Senate approves $5 million partnership grants for at‑risk students, privacy objections voiced

SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Senate on day 10 passed Senate Bill 67, a measure to create competitive grants for school‑community partnerships intended to help at‑risk students, approving the bill by a recorded vote of 21 to 8.

Sponsor Senator Milner told colleagues the bill would establish a grant program with third‑party evaluation and build on pilot projects that showed measurable improvements in graduation rates. "It appropriates $5,000,000 for these grant programs," Milner said, describing feeder‑system approaches used in pilot districts.

Opponents on the floor raised concerns about student data and privacy. Senator Jackson urged stronger statutory language, arguing the bill is "weak in that regards" and that any data collection should "comply with HIPAA privacy, not FERPA," and that the bill should prohibit obtaining parental waivers of privacy rights. Milner responded that the bill requires compliance "with all federal and state requirements" and emphasized the program's focus on academic outcomes.

Supporters cited local results from pilot programs, including lower absenteeism and improved test scores at participating schools, and said the grants require a 2‑to‑1 local match to encourage community investment. Sponsors also said the program would coordinate with existing school leadership and turnaround initiatives and require a third‑party evaluation.

The Senate debate included budgetary concerns. One senator noted the $5 million appropriation could divert funds from weighted pupil units (WPUs), calling the tradeoff a concern while still voting to keep the proposal alive. After floor statements and roll call, the clerk announced passage; the bill will be transmitted to the House for consideration.

Next steps: The bill, as passed by the Senate, goes to the House where further action or amendment is possible.