Committee backs SB 54 to refocus Carson Smith scholarship on disability severity
Loading...
Summary
A Senate committee unanimously recommended SB 54 to restore scholarship amounts based on disability severity, remove sibling eligibility, and align the Carson Smith Opportunity Scholarship with aspects of Utah Fits All; presenters cited program growth and donor uptake.
Senator Fillmore moved and the committee unanimously recommended Senate Bill 54, which would restore scholarship award amounts based on the severity of a student’s disability and remove eligibility for siblings, returning the Carson Smith Opportunity Scholarship to an explicitly disability‑focused program.
Ronnie Daniel, executive director of the Children First Education Fund (CFEF), which administers the Carson Smith program for the State Board of Education, told the committee the program has grown rapidly. He said recipients rose from 357 in 2023 to 775 in 2024 and to 1,401 in the current year; CFEF has awarded more than $13 million in scholarships and reported having about 230 students on a waiting list. Daniel said the program reached a tax‑credit cap that triggered a statutory increase for 2026 and that state law requires at least 92% of program revenue be used for scholarships, with limits on administrative and marketing expenses.
The bill would end a provision allowing siblings of scholarship recipients to receive a partial award, directing such families to Utah Fits All where appropriate. Senator Reebie asked whether the changes hinge on the outcome of litigation involving Utah Fits All; presenters responded the Carson Smith amendments would not put students at risk regardless of the Utah Fits All ruling.
Two parents testified in favor. Emily (speaking on behalf of Cheryl Smith, Carson’s mother) said, “This scholarship was always intended to be based on disability, not income,” and urged the committee to pass the bill without substitution. Jennifer Stout, a parent and early childhood education researcher, thanked lawmakers but asked the committee to consider equalizing support for children under age 5, noting early intervention is critical and that younger children currently receive a smaller percentage of scholarship funding.
After public comment, Senator Fillmore moved that the committee favorably recommend SB 54; the chair called the motion unanimous and the bill was sent to the full Senate with a favorable recommendation.
The committee did not record an amendment to SB 54 on the floor; next steps are committee referral to the Senate calendar and floor consideration.
