All Roll Calls
Yes: 147 • No: 0
UtahH.B. 4482026 General SessionHouseWALLET
Utah Schools for the Deaf and Blind Amendments
Sponsored By: Stephen L. Whyte (Republican)
Signed by Governor
EducationK-12 EducationSchool FinanceState Board of EducationPublic Education Data and ReportingSchool FacilitiesUtah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Deaf and Blind Schools can lead education
Beginning July 1, 2026, the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind (USDB) can act as a student’s school district when the IEP or 504 team places the student at a USDB campus and the home district and USDB sign a partnership agreement. USDB must report grades and progress, and the home district must monitor how the student is doing. Starting July 1, 2027, the home district must count the student and send 95% of the state and federal per‑pupil money for that student to USDB each year.
More students can get Deaf and Blind services
The law lets the state board allow a Utah resident under 22 who is a direct relative of an eligible student to receive services from the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind. The student’s home district must count the student and send the related funding to USDB. The law also clarifies that the Parent Infant Program gives early help to children under age 3 who are deaf, blind, or deafblind through an agreement with the health department. These changes take effect July 1, 2026.
New enrichment for deaf and blind students
The law creates two Educational Enrichment Programs—one for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students and one for Blind and Visually Impaired students. They are paid from USDB’s permanent funds distributed by SITLA. Your school must notify eligible students about these programs or share directory information with USDB just for notices; parents can opt out at any time. This begins July 1, 2026.
Shared space and planning for Deaf and Blind facilities
The state board, with the state facilities division, must consider space sharing and hold a public meeting before asking the Legislature for money to build USDB facilities. Funding requests go to the Transportation and Infrastructure Appropriations Subcommittee. Districts that have students served by USDB must make a good‑faith effort to provide space and sign a use agreement. After the review, the board can require a district with many USDB students to provide part of a property on or next to a high school for a USDB facility. This takes effect July 1, 2026.
State oversight of Deaf and Blind Schools
The law makes USDB a single statewide public school agency under the State Board of Education. The State Superintendent, with board approval, appoints and supervises the USDB superintendent, and the board sets qualifications and duties. An advisory council of parents and community members advises the board and serves as USDB’s school community council. Each October 1, USDB must count students by service type and report services and time splits; the board reconciles and publishes the data. These changes start July 1, 2026.
Nonresidents pay tuition for Deaf and Blind services
Nonresidents can receive services from the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind, but they must pay tuition. The state board sets the terms for who may attend and how tuition is paid. This begins July 1, 2026.
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Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Stephen L. Whyte
Republican • House
Cosponsors
John D. Johnson
Republican • Senate
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 2/27/2026
Senate/ passed 3rd reading
Yes: 23 • No: 0
Senate vote • 2/26/2026
Senate/ passed 2nd reading
Yes: 24 • No: 0
House vote • 2/24/2026
Senate Comm - Favorable Recommendation
Yes: 3 • No: 0
House vote • 2/18/2026
House/ passed 3rd reading
Yes: 67 • No: 0
House vote • 2/18/2026
House/ floor amendment
Yes: 0 • No: 0
House vote • 2/9/2026
House Comm - Substitute Recommendation
Yes: 10 • No: 0
House vote • 2/9/2026
House Comm - Amendment Recommendation
Yes: 10 • No: 0
House vote • 2/9/2026
House Comm - Favorable Recommendation
Yes: 10 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Governor Signed
3/26/2026House/ to Governor
3/12/2026HouseHouse/ received enrolled bill from Printing
3/12/2026HouseHouse/ enrolled bill to Printing
3/4/2026HouseEnrolled Bill Returned to House or Senate
3/4/2026Draft of Enrolled Bill Prepared
3/3/2026Bill Received from House for Enrolling
3/3/2026House/ signed by Speaker/ sent for enrolling
2/27/2026HouseHouse/ received from Senate
2/27/2026HouseSenate/ to House
2/27/2026SenateSenate/ signed by President/ returned to House
2/27/2026SenateSenate/ passed 3rd reading
2/27/2026SenateSenate/ 3rd reading
2/27/2026SenateSenate/ passed 2nd reading
2/26/2026SenateSenate/ 2nd reading
2/26/2026SenateSenate/ placed on 2nd Reading Calendar
2/25/2026SenateSenate/ committee report favorable
2/25/2026SenateSenate Comm - Favorable Recommendation
2/24/2026Senate/ to standing committee
2/20/2026SenateSenate/ 1st reading (Introduced)
2/19/2026SenateSenate/ received from House
2/18/2026SenateHouse/ to Senate
2/18/2026HouseHouse/ passed 3rd reading
2/18/2026HouseHouse/ floor amendment
2/18/2026HouseHouse/ 3rd reading
2/18/2026House
Bill Text
Enrolled
3/4/2026
Amended 2/19/2026 13:02:302
2/19/2026
Amended 2/10/2026 09:02:207
2/10/2026
Substitute #1
2/9/2026
Introduced
1/30/2026
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