H.B. 36 Gold Medal Schools Pilot Program

What this bill does

This bill directs the State Board of Education to create a five-year pilot program for elementary schools in rural counties to promote physical activity and healthy eating. Participating schools would apply, set goals, and receive funds from federal rural health transformation money, with administrative costs capped at 6.25%.

Plain-English summary written by AI from the official description. Check the official text below.

Your legislators on this bill

Enter your address to see what your own representative and senator did on this bill.

Quotes come from the official recordings' automatic captions, which can mishear words. Speakers and summaries are identified by AI and can be wrong. Use the ▶ links to check the recording.

Take action

This bill's session is over, but your legislators still want to hear from you. Ideas that died often come back next year.

Enter your address to get your legislators' contact information and a ready-to-send message about this bill.

Every vote

• 13 yes, 0 no, 2 absentHouse Education Committee: vote to change the bill · Feb 12, 2026Who voted how
• 13 yes, 0 no, 2 absentHouse Education Committee: vote to approve it · Feb 12, 2026Who voted how
• 71 yes, 1 no, 3 absentFinal House vote · Feb 20, 2026Who voted how
• 3 yes, 0 no, 4 absentSenate Education Committee: vote to approve it · Feb 27, 2026Who voted how
• 3 yes, 0 no, 4 absentSenate Education Committee: Consent Calendar Recommendation · Feb 27, 2026Who voted how
• 26 yes, 0 no, 3 absentFinal Senate vote · Mar 4, 2026Who voted how

Hearings and debates

• Feb 12, 2026 House Education Committee▶ Watch
  Transcript (13 turns)

  1. Committee chair2:08:26

     Next item on our agenda is House Bill 36 Gold Medal Schools pilot program Representative Hall. Welcome.

  2. Rep. Katy Hall2:08:34

     Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Thanks for having me again. Okay. I'm gonna go fast 'cause I know you have a big committee meeting, so hopefully I don't skip things. Um, so HB 36 Gold Medal Schools. Um, I think you all know how passionate I am about health and wellness and how it only helps with, not only helps with physical health, but helps with mental health. Um, so last year I had this bill, but it wasn't quite ready and the funding wasn't there, so I pulled it. Um, and this year we have a unique opportunity to get some excitement, first of all, going for the Olympics coming up, as well as an opportunity to get some federal funds to jumpstart this program. So what HB 36 does is it creates a five year pilot program to help elementary schools promote physical activity and healthy eating habits. The goal is supporting healthier kids so that they are better prepared to learn, grow, and thrive. So what it does is for five years, um, it's a pilot program for five years. It focuses on the elementary schools in rural counties, third through the sixth class counties. And the reason why we're focusing on the rural for this pilot program is that's where our, where the funding is gonna come from. This year, this year we had a unique opportunity from the big beautiful bill where there's some rural health transformation funds. And we've earmarked, um, some of that money every year for the next five years to go to this, this pilot program, um, to be, and it's $3 million each year to be specific. So what what it is, is the state board of education will pre create and administer the program, but the schools themselves will choose how to implement it. It's not prescriptive, we're not saying the exact things they have to do, just kind of guidelines and eligible schools must apply to participate, set measurable health goals and use ev evidence-based strategies. Um, the schools that meet the criteria will receive the program funding to implement their program and also use it as they see fit to accomplish the goals of health and wellness within their schools. And they'll get a, a gold medal, a recognition award from the state. So, um, again, this bill is not prescriptive. The schools are given autonomy to design programs that fit their students, staff, and community. Um, and, uh, they will report annually to the interim committee just to let, let us know, let you guys know how things are going. Um, again, no state money is going into this. There is a $3 million each year that's so far that's earmarked for that. And it's, the administrative costs are capped at 6.25%. So this will ensure that most of the funds actually go to the schools to implement as they see fit. Um, that's basically the bill. I've talked extensively with USBE. Um, they're willing and ready to get going on this program. And, um, I'm happy to take any questions.

  3. Committee chair2:11:32

     Alright. Thank you. Representative Hall. And, uh, I You're speaking to the first sub?

  4. Rep. Katy Hall2:11:36

     Yes. Thank you. I am speaking to the First sub. Okay. I just wanted to make that clear for the members of the committee.

  5. Committee chair2:11:40

     So to the committee for, uh, clarifying questions. All right. Seeing none, we're gonna go to the public for public comment or the members of the public that would like to speak to this bill. Do we have any online? All right. Very good. Uh, back to the Committee for Action Items Representative MacPherson.

