UtahS.B. 22026 General SessionSenateWALLET

Public Education Budget Amendments

Sponsored By: Heidi Balderree (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Public Funds and AccountsPublic BudgetingEducationK-12 EducationGovernment Operations (State Issues)Appropriations

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

40 provisions identified: 16 benefits, 9 costs, 15 mixed.

Big pay boost for educators in 2026

For FY2026, full‑time educators get a salary adjustment of $10,350 per FTE if the Utah Fits All Scholarship Program is funded and in effect. If it is not funded and in effect, the amount is $5,175 per FTE. Part‑time educators get a pro‑rated amount. Educators with unsatisfactory ratings on their last three evaluations are not eligible. These rules start July 1, 2026.

Yearly pay boosts for educators

Beginning July 1, 2026, the Legislature funds educator salary adjustments each year. The State Board splits the money to districts, regional agencies, and the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind based on educator positions, and uses prorated shares if funding is short. Each year’s adjustment grows by the smaller percent change of WPU or CPI. The law also requires funding to cover employer-paid benefits like retirement, workers’ comp, Social Security, and Medicare. It keeps the 2007–08 administrator salary adjustment and gives the same amount to new administrators.

Less money for digital learning and reading

Starting July 1, 2026, the state cuts the Digital Teaching and Learning Program by $18,352,400 for FY2027. It also reduces administration funding by $541,700 for Digital Teaching and Learning and $300,000 for Early Learning Training and Assessment. Effective May 6, 2026, it cuts one-time FY2026 funding by $3,121,600 for early literacy software and $4,282,700 for early literacy outcomes. Schools may buy fewer devices, digital materials, and early reading supports.

Grants for arts, science, and careers

Beginning July 1, 2026, the State Board gives one-time FY2027 direct awards: $6.12 million for school arts outreach, $5.67 million for informal science education (iSEE), and $1.5 million to Junior Achievement’s 3DE program. These grants expand arts, science, and career-focused programs that serve students.

Grants for student tools and scholarships

Effective July 1, 2026, the state awards $3.8 million one-time in FY2027 to YouScience for statewide Student Credential Account services. It also awards $1.4 million in FY2027 to Scrible for the Research, Writing, and Responsible AI Solution. The Division of Finance may transfer $49,600 in FY2027 to the Utah Fits All Scholarship Program Restricted Account to support future scholarships or administration.

Support for Deaf and Blind schools

The law adds funding for the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind (USDB) and for the School for the Blind Trust. It includes state and small federal funds for services and one-time deposits to the Blind Trust. The State Board must set data standards, use a centralized data system, and report progress by August 15, 2026. It must also study fee‑for‑service options and USDB WPU rules and report by August 15, 2027.

Teacher pipeline and student credentials funding

Starting July 1, 2026, the state provides $5 million one-time for Grow Your Own teacher and counselor programs. It also adds $3.8 million for the Student Credential Account and $3.3 million for contracts and grants, plus $300,000 for anti‑bullying work. These funds support educator pipelines, student credentials, and school programs.

More classroom and special education support

Effective May 6, 2026, the law provides $14.5 million in one-time federal funding for teaching and learning and $4.2 million for special education. It also adds $892,200 for the state instructional materials access center. Schools can expand classroom support and services for students with disabilities.

More funding for school tech and online

Starting July 1, 2026, the State Board gets more money for statewide technology contracts and services. It also adds early literacy software funding and increases the Statewide Online Education Program budget (including a one-time amount). Schools can pay for software licenses, data systems, and online course delivery with these funds.

More money for student support services

The law adds $57.6 million one-time for student support services. It takes effect for FY2026 and again for FY2027 in the State Board’s budget. It also provides small amounts for policy work and suicide prevention and trims $1 million from school turnaround. Students may see more counseling and support at school.

New CTE center and program funds

Starting July 1, 2026, the state puts $35 million one-time into a new CTE Catalyst Center. The law also adds one-time federal funds for career and technical education in FY2026. Students may see more hands-on programs and training options.

State Board operations and AI review

Beginning May 6, 2026, the State Board receives $18.3 million one-time for financial and administrative operations in FY2026. Starting July 1, 2026, it also gets $1.064 million and $1 million one-time to inventory school software, study AI in education, find cost savings, and report by October 15, 2028.

