All Roll Calls
Yes: 135 • No: 25
UtahS.B. 1862026 General SessionSenateWALLET
Charter School Modifications
Sponsored By: Heidi Balderree (Republican)
Signed by Governor
Charter SchoolsEducationK-12 EducationSchool Finance
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Base funding rules and one-time charter aid
The State Board gives small charter schools base funding, subject to appropriation: the greater of $40,000 or $115 per student for schools with 2,000 or fewer students, based on October 1 enrollment. For FY 2027, the law adds $3.1 million one time for charter base funding and study costs. The Board must use a formula and follow caps: no more than $220,000 per school; no more than $175,000 for schools over 2,000 students; and small schools are capped at the per‑student amount a 100‑student school would get. Up to $70,000 funds the charter funding study. The Board may also distribute any other one‑time charter funds the Legislature provides, limited to the amounts appropriated.
New revolving loans for charter schools
The law creates a Charter School Revolving Fund run by the Utah Charter Finance Authority. It can lend for buildings, renovations, startup, or expansion. Loans are capped at up to $1,000,000 for additions or expansions, or up to 25% of the requested amount for acquisition or construction. Each loan must be approved, secured by a promissory note and deed of trust, and may require repayment if collateral is sold or refinanced; the Authority sets rates, terms, and may subordinate to senior debt. On July 1, 2026, assets and loan payments from the old charter revolving account move into this new fund.
Charter funding study due in 2026
The State Board runs a study of charter school funding and the base formula. The first meeting happens by April 1, 2026. A report with findings and recommendations is due to the Public Education Appropriations Subcommittee by December 1, 2026. The Board may hire outside experts if the Legislature funds it.
One-time support for charter service agency
Beginning July 1, 2026 (FY 2027), the Legislature provides $500,000 one time to the State Board for Regional Education Service Agencies serving as the Charter School Educational Service Agency. The money supports administrative and support services for charter schools.
New oath and governance rules for charters
Charter schools are public schools and must have an independent governing board and a binding contract. Each governing board member must take an oath to support the U.S. and Utah Constitutions before starting duties. Authorized officials or the board chair can give the oath. Schools must keep oath records and show them to the authorizer when asked.
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Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Heidi Balderree
Republican • Senate
Cosponsors
Candice B. Pierucci
Republican • House
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 3/5/2026
Senate/ concurs with House amendment
Yes: 18 • No: 5
House vote • 3/4/2026
House/ passed 3rd reading
Yes: 72 • No: 1
House vote • 3/4/2026
House/ substituted
Yes: 0 • No: 0
House vote • 2/26/2026
House Comm - Favorable Recommendation
Yes: 9 • No: 0
Senate vote • 2/18/2026
Senate/ passed 3rd reading
Yes: 15 • No: 10
Senate vote • 2/17/2026
Senate/ passed 2nd reading
Yes: 17 • No: 8
House vote • 1/29/2026
Senate Comm - Favorable Recommendation
Yes: 4 • No: 1
Actions Timeline
Governor Signed
3/19/2026Senate/ to Governor
3/13/2026SenateSenate/ received enrolled bill from Printing
3/13/2026SenateSenate/ enrolled bill to Printing
3/11/2026SenateEnrolled Bill Returned to House or Senate
3/11/2026Draft of Enrolled Bill Prepared
3/6/2026Bill Received from Senate for Enrolling
3/6/2026Senate/ signed by President/ sent for enrolling
3/6/2026SenateSenate/ received from House
3/6/2026SenateHouse/ to Senate
3/5/2026HouseHouse/ signed by Speaker/ returned to Senate
3/5/2026HouseHouse/ received from Senate
3/5/2026HouseSenate/ to House
3/5/2026SenateSenate/ concurs with House amendment
3/5/2026SenateSenate/ placed on Concurrence Calendar
3/4/2026SenateSenate/ received from House
3/4/2026SenateHouse/ to Senate
3/4/2026HouseHouse/ passed 3rd reading
3/4/2026HouseHouse/ substituted
3/4/2026HouseHouse/ 3rd reading
3/4/2026HouseHouse/ 2nd reading
3/4/2026HouseHouse/ Rules to 3rd Reading Calendar
3/4/2026HouseHouse/ return to Rules due to fiscal impact
2/26/2026HouseHouse/ committee report favorable
2/26/2026HouseHouse Comm - Favorable Recommendation
2/26/2026
Bill Text
Enrolled
3/11/2026
Substitute #2
3/4/2026
Substitute #1
3/3/2026
Introduced
1/22/2026
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