  6. Rep. Matt MacPherson2:12:06

     Uh, thank you Mr. Chair. Motion to Adopt first substitute HB 36.

  7. Committee chair2:12:09

     That motion is in order. Uh, would you like to speak to it? I believe that's what the sponsor would like. Alright. Very good. So the motion, uh, the motion before us is to adopt the first substitute to House bill 36. To the members of the committee to the sponsor. I'll waive To the Maker Waive. All right. Very good. Motion for Force is to adopt the, uh, first substitute to House Bill 36 Gold Medal School's pilot program. All in favor, please say Aye. Aye. Aye. Any opposed? Right. That motion? That motion carries unanimously. Uh, the bill is before is substituted. Uh, Representative MacPherson, your light is still on.

  8. Rep. Matt MacPherson2:12:49

     Thank you Mr. Chair. Motion to pass out favorably HB 36 as substituted. The motion for is to recommend Favorably House Bill 36 Gold Medal Schools pilot program as

  9. Committee chair2:13:00

     substituted. Would you like to speak to it?

  10. Rep. Matt MacPherson2:13:02

      I think I'll leave it to the sponsor when her, she or her sermon comes up.

  11. Committee chair2:13:05

      Alright. Uh, to the members of the committee. Seeing none to you, Representative Hall.

  12. Rep. Katy Hall2:13:13

      Thank you, Mr. Chair. I'm super excited about this. I, when I was a kid in elementary school, our school had what was called the Pentathlon every year. And every year the kids looked forward to it 'cause they had five events and, and you would practice in your pe time to do this. And at the end of the year, they'd have a little competition and, and you'd get really excited. And that, I think, set me up for the rest of my life to be active and to, and to, to focus on health and wellness and, uh, trying to achieve, uh, achieve things. And so I think this is a really exciting, good, unique opportunity that, that our schools will have, um, going forward. So I'm excited for it. I appreciate Your vote. Thank you.

  13. Committee chair2:13:51

      Representative Hall. To the maker of the Motion Representative MacPherson, I'll waive right. The motion before us is to recom, uh, recommend Favorably House Bill 36 Gold Medal Schools pilot program as substituted. All in favor, please say Aye. Aye. Aye. Any opposed? That motion passes unanimously. Thank you.

• Feb 20, 2026 House floor debate▶ Watch
  Transcript (22 turns)

  1. Reading Clerk2:35:15

     Madam Reading Clerk First substitute House Bill 36 Gold Medal Schools pilot program by Representative Hall. This bill was heard in education with the vote of 13 0 2.

  2. Speaker (presiding)2:35:29

     Representative Hall.

  3. Rep. Katy Hall2:35:31

     Ms. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Um, motion to adopt amendment one in my name.

  4. Speaker (presiding)2:35:43

     Thank you, Representative Hall. That motion is, uh, in order. Would you like to speak to Her? Um, yes.

  5. Rep. Katy Hall2:35:48

     It just clarifies to LFA, the funding structure for the bill.

  6. Speaker (presiding)2:35:53

     Thank you, uh, representative discussion to the motion to adopt amendment number one under Representative Hall's name none. We'll go ahead and place the motion. The motion before is the house adopt amendment number one under representative Hall's name on first substitute HB one 30 or HB 36. All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Rule The motion or motion passes The bill's been amended before the body for further consideration. Representative Hall.

  7. Rep. Katy Hall2:36:24

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'm really excited about this bill. Um, what the bill does is it's going to have USBE develop a program that will promote healthy lifestyle choices, improve physical education and activity, and promote healthy eating habits and nutrition in some of our rural, uh, elementary schools. The bill or the, this will be a five year pilot program for rural elementary schools that elect to participate in it. They will qualify to receive some funds each year for five years that they participate and meet the qualifications. The program will have eligibility guidelines, but the beauty of it is every school will have their own way to accomplish the goals. Um, this, this particular bill is a very unique opportunity with the Rural Health Transformation Fund, um, program initiative from the big beautiful bill. And with the Olympics coming to Utah very soon, um, this program will, will be awesome to like, get some excitement for the Olympics and stuff. And what we want is for the kids to be, and the schools to be inventive with how they, um, execute the, the program to get excited about the Olympics, as well as be get excited about a healthy, active lifestyle. Um, while right now the funds we have are earmarked for those rural elementary schools, the goal eventually is to get something into all of our schools over the next few years, if possible. Um, the goals of this are increasing student activity, education, healthy habits, and including nutri, which include nutrition and physical activity. And with that, I would appre I'm happy to take any questions.

