All Roll Calls
Yes: 129 • No: 4
UtahS.B. 2402026 General SessionSenateWALLET
Higher Education Institutional Governance
Sponsored By: Chris H. Wilson (Republican)
Signed by Governor
EducationHigher EducationTechnical CollegesUtah Board of Higher EducationGovernment Operations (State Issues)Attorney GeneralColleges and UniversitiesConstitutional OfficersGovernanceHigher Education StudentsUtah System of Higher Education
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
14 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 2 costs, 8 mixed.
Presidents can furlough or lay off staff
Beginning May 6, 2026, a college president may use furloughs, reductions in force, program cuts, or early retirement incentives to save money, after consulting the trustees. If you work for a public college, your pay or job may be affected by these actions.
Funding cuts for failed program reviews
Effective May 6, 2026, if the Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee finds by October 1, 2026 that the state board missed the required program review report, the Legislature cuts the listed appropriation by 10% the next fiscal year. The cut grows by 10% for each year of continued noncompliance, up to 30% total. This ties funding to meeting program review reporting rules.
College tuition set locally and 120-credit cap
Beginning May 6, 2026, college presidents set tuition and fees, with approval by the Utah Board of Higher Education. The Board also recommends minimum resident and nonresident tuition and may fix tuition and fees to meet budgets, within legal limits. Degrees are capped at 120 credit hours unless licensure or accreditation requires more. These rules can change what students pay and how long it takes to finish a degree.
Tighter program reviews and new 3-year degrees
Beginning May 6, 2026, faculty have primary responsibility for course curriculum under state‑approved procedures. The Board sets rules for approving new programs, checking workforce need, collaboration, and mission fit. The Board reviews new programs within two years and all programs at least every five years, plus annual discipline reviews, and coordinates CTE changes with the K–12 board to cut overlap. The Board must keep a program list, share review schedules, and report findings by October 1 each year. Presidents may close programs if local criteria are met, and the Board can modify, merge, or end programs that underperform. The Board will also create a process to conditionally approve accelerated three‑year degrees once accredited.
Transcript fees waived for some young students
Beginning May 6, 2026, colleges must waive transcript fees for students under age 26 who are homeless or who are in, or formerly in, state child‑welfare custody. This helps eligible students get records for school, jobs, or transfers at no cost.
Colleges must run internal audits
Beginning May 6, 2026, Utah Tech University, the University of Utah, Utah State University, Salt Lake Community College, Southern Utah University, Utah Valley University, Weber State University, and Snow College must run internal audit programs under the state board. Boards of trustees must serve as, or create, the audit committee. The state board may require other higher‑ed entities to add audits. For colleges, the audit committee is the trustees or a trustee subcommittee. Trustees must oversee internal audits at their schools.
Stronger coordination for technical colleges
Beginning May 6, 2026, technical college boards must consult the state board, nearby colleges, and local school districts when planning. Boards are restructured to add K–12 and higher‑ed voices and governor appointees (for example, seven at Tooele, eight at Bridgerland, and nine at Mountainland). Governor appointees must represent business, industry, or labor. Technical colleges may form agreements with schools, businesses, and community groups. Before asking for money to build or buy land, colleges must make full use of existing facilities, coordinate with degree partners, and get a state finding that they did. Colleges must also review existing public/admin systems before buying new ones.
Trustees gain stronger say on presidents and budgets
Beginning May 6, 2026, trustees must create and monitor a strategic plan with local input and align to state goals. Trustees set president performance goals, do annual reviews, and consult the state board. Trustees approve annual budgets, fund balances, fundraising plans, and budget policies, including benefits, endowment investments, and spending‑notice thresholds. Trustees review and approve awards, credentials, minors, and program changes, and may use faster approval or termination steps. The state board must provide independent staff and advising support to trustees.
Attorney general controls agency legal hires
Beginning May 6, 2026, state agencies cannot hire legal counsel unless the law allows it; the attorney general hires agency counsel. Separate agency counsel cannot serve as assistant or special assistant attorneys general without the attorney general’s approval. If the attorney general lets an agency hire outside counsel, the agency must pay those costs.
