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House approves aid for districts hit by high school fee waivers after debate, 53-18
Summary
The House passed HB46, 53-18, to provide state aid to school districts affected by secondary-school fee waivers, after amendments that changed distribution from a small set of high-impact districts to a prorated, statewide allocation and added verification language for applicants.
The Utah House passed House Bill 46, 53 to 18, to provide state allocations to school districts impacted by secondary-school fee waivers. Lawmakers debated whether to target a small number of highly affected districts or distribute funds prorated across all districts and ultimately adopted amendments to spread funds more broadly and clarify verification procedures.
Sponsor Representative Shurtleff explained that some schools have lost tens of thousands of dollars to fee waivers and said the bill aims to offer partial relief. "Highland High School lost $68,000 on fee waivers. Ogden High School lost $50,000," Shurtleff said while describing the local impact and the program’s intent to reimburse part of the cost per waived fee.
Floor amendments included language to use free-lunch data as a baseline for eligibility and an amendment that would prorate the available appropriation across all impacted districts rather than restricting aid to a limited list. Representatives supporting the prorated amendment said it treats all districts equitably; opponents warned it could dilute help for the most-impacted districts and questioned cost and budget implications.
The House also considered verification changes, including a provision allowing verification based on income tax returns where appropriate and language preserving alternatives such as installment payments or school-provided assistance. After deliberation the amended bill passed 53 yes to 18 no and will be forwarded to the Senate.
