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House approves bill allowing higher-education institutions to review charter-school applications
Summary
The House passed Senate Bill 55, permitting state institutions of higher education to act as review bodies for charter-school applications subject to State Board of Education approval. Supporters called it permissive and pro‑innovation; opponents warned it could duplicate or circumvent existing review processes.
The Utah House on the floor approved Senate Bill 55 on a 46–27 vote, allowing institutions of higher education to serve as review bodies for charter-school applications, with final approval still subject to the State Board of Education.
Sponsor Representative Hughes said the bill is permissive and intended to add expertise to the charter-approval process without undermining existing entities. "This language is permissive. It does not require them to participate," Hughes said, adding that the State Charter School Board and the State Board of Education retain their oversight roles.
An amendment offered under Hughes’ name (Amendment 5) won broad support and was adopted; it requires consultation with the State Charter School Board and formalizes that those recommendations be considered during final decisions. Representative Dean moved the amendment and yielded to the sponsor during floor debate.
Opponents raised budgetary and governance concerns. Representative Bigelow said he was "a little concerned" the measure could create a new approval path that duplicates existing structures and questioned whether institutions would absorb associated costs. Representative Wallace supported the bill, saying it could help identify and assist students earlier and commended the inclusion of technical colleges.
Supporters argued the change would foster innovation and broaden pathways for students into higher education and technical programs. "I think this is an opportunity for colleges, technical colleges, universities to bridge that gap," Representative Noel said.
The bill’s primary change is procedural: it allows institutions of higher learning to act as an originating review body for charter applications; the State Board of Education still must approve or deny an application by majority vote within 60 days of receipt, preserving a final statewide check. With the adopted amendment and sponsor assurances that participation is voluntary, proponents said the change supplements—not supplants—current review mechanisms.
SB55 now returns to the Senate for consideration of the House amendments.
