All Roll Calls
Yes: 152 • No: 13
UtahS.B. 2412026 General SessionSenateWALLET
Early Literacy
Sponsored By: Ann Millner (Republican)
Signed by Governor
EducationK-12 EducationHigher EducationSchool PersonnelState Board of EducationLocal Education Agencies (LEAs)Standards and CurriculumStudent AssessmentUtah System of Higher Education
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
7 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
Statewide reading tests and parent reports
Starting July 1, 2026, the State Board approves one benchmark reading test for grades 1–6. Schools must give the benchmark to kindergarten through grade 3 at the start, middle, and end of each year and send results to parents. The Board contracts for a K–6 system and, if money is short, funds K–3 first. Before kindergarten, families may join an optional skills check; schools must give home-learning materials and explain individualized reading plans.
Funding for literacy coaches and aides
Starting July 1, 2026, and subject to funding, each RESA and each district not in a RESA gets at least $75,000. The State Board distributes the rest by student count. At least $15 million goes to paraprofessionals who support reading. The Board also sends at least $1 million to the State Charter School Board for coaching, training, and interventions.
Stronger statewide push on early reading
Beginning July 1, 2026, the state sets a goal that 80% of third graders read on grade level by July 1, 2030. The State Board directs districts and charters to use targeted literacy interventions to reach the goal. The Board also aligns state programs, tools, and incentives to support early reading.
Required help for struggling readers
Beginning July 1, 2026, when a reading test shows a child lacks skills, has dyslexia traits, or lags peers, the school provides focused, individualized help or tutoring. Schools track progress, use evidence-based materials, and tell parents about at‑home and outside supports. A student with dyslexia gets special education only if they meet federal eligibility rules.
More school funds to reading help
Beginning July 1, 2026, if a school is below the statewide third‑grade reading goal, at least 50% of its distribution must fund evidence‑based, science‑of‑reading strategies and reading interventions. The principal must write the school’s plan under the district framework and follow this 50% rule. Plans must also match any school turnaround plan.
Stronger teacher prep in reading science
Starting July 1, 2026, teacher prep programs must teach the science of reading and give free prep for the required literacy exam, covering up to three attempts. The two education boards name staff to coordinate programs and report improvements, and the State Board adopts rules. A six‑member expert panel advises the Board, builds training, and helps hire faculty. For FY2027, $150,000 supports the science‑of‑reading plan.
Science-of-reading standards and materials rules
Beginning July 1, 2026, the law defines key early‑reading terms like 'science of reading,' 'individualized reading plan,' and 'literacy team.' It clarifies that three‑cueing is not part of the science of reading. It also lets schools use reading software as classroom material even if the product has not shown a specific statistical effect size.
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Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Ann Millner
Republican • Senate
Cosponsors
Karen M. Peterson
Republican • House
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 3/4/2026
House/ floor amendment
Yes: 0 • No: 0
Senate vote • 3/4/2026
Senate/ concurs with House amendment
Yes: 24 • No: 1
House vote • 3/4/2026
House/ passed 3rd reading
Yes: 62 • No: 7
House vote • 2/27/2026
House Comm - Favorable Recommendation
Yes: 9 • No: 2
Senate vote • 2/24/2026
Senate/ passed 3rd reading
Yes: 24 • No: 1
Senate vote • 2/23/2026
Senate/ passed 2nd reading
Yes: 27 • No: 1
Senate vote • 2/23/2026
Senate/ substituted
Yes: 0 • No: 0
Senate vote • 2/23/2026
Senate/ uncircled
Yes: 0 • No: 0
Senate vote • 2/20/2026
Senate/ circled
Yes: 0 • No: 0
House vote • 2/6/2026
Senate Comm - Favorable Recommendation
Yes: 6 • No: 1
Actions Timeline
Governor Signed
3/18/2026Senate/ 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
3/5/2026SenateSenate/ received from House
3/5/2026SenateHouse/ to Senate
3/4/2026HouseHouse/ signed by Speaker/ returned to Senate
3/4/2026HouseHouse/ received from Senate
3/4/2026HouseSenate/ to House
3/4/2026SenateSenate/ concurs with House amendment
3/4/2026SenateSenate/ placed on Concurrence Calendar
3/4/2026SenateSenate/ received from House
3/4/2026SenateHouse/ to Senate
3/4/2026HouseHouse/ passed 3rd reading
3/4/2026HouseHouse/ floor amendment
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
2/27/2026
Bill Text
Enrolled
3/11/2026
Amended 3/5/2026 16:03:189
3/5/2026
Substitute #1
2/17/2026
Introduced
2/3/2026
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