House Bill 189, sponsored by Rep. James Ferrin, R-Orem, would give local school boards or charter schools the authority to let students earn an additional credit in certain subjects - language arts, mathematics, science, social studies or computer technology - in lieu of the TLC requirement, to continue with the program as it stands or to abolish it altogether.

"I have a ninth-grader and a 10th-grader who went though the class and learned to make oven mitts and bake cookies," Ferrin said, highlighting his preference for greater flexibility. "Parents deserve a better choice than I had. Children deserve better."

But several opponents - and representatives from the the state Office of Education and the Utah Education Association - expressed concern about the precedent the bill might set, saying changes in curriculum should remain in education officials' hands.

"It just troubles me that as a Legislature we'd be making this decision," said Rep. Carol Spackman Moss, D-Holladay.

Furthermore, opponents said the life skills taught in the TLC program are crucial, especially to non-college-bound students.

Reps. Duane Bourdeaux, D-Salt Lake City, James Gowans, D-Tooele, and LaWanna Shurtliff, D-Ogden, also voted against the bill.

jravitz@sltrib.com