall submit a report to the Education Interim Committee detailing all instances of a digital resource provider’s failure to comply with the provisions of this section.

Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 8, 2025 Special Session 1

Part 3
Utah State University

53H-4-301 General provisions -- Definitions.
Reserved.

Enacted by Chapter 8, 2025 Special Session 1

53H-4-302 Utah State University powers -- Nonprofit foundations -- State power plant.
(1)Utah State University has general control and supervision of the state power plant in Logan Canyon.
(2)In addition to any other powers the institution has, Utah State University may form nonprofit corporations or foundations controlled by the president of the university and the board to aid and assist the university in attaining the university’s charitable, scientific, literary, research, and educational objectives.
(3)The nonprofit corporations or foundations may receive and administer legislative appropriations, government grants, contracts, and private gifts to carry out the nonprofit corporation or foundation’s public purposes.

Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 8, 2025 Special Session 1

53H-4-303 Regional campuses -- Establishment of campuses -- Career and technical education.
(1)As used in this section:
(a)”Service regions” means the service regions, as established by the Utah State University board of trustees, for:
(i)Utah State University Eastern;
(ii)Utah State University Blanding; and
(iii)Utah State University Moab.
(b)”University” means Utah State University.
(c)”Utah State University Moab” means the Utah State University regional campus located at or near Moab.
(d)”Utah State University regional institution” or “USU regional institution” means:
(i)Utah State University Eastern;
(ii)Utah State University Blanding; or
(iii)Utah State University Moab.
(e)”Vice president” means the vice president described in Subsection (5)(d).
(2)Utah State University shall operate and administer regional campuses located at or near Roosevelt and Moab.
(3)A regional campus described in Subsection (2) shall offer academic courses comparable to those offered in an accredited institution of higher education.
(4)A USU regional institution shall:
(a)maintain a strong curriculum in career and technical education courses at the USU regional institution’s campus and within the region the USU regional institution serves that can be transferred to other institutions within the higher education system, together with lower division courses and courses required for associate degrees in science, arts, applied science, and career and technical education; and
(b)work with school districts and charter schools in developing an aggressive concurrent enrollment program.
(5)
(a)There is established a comprehensive regional college of the university called Utah State University Eastern.
(i)The university shall:
(A)possess all rights, title, privileges, powers, immunities, franchises, endowments, property, and claims of the College of Eastern Utah; and
(B)fulfill and perform all obligations of Utah State University Eastern, including obligations relating to outstanding bonds and notes.
(b)
(i)Utah State University Eastern has a campus that serves Price, Utah, and surrounding areas.
(ii)The university board of trustees shall establish Utah State University Eastern’s service region.
(c)Utah State University Eastern is under the authority and direction of the university president and the university board of trustees.
(d)Utah State University Eastern shall be administered by a vice president of the university appointed by the university president.
(e)
(i)The university president shall appoint a regional advisory council to advise the university president and the vice president regarding local issues relating to Utah State University Eastern.
(ii)The vice president shall provide the university president with recommendations for membership on the regional advisory council.
(iii)The regional advisory council may include:
(A)a student representative; or
(B)residents of the counties in the Utah State University Eastern service region.
(6)
(a)There is established a comprehensive regional college of the university called Utah State University Blanding.
(b)
(i)Utah State University Blanding has a campus that serves Blanding, Utah and surrounding areas.
(ii)The university board of trustees shall establish Utah State University Blanding’s service region.
(c)Utah State University Blanding is under the authority and direction of the university president and the university board of trustees.
(d)Utah State University Blanding shall be administered by a vice president of the university appointed by the university president.
(e)
(i)The university president shall appoint a regional advisory council to advise the university president and the vice president regarding local issues relating to Utah State University Blanding.
(ii)The vice president shall provide the university president with recommendations for membership on the regional advisory council.
(iii)The regional advisory council may include:
(A)a student representative; or
(B)residents of the counties in the Utah State University Blanding service region.
(7)
(a)Utah State University shall establish a career and technical education advisory committee composed of the following 13 members:
(i)one elected local school board member appointed by the board of education for the Carbon School District;
(ii)one elected local school board member appointed by the board of education for the Emery School District;
(iii)one elected local school board member appointed by the board of education for the Grand School District;
(iv)one elected local school board member appointed by the board of education for the San Juan School District;
(v)nine members appointed by the Utah State University president that include:
(A)one member of the Utah State University Eastern regional advisory council described in this section;
(B)one member of the Utah State University Blanding regional advisory council described in this section;
(C)one member representing Utah State University Moab; and
(D)six representatives of business or industry from members of the program advisory committees overseeing career and technical education in the service regions.
(b)The career and technical education advisory committee shall:
(i)prepare a comprehensive strategic plan for delivering career and technical education within the service regions, after consulting with:
(A)Utah State University Eastern;
(B)Utah State University Blanding;
(C)Utah State University Moab; and
(D)school districts and charter schools within the service regions;
(ii)make recommendations regarding what skills are needed for employment in Utah businesses and industries;
(iii)recommend programs based upon the information gathered in accordance with Subsection (7)(b)(ii);
(iv)review annual program evaluations;
(v)provide counsel, support, and recommendations for updating and improving the effectiveness of career and technical education programs and services, including expedited program approval and termination of procedures, consistent with board policy;
(vi)monitor program advisory committees and other advisory groups to provide counsel, support, and recommendations for updating and improving the effectiveness of training programs and services; and
(vii)coordinate with local school boards, districts, and charter schools to meet the career and technical education needs of secondary students.

Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 8, 2025 Special Session 1

53H-4-304 Center for School of the Future.
(1)There is hereby established the Center for the School of the Future at Utah State University, hereafter referred to as “the center.”
(2)
(a)The purpose of the center is to promote best practices in the state’s public education system and encourage cooperative and research development relationships between public and higher education.
(b)For purposes of this section “best practices” means the best process or system that effectively achieves an educational objective.
(3)The center has the following duties and responsibilities:
(a)to direct the center’s efforts to those education issues judged to be of greatest importance by the State Board of Education, school districts, and the school district’s patrons, subject to the availability of funds to sustain the center’s efforts;
(b)to coordinate and collaborate with education stakeholders, such as institutions of higher education, the State Board of Education, school districts, parent-teacher organizations, and other public and private educational interests in identifying or developing and then implementing best practices throughout the state’s public education system;
(c)to contribute to the creation and maintenance of a public education system that continually and systematically improves itself by building upon the most effective education policies, programs, and practices and rejecting those that are less effective;
(d)to identify problems and challenges in providing educational and related services to all students in the public schools, including special education students and students at risk;
(e)to identify current public and private resources at both the state and national level that are available to resolve problems or overcome challenges within the public education system and seek additional resources as necessary; and
(f)to support the implementation of best practices in the public education system through professional development programs and dissemination of information.
(4)The center in collaboration with the State Board of Education shall:
(a)clarify the problems and challenges identified under this section, identify desired outcomes, and agree upon measures of outcomes;
(b)prioritize the problems and challenges;
(c)identify readily accessible resources to solve problems and challenges, including best practices that could be implemented with little or no adaptation;
(d)determine whether new programs or procedures should be developed, and estimate the extent of effort required for that development;
(e)determine which existing programs should be eliminated; and
(f)assist in implementing solutions, monitoring accomplishments, disseminating results, and facilitating the extension of successful efforts to new settings.

Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 8, 2025 Special Session 1

53H-4-305 Mormon Pioneer Heritage Center.
(1)As used in this section:
(a)”Alliance” means the Utah Heritage Highway 89 Alliance.
(b)”Center” means the Mormon Pioneer Heritage Center.
(c)”Counties” means the counties of Sanpete, Sevier, Piute, Wayne, Garfield, and Kane.
(2)There is established the Mormon Pioneer Heritage Center in connection with Utah State University.
(3)The purpose of the center is to coordinate interdepartmental research and extension efforts in recreation, heritage tourism, and agricultural extension service and to enter into cooperative contracts with the United States Departments of Agriculture and the Interior, state, county, and city officers, public and private organizations, and individuals to enhance Mormon pioneer heritage.
(4)The center has the following duties and responsibilities:
(a)to support United States congressional findings that the landscape, architecture, traditions, products, and events in the counties convey the heritage of pioneer settlements and the pioneer settlement’s role in agricultural development;
(b)to coordinate with extension agents in the counties to assist in the enhancement of heritage businesses and the creation of heritage products;
(c)to foster a close working relationship with all levels of government, the private sector, residents, business interests, and local communities;
(d)to support United States Congressional findings that the historical, cultural, and natural heritage legacies of Mormon colonization and settlement are nationally significant;
(e)to encourage research and studies relative to the variety of heritage resources along the 250-mile Highway 89 corridor from Fairview to Kanab, Utah, and Highways 12 and 24, the All-American-Road, to the extent those resources demonstrate:
(i)the colonization of the western United States; and
(ii)the expansion of the United States as a major world power;
(f)to demonstrate that the great relocation to the western United States was facilitated by:
(i)the 1,400 mile trek from Illinois to the Great Salt Lake by the Mormon Pioneers; and
(ii)the subsequent colonization effort in Nevada, Utah, the southeast corner of Idaho, the southwest corner of Wyoming, large areas of southeastern Oregon, much of southern California, and areas along the eastern border of California; and
(g)to assist in interpretive efforts that demonstrate how the Boulder Loop, Capitol Reef National Park, Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, and the Highway 89 area convey the compelling story of how early settlers:
(i)interacted with Native Americans; and
(ii)established towns and cities in a harsh, yet spectacular, natural environment.
(5)The center, in collaboration with the United States Department of the Interior, the National Park Service, the United States Department of Agriculture, the United States Forest Service, the Department of Cultural and Community Engagement, the Utah Historical Society, and the alliance and the alliance’s intergovernmental local partners, shall:
(a)assist in empowering communities in the counties to conserve, preserve, and enhance the heritage of the communities while strengthening future economic opportunities;
(b)help conserve, interpret, and develop the historical, cultural, natural, and recreational resources within the counties; and
(c)expand, foster, and develop heritage businesses and products relating to the cultural heritage of the counties.
(6)The center, in collaboration with the United States Department of the Interior, the National Park Service, and with funding from the alliance, shall develop a heritage management plan.

Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 8, 2025 Special Session 1

53H-4-306.1 Electrification of Transportation Infrastructure Research Center -- Definitions.
As used in Sections 53H-4-306.1 through 53H-4-306.6:
(1)”Department of Environmental Quality” means the Department of Environmental Quality created in Section 19-1-104.
(2)”Department of Transportation” means the Department of Transportation created in Section 72-1-201.
(3)”Governor’s Office of Economic Development” means the Governor’s Office of Economic Development created in Section 63N-1a-301.
(4)”Industry advisory board” means the industry advisory board created in accordance with Section 53H-4-306.4.
(5)”Initiative” means the strategic planning and development initiative to guide the transition to an electrified and intelligent transportation system in this state.
(6)”Large public transit district” means the same as that term is defined in Section 17B-2a-802.
(7)”Office of Energy Development” means the Office of Energy Development created in Section 79-6-401.
(8)”Project director” means the project director of the research center appointed under Subsection 53H-4-306.2(2)(b).
(9)”Research center” means the ASPIRE Engineering Research Center at Utah State University.
(10)”Steering committee” means the Electrification of Transportation Infrastructure Steering Committee created in Section 53H-4-306.3.

Amended by Chapter 343, 2026 General Session

53H-4-306.2 Electrification of Transportation Infrastructure Research Center -- Designation -- Duties.
(1)The ASPIRE Engineering Research Center at Utah State University is designated as the lead research center to coordinate and lead the initiative described in Sections 53H-4-306.1 through 53H-4-306.6.
(2)The research center shall:
(a)direct and carry out the mission of the initiative;
(b)appoint a project director to oversee the initiative; and
(c)provide administrative and staff support to the steering committee and industry advisory board.
(3)The project director shall:
(a)oversee the operations of the initiative; and
(b)propose to the steering committee the expenditure of funds appropriated by the Legislature to carry out the duties under Sections 53H-4-306.1 through 53H-4-306.6.

Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 8, 2025 Special Session 1

53H-4-306.3 Electrification of Transportation Infrastructure Research Center -- Steering committee.
(1)There is created the Electrification of Transportation Infrastructure Steering Committee.
(2)The Electrification of Transportation Infrastructure Steering Committee consists of the following members:
(a)the executive director of the Department of Transportation, or the executive director’s designee;
(b)the executive director of the Department of Environmental Quality, or the executive director’s designee;
(c)the director of the Office of Energy Development, or the director’s designee;
(d)the executive director of a large public transit district, or the executive director’s designee;
(e)the executive director of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, or the executive director’s designee;
(f)one representative of a major electrical power provider in the state, appointed by the governor; and
(g)the chair of the industry advisory board created in Section 53H-4-306.4.
(3)The steering committee member representing the Department of Transportation shall serve as the chair of the steering committee.
(4)The steering committee shall:
(a)provide direction to the project director on the nature and priorities of the strategic planning and development initiative;
(b)assist the project director in the development of a strategic action plan and implementation related to the electrification of transportation infrastructure;
(c)approve annual reports on the strategic planning and development initiative as required in Section 53H-4-306.6;
(d)consider and approve the budget proposed by the project director for the expenditure of funds for the initiative; and
(e)review expenditures authorized by the project director made before October 1, 2023.
(5)The steering committee shall convene no later than October 1, 2023.

Amended by Chapter 343, 2026 General Session

53H-4-306.4 Electrification of Transportation Infrastructure Research Center -- Industry advisory board.
(1)The research center shall create an industry advisory board with members selected from the following relevant sectors:
(a)electrical power providers;
(b)electric bus manufacturers;
(c)electric vehicle manufacturers;
(d)electric passenger or freight rail manufacturers;
(e)electric aircraft manufacturers;
(f)electric freight truck manufacturers;
(g)high-capacity battery manufacturers;
(h)large fiber-optic or high-speed Internet providers;
(i)transportation infrastructure companies;
(j)charging component, systems, or network providers;
(k)smart or artificial intelligence-integrated infrastructure providers; and
(l)any other sector that the research center determines is substantially necessary to fulfilling the initiative goals.
(2)The industry advisory board members shall designate the chair and other officers of the industry advisory board.
(3)The industry advisory board shall:
(a)assist the project director in operating the strategic planning and development initiative with insights and needs from across the industries;
(b)develop a chapter to be included in each annual report that describes the industry support and perspectives relative to the analysis and recommendations provided in the annual report; and
(c)provide at least one representative to participate in briefings to interim or appropriations committees of the Legislature.

Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 8, 2025 Special Session 1

53H-4-306.5 Electrification of Transportation Infrastructure Research Center -- Duties of the project director.
(1)The project director and the steering committee shall consult the following parties in developing and carrying out the initiative:
(a)representatives of each sector described in the industry advisory board membership in Subsection 53H-4-306.4(1), regardless of whether that sector is actually represented on the industry advisory board;
(b)institutions of higher education, including institutions of technical education, both inside and outside this state;
(c)the chairs of the following committees of the Legislature:
(i)the Transportation and Infrastructure Appropriations Subcommittee;
(ii)the Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Interim Committee; and
(iii)the Transportation Interim Committee; and
(d)any other persons or entities the steering committee determines are relevant or necessary to fulfilling the stated mission.
(2)The project director, in consultation with the steering committee and the industry advisory board, shall lead an outreach and promotional effort to:
(a)build awareness among stakeholders, industry partners, federal agencies, and the state’s congressional delegation of the state’s efforts to be a national leader in electrifying the state’s transportation system; and
(b)attract industry partners and industry and federal investment to the state to design, develop, and deliver systems to promote and implement the initiative.
(3)The project director shall:
(a)oversee the operations of the initiative; and
(b)propose to the steering committee the program budget for the expenditure of funds appropriated by the Legislature to carry out the duties under Sections 53H-4-306.1 through 53H-4-306.6.
(4)
(a)The project director may, in accordance with Sections 53H-4-306.1 through 53H-4-306.6, and subject to this Subsection (4), expend funds appropriated by the Legislature.
(b)
(i)Before October 1, 2023, the project director may not expend more than 25% of the annual project budget.
(ii)At the first meeting of the steering committee, the project director shall:
(A)provide a detailed account to the steering committee for all expenditures made before October 1, 2023; and
(B)present a budget proposal for the remainder of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024.
(iii)Before October 1, 2023, the project director may expend funds for the following purposes:
(A)establish necessary and time-sensitive groundwork for development of the vision and strategic objective of the initiative;
(B)acquisition of materials needed for the initiative; and
(C)costs to hire and pay salaries of staff.
(c)Except as described in Subsection (4)(b), the project director:
(i)shall propose an annual budget for the initiative; and
(ii)may not expend funds appropriated to the research center outside of the approved budget without approval of the steering committee.

Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 8, 2025 Special Session 1

53H-4-306.6 Electrification of Transportation Infrastructure Research Center -- Project development and strategic objectives -- Reporting requirements.
(1)
(a)The research center shall develop and define an action plan for the electrification of transportation infrastructure in this state.
(b)The research center shall provide a report of the action plan that includes:
(i)a description of the ideal electrified transportation system and incremental steps to implement the action plan over 10-year, 20-year, and 30-year time horizons, including a description of a transportation system that:
(A)provides intelligent coordination for vehicular traffic and charging individually and collectively into a dynamically communicative transportation system that links to and coordinates with the electric grid;
(B)integrates across and supports all modes of transportation and vehicle classes in complementary ways;
(C)integrates with hydrogen and renewable natural gas generation, storage, grid support, and fuel cell vehicles in complementary ways; and
(D)provides improved air quality, reduced cost to move people and goods, and new jobs and economic growth in the state;
(ii)strategic objectives in each element of the action plan above that are necessary to realize the action plan;
(iii)an initial description of changes needed to realize the action plan in each of the following sectors across the ecosystem:
(A)electrical power generation, distribution, and utility-scale energy storage infrastructure and capacity, including reliability, cost, and availability standards;
(B)interconnected smart charging infrastructure, intelligent transportation systems, control systems, and communications systems to facilitate the transition to electrified transportation;
(C)private surface transportation, including passenger vehicles, freight trucks, and freight trains;
(D)public surface transportation, including passenger vehicles, buses, and trains;
(E)air transportation, including private commercial aircraft and unmanned aircraft systems;
(F)vehicles that operate off-highway, including construction, mining, and agriculture;
(G)charging technology, solutions, and systems, including charging stations and shared use of infrastructure across modes of transportation and vehicle classes;
(H)workforce, including analysis of the capacity and types of education, vocations, trades, and certifications necessary in each relevant sector to develop the local workforce needed to accomplish the vision; and
(I)any other sector that the steering committee determines is substantially necessary to fulfilling the stated mission;
(iv)identification of key gaps in the ecosystem from the sectors and industries described in this Subsection (1)(b) that serve as priorities for near term innovation and investment;
(v)evaluation of risk and vulnerability of relevant supply chains, including natural resources to ensure stability and availability; and
(vi)an accounting of funds appropriated to or received by the research center, and any expenditure of those funds.
(c)Before August 1, 2024, the research center shall report on the action plan described in this Subsection (1) to the Transportation and Infrastructure Appropriations Subcommittee of the Legislature.
(2)Beginning in 2025, before August 1 of each year, the research center shall provide an annual report to the Transportation and Infrastructure Appropriations Subcommittee of the Legislature, including:
(a)an updated and prioritized list of strategic objectives identified in the initial report described in Subsection (1)(b);
(b)any actionable goals established or recommended by the research center;
(c)a prioritized list of steps to accomplish the goals and strategic objectives identified by the research center;
(d)metrics to measure the effectiveness of any goals or strategic objectives and related analysis;
(e)the research center’s progress and effort in developing a long-range strategy for implementation of the action plan;
(f)the research center’s efforts in and results of outreach to relevant industry, government, and investment sectors;
(g)any recommendations on potential legislation to implement the action plan; and
(h)an accounting of funds appropriated to or received by the research center, and any expenditure of those funds.
(3)Before November 30, 2027, the Transportation Interim Committee shall consider whether to continue the initiative as described in Sections 53H-4-306.1 through 53H-4-306.6 or allow the repeal of Sections 53H-4-306.1 through 53H-4-306.6 as described in Section 63I-1-253.

Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 8, 2025 Special Session 1

53H-4-307.1 Center for Civic Excellence.
(1)As used in Sections 53H-4-307.1 through 53H-4-307.6:
(a)”Center” means the Center for Civic Excellence established in this section.
(b)”Program” means the general education program at Utah State University.
(2)There is established the Center for Civic Excellence as a pilot program and an administrative unit in the Office of the Provost at Utah State University to:
(a)provide general education for all Utah State University students;
(b)replace the existing distribution model of general education with a coherent curriculum with a foundation of the core values, principles, and purposes described in Section 53H-4-307.5; and
(c)develop a curriculum grounded in the following mission:
(i)engaging students in civil and rigorous intellectual inquiry, across ideological differences, with a commitment to intellectual freedom in the pursuit of truth;
(ii)ensuring, through engagement with foundational primary texts representing “the best of what has been thought and said,” that all graduates, regardless of the graduate’s major, engage with the “big questions, great debates, and enduring ideas” that continue to shape society’s self-understanding, the American experience, and the modern world; and
(iii)cultivating students’ intellectual and personal habits of mind to enable the students to contribute and thrive in the students’ economic, social, political, and personal lives with a focus on civil discourse, critical thinking about enduring questions, wise decision-making, and durable skills.

Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 8, 2025 Special Session 1

53H-4-307.2 Center for Civic Excellence -- Duties -- Authority.
The Center for Civic Excellence shall:
(1)serve as the program home of general education at Utah State University;
(2)
(a)govern faculty over all general education curriculum; and
(b)establish a faculty curriculum committee to develop and review program outcomes and all courses;
(3)develop and assess the program and all general education courses, ensuring alignment with the purposes and commitments described in Sections 53H-4-307.1 and 53H-4-307.5;
(4)appoint and evaluate all instructors who will teach general education courses at Utah State University; and
(5)provide professional development for instructors teaching in the program to ensure fidelity to the program’s purposes, values, and outcomes.

Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 8, 2025 Special Session 1

53H-4-307.3 Center for Civic Excellence -- Leadership.
(1)
(a)The Office of the Provost shall house the center.
(b)The provost shall appoint a vice-provost to:
(i)lead the center; and
(ii)report to the provost regarding the operation of the center and the general education program.
(2)The vice-provost overseeing the center shall:
(a)appoint faculty to the center’s curriculum committee;
(b)oversee the development and assessment of the general education program and the program’s courses;
(c)manage the recruitment of affiliate instructors from other academic units;
(d)approve appointments of affiliate instructors who will teach for the center;
(e)approve syllabi from affiliate instructors who will teach for the center;
(f)oversee the development of performance expectations for affiliate faculty;
(g)manage the evaluation of affiliate instructors; and
(h)manage the review and approval of petitions for exceptions for general education requirements.

Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 8, 2025 Special Session 1

53H-4-307.4 Center for Civic Excellence -- Faculty.
(1)Only an instructor whom the vice-provost leading the center grants an appointment as an affiliate instructor in the center may teach general education courses at Utah State University.
(2)In appointing an instructor under Subsection (1), the vice-provost leading the center shall:
(a)grant an at-will appointment on a two-year, renewable basis;
(b)require the instructor to engage with all professional development the center mandates; and
(c)
(i)ensure the center annually evaluates the instructor on the instructor’s teaching performance in the general education program; and
(ii)deliver the performance evaluation to the faculty member, department head, and dean.

Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 8, 2025 Special Session 1

53H-4-307.5 Center for Civic Excellence -- Curriculum.
(1)The center shall:
(a)govern the general education program and general education courses at Utah State University; and
(b)ensure that:
(i)the general education program aligns with the general education program requirements described in board policy; and
(ii)there is general education transferability to and from Utah State University and other institutions within the Utah System of Higher Education.
(2)The center is founded on the following principles, values, and purposes:
(a)a commitment to viewpoint diversity and civil discourse, ensuring that students understand opposing points of view and can contribute in the public square in civil and productive ways;
(b)the development of program outcomes and courses that engage students in enduring questions of meaning, purpose, and value; and
(c)the cultivation in students of the durable skills necessary to thrive in educational, social, political, economic, and personal contexts.
(3)The center shall ensure, within the general education program:
(a)a cap of 30 credits;
(b)the integration of six written and oral communication credits with three humanities credits;
(c)that three three-credit courses in the humanities:
(i)engage with perennial questions about the human condition, the meaning of life, and the nature of social and moral lives;
(ii)emphasize foundational thinking and communication skills through engagement with primary texts predominantly from Western civilization, such as:
(A)the intellectual contributions of ancient Israel, ancient Greece, and Rome; and
(B)the rise of Christianity, medieval Europe, the Renaissance, the Enlightenment, and post-Enlightenment;
(iii)include texts for each course that are historically distributed from antiquity to the present from figures with lasting literary, philosophical, and historical influence, such as Homer, Plato, Aristotle, Lao Tzu, Cicero, Maimonides, Boethius, Shakespeare, Mill, Woolf, and Achebe; and
(iv)are organized around themes central to the preservation and flourishing of a free society, such as the moral life, happiness, liberty, equality and justice, and goodness and beauty; and
(d)that one three-credit course in American institutions:
(i)engages students with the major debates and ideas that inform the historical development of the republican form of government of the United States of America;
(ii)focus on the founding principles of American government, economics, and history, such as natural rights, liberty, equality, constitutional self-government, and market systems; and
(iii)use primary source material, such as:
(A)the Magna Carta, the United States Constitution, the Federalist Papers; and
(B)material from thinkers, such as Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, Adam Smith, John Locke, Montesquieu, and Alexis de Tocqueville.
(4)The vice-provost overseeing the center:
(a)shall ensure that the center:
(i)no less than seven days before the first day of class for a given semester or other academic term during which the institution offers a course, makes available to the public on the institution’s website a syllabus for each section of the courses in the humanities described in Subsection (3) that:
(A)provide the section number;
(B)provides a brief description of each major assignment and examination;
(C)lists any required or recommended reading;
(D)provides a general description of the subject matter of each lecture or discussion;
(E)is accessible from the home page of the institution’s website by use of not more than three links;
(F)is searchable by keywords and phrases; and
(G)is accessible to the public without requiring registration, use of a user name and password, or another method of user identification;
(ii)continues to make the information described in Subsection (4)(a) available on the center’s website until at least the second anniversary of the date on which the center initially posted the information; and
(iii)updates the information described in Subsection (4)(a) as soon as practicable after the information changes; and
(b)may assign duties under this Subsection (4) to one or more administrative employees.

Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 8, 2025 Special Session 1

53H-4-307.6 Center for Civic Excellence -- Oversight -- Reporting.
(1)The vice-provost leading the center shall submit an annual report:
(a)to the provost, president of the institution, and the commissioner;
(b)that includes a mission-based accounting of:
(i)program and instructor performance and goals for improvement;
(ii)professional development offerings and future goals;
(iii)the course offerings and syllabus publication described in Section 53H-4-307.5; and
(iv)a full account of the center’s budget.
(2)The commissioner shall report annually to the Education Interim Committee regarding the implementation and activities of the center.
(3)Each year, the center shall:
(a)assess the quality of teaching and adherence to program principles, values, and goals;
(b)identify expectations for addressing deficiencies or for continued improvement; and
(c)share the review described in Subsections (3)(a) and (b) with appropriate department heads.
(4)Before July 1, 2029, the center shall:
(a)report to the board educational outcomes and impacts of the pilot program;
(b)provide recommendations for system-wide general education curriculum; and
(c)report to the Education Interim Committee regarding the implementation and activities of the center.
(5)Based on the pilot program’s outcomes, the board shall, in consultation with academic experts, pedagogical specialists, and institutional stakeholders, develop a proposed core of system-wide general education courses aligned with the educational principles of this section.

Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 8, 2025 Special Session 1

53H-4-308 Distance Education Doctorate Program.
(1)The Legislature finds that:
(a)many Utah public education administrators are nearing the end of administrative careers and will retire early in the 21st Century;
(b)Utah public schools have many mid-career faculty that could become the next wave of administrators if the mid-career faculty were prepared with a doctorate in education degree that emphasized curriculum and instruction;
(c)each of Utah’s community colleges have several faculty that need a terminal degree and further knowledge in curriculum development and state-of-the-art instructional methodology, and these individuals, being mid-career, find it difficult to relocate to a college campus for a traditional program; and
(d)the state and the state’s students will be better served if faculty and administrators are more knowledgeable about the development of curriculum and the latest instructional methodology based on documented research.
(2)Therefore, Utah State University shall establish a Distance Education Doctorate Program to accommodate public education administrators and community college faculty and administration.
(3)The program shall include the following components:
(a)the offering of courses for a doctorate degree in education over the system established under Sections 53H-4-213.1 through 53H-4-213.7;
(b)structuring of the program to make it identical to a regular campus program in rigor and course work; and
(c)providing a support system from at least the following five departments at the university:
(i)Elementary Education;
(ii)Secondary Education;
(iii)Business Information Systems and Education;
(iv)Industrial Technology; and
(v)Agricultural Systems Technology and Education.
(4)The university shall augment the program with off-campus summer courses, with those courses eventually being offered over the system established under Sections 53H-4-213.1 through 53H-4-213.7.
(5)The Legislature shall provide an annual appropriation to fund the program established under this section.

Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 8, 2025 Special Session 1

53H-4-309 Veterinary education program.
(1)With the approval of the board, Utah State University may enter into a partnership agreement with Washington State University to establish a veterinary education program.
(2)The partnership agreement may provide that:
(a)
(i)initially, up to 20 Utah resident students and 10 nonresident students may be accepted each year into a four-year program leading to a doctorate in veterinary medicine; and
(ii)if resources become available to expand the doctoral program in veterinary medicine, additional Utah resident students and nonresident students may be accepted into the program; and
(b)students accepted into the doctoral program in veterinary medicine pursuant to Subsection (2)(a) complete the first and second years of study at Utah State University and the third and fourth years of study at Washington State University.
(3)Subject to future budget constraints, the Legislature shall annually provide an appropriation to pay for the nonresident portion of tuition for Utah students enrolled at Washington State University under a partnership agreement authorized by this section for the third and fourth years of a doctoral program in veterinary medicine.

Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 8, 2025 Special Session 1

53H-4-310 Strengthening At-Risk Youth and Their Families Program.
(1)There is created the Strengthening At-Risk Youth and Their Families Program to be administered through the Utah State University Extension Family Life and 4-H Programs.
(2)The program shall be implemented throughout the state through Utah State University Extension county offices.
(3)The program shall provide services to youth who have demonstrated behavioral and learning problems at school or have been referred to juvenile court for delinquent behavior.
(4)Youths and the youths’ families in need of services may be identified and referred to the program through:
(a)school officials;
(b)juvenile court officers;
(c)community social service agencies; or
(d)parents.
(5)The program shall actively seek and screen adult volunteers to work with high risk youth and the youths’ families.
(6)The program shall provide training and support to the volunteers to prepare the volunteers for the wide variety of social, cultural, and other environmental factors the volunteers will encounter.
(7)The volunteers shall:
(a)enroll and involve youth in 4-H and other community service and activity programs;
(b)provide academic tutoring, with an emphasis on reading skills, when necessary;
(c)seek out opportunities for participation in structured recreational activities; and
(d)facilitate the families’ development of a positive family environment including:
(i)setting clear expectations and limits in the home;
(ii)fostering communication skills between family members;
(iii)encouraging the families’ involvement in the school and community; and
(iv)assisting in the development of time management skills.
(8)The program shall provide for an annual assessment and evaluation of the entire program including:
(a)assessments conducted on youths and the youths’ families before entering the program;
(b)documentation of ongoing changes observed in the youths while participating in the program, including behavioral and academic changes;
(c)assessments conducted on youths and the youths’ families upon exiting the program; and
(d)overall assessment of the program in the various communities, to include:
(i)acceptance and support within the community;
(ii)availability of sufficient programs and activities; and
(iii)availability of qualified adults to serve as volunteers.

Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 8, 2025 Special Session 1

53H-4-311 Recreation and Tourism Program.
(1)There is appropriated for fiscal year 1998-99, $150,000 from the General Fund to Utah State University for base budget funding to conduct a program of teaching, research, and extension on outdoor recreation and tourism.
(2)The university shall establish the program in the Institute of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism in the College of Natural Resources.
(3)The extension and research program shall focus on at least three areas:
(a)tourism and outdoor recreation use;
(b)the social and economic tradeoffs of tourism and outdoor recreation for local communities; and
(c)the relationship between outdoor recreation and tourism and public land management practices and policies.
(4)The purpose of the program is to provide:
(a)better data for the Legislature and state agencies in the Legislature’s and state agency’s decision-making processes on issues relating to tourism and outdoor recreation;
(b)a base of information and expertise to assist community officials as the community officials attempt to balance the economic, social, and environmental tradeoffs in tourism development; and
(c)an interdisciplinary approach of research and study on outdoor recreation and tourism, a complex sector of the state’s economy.
(5)The program shall include an office at the university for coordinating interdepartmental research and extension efforts with different agencies and institutions of higher education.

Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 8, 2025 Special Session 1

53H-4-312 Remote online opportunities program.
(1)As used in this section:
(a)”Association of governments” means an association of political subdivisions established pursuant to an interlocal agreement under Title 11, Chapter 13, Interlocal Cooperation Act.
(b)”Program” means the program administered by Utah State University in accordance with this section.
(c)”Remote online opportunity” means employment, including freelance employment, or the operation of an online business for which an individual:
(i)can complete duties primarily online; and
(ii)is not required to work from a specific geographic location.
(2)
(a)Subject to legislative appropriations, Utah State University, through a county extension office, shall administer a program that helps individuals who live in rural areas access remote online opportunities.
(b)In administering the program, Utah State University shall consider input from a county located in a geographic area selected for the program under Subsection (4).
(3)Utah State University shall, as part of the program:
(a)provide training modules to adults and high school students;
(b)coordinate with rural high schools and postsecondary institutions;
(c)develop marketing materials;
(d)develop relationships with information technology companies that offer remote online opportunities;
(e)partner with websites that list freelance remote online opportunities;
(f)provide scholarships for individuals who live in rural areas to access online skill-based training for remote online opportunities;
(g)provide one-on-one coaching for an individual who pursues a remote online opportunity; and
(h)conduct other activities related to remote online opportunities as determined by Utah State University.
(4)
(a)Utah State University shall administer the program:
(i)in at least one geographic area in the state initially; and
(ii)in additional geographic areas if resources allow.
(b)In determining where to initially administer the program, Utah State University shall consider whether counties in a geographic area:
(i)are primarily rural or have remote rural areas;
(ii)face high unemployment rates;
(iii)have access to high speed Internet;
(iv)have a large percentage of high school graduates leave the geographic area after graduating from high school; and
(v)are members of an association of governments that supports helping individuals who live in rural areas access remote online opportunities.
(5)On or before November 1, 2020, and on or before November 1 every third year thereafter, Utah State University shall report to the Economic Development and Workforce Services Interim Committee on:
(a)the number of individuals who receive training through the program;
(b)the number and percentage of individuals who participate in the program and access a remote online opportunity; and
(c)whether there is a reduction in the unemployment rate in a geographic area included in the program.

Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 8, 2025 Special Session 1

53H-4-313 Food Security Council.
(1)As used in this section:
(a)”Council” means the Food Security Council created in this section.
(b)”Food security” means access to sufficient, affordable, safe, and nutritious food that meets an individual’s food preferences and dietary needs.
(c)”SNAP-Ed program” means the nutrition education component of the federal “Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program” under Title 7, U.S.C. Chapter 51, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
(d)”State superintendent” means the state superintendent of public instruction appointed under Section 53E-3-301.
(e)”Utah food product” means a food product that is produced in the state.
(2)There is created at Utah State University the Food Security Council.
(3)The council is composed of the following 15 members:
(a)the executive director of the Department of Health and Human Services or the executive director’s designee;
(b)the executive director of the Department of Workforce Services or the executive director’s designee;
(c)the state superintendent or the state superintendent’s designee;
(d)the commissioner or the commissioner’s designee;
(e)the commissioner of the Department of Agriculture and Food or the commissioner’s designee; and
(f)the following members appointed by the chair of the council:
(i)one member who represents the Utah State University Extension Service;
(ii)one member who represents the Utah State University Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program;
(iii)one member who represents the Utah Women, Infants, and Children Program administered under 42 U.S.C. Sec. 1786;
(iv)one member who represents the Utah SNAP-Ed program;
(v)one member who represents a food assistance organization;
(vi)one member who represents an advocacy group that addresses federal nutrition programs;
(vii)one member who represents an organization that promotes healthy eating and active lifestyles in the state;
(viii)one member who represents an organization that provides refugee resettlement services in the state;
(ix)one member who represents the Utah Farm Bureau Federation; and
(x)one member who represents a tribal government in the state.
(4)
(a)A member described in Subsection (3)(d) shall serve a term of two years.
(b)If a vacancy occurs for a member described in Subsection (3)(d), the chair of the council shall appoint a replacement to serve the remainder of the member’s term.
(c)A member may serve more than one term.
(5)A member may not receive compensation or benefits for the member’s service.
(6)The council shall elect a chair from the council’s members, who shall serve a two-year term.
(7)
(a)A majority of the members of the council constitutes a quorum of the council.
(b)The action by a majority of the members of a quorum constitutes the action of the council.
(8)The Utah State University Hunger Solutions Institute shall provide staff support to the council.
(9)The council shall:
(a)develop statewide goals and messaging related to food security and nutrition education;
(b)coordinate statewide efforts to address food security;
(c)ensure that any state programs receiving federal funds from the United States Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service provide consistent and coordinated nutrition education messaging;
(d)promote programs and activities that contribute to healthy eating and active lifestyles;
(e)promote programs and activities that advance Utah food products; and
(f)disseminate the statewide goals and messaging developed under Subsection (10) to state agencies.
(10)On or before October 1 of each year, the council shall prepare and submit an annual written report to the Economic Development and Workforce Services Interim Committee, the Education Interim Committee, and the Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Interim Committee that contains:
(a)a description of the council’s operations, activities, programs, and services; and
(b)any recommendations on how the state should act to address issues relating to food security.
(11)The council may accept gifts, grants, or donations from public or private sources for purposes of carrying out the council’s duties.

Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 8, 2025 Special Session 1

53H-4-314 Agricultural experiment station.
(1)There is established an agricultural experiment station in connection with Utah State University.
(2)The station conducts research as provided by state and federal laws governing the establishment and maintenance of agricultural experiment stations.
(3)The university is in charge of the experiment station, and shall purchase or lease suitable lands, erect necessary buildings, provide needed equipment, and appoint officers and assistants to conduct and issue reports on the research conducted at the station.
(4) The university may enter into cooperative agreements with governmental entities, organizations, corporations, institutions, and individuals to carry out the provisions governing agricultural experiment stations.
(5)The university may establish and maintain substations to assist in conducting the research provided for in this section.
(6)The university may discontinue the existence of a substation.
(7)If a substation is created by legislative enactment, the university is under no obligation to maintain the substation beyond that time for which special appropriations are made by the Legislature.
(8)The university shall establish and maintain a climate center to gather and analyze climatological data for the benefit of all state agencies.

Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 8, 2025 Special Session 1

53H-4-315 Agricultural extension service.
(1)There is established by Utah State University an agricultural extension service as provided in the federal Smith-Lever and Capper-Ketchum Acts and other federal laws.
(2)
(a)The university may enter into cooperative contracts with the United States Department of Agriculture, county or city officers, private and public organizations, corporations, and individuals, to share the expense of establishing and maintaining an agricultural extension service.
(b)The county legislative body of each county may provide sufficient funds to ensure that the agricultural extension service functions properly in the legislative body’s county.
(3)
(a)The governor may apply to the Secretary of the Treasury to obtain any appropriation made by Congress relating to the federal laws referred to in this section.
(b)Whenever the university and agricultural experiment station shall be entitled to any money under these acts or similar acts, the university shall execute and file with the Secretary of the Treasury an agreement to expend the money received for the sole and exclusive purpose expressed in such act and in the manner therein directed, and to maintain a farm of at least 25 acres in connection with the university.
(c)The university shall also comply with all conditions expressed in the acts.
(4)The university shall execute and file with the Secretary of the Treasury an agreement relating to the expenditure of funds received under the laws referred to in Subsection (3) that the funds will be used for the exclusive purpose directed in those laws.
(5)The university shall comply with all conditions expressed in the laws referred to in Subsection (1) in order to receive money under those laws.
(6)The state reaffirms the state’s acceptance of the grants of money and property authorized by the following Acts of Congress:
(a)the Morrill Act, approved July 2, 1862;
(b)an Act of Congress passed March 2, 1887, entitled, “An act to establish agricultural experiment stations in connection with the colleges established in the several states under the provisions of an act approved July 2, 1862, and all acts supplementary to that act”;
(c)an Act of Congress entitled, “An act to provide an increased annual appropriation for agricultural experiment stations and regulating the expenditure thereof,” approved March 16, 1906;
(d)the Purnell Act, approved February 24, 1925;
(e)”the Smith-Lever Act to aid in the development of the extension work in connection with the agricultural colleges,” approved May 8, 1914; and
(f)”the Capper-Ketchum Act, providing for further support of agricultural extension work as conducted by the agricultural colleges,” approved May 22, 1928.
(7) The state guarantees all money received under this section against loss or misapplication.
(8)  The treasurer of Utah State University is the officer who receives money appropriated by the Secretary of the Treasury under this section.

Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 8, 2025 Special Session 1

53H-4-316 Uintah Basin Air Quality Research Project.
(1)There is created the Uintah Basin Air Quality Research Project to study ozone formation in the Uintah Basin.
(2)The Utah State University Bingham Entrepreneurship and Energy Research Center shall:
(a)conduct the Uintah Basin Air Quality Research Project by:
(i)developing and improving computer models to simulate ozone formation and determine the cause of ozone formation;
(ii)measuring pollutants in the ambient air to:
(A)track how emissions are changing over time; and
(B)verify the accuracy of computer models; and
(iii)characterizing pollutant emissions from various sources; and
(b)annually report to the Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Interim Committee on the results of the research described in Subsection (2)(a) by no later than November 30 of each year.

Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 8, 2025 Special Session 1

53H-4-317 Federal funds contingency planning dashboard.
(1)As used in this section:
(a)”Center” means the Analytics Solutions Center at the Utah State University Jon M. Huntsman School of Business.
(b)”Federalism Commission” means the Federalism Commission created in Section 63C-4a-302.
(2)In consultation with the Federalism Commission and subject to legislative appropriation, the center shall:
(a)create and maintain a digital dashboard that visualizes the risk of federal funds reductions and the state’s dependency on federal funds;
(b)ensure that the dashboard is publicly available, user-friendly, and dynamic;
(c)identify, curate, clean, and securely warehouse funding data relevant to creating and maintaining the dashboard;
(d)continuously monitor and update the dashboard’s data and functionality to ensure accuracy and compliance with this section;
(e)model economic scenarios to help the state plan for potential reductions in federal funds; and
(f)upon request, report to the Federalism Commission regarding the duties described in this section.

Enacted by Chapter 86, 2026 General Session

53H-4-318 Utah Forest Restoration Institute.
(1)As used in this section:
(a)”Institute” means the Utah Forest Restoration Institute created in Subsection (2).
(b)”Watershed Restoration Initiative” means the initiative created in Section 79-2-602.
(2)There is created the Utah Forest Restoration Institute in connection with Utah State University.
(3)The institute shall:
(a)conduct research as provided by state and federal laws governing the establishment and maintenance of southwest ecological restoration institutes;
(b)study how the state can improve the health of forests, woodland ecosystems, and watersheds;
(c)recommend mitigation strategies that reduce the risks and impacts of wildfire;
(d)coordinate with the Watershed Restoration Initiative to fund watershed and forest restoration projects in accordance with Subsection (4); and
(e)monitor the long-term effectiveness of watershed and forest restoration projects funded by the state.
(4)To coordinate the funding of watershed and forest restoration projects with the Watershed Restoration Initiative, the institute shall:
(a)review a prioritized list of watershed restoration projects submitted by the Watershed Restoration Initiative;
(b)approve funding for watershed restoration projects based on:
(i)immediate need for watershed and forest health;
(ii)the projected short-term and long-term benefit to watershed and forest health;
(iii)available funds; and
(iv)recommendations from the Watershed Restoration Initiative; and
(c)before May 1 of each year, notify the Watershed Restoration Initiative of the approved watershed restoration projects from the prioritized list described in Subsection (4)(a).
(5)
(a)The Watershed Restoration Initiative may submit an emergency request for funding to the institute in response to a wildfire, flooding event, or other natural disaster.
(b)If the institute receives an emergency request for funding from the Watershed Restoration Initiative, the institute shall:
(i)within 72 hours of receiving the request, review the emergency request for funding;
(ii)within 96 hours of receiving the request, notify the Watershed Restoration Initiative of the institute’s decision to provide funding for the request; and
(iii)within a reasonable time of receiving the request, if the institute decides to provide funding for the request, distribute funding to the Watershed Restoration Initiative.
(6)
(a)The institute shall prepare and submit an annual report on or before July 1 of each year to the Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environmental Quality Appropriations Subcommittee.
(b)The report shall include:
(i)a list of programs funded by the institute;
(ii)any programs or research completed in the previous year and an assessment of the programs or research; and
(iii)a complete operating and financial statement for the preceding fiscal year.

Enacted by Chapter 418, 2026 General Session

Part 4
Southern Utah University

53H-4-401 General provisions -- Definitions.
Reserved.

Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 8, 2025 Special Session 1

53H-4-402 Helen Foster Snow Cultural Center.
          Subject to legislative appropriations, Southern Utah University shall establish the Helen Foster Snow Cultural Center to provide language support and cultural opportunities to students studying the Mandarin Chinese language.

Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 8, 2025 Special Session 1

Part 5
Snow College

53H-4-501 General provisions -- Definitions.
Reserved.

Enacted by Chapter 8, 2025 Special Session 1

53H-4-502 Snow College -- Richfield campus.
(1)There is established a branch campus of Snow College in Richfield, Utah, known as the Snow College Richfield campus.
(2)Snow College shall administer the branch campus under the general control and supervision of the board as an integrated part of Snow College’s mission, programs, and curriculum.
(3)Snow College shall:
(a)maintain a strong curriculum in career and technical education courses at the Snow College Richfield campus and within the region served by Snow College which can be transferred to other institutions within the higher education system, together with lower division courses and courses required for associate degrees in science, arts, applied science, and career and technical education; and
(b)work with school districts and charter schools in developing an aggressive concurrent enrollment program in cooperation with Snow College Richfield campus.

Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 8, 2025 Special Session 1

53H-4-503 Snow College Concurrent Education Program.
(1)As used in this section:
(a)”Interactive video conferencing” means two-way, real-time transmission of audio and video signals between devices or computers at two or more locations.
(b)”Program” means the Snow College Concurrent Education Program.
(2)Consistent with policies established by the board, Snow College shall establish and administer, subject to legislative appropriations, the Snow College Concurrent Education Program to provide:
(a)a consistent two-year schedule of concurrent enrollment courses delivered through interactive video conferencing to secondary school students;
(b)a pathway for a secondary school student to earn college credits that:
(i)apply toward earning an Associate of Science or Associate of Arts degree; or
(ii)satisfy scholarship requirements or other objectives that best meet the needs of an individual student; and
(c)advisory support to secondary school students who participate in the program and the secondary school students’ school counselors to ensure that students’ concurrent enrollment courses align with the students’ academic and career goals.

Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 8, 2025 Special Session 1

53H-4-504 Snow College -- Economic Development and Workforce Preparation Advisory Committee.
(1)Snow College shall have the Snow College Economic Development and Workforce Preparation Advisory Committee composed of the following 12 members:
(a)one economic development professional appointed by the Juab County legislative body;
(b)one economic development professional appointed by the Millard County legislative body;
(c)one economic development professional appointed by the Sanpete County legislative body;
(d)one economic development professional appointed by the Wayne County legislative body;
(e)one economic development professional appointed by the Piute County legislative body;
(f)one economic development professional appointed by the Sevier County legislative body;
(g)four representatives of business or industry employers within the region appointed by the Snow College Board of Trustees from nominations of the members appointed under Subsections (1)(a) through (f);
(h)one public education school district superintendent, appointed by the Snow College Board of Trustees, chosen from the school district superintendents serving in the Juab, Millard, Tintic, North Sanpete, South Sanpete, Wayne, Piute, and Sevier School Districts; and
(i)one public education school district career and technical education director, appointed by the Snow College Board of Trustees, chosen from the career and technical education directors serving in the Juab, Millard, Tintic, North Sanpete, South Sanpete, Wayne, Piute, and Sevier School Districts.
(2)
(a)Except as provided in Subsection (2)(b), a member of the Snow College Economic Development and Workforce Preparation Advisory Committee shall serve for a term of four years.
(b)The president of Snow College shall adjust the length of the terms to ensure that the terms of committee members are staggered so that approximately half of the committee members are appointed every two years.
(3)The members of the Snow College Economic Development and Workforce Preparation Advisory Committee shall elect a chair of the committee from the committee’s membership.
(4)The Snow College Economic Development and Workforce Preparation Advisory Committee shall meet upon the call of the chair or a majority of the committee members.
(5)The Snow College Economic Development and Workforce Preparation Advisory Committee shall:
(a)assess the economic development needs of central Utah and advise Snow College on how Snow College can improve the effectiveness of Snow College’s efforts to assist business, industry, and local governments in efforts to expand economic activity and enhance the local economy; and
(b)review educational programs offered by Snow College, including career and technical education programs, and advise Snow College on how the college can improve Snow College’s efforts to prepare students for employment in the region and enhance the skills of workers who are already employed.

Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 8, 2025 Special Session 1

Part 6
Utah Tech University

53H-4-601 General provisions -- Definitions.
Reserved.

Enacted by Chapter 8, 2025 Special Session 1

53H-4-602 Utah Tech University -- Institutional name change.
(1)As used in this section:
(a)”Board of trustees” means the board of trustees of Utah Tech University.
(b)”Institution” means Utah Tech University.
(2)
(a)Dixie State University shall be known as Utah Tech University.
(b)Utah Tech University is a continuation of Dixie State College of Utah and Dixie State University and shall:
(i)possess all rights, titles, privileges, powers, immunities, franchises, endowments, property, and claims of Dixie State University and Dixie State College of Utah; and
(ii)fulfill and perform all obligations of Dixie State University and Dixie State College of Utah, including obligations relating to outstanding bonds and notes.
(3)The board of trustees in consultation with the Utah Board of Higher Education shall:
(a)create a committee to recommend a name for the institution; and
(b)ensure that the committee:
(i)represents students, university personnel, community members, and industry leaders in the committee’s membership;
(ii)provides opportunity for input from and collaboration with the public, including:
(A)residents of southwestern Utah;
(B)institutional partners; and
(C)university faculty, staff, students, and alumni;
(iii)reviews options for the institution’s name; and
(iv)makes recommendations regarding the institution’s name to the board of trustees.
(4)
(a)The board of trustees shall:
(i)review the committee’s recommendation described in Subsection (3)(b); and
(ii)choose whether to forward a name for the institution to the Utah Board of Higher Education.
(b)Should the board of trustees choose to forward a name for the institution to the Utah Board of Higher Education under Subsection (4)(a), the board of trustees shall ensure that the name:
(i)reflects the institution’s mission and significance to the surrounding region and state; and
(ii)enables the institution to compete and be recognized nationally.
(c)Should the board of trustees recommend a name for the institution under Subsection (4)(a), the Utah Board of Higher Education shall vote on whether to approve and recommend the name to the Legislature.
(5)Should the Utah Board of Higher Education and the board of trustees recommend a name for the institution to the Legislature through the process described in Subsections (3) and (4), the Utah Board of Higher Education and the board of trustees shall recommend the name for the institution to the Legislative Management Committee no later than November 1, 2021.
(6)
(a)Except as provided in Subsection (6)(b), the board of trustees shall designate the institution’s main campus as the “Dixie Campus” for a period of no less than 20 years.
(b)After July 1, 2042, if the board of trustees seeks to alter the designation described in Subsection (6)(a), the board of trustees shall first obtain the approval of the Utah Board of Higher Education.

Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 8, 2025 Special Session 1

53H-4-603 Nonprofit corporations and foundations -- Purpose.
(1)Utah Tech University may form a nonprofit corporation or foundation controlled by the president of the university and the board to aid and assist the university in attaining the university’s charitable, communications, and other related educational objectives, including:
(a)support for media innovation;
(b)film festivals;
(c)film production;
(d)print media;
(e)broadcasting;
(f)television; and
(g)digital media.
(2)The nonprofit corporation or foundation may receive and administer legislative appropriations, government grants, contracts, and private gifts to carry out the nonprofit corporation’s  public purposes.

Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 8, 2025 Special Session 1

53H-4-604 Utah Tech University Higher Education for Incarcerated Youth Program.
(1)As used in this section:
(a)”Interactive video conferencing” means two-way, real-time transmission of audio and video signals between devices or computers at two or more locations.
(b)”Program” means the Utah Tech University Higher Education for Incarcerated Youth Program.
(c)”Student” means an individual who is:
(i)in the custody of the Division of Juvenile Justice and Youth Services at any time a course is being offered, including:
(A)individuals in the legal custody of the Division of Juvenile Justice and Youth Services; and
(B)individuals who are housed in a detention center that the Division of Juvenile Justice and Youth Services operates; and
(ii)subject to the jurisdiction of the Youth Parole Authority.
(2)Consistent with policies established by the board, Utah Tech University shall, subject to legislative appropriation, establish and administer the Utah Tech University Higher Education for Incarcerated Youth Program to provide:
(a)students needing high school credits opportunities for concurrent enrollment courses;
(b)a consistent, two-year, flexible schedule of higher education courses delivered through interactive video conferencing, in-person, or online methods to students;
(c)a pathway for students to earn college credits that:
(i)apply toward earning a certificate, associate degree, bachelor’s degree; or
(ii)satisfy scholarship requirements or other objectives that best meet the needs of an individual student; and
(d)advisory support to students and academic counselors who participate in the program to ensure that the students’ higher education courses align with the academic and career goals defined in the students’ plans for college and career readiness.

Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 8, 2025 Special Session 1

53H-4-605 Heritage Committee.
(1)The board of trustees shall establish a Heritage Committee to identify and implement strategies to preserve the heritage, culture, and history of the region on the campus of Utah Tech University, including the regional significance of the term “Dixie.”
(2)At or before the November interim meeting in 2022, the board of trustees shall report to the Education Interim Committee regarding the establishment of the Heritage Committee described in Subsection (1).

Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 8, 2025 Special Session 1

Part 7
Utah Valley University

53H-4-701 General provisions -- Definitions.
As used in this part:
(1)”Center” means the Center for Constitutional Studies at Utah Valley University.
(2)”Commission” means the Federalism Commission created in Section 63C-4a-302.
(3)”Fire and rescue training program” means the program described in Section 53H-4-705.
(4)”Fire board” means the Utah Fire Prevention Board, created in Section 53-7-203.
(5)”Initiative” means the Civic Thought and Leadership Initiative described in Section 53H-4-706.
(6)”Institute” means the Gary R. Herbert Institute for Public Policy at Utah Valley University.
(7)”University” means Utah Valley University.

Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 8, 2025 Special Session 1

53H-4-702 Institutional name change.
(1)Beginning July 1, 2008, Utah Valley State College shall be known as Utah Valley University.
(2)The university is a continuation of Utah Valley State College and shall:
(a)possess all rights, title, privileges, powers, immunities, franchises, endowments, property, and claims of the college; and
(b)fulfill and perform all obligations of the college, including obligations relating to outstanding bonds and notes.

Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 8, 2025 Special Session 1

53H-4-703 Federalism-related duties of Center for Constitutional Studies.
In consultation with the commission and subject to appropriations by the Legislature, the center shall:
(1)develop a nonpartisan continuing education and training program for state and local government employees on:
(a)the principles of federalism;
(b)the sovereignty, supremacy, and general jurisdiction of the individual states, including the breadth and extent of state police power jurisdiction;
(c)the history and practical implementation of the Ninth, Tenth, and Fourteenth Amendments to the United States Constitution;
(d)the limited jurisdiction and powers of the federal government as proscribed by the United States Constitution, as amended;
(e)methods of evaluating federal jurisdiction, law, or action in the context of the principles of federalism;
(f)the duty, jurisdiction, and powers of the state to restore or maintain the constitutionally balanced state and federal governing roles and responsibilities; and
(g)other education or training components related to federalism as recommended by the commission;
(2)organize an annual conference for state representatives and leaders whose primary purpose is to facilitate nonpartisan discussion and coordination amongst states with respect to federalism issues;
(3)study and advise the commission in regards to the creation of a state-led national organization focused on strengthening federalism and improving intergovernmental relations, including the makeup, duties, and functions of such organization;
(4)coordinate with private sector actors who agree to conduct out-of-state outreach to build national support for the commission’s federalism efforts;
(5)establish informal working groups consisting of public and private stakeholders as is appropriate to assist the center in fulfilling the requirements of this section; and
(6)report to the commission as requested regarding the center’s progress in fulfilling the requirements of this section.

Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 8, 2025 Special Session 1

53H-4-704 Federalism-related duties of Herbert Institute.
In consultation with the commission and subject to appropriations by the Legislature, the institute shall:
(1)serve as a liaison between the commission and the center with respect to federalism issues;
(2)conduct outreach and coordination with public and private sector entities to support the commission’s federalism efforts;
(3)coordinate with private sector actors who agree to conduct out-of-state outreach to build national support for the commission’s federalism efforts; and
(4)report to the commission as requested regarding the institute’s progress in fulfilling the requirements of this section.

Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 8, 2025 Special Session 1

53H-4-705 Fire prevention, education, and training program.
(1)With technical advice and support from the fire board, Utah Valley University shall operate a statewide fire and rescue training program that:
(a)provides instruction, training, and testing for:
(i)Utah Valley University students; and
(ii)firefighters and emergency rescue personnel throughout the state, whether paid or volunteer;
(b)explores new methods of firefighting, fire training, and fire prevention;
(c)provides training for fire and arson detection and investigation;
(d)provides training to students, firefighters, and emergency rescue personnel on how to conduct public education programs to promote fire safety;
(e)provides aircraft rescue firefighting training;
(f)provides for certification of firefighters, pump operators, instructors, officers, and rescue personnel; and
(g)provides facilities and props for teaching firefighting and emergency rescue skills.
(2)Utah Valley University shall ensure that the curriculum, training, and facilities offered in the fire and rescue training program are sufficient to allow individuals who successfully complete the program to receive applicable certification as a firefighter or emergency rescue professional.
(3)Utah Valley University and the fire board shall consult together regarding:
(a)the development and content of the curriculum and training of the fire and rescue training program;
(b)the identification of individuals who may participate in the fire and rescue training program without cost; and
(c)the establishment of certification standards and requirements.
(4)Utah Valley University shall allow individuals designated by the fire board to participate in and complete the fire and rescue training program without cost and to receive applicable certification.
(5)Utah Valley University and the fire board shall by contract establish terms to:
(a)define the scope and content of the fire and rescue training program;
(b)identify the fire and rescue personnel throughout the state who will be permitted to participate in the fire and rescue training program without cost; and
(c)define other aspects of the relationship between Utah Valley University and the fire board relating to the fire and rescue training program that are mutually beneficial.
(6)In accordance with Section 34A-3-114, the fire and rescue training program shall:
(a)obtain and utilize a record keeping system for the cancer screening program;
(b)facilitate cancer screenings conducted by the Rocky Mountain Center for Occupational and Environmental Health; and
(c)track cancer screenings for a firefighter.
(7)In accordance with Section 53-33-202, the fire and rescue training program shall:
(a)provide staff for the board created in Section 53-33-202; and
(b)provide accounting services for the trust fund created in Section 53-33-201.

Amended by Chapter 469, 2026 General Session

53H-4-706 Civic Thought and Leadership Initiative.
(1)The university shall establish the Civic Thought and Leadership Initiative within the Center for Constitutional Studies to facilitate nonpartisan political discussion and provide civic education and research.
(2)The initiative shall:
(a)provide courses in and related to philosophy, history, economics, and political science;
(b)provide resources to students, outside academic institutions, government agencies, and other persons regarding civic affairs; and
(c)foster thoughtful civic engagement in Utah and the surrounding region.

Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 8, 2025 Special Session 1

53H-4-707 Acceptance of gifts.
          The university is authorized to receive gifts, contributions, and donations of all kinds, for development or support of the initiative.

Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 8, 2025 Special Session 1

53H-4-708 Election study.
(1)The institute and the center shall conduct a study to determine:
(a)the security risks of in-person voting versus voting by mail; and
(b)the best practices for conducting and implementing a process where identification is presented and checked at a ballot drop box before a voter may deposit a ballot in the ballot drop box.
(2)The portion of the study described in Subsection (1)(a) shall include:
(a)a comparison between Utah and states that don’t use voting by mail as the primary means of voting;
(b)an analysis of potential and actual fraud in Utah, and in comparison to other states;
(c)an analysis of the accuracy or inaccuracy of voter rolls using a vote by mail system versus in-person voting; and
(d)an analysis of related issues raised in 2024-20, A Performance Audit of Utah’s Election System: Strengthening Election Integrity.
(3)The portion of the study described in Subsection (1)(b) shall include information, analysis, and recommendations regarding:
(a)logistics;
(b)wait times;
(c)costs; and
(d)ballot processing.
(4)The institute and the center shall present the results of the study described in this section to the Government Operations Interim Committee at or before the October 2026 interim meeting.

Enacted by Chapter 311, 2026 General Session

Part 8
Weber State University

53H-4-801 General provisions -- Definitions.
Reserved.

Enacted by Chapter 8, 2025 Special Session 1

Part 9
Salt Lake Community College

53H-4-901 General provisions -- Definitions.
Reserved.

Enacted by Chapter 8, 2025 Special Session 1

Part 10
Bridgerland Technical College

53H-4-1001 General provisions -- Definitions.
Reserved.

Enacted by Chapter 8, 2025 Special Session 1

Part 11
Davis Technical College

53H-4-1101 General provisions -- Definitions.
Reserved.

Enacted by Chapter 8, 2025 Special Session 1

Part 12
Dixie Technical College

53H-4-1201 General provisions -- Definitions.
Reserved.

Enacted by Chapter 8, 2025 Special Session 1

Part 13
Mountainland Technical College

53H-4-1301 General provisions -- Definitions.
Reserved.

Enacted by Chapter 8, 2025 Special Session 1

Part 14
Ogden-Weber Technical College

53H-4-1401 General provisions -- Definitions.
Reserved.

Enacted by Chapter 8, 2025 Special Session 1

Part 15
Southwest Technical College

53H-4-1501 General provisions -- Definitions.
Reserved.

Enacted by Chapter 8, 2025 Special Session 1

Part 16
Tooele Technical College

53H-4-1601 General provisions -- Definitions.
Reserved.

Enacted by Chapter 8, 2025 Special Session 1

Part 17
Uintah Basin Technical College

53H-4-1701 General provisions -- Definitions.
Reserved.

Enacted by Chapter 8, 2025 Special Session 1