Bill H.B 58, sponsored by Rep. Susan Pulsipher, pushes to align vaping policies in all Utah schools and provides more resources for educating students. The bill has three parts, including enforcing clear vaping policies and enabling administrators and teachers to confiscate e-cigarettes.
It would also add information about e-cigarettes to the school health curriculums and provide funding for schools to implement these.
“Anything that can be done to clarify for teachers and principals what the expectations are, and what support they can expect in carrying out those expectations is always helpful,” Frank Schofield, superintendent of the Logan school district said.
Schofield said the bill will put all educators on the same page regarding e-cigarettes in school.
According to Schofield, there are a number of ways Utah schools have discussions about drugs and alcohol.
“So this would simply be clarification that e-cigarettes, and vape pens and those products should be included as part of that conversation,” he said.
Schofield said no matter how much schools push to educate children about e-cigarettes and vaping, parents still play a crucial role.
“I just think it’s extremely important for parents to understand the accessibility of these vape pens and e-cigarettes, and how important it is that parents are having those conversations with their children,” he said.
Bill H.B 58 is currently waiting for senate approval.
With Utah Public Radio, I’m Harley Barnes.
