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House unanimously approves Special Education amendments to align Utah code with federal law
Summary
The House passed HB146 to update Utah code in three sections to conform with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 1997, clarifying 'regular diploma' language, dispute‑resolution steps and extracurricular eligibility for students with disabilities; final House vote was 68–0.
The Utah House of Representatives unanimously approved House Bill 146 on third reading to update state statutes governing special education so they align with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 1997.
Sponsor Representative Coriam Holdaway told the chamber the bill amends three sections of the Utah Code to add definitions (including the term "regular diploma"), adjust who may provide services to students with disabilities and streamline the dispute resolution process by removing one appeals step. "This legislation is supported by the State Office of Education," Holdaway said, adding the changes bring state law into federal compliance.
Members asked detailed procedural questions. Representative Holdren asked for clarification of the "regular diploma" definition and whether the changes would obligate public education to serve students enrolled in private schools; Holdaway stated the bill would not require services for private‑school students. Several members—Representative Beck and Representative Boehmier among them—commended the sponsor for clarifying statutory language and expressed support on the floor.
The House voted 68–0 to pass HB146 and referred the measure to the Senate for further action.
What happens next: The bill will be transmitted to the Utah Senate; the unanimous House vote indicates broad legislative support though the Senate may amend technical language during further consideration.