Cuts to staff bonuses and supplements

Effective May 6, 2026, the one-time bonus pool for school-based support professionals drops by $11,125,000. Beginning July 1, 2026, the Educator Salary Adjustment fund is reduced by $4,800,000 for FY2027. The Salary Supplement for Highly Needed Educators is also cut by $2,000,000 for FY2027. Eligible staff may see smaller or delayed bonuses or supplements in these areas.

Cuts at Schools for Deaf and Blind

Effective May 6, 2026, the state cuts $10,484,300 from USDB administration for FY2026. It also cuts $8,222,600 from USDB transportation and support services for FY2026. Families and staff may see reduced administrative capacity, bus services, or supports.

FY2027 cuts to buses, adult ed, arts

Beginning July 1, 2026 for FY2027, pupil transportation drops by $6,500,000 and Adult Education drops by $300,000. Statewide Charter School Training falls by $200,000, the Fine Arts Outreach Subsidy falls by $54,000, and Informal Science Education falls by $598,100. Educator Licensing support is cut by $1,496,300. The Minimum School Program also sees $31,252,400 in ongoing decreases and $19,768,900 in one-time decreases, partly offset by a $22,768,900 one-time infusion. Districts may reduce routes, classes, training, or outreach because of these shifts.

Programs end; small teacher aid remains

On July 1, 2026, the state ends three programs: the Digital Teaching and Learning Grant Program, the salary supplement for National Board–certified teachers, and the charter initial enrollment adjustment. Effective May 6, 2026, the State Board may use up to $50,000 from a prior appropriation to support the Utah National Board Certified Coalition for travel, recruitment, mentorship, and small stipends. Teachers and some charters lose ongoing supports, while a small one-time fund helps National Board efforts.

New rules for private course payments

The Private Course Choice program must pay providers 60% of the course fee at student enrollment and 40% at completion by the provider’s deadline. Payments must be made within 30 days and without transaction fees. The State Board must contract with program managers (up to three-year terms) and audit them yearly. The manager can use up to 8% of funds for admin when the appropriation is $10 million or less, or up to 5% when it is more.

COVID-19 emergency laws end in 2026

On July 1, 2026, the state repeals the COVID-19 Health and Economic Response Act. The laws and authorities in that chapter end on that date.

CTE center funded; add-on money cut

Beginning July 1, 2026, the state provides a one-time $35 million grant in FY2027 to create or fund a CTE Catalyst Center. At the same time, it reduces CTE add-on funding by $13,666,700 in FY2027, reflecting 2,806 fewer WPUs. Some CTE capacity grows through the new center, while add-on program support declines.

Shifts in core K-12 funding

Beginning July 1, 2026, the Minimum School Program changes for FY2027. Funding rises $24.8 million for students at risk and $2.3 million for small rural schools. Funding also increases $13.7 million for college and career counseling. At the same time, the law reduces the CTE add‑on funding by 2,806 WPUs.

Free books for K–3 at some schools

Beginning July 1, 2026, K–3 students at Title I schools or schools in Partnerships for Student Success can get personal, home-use printed or digital books, and devices if needed. The state offers language choices and a website with teacher and parent resources. It also funds training, coaching, and family engagement supports, including help for schools not in partnerships.

One-time bonuses for school support staff

Beginning May 6, 2026, the state sets aside $11.1 million one-time for bonuses to school-based education support professionals. Districts use this pool under the Minimum School Program. If you are school-based support staff, your district may award a one-time bonus.

One-time boost for school meals

Beginning July 1, 2026, the state provides $2.5 million one-time for child nutrition programs in FY2027. Schools can use the money for meals and food services. Families with school-age children may see more support in school meal programs.

Small boost for Utah Fits All

The law adds $49,600 one-time for the Utah Fits All Scholarship Program in FY2026 and again provides $49,600 in FY2027. The funding also supports program administration. Eligible students may see a small increase in program resources.

Rules for college and career counseling

Starting July 1, 2026, qualifying districts can receive WPUs for college and career counseling. The first 400 students get a base WPU, and more students up to 1,200 get per‑student WPUs. Districts must have a readiness plan, an approved student success framework, and meet counselor‑to‑student ratios.

Some peace officer listing rights end

On December 1, 2025, the law ends a protection tied to certain peace officers listed before May 7, 2025 on a prosecution agency’s Brady list. Those statutory rights in that subsection no longer apply.

