Clubs bill may replace Buttars'

Another "more aggressive" bill banning certain student clubs in public schools is coming with a possible new twist — a clubs rating system for parents.

The proposal may replace one sponsored by Sen. Chris Buttars, if his health problems keep him from returning to the Capitol this session.

Rep. Aaron Tilton, R-Springville, says his HB393, "Public Education Club Amendments," is close to public release and will look "virtually identical" to SB97, proposed by Buttars, R-West Jordan.

"I will probably be more aggressive in my bill" and require parental notification of some kind, Tilton said. The bill also "may or may not" set up a rating system, such as those for movies, that the school district could apply "so a parent would be made aware . . . of the (club's) nature, that might conflict with a value they might hold."

The rating, if Tilton pursues it, might be included in a parental permission slip, he said.

"It will restrict clubs, in my opinion, that . . . don't adhere to community standards," Tilton said of the bill. "If you're a minor, you can't engage in sexual activity."

Tilton says he has been working with Buttars, whose SB97 was made public earlier this week, a decade after the political firestorm and lawsuits surrounding the East High Gay-Straight Alliance in the Salt Lake City School District.

Undisclosed health problems have limited Buttars' time at the Legislature and could keep him away at least until next week, said Senate President John Valentine, R-Orem. No senators were stepping up to carry SB97, leaving questions about its fate.

"I support what Chris is trying to do with that bill," said Sen. Curt Bramble, R-Provo, who leaders said was prepared to carry Buttars' other bills, including the controversial Origins of Life legislation, if he doesn't return.

Bramble said he opposes gay and lesbian clubs or any others "based on sexuality" being allowed in public schools. But, he added, "I will not be running the clubs bill."

"I don't have the background," he said. "(It) takes a fairly significant commitment to understand the nuances" of court rulings on clubs at a time when he's focused on tax reform legislation.