All Roll Calls
Yes: 71 • No: 39
UtahH.B. 2192026 General SessionHouse
Higher Education Civics Amendments
Sponsored By: Melissa G. Ballard (Republican)
Signed by Governor
EducationHigher EducationUtah Board of Higher EducationColleges and UniversitiesCompetency in EducationHigher Education Students
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Utah college writing courses add historic documents
The law takes effect May 6, 2026, with course policies starting in the 2026-27 academic year. Utah’s higher education board must require important historical documents in general education writing courses that count toward written communication requirements. Documents are required only when the school and instructor find they fit and advance course goals. Examples include the Constitution, Declaration of Independence, presidential speeches, and major Supreme Court opinions. The policy encourages writing that builds close reading, source comparison, and evidence-based arguments. Schools and teachers keep control over document choices and assignment design, length, format, and number. Courses must keep varied writing forms, such as creative, research, technical, and digital writing. Schools can choose a structured option requiring at least three analytical writing assignments using these documents as original sources. That option includes specified learning goals and encourages further assignments and discussion; the board must accept it as meeting the policy. The law provides no new funding or direct household payment.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Melissa G. Ballard
Republican • House
Cosponsors
Lincoln Fillmore
Republican • Senate
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 3/6/2026
Senate/ passed 2nd & 3rd readings/ suspension
Yes: 17 • No: 3
Senate vote • 3/2/2026
Senate Comm - Favorable Recommendation
Yes: 4 • No: 2
House vote • 2/23/2026
House/ uncircled
Yes: 0 • No: 0
House vote • 2/23/2026
House/ passed 3rd reading
Yes: 38 • No: 31
House vote • 2/20/2026
House/ circled
Yes: 0 • No: 0
House vote • 2/12/2026
House Comm - Favorable Recommendation
Yes: 12 • No: 3
Actions Timeline
Governor Signed
3/19/2026House/ to Governor
3/12/2026HouseHouse/ received enrolled bill from Printing
3/12/2026HouseHouse/ enrolled bill to Printing
3/11/2026HouseEnrolled Bill Returned to House or Senate
3/11/2026Draft of Enrolled Bill Prepared
3/6/2026Bill Received from House for Enrolling
3/6/2026House/ signed by Speaker/ sent for enrolling
3/6/2026HouseHouse/ received from Senate
3/6/2026HouseSenate/ to House
3/6/2026SenateSenate/ signed by President/ returned to House
3/6/2026SenateSenate/ passed 2nd & 3rd readings/ suspension
3/6/2026SenateSenate/ 2nd & 3rd readings/ suspension
3/6/2026SenateSenate/ Rules to 2nd Reading Calendar
3/5/2026SenateSenate/ 2nd Reading Calendar to Rules
3/4/2026SenateSenate/ placed on 2nd Reading Calendar
3/3/2026SenateSenate/ committee report favorable
3/3/2026SenateSenate Comm - Favorable Recommendation
3/2/2026Senate/ to standing committee
2/25/2026SenateSenate/ 1st reading (Introduced)
2/24/2026SenateSenate/ received from House
2/23/2026SenateHouse/ to Senate
2/23/2026HouseHouse/ passed 3rd reading
2/23/2026HouseHouse/ uncircled
2/23/2026HouseHouse/ circled
2/20/2026House
Bill Text
Enrolled
3/11/2026
Substitute #1
1/28/2026
Introduced
1/9/2026