Pilot education programs end in 2027–2029

Several pilot laws end on set dates: some on July 1, 2027, others on July 1, 2028, and more on July 1, 2029. If you or your school are in these pilots, services or supports may stop or change on those dates.

Small school course access ends

On July 1, 2027, the state ends the small-school course access rule. If your child attends a covered small school, guaranteed course options under that rule may go away.

School security task force and board end

On December 31, 2025, the School Security Task Force and its Education Advisory Board end. Their membership, duties, pay, and reporting requirements stop on that date.

Less money for statewide testing

Effective May 6, 2026, the state cuts $1,024,000 in one-time FY2026 funding for assessment and accountability. State testing and reporting have less money this year.

Changes to student health and meals

Starting July 1, 2026, schools can offer mental health screenings if parents give written consent. The state board approves tools, sets data and training rules, and sends funds to participating schools. Student Health and Counseling Support funding drops by $1.3 million for FY2027. School meal programs get a one-time $2.5 million boost for FY2027.

Online course options for private students

Beginning July 1, 2026, eligible private school students can take online courses from approved providers. A student is eligible if they attend a private school and their parent lives in Utah, or if they are an exchange student living in Utah and enrolled in a Utah private school. Students can take up to six credits per year; scholarship students are limited to four, and beginning July 1, 2027, scholarship students must use scholarship funds. Providers must meet strict approval rules (experience, no recent sanctions, verified instructors, privacy and safety), and courses must pass a quality review that bans credit recovery and packet-based courses. Religious content stays under provider control, and renewals consider an at least 80% completion rate and parent or student reviews. The program manager files annual performance reports and does audits and site visits.

Some state reporting rules end later

The state ends three reporting rules on set future dates. Airport dangerous-weapon reporting ends December 31, 2031. A Corrections report on sex offender risk assessments ends January 1, 2030. A packet-method education report ends July 1, 2028.

When these education changes start

Most parts of this law start July 1, 2026. Items tied to FY2026 appropriations in Section 13 take effect May 6, 2026. Some Section 13 items begin on the Governor’s approval or on a veto override, as stated.

Deaf and Blind schools funding changes

On July 1, 2026, the state changes FY2027 funding for the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind. It adds some state and federal money and reduces some transfers, shifting program amounts. The State Board must also study charging districts full cost for USDB outreach and review how special education funding follows students. Reports are due by August 15, 2027.

Education dollars moved between accounts

Beginning May 6, 2026, the state can move $49,600 into the Utah Fits All Scholarship account. Beginning July 1, 2026, the state shifts $42.8 million from the Uniform School Fund into the Public Education Economic Stabilization account for FY2027. These transfers change which state accounts hold education money. They do not change household taxes or payments directly.

New rules for high school CTE funding

Starting July 1, 2026, state CTE money funds approved programs in grades 9–12; work-based learning is still allowed below grade 9. The law sets specific WPU counts for districts, high schools, CTE centers, and summer agriculture programs. Remaining CTE money is split using last year’s student counts in approved programs, with a growth boost for districts or charters with rising 9–12 enrollment. LEAs may use general CTE funds for Technology-Life-Careers and student leadership.

Shifts in online and school tech funding

Starting July 1, 2026, the state moves FY2027 money among school technology contracts. It adds $1.9 million for tech management and $3.6 million for data work, but cuts $10.6 million from early literacy software. It adds $9.31 million one-time for other tech contracts. The statewide online education program keeps funding, but more comes from the stabilization account and less from the income tax fund.

Superintendent gets more transfer authority

Starting July 1, 2026, the state superintendent can move education money between certain line items. The superintendent must inform the state board within 60 days and report to two legislative committees. Transfers within a line item do not apply to the Minimum School Program or capital outlay programs.

Temporary budget moves for colleges

From July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2029, the Utah Board of Higher Education can move money from the high‑value careers line to college operating budgets, up to amounts the Legislature approves. This budget flexibility ends June 30, 2029.

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Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Heidi Balderree
Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

Stephen L. Whyte
Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 93 • No: 7

House vote • 3/4/2026

House/ passed 3rd reading

Yes: 70 • No: 1

Senate vote • 3/3/2026

Senate/ uncircled

Yes: 0 • No: 0