Attorney General controls campus legal work
Beginning May 6, 2026, the state board sets rules for campus attorneys and lines of accountability. Campus attorneys cannot conduct litigation, settle State Risk Fund claims, or issue formal legal opinions, and must work with the Attorney General. A college president cannot hire outside litigators without the Attorney General’s written consent.
Clarifies who appoints in higher education
Beginning May 6, 2026, the law clarifies that the Utah Board of Higher Education is the appointing authority for higher education entities. It also defines “higher education entity” to include the state board, institution boards of trustees, and each institution.
New process for college budgets and tuition
Beginning May 6, 2026, the Utah Board of Higher Education runs a single, detailed budget request for all colleges. The request must show pay data, required operating costs, performance funds, scholarships and financial aid, technology needs, and enrollment plans. It must also separate academic education from technical education. Colleges must submit budgets to the Board at least 90 days before the Legislature meets, and the Board must seek hearings with the governor and lawmakers. Each local board approves a tuition and fee recommendation each year for the state board to decide. The Utah Board becomes the legal successor to prior higher‑ed boards.
New rules for tech college boards and buildings
Beginning May 6, 2026, a technical college cannot build or approve a career and technical education building without the Legislature’s approval. The Governor may remove certain board members for cause after consulting the Senate President. Governor‑appointed board members must follow state conflict‑of‑interest rules. In regions with more than four school districts, boards must rotate local school board seats in their bylaws for members appointed on or after May 6, 2026.
Presidents gain control of budgets and staff
Beginning May 6, 2026, presidents control the institution’s overall budget and unit budgets with input from trustees. Presidents can hire and remove officers, deans, faculty, and staff, set tenure systems, and reorganize or close colleges and departments. Faculty control is limited to academic rules like admission, degrees, and curriculum unless more authority is granted. Presidents may appoint attorneys to advise the school, and the institution must pay those attorney and office costs from existing budgets. Trustees and the state board review presidents every year, and only the state board can take formal action.
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Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Chris H. Wilson
Republican • Senate
Cosponsors
Casey Snider
Republican • House
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 3/4/2026
House/ passed 3rd reading
Yes: 68 • No: 0
House vote • 2/27/2026
House Comm - Favorable Recommendation
Yes: 8 • No: 0
Senate vote • 2/24/2026
Senate/ passed 3rd reading
Yes: 21 • No: 2
Senate vote • 2/23/2026
Senate/ passed 2nd reading
Yes: 25 • No: 1
Senate vote • 2/23/2026
Senate/ uncircled
Yes: 0 • No: 0
Senate vote • 2/23/2026
Senate/ floor amendment
Yes: 0 • No: 0
Senate vote • 2/20/2026
Senate/ circled
Yes: 0 • No: 0
House vote • 2/6/2026
Senate Comm - Substitute Recommendation
Yes: 3 • No: 0
House vote • 2/6/2026
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
3/4/2026SenateSenate/ received from House
3/4/2026SenateHouse/ to Senate
3/4/2026HouseHouse/ signed by Speaker/ returned to Senate
3/4/2026HouseHouse/ passed 3rd reading
3/4/2026HouseHouse/ 3rd reading
3/4/2026HouseHouse/ 2nd reading
3/3/2026HouseHouse/ Rules to 3rd Reading Calendar
3/3/2026HouseHouse/ return to Rules due to fiscal impact
3/2/2026HouseHouse/ committee report favorable
3/2/2026HouseHouse Comm - Favorable Recommendation
2/27/2026House/ to standing committee
2/25/2026HouseHouse/ 1st reading (Introduced)
2/24/2026HouseHouse/ received from Senate
2/24/2026HouseSenate/ to House
2/24/2026SenateSenate/ passed 3rd reading
2/24/2026SenateSenate/ 3rd reading
2/24/2026SenateSenate/ passed 2nd reading
2/23/2026Senate
Bill Text
Enrolled
3/11/2026
Amended 2/23/2026 12:02:574
2/23/2026
Substitute #1
2/6/2026
Introduced
2/3/2026
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