  8. Speaker (presiding)2:38:04

     Thank you, Representative Hall discussion to the bill. Representative Hawkins.

  9. Rep. Jon Hawkins2:38:10

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Um, I rise in, in strong support of this, this bill. Um, I think this brings, uh, opportunities for our kids to be active, uh, to be participating in, in things that get them moving. Um, I know that, uh, the Utah Olympic Committee is very interested in making sure that the Olympics impact not just, uh, you know, the Wasatch front and back. They're very interested in making sure that it reaches all 29 counties. And I think this program that, that the good sponsor has outlined does a really good job of making sure our rural communities are, are impacted by, by the Olympics coming into town. So I, I think this is a great bill and I would urge our colleagues to, uh, support it.

  10. Speaker (presiding)2:38:59

      Thank you, Representative Hawkins. Uh, further discussion to the bill Representative Monson. Thank

  11. Rep. Logan Monson2:39:05

      You, Mr. Speaker. I also rise in support of this bill. I have worked a little bit with the sponsor on, um, coming together as, as far as what this might look like in rural schools specifically, I think it's a great idea to promote fitness, and I love that it's a, a pilot in rural areas that we can do this in. So I, I rise in support. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

  12. Speaker (presiding)2:39:26

      Thank you, Representative Monson. Further discussion to the bill. Representative Stoddard, Would the sponsor yield to a question? Representative Hall will, do you yield to a question?

  13. Rep. Katy Hall2:39:35

      Absolutely, yes. Representative.

  14. Rep. Andrew Stoddard2:39:37

      I appreciate you hesitantly taking my question. Um, I I'm actually asking this on behalf of a friend who lives in West Jordan. Does this bill require us to give gold to the schools?

  15. Rep. Katy Hall2:39:53

      Um, it doesn't, but we could look at an amendment. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

  16. Speaker (presiding)2:40:00

      Thank you, Representative Stoddard.

  17. Rep. Andrew Stoddard2:40:02

      Thank, thank you, uh, representative.

  18. Speaker (presiding)2:40:16

      Uh, let's go to further discussion. Representative Watkins.

  19. Rep. Christine F. Watkins2:40:19

      Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise in support of this. I, um, I taught PE a lot as an elementary teacher, and part of that came from when I was in, uh, school, especially in high school. And we had a similar program. It was a pre presidential fitness program, and we just all got used to moving. And nowadays, even in rural areas, kids are on their, um, computers and phones way too much. And you have to say, it's time to go outside. And if we, if we can do this in school, like we did at Castle Dale Elementary, we had track programs, we had dancing, we had, um, all sorts of activities going on. And I can still see my, my, I see my students all the time as adults, and they're healthy and they're active, and I just, I'm pleased that this is for rural Utah. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Oh, you do.

  20. Speaker (presiding)2:41:23

      Thank you, Representative Watkins. Uh, further discussion to the bill. Seeing none. Back to your Representative Hall for summation. Thank

  21. Rep. Katy Hall2:41:29

      You, Mr. Speaker. I'm so grateful for the enthusiastic support. Um, I think this is gonna be an awesome launching point for getting this into all the schools, and I'm excited for the, the, the Rural Health Transformation funds that are helping make this happen, especially for our rural schools right now. Even if it does mean there might not be any white bread in schools after this. All right, that's my summation. Thank you.

  22. Speaker (presiding)2:41:52

      Thank you. Representative Hall voting, and I'll be open. First substitute HB 36 now present, having voted votings now closed, first substitute HB three six passes this body with 71 yes votes one, no vote will be sent to the Senate for its consideration. Madam Meeting Clerk

• Feb 27, 2026 Senate Education Committee▶ Watch
  Transcript (20 turns)

  1. Acting Chair Balderree (presiding)1:20:42

     We'll now move to House Bill, uh, 36 substitute one. Representative Hall, the time is yours

