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UtahS.B. 12026 General SessionSenateWALLET

Higher Education Base Budget

Sponsored By: Ann Millner (Republican)

Signed by Governor

EducationHigher EducationTechnical CollegesUtah Board of Higher EducationColleges and UniversitiesUtah System of Higher Education

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

6 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.

More funding for University of Utah

Beginning May 6, 2026, the state provides $70.9 million one time to the University of Utah’s education and general budget for FY2026. The money comes from the Income Tax Fund and nonlapsing balances. Allocations include Operations and Maintenance ($7.135 million), Academic Support ($54.998 million), and Student Services ($18.641 million). This boosts core campus services, support, and facilities for students and staff.

More money for performance funding

Beginning July 1, 2026, the state transfers $91.5 million from the Income Tax Fund into the restricted account for higher education performance funding. This money supports performance-based allocations to colleges and universities. It changes how state tax dollars are pooled for campus funding, without changing tax rates.

Utah State University gets boost

Beginning May 6, 2026, the state makes a net one-time increase of $24.13 million to Utah State University’s FY2026 education and general accounts. The change combines a small General Fund cut with new Income Tax Fund and nonlapsing money. Allocations include Operations and Maintenance ($3.527 million), Academic Support ($24.486 million), and Scholarships and Fellowships ($125,700). This supports campus operations, academic services, and student aid at USU.

School of Medicine funding cut

Beginning May 6, 2026, the law reduces FY2026 funding for the University of Utah School of Medicine by $9.21 million. The cut comes from the Income Tax Fund and nonlapsing balances. This lowers the school’s FY2026 program budget and may affect services or staffing tied to medical education.

When these changes take effect

Most changes start July 1, 2026. FY2026 actions in Section 1 take effect May 6, 2026. If two-thirds of each house approved, Section 1 actions take effect upon the governor’s approval or under the state constitution’s timing. These dates control when money moves and programs adjust.

Student aid balances cut for FY2026

Beginning May 6, 2026, the law makes one-time balance changes to higher education student assistance. A small $77,800 increase in beginning balances is offset by a $19.22 million drop in closing balances, for a net reduction of $19.14 million. Reductions include Opportunity Scholarship (down $12.936 million), Student Financial Aid (down $5.219 million), Utah Promise (down $194,100), and Veterans Tuition Gap (down $357,200). This may lower available grant dollars in FY2026 across these programs.

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Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Ann Millner

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Karen M. Peterson

    Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 98 • No: 0

House vote • 1/29/2026

House/ passed 3rd reading

Yes: 71 • No: 0

Senate vote • 1/28/2026

Senate/ passed 2nd & 3rd readings/ suspension

Yes: 27 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Governor Signed

    1/31/2026

  2. Senate/ to Governor

    1/30/2026Senate

  3. Senate/ received enrolled bill from Printing

    1/30/2026Senate

  4. Senate/ enrolled bill to Printing

    1/30/2026Senate

  5. Enrolled Bill Returned to House or Senate

    1/30/2026

  6. Draft of Enrolled Bill Prepared

    1/29/2026

  7. Bill Received from Senate for Enrolling

    1/29/2026

  8. Senate/ signed by President/ sent for enrolling

    1/29/2026Senate

  9. Senate/ received from House

    1/29/2026Senate

  10. House/ to Senate

    1/29/2026House

  11. House/ signed by Speaker/ returned to Senate

    1/29/2026House

  12. House/ passed 3rd reading

    1/29/2026House

  13. House/ 3rd reading

    1/29/2026House

  14. House/ 2nd reading

    1/28/2026House

  15. House/ Rules to 3rd Reading Calendar

    1/28/2026House

  16. House/ 1st reading (Introduced)

    1/28/2026House

  17. House/ received from Senate

    1/28/2026House

  18. Senate/ to House

    1/28/2026Senate

  19. Senate/ passed 2nd & 3rd readings/ suspension

    1/28/2026Senate

  20. Senate/ 2nd & 3rd readings/ suspension

    1/28/2026Senate

  21. Senate/ Rules to 2nd Reading Calendar

    1/27/2026Senate

  22. Senate/ 1st reading (Introduced)

    1/20/2026Senate

  23. Senate/ received fiscal note from Fiscal Analyst

    1/19/2026Senate

  24. Senate/ received bill from Legislative Research

    1/19/2026Senate

  25. Numbered Bill Publicly Distributed

    1/16/2026

Bill Text

  • Enrolled

    1/30/2026

    PDF

  • Introduced

    1/16/2026

    PDF

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