Senate approves bill letting colleges authorize charter schools after debate

The Utah State Senate voted to pass Senate Bill 55 on Feb. 9, 2010, a measure that would allow institutions of higher education — in addition to the state charter school board and local districts — to authorize charter schools.

Sponsor Senator Adams moved to uncircle the bill and presented it to the chamber, saying the change recognizes the role colleges and universities can play in innovation. Opponents on the floor raised concerns about expanding authorization beyond the existing bodies. Senator Romero said he opposed the bill, arguing that higher-education institutions have not faced the same oversight challenges as local public-school systems and that adding another authorizing body could create inconsistencies and questions about unequal participation among institutions.

Supporters, including Senator Bedders and Senator Stevenson, said universities can serve as laboratories for educational innovation and pointed to successful university-sponsored partnerships in other states and Utah (one example given was a program on a university campus). Senator Robles said he supported SB55 in part because higher-education involvement has produced programs that can benefit students with autism.

The Senate recorded the final count as 28 yeas and 1 nay with no absences. The bill will be forwarded to the House for further consideration.

"I would stand in opposition to the bill," Senator Romero said during debate. "While it may enhance some innovation, it will undermine ultimately the congenial attitude of the institutions..." Supporters countered that the measure is a natural extension of existing practice and would foster competition and innovation.

The Senate’s action sends SB55 to the House, where final disposition will be determined under normal legislative procedures.