PTA, PTO groups will not be required to waive dues

The Senate unanimously approved on Wednesday substituting a bill meant to give equal access to parent volunteer groups in schools.

Sen. Curtis Bramble, R-Provo, sponsor of SB199, has deleted an amendment that would have required Parent Teacher Association and Parent Teacher Organization groups to waive membership dues upon a parent's request.

"I have removed the controversial piece," Bramble said.

PTA officials are adamantly against waiving dues.

Axing the amendment satisfies PTA officials while maintaining the goal of the bill: that parent groups have an equal voice in school and district decisions regardless of whether they are a PTA or a PTO.

Bramble told the Senate he met with PTA and PTO leaders Tuesday and "forged a compromise all parties could accept."

The freshly revamped SB199 is scheduled to come before the Senate for debate soon.

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