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Senate advances bill to include kindergarten in school-attendance law after debate over costs and waivers
Summary
Senators amended and advanced SB 150 to place kindergarten in statute (with a one-year parental/teacher waiver), citing access to class-size and federal funds; discussion focused on a contested fiscal note and whether the change simply codifies existing practice.
Senator Scott Howell led the Senate in moving amendments to Senate Bill 150, a measure that would place kindergarten into state statute and thereby make it part of the K‑12 attendance framework. Howell argued the change would let kindergarten qualify for the same state and federal funding streams as higher grades and guard the program against being cut when budgets tighten. "In order to fund kindergarten properly, it has to become part of statute," Howell said, adding that "approximately 97 percent" of Utah children already attend kindergarten.
Senators adopted an amendment inserting a one‑year waiver on page 1, giving school districts authority to grant a parental, guardian or teacher‑recommended deferral for five‑year‑olds. Howell and supporters said the waiver preserves parental discretion while ensuring the program appears in statute to qualify for class‑size reduction and ETI funding. "Making it mandatory protects the vital program," Howell said.
Opponents pressed the fiscal uncertainties. Multiple senators, including Senator McAllister, cautioned that the body should not advance a bill without a revised fiscal note; McAllister said he did not intend to support passage on second reading without the updated estimate. Senators discussed earlier fiscal estimates that ranged from negligible net cost (because of the high existing participation rate) to figures that had been reported as approximately $700,000–$800,000 depending on assumptions about added enrollments. Howell said he expected a revised fiscal note would be available before further action.
Other senators endorsed the policy as aligning Utah with national trends and the state’s own education goals. Senator Steele argued the legislation would remove kindergarten as a bargaining chip in local budget negotiations, making it less vulnerable to cuts. After debate and amendment adoption, the presiding officer placed SB 150 on the third‑reading calendar for later final action.
The Senate record shows the bill was advanced with amendments and placed on the third‑reading calendar; senators requested a definitive fiscal note to accompany further consideration.
