Senate approves guidance for Jordan School District asset division, sends substitute to House

The Utah Senate voted to pass Second Substitute Senate Bill 71, a measure to provide timelines and procedures for transition teams dividing assets in the Jordan School District split.

Sponsor Senator Walker told the chamber the substitute lengthens deadlines for transition team appointment, requires a 30‑day overlap between asset division and election of new school boards, requires a written transition report explaining how assets were divided, clarifies arbitration panel appointment and qualifications, and provides a mechanism for the existing district to transfer funds to cover startup costs for a newly formed district.

Some senators raised concerns that the bill did not establish high‑level principles for asset distribution and that mediators might be left without adequate guidance. Senator Stevenson said, "I think none of us know the impacts that this may have...My belief is that this will go to an arbitrator, a mediator. And that mediator will have virtually no guidelines." Despite reservations, supporters argued both sides' transition teams had agreed to the substitute language and recommended passage.

Under suspension of the rules, the Senate read the bill for second and third time and called for a roll‑call vote. The clerk recorded the final result as the second substitute receiving 19 yes votes, 5 no votes, with 5 absent; the bill passed the Senate and was referred to the House for further action.