Committee advances Utah Schools for the Deaf and Blind amendments after audit-driven review
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Summary
Lawmakers advanced a substitute bill clarifying USDB mission, governance, facilities and reporting after testimony from state education leaders, parents and the State Board; supporters said the changes respond to audit recommendations and seek long-term stability for services.
The Public Education Committee voted unanimously to advance a first substitute of HB 448, legislation aimed at clarifying the mission, governance, facilities and reporting responsibilities of the Utah Schools for the Deaf and Blind (USDB).
Representative White introduced the bill as a response to recent legislative and agency audits. "This legislation reconfirms our commitment to serving deaf and blind students closer to home on multiple smaller campuses," said Leanne Wood, chair of the USDB standing committee, summarizing a broad stakeholder work group and the 2023 USDB statewide master plan recommendations. State Superintendent Molly Hart said agency staff had worked to address audit findings and to strengthen USDB capacity.
Parents and State Board members testified in support. Alisa Ensign, a lead parent advocate, said the bill should provide long-term stability after years of funding uncertainty and multiple audits. Matt Jemas, chair of the State Board of Education, also expressed support for the collaborative fixes.
Committee members noted prior audits and asked about stakeholder representation on the work group; witnesses said about 19 members participated, including superintendents and special-education directors. Senator Baldry moved to send the first substitute HB 448 with a favorable recommendation; the motion passed by voice vote and the chair ruled it unanimous. The bill will proceed to the next legislative stage for further consideration.