UtahS.B. 812026 General SessionSenate

Dyslexia Testing Amendments

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Required reading help for struggling students

Beginning May 6, 2026, districts and charter schools must provide reading support for students in grades 1–6 whose assessments flag reading needs. A benchmark, supplemental reading, or qualifying dyslexia test must show missing reading skills, signs of dyslexia, or skills behind grade-level peers. Schools must provide diagnostic testing, focused individual help or tutoring, and progress checks. Parents must receive tips for helping at home and information about tutoring, before- or after-school help, and summer programs. Parents can submit dyslexia test results from a licensed professional qualified to give the test within their license’s scope. Core teaching materials must be evidence-informed; intervention and supplemental materials must be evidence-based. Reading software does not need to show a statistically significant effect size. The law adds no new funding and does not promise to pay for outside-school options.

Educators protected for dyslexia screening referrals

Beginning May 6, 2026, districts and charter schools cannot punish education professionals solely for recommending or referring students for dyslexia screening. This includes discipline, retaliation, or other harmful employment action. The referral must follow the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. A screening recommendation or referral is not a dyslexia diagnosis.

Therapists can evaluate and treat dyslexia

Beginning May 6, 2026, the law clarifies that Utah-licensed mental health therapists and psychologists can evaluate, diagnose, and treat dyslexia. It also covers other disorders listed in an approved diagnostic manual generally recognized by the relevant mental health professions. Each professional must stay within their license’s scope. This change does not create insurance coverage or a household payment.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Jen Plumb
Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

Ariel Defay
Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 162 • No: 1

Senate vote • 2/27/2026

Senate/ concurs with House amendment

Yes: 21 • No: 0

House vote • 2/26/2026

House/ passed 3rd reading

Yes: 63 • No: 1

House vote • 2/17/2026

House Comm - Favorable Recommendation

Yes: 11 • No: 0

House vote • 2/17/2026

House Comm - Substitute Recommendation

Yes: 11 • No: 0

Senate vote • 2/10/2026

Senate/ passed 3rd reading

Yes: 24 • No: 0

Senate vote • 2/9/2026

Senate/ passed 2nd reading

Yes: 26 • No: 0

Senate vote • 1/26/2026

Senate Comm - Favorable Recommendation

Yes: 3 • No: 0

Senate vote • 1/26/2026

Senate Comm - Substitute Recommendation