  2. Rep. Katy Hall1:20:48

     and she's going to discuss Gold Middle School's pilot program. Thank you Madam Chair. And my, my intern has a quick handout if that's okay? Yes. Thank you. All Right. Thank you. All right. So we, we talked about this, I talked about this bill briefly last week when I presented HCR 11. Um, but this one is gold medal schools. So you all know how passionate I am about health and wellness and how I know, and we all know that it only helps not only with physical health, but mental health of our, of our children. Of all of us, right? So last year I had this bill and I started it, but I pulled it back because there wasn't funding and I did not wanna put something forth that didn't have funding. Well, we have a major unique opportunity this year to be able to use some of the Rural Health Transformation program funds, um, as well as with the Olympics coming up to really start something fun for our, for our schools. Um, and so the, these, the Rural Health Transformation Funds will help, will fund this program. So what it does is it creates a five year pilot program to help elementary schools promote physical activity and healthy eating habits. The goal is simple support healthier kids, so they're better prepared to learn and grow and thrive. Um, so again, it it's a five year program. It focuses for this program we'll focus on, um, rural counties, um, counties third through the sixth class. Um, it will encourage regular physical activity, healthy nutrition and food choices, school policies that support lifelong wellness and, and learning. Um, the Board of Education will create and administer the program, but the ch the schools themselves will choose how to implement it. So it gives that local control for the schools to be creative and do do some fun things for, for their kids. Um, eligible schools will apply to participate. There'll be measurable goals set by USBE in the program that they're gonna do using evidence-based strategies. Um, and the schools that meet the programming criteria will qualify to receive funds to either help implement the program or use to continue on, you know, with playground equipment or, or things for pe whatever that that is, they'll be able to use the funds on that. And this is elementary schools only for this program. Um, the, the schools will report annually, um, to the interim committee and let us know how things are going. Um, or the school board will, will report annually, um, and let us know how things are going. It has a clear Sunset date of 2031, but we're hoping this, this will get the kids not only moving and excited, but get people excited for the Olympics and be creative with the programs that they do. I worked with USB on this and with the Health Department, we were kind of trying to decide who would be best to administer it because, um, the health department did have a gold medal schools program a while back. Um, we felt that this one would be better, um, um, administered through USBE. So that's, that's what we've ended up with. The administrative co costs are strictly capped at 6.25% because I really wanted that money to be able to go to the schools for them to use. Um, it's all funds through the Rural Health Transformation Program. They've already earmarked $3 million a year for the next five years. For us. It is already earmarked as long as we keep getting those funds, which part of this program is to help get those funds. 'cause it was kind of in the application process. Um, that being said, I think I got to everything. I'm happy to answer any questions. Um, there's people that can comment if they, if they want to about how we've worked on it. But, um, happy to take any questions. Thanks.

  3. Acting Chair Balderree (presiding)1:24:35

     Thank you. Um, seeing no questions from the committee, we will turn the time over to the public for public comment. Is there anyone online? Seeing none will come back to the room.

  4. Acting Chair Balderree (presiding)1:24:46

     Oh, there's one in person. It will come back to the room for public comment. Please again, come up, sign in and be sure to introduce yourself and if you or represent any organization.

  5. Acting Chair Balderree (presiding)1:24:57

     Thank you. Um, you'll you'll have 90 seconds. The time is yours. All right.

  6. Jennie Earl, Utah State Board of Education1:25:01

     Thank you. Jenny Earl, Utah State Board of Education. I am speaking on behalf of myself, but we have had discussions at the state board about this particular program. Um, the health department, uh, has accepted the grant and then we have asked to be part of that where this impacts schools. And so, um, we look forward to helping develop the program out in such a way that it is providing, um, uh, for our students in the rural areas. Uh, more, um, I was gonna say sports, it's not more sports, it's just more movement, right? It's more, more physical activities. So we're, we're looking forward to, um, helping put that together and frame that in a way that it can move out to those schools. So if there's any suggestions that you have for that, we would love those. So thank you.

  7. Acting Chair Balderree (presiding)1:25:43

     Thank you. And is there any further public comments? Seeing none, we'll come back to the committee. Senator Riebe.

  8. Sen. Kathleen A. Riebe1:25:54

     Thank you. I have a question that somebody just brought to me. On line 1 36, it says, is located in a county third, fourth, fifth, and sixth class. That means my counties would not be allowed to be a part of this, Um, for, just because the rural Health transformation funds are earmarked for rural counties right now. But again, that's why I did that HCR 11, because my plan is that we get this in all, we get something like this in all the schools and I will be working towards that over the next couple of years to try to do that.

