Every mid-January, Utah lawmakers pass bills that affect everything from education to technology to sports. Some of them might seem like they wouldn’t matter to you, but, these laws could change the way you use your phone, eat lunch at school, or even vote in the future. Here are six of the most standout bills from this year’s session that every high schooler should know about. 

1. Devices in Public Schools (S.B 178)
   It’s time to officially say goodbye to scrolling TikTok in class. This bill aims to target and transform the standard of smartphone usage in Utah classrooms. This initiative is part of the “Focused Student Project”, an initiative created by The Policy Project. The bill seeks to limit smartphone usage in the classroom while still allowing Local Education Agencies (LEAs) to retain the ability to adjust policies to meet local needs and make accommodations for students with health or education considerations. This means that the exact rules will vary by school, but expect stricter policies soon.  
2. Student Athlete Revisions (H.B. 479)
   If you’re a student-athlete hoping to play your sport in college, this  could impact your future. This bill requires the creation of policies to prevent abusive coaching and report cases of misconduct to the state. While this mostly applies to college sports, it could set a precedent for high school teams as well. Lawmakers want to ensure coaches push athletes to be their best without creating a toxic environment for their teams. 
3. App Store Accountability Act (S.B. 142)
   Downloading apps might get more complicated. This new law makes Utah the first state to require app stores to verify users’ age and get parental permission before minors can download certain apps. Lawmakers say it’s to protect young users from harmful content and excessive data tracking, but there’s major debate. Some worry it’ll limit online access and create privacy concerns. Either way, if you’re under 18, this law could change how you download apps.  
4. Amendments to Election Law (H.B. 300)
   If you’re planning on voting by mail in the future, there’s a new step you need to be aware of. Starting in 2026, Utah voters must include the last four digits of their driver’s license or state ID number on mail-in ballots. Lawmakers say this is all about election security, while critics worry it could make voting harder for people without easy access to their ID’s. If you’re turning 18 soon, this is something to keep in mind when you register to vote.  
5. Food Security Amendments (H.B. 100)
   For some students in the state, the cost of school lunches is a real problem. This new law expands access to free and reduced-price school lunches, allowing more students to qualify for meal assistance. The goal is that this will make sure no student has to go through the school day hungry because they cannot afford lunch. If school meal prices have ever been a concern for you or your friends, this change might be able to help them greatly! 
6. Child Actor Regulations (H.B. 322)
   If you’ve ever watched family YouTubers, you might have wondered, “What happens to all the money they make?” Well, it turns out that in Utah, there weren’t any laws making sure kids actually get a share of the profits from the videos that feature them. That’s where H.B. 322 comes in. This bill requires parents who make money from videos featuring their children to set aside at least 15% of those earnings into a trust fund that the child can access when they turn 18. It also gives minors who were in the videos the right to take content down once they become adults. 

   This bill has gained national attention because Shari, Chad, and Kevin Franke from the controversial “8 Passengers” YouTube channel were heavily involved in pushing for it. Kevin Franke, who used to run the channel with his now-jailed wife, Ruby Franke, testified in support of the bill, saying he regrets putting his kids in the public eye. Shari Franke also backed the bill explaining how growing up on YouTube took away her privacy and life.This law is one of the first of its kind in the U.S. and aims to prevent kids from being exploited for views and money. With family vlogging being extremely common in Utah, it raises the question of whether kids should be online before they’re old enough to consent, and if their childhood is monetized, how much money should belong to them?

These are just a couple of the big changes coming out of this year’s Utah Legislative session. Whether you think these changes are helpful or over the top, they show why it’s important to stay informed and speak up. After all, we are the next generation of voters and citizens.