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House backs funding to cut first‑grade class sizes, approves targeted $4.8M fiscal note
Summary
The House passed Senate Bill 141 to direct funds to reduce class sizes in first grade (and optionally other early primary grades), with sponsors saying targeted reductions will improve educational outcomes; recorded House vote was 65‑1.
Senate Bill 141, a public‑school class‑size appropriation sponsored in the Senate by Senator McMullen and presented in the House by Representative Bradford, directs funding toward reducing class sizes in first grade and allows districts without first‑grade need to use funds for other primary grades. "This bill specifically... directs the money to the first grade," Bradford said, framing it as a focused, cost‑effective step to improve early learning.
Members from both parties supported the measure as a pragmatic, evidence‑based intervention for early grades. Representative Birmingham cited research and urged action, noting Utah’s high average class size and the bill’s $4.8 million fiscal note: "It needs at least that form $4,800,000 fiscal note we need to pass it." Sponsors said the intent was to find the money outside a $3 million fiscal cap on other priorities, but that the Education Appropriations Act could fund it if outside funding is unavailable.
After extended floor discussion about priorities and funding, the House approved SB 141 as amended, recording 65 affirmative votes and 1 negative. The bill now moves forward as part of the budget and education funding discussions ahead of final appropriation.
