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House passes Carson Smith special‑needs scholarship after extended debate
Summary
The Utah House passed third substitute HB 115, the Carson Smith special‑needs scholarship, 43‑29 after extensive floor debate over access, federal IDEA implications, funding and program safeguards; sponsors and opponents proposed multiple amendments and one legislative audit was added.
The Utah House of Representatives on March 11 passed third substitute House Bill 115, known as the Carson Smith special‑needs scholarship, by a vote of 43 yes to 29 no, sending the measure to the Senate for further consideration.
The bill, as substituted and amended on the floor, creates a limited scholarship program intended to help families of students with significant special needs access private or alternative programs. Sponsor Representative Phil Pott said the program will supplement — not replace — existing services and estimated the scholarship would be a maximum of $5,000 per student while freeing some federal funds for districts. "This will be a significant, significant change in the way we help these children," Pott said in floor remarks urging passage.
Supporters told lawmakers the substitute…
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