House approves mission-based higher education funding bill with amendment

The Utah House on March 11 adopted Amendment No. 9 to Senate Bill 97 and then passed the bill, changing parts of the state's higher-education funding model.

Representative Paul Ipsen, the House sponsor, told colleagues the bill moves funding toward a mission-based system that evaluates universities and research institutions according to their roles and outcomes, rather than relying solely on historic growth. He said the change "establishes Southern Utah University as a liberal arts university" and limits the growth component for doctoral and research institutions while preserving growth-based funding for community colleges and technical colleges.

Ipsen moved Amendment No. 9 to add language describing "unfunded historic growth" for higher education. The House voted in favor of the amendment and then passed the amended bill. Representative Ipsen said the measure "has the complete support of all of the units, all of the campuses of higher education, the regents and the commissioner's office."

Representative Hemingway asked whether the new formula would place a premium on one kind of education over another; Ipsen replied, "No, that's not the intention," and said tuition would remain institution-specific and any surcharges would reflect differing program costs, such as laboratory fees. Representative Mark Wheatley voiced strong support, calling the change "more strategic" and better aligned to state goals.

The House clerk recorded the final vote as 60 yes and 11 no. The bill will be returned to the Senate for further consideration and final action.