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House circles bill proposing $400,000 to help districts cover student fee waivers
Summary
Lawmakers circled (postponed) House Bill 46 after debate over an appropriation that would return up to $40 per fee waiver to heavily impacted districts; Representative Schurler said eight districts exceed 30% fee-waiver rates and the bill would allocate $400,000 annually.
The Utah House moved to circle House Bill 46, an appropriation to assist school districts heavily affected by student fee waivers, after extended floor discussion on equity, verification and fiscal trade-offs.
Sponsor Representative Schurler framed the bill around district need, saying eight districts have 30% or more of students on fee waivers and proposing up to $40 reimbursed per waiver with an annual allocation of $400,000. "In my bill, we have 8 districts that have 30% or more of the students on fee waivers... I have asked that we give these districts up to $40 back for each fee waiver," the sponsor said.
Several members raised concerns about fiscal priorities. Representative Ron Bigelow cautioned, "Will we want to spend $400,000 on fees when we are going to struggle even to give an increase to the WPU," noting budget trade-offs. Representative Harper offered a committee amendment to require verification of income (primary verification by prior-year tax return or other specified documentation); the sponsor accepted the amendment as friendly.
Supporters described the measure as a modest, targeted aid to districts that otherwise shift costs to other funds or cut programs. Opponents urged more time to consider broader code sections dealing with waiver processes and potential impacts on federal free-and-reduced-lunch calculations. After debate, the House circled the bill for further floor consideration and committee follow-up.
