HB 234 Utah House · 2026 General Session

Education Testing Amendments

HB 234 creates a temporary "Alternative Statewide Testing Pilot Program" allowing Utah local school districts (LEAs) to use non-traditional testing methods instead of standard state assessments. The program requires the State Board of Education to select a testing