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House approves plan and reporting requirements for Native American education grants
Summary
HB 75 asks the State Board of Education for a plan and reporting on an existing grant for schools in fourth–sixth class counties with at least 29% Native American or Alaska Native students; the bill passed the House after a friendly floor amendment referencing education code 53E-2-301.
SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah House on Jan. 29 approved House Bill 75, a measure that creates planning and reporting requirements around a grant supporting American Indian and Alaska Native education programs in the state’s most rural counties.
Representative Watkins, sponsor of the bill, told the House there is no fiscal note because the bill creates a plan around an existing grant. He said the bill targets schools in counties of fourth, fifth and sixth class that have at least 29% Native American or Alaska Native students and seeks clearer reporting to track how funds are used.
Representative Jason Thompson offered Amendment 2 to include a reference to the legislature’s education mission and vision code (53E-2-301) as a framing device; the sponsor treated the change as friendly and it was adopted. Lawmakers from rural districts, including Representative Monson, spoke in support, saying the program supports teacher and leader retention in remote areas. Representative Albrecht and others said the bill had been vetted through committee and liaison work.
The House adopted the amended bill on a voice vote; the clerk recorded passage at 72-0. The measure will be sent to the Senate for further consideration.
