USBE committee asks staff to map Title IX gaps with Utah law and refers cost audit to audit committee

The Licensure and Preparation Committee recommended that USBE staff identify where state law may be out of compliance with the U.S. Department of Education’s new Title IX regulations, asked the Legislature to consider application of SB 57 to the federal regulations, and referred a request that the audit committee consider prioritizing an audit of USBE’s direct and indirect compliance costs. The committee approved the combined recommendation 4–1; Member Lear recorded the dissenting vote.

The item followed several substitute proposals and extended discussion about scope, timing and who should bear the compliance burden. Vice Chair Carey had proposed a broader audit of “total direct and indirect costs incurred by USBE in order to comply with all federal laws, presidential executive orders, and all federal regulations” for 2022–2024; Member Wood proposed focusing audit work on Title IX rules and mapping discrepancies with Utah law. The…