House approves HB160 funding package, adds optional statewide data system; class-size funding proposal falls short

The Utah House of Representatives on Feb. 27 passed House Bill 160, the minimum school program budget amendments, approving the measure as amended and sending it to the Senate by a 72–2 vote.

Representative Last, sponsor of the bill, told colleagues the measure includes a notable increase in the weighted pupil unit (WPU) from 24.17 to 25.14 — a roughly 4% change — and additional education funding among other line items. ‘‘This is one of the big budget bills,’’ the sponsor said while urging members to support the negotiated package.

Why it matters: HB160 is a key vehicle for the session’s education funding. Lawmakers used the debate to balance priorities such as teacher pay, technology investments and efforts to address large class sizes. The House adopted a substitute amendment that permits the State Board of Education to use up to $3,000,000 from a one-time technology appropriation to procure, via RFP, an optional statewide student management/data system. The amendment makes participation optional for local districts.

Debate and amendments: Representative Moss offered an amendment to add $30,000,000 from the Transportation Fund (to be taken from a Transportation Bonding Authority appropriation not yet passed) into the minimum school fund to finance class-size reduction. Moss argued that after years of underfunding, the legislature should match transportation investments with a major step to shrink class sizes. Sponsor Last and others cautioned that diverting transportation bond funding — especially funds not yet approved — could create structural risks for either transportation projects or sustained class-size funding.

Representatives questioned the mechanics and longevity of using bond proceeds for ongoing class-size reductions; Representative Keiser raised concerns about diverting funds from urgent bridge projects on I‑80. After extended debate, Representative Bigelow’s substitute amendment — which added permissive language for a statewide data system and authorized up to $3,000,000 for initial procurement and licensing out of a one-time $50,000,000 technology appropriation — was adopted. Supporters said it would improve data transfer and long-term education planning without mandating district participation.

Outcome and next steps: With the Bigelow substitute adopted and no further successful changes to the bill, the House closed debate and approved HB160 as amended by a vote of 72–2. The bill will be referred to the Senate for consideration. The sponsor and several members noted additional study and potential refinements in the interim, particularly regarding class-size funding and long-term commitments.