  9. Acting Chair Balderree (presiding)1:26:23speaker not certain

     Thank you. Uh, Oh. Yes.

  10. Unknown speaker1:26:26speaker not certain

      Did you, did Senator Hankins wanna make a motion or a comment? I was wondering if that would include the, uh, rural kids being able to help come and, uh, change sprinklers on my farm.

  11. Acting Chair Balderree (presiding)1:26:37speaker not certain

      Oh, We have to. Maybe I'll to take that offline. Talk to, yeah. Maybe. Thank you. Um, Senator Riebe, did you wanna make a motion?

  12. Sen. Kathleen A. Riebe1:26:45

      Yes, please. Okay. I would like to move that HB 36 sub one, move out with a favorable recommendation.

  13. Acting Chair Balderree (presiding)1:26:56

      Okay. Is there any discussion to that motion? Seeing none, we'll come back to the sponsor for summation. Thank you.

  14. Rep. Katy Hall1:27:03

      I'd appreciate that. That's, I'm really excited about this program.

  15. Acting Chair Balderree (presiding)1:27:06

      Thank you. And back to the maker of the motion. Okay with that, um, all those in favor of moving house Bill 36, substitute one gold Medal schools pilot program to the full body of the Senate. Uh, please say aye. Aye. Aye. We Need Senator Johnson Medicare. Yes. Since there was no, oh, I need Senator Johnson's vote. Still keep mind. Oh, I think so. Senator Johnson is presenting right now in committee. Nevermind. So, yes. And the chair rules that that passes, uh, three to zero and that is unanimous. And we have another motion. Senator Hinkins. Thank you.

  16. Sen. David P. Hinkins1:27:40

      I would ask, Okay. The motion is to, to put this bill on consent.

  17. Acting Chair Balderree (presiding)1:27:48

      All those in favor say aye. All those in favor say aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Any opposed? Seeing none, the chair rules that passes and it will move to the consent calendar.

  18. Unknown speaker1:27:58speaker not certain

      Thank you. Thank you Madam Representative Paul Chair.

  19. Sen. Kathleen A. Riebe1:28:00

      Thank you committee. Appreciate That. Motion to adjourn.

  20. Acting Chair Balderree (presiding)1:28:02

      All those in favor say aye. Aye. Aye. The chair, Rosa, that passes unanimously. We are adjourned. Thank you for your patience with me. Sort of muttered.

• Mar 4, 2026 Senate floor debate▶ Watch
  Transcript (6 turns)

  1. Sen. Keven J. Stratton46:11

     But, uh, what we're doing, this establishes a five year pilot program beginning in the 20 27 28 school year and promoting increased physical activity for students, healthy eating habits, nutrition education, school policies and support. Lifelong wellness requires the Utah State Board of Education to administer the program. Select Participating Schools established program criteria and funds are for the Rural Health Transformation Program allows participating schools flexibility to implement the program based on local needs. And with that, Mr. President, I'll move that. We pass House Bill 36 Gold Middle Schools.

  2. Senate President (presiding)46:53

     Thank you. And the question is, and again, appreciate the, the motion. The question is, shall first substitute House Bill 36 pass. Roll call

  3. Senate clerk47:00

     Vote. Senator Spery Blue in aye. Bramer bus? Aye. Cu Moore Es. Camilla Fillmore Aye. Grover Harper Kins Aye. Ipson Aye. Johnson Aye. Quan McKay? Aye. Mikel Milner Aye. Milner Aye. Musman Owens pitcher Thumb Aye. Rebe Aye. Sandal Stevenson Stratton Aye. Vickers Weiler Aye. Wilson Aye. Ye Winterton Aye. President Adams Aye.

  4. Senate President (presiding)47:54

     First substitute house Bill 36. Having received 26 a votes, zero na votes three being absent passes his body and will be, will be signed by the President and returned to the house for the signature of the speaker. Uh, now let's go back to the second reading calendar. We've got some appropriations bills. I think so let's call the first one, house Bill 5 46 House Bill 5 46 Public Lands, duty of Care amendments. Senator Stratton. Senator Stratton.

  5. Sen. Keven J. Stratton48:34

     Mr. President, I would motion to circle, I just need a minute and if you'll come, come back to me. Would that be okay? Motion to circle.

  6. Senate President (presiding)48:40

     That's great. Motion to circle. I'll in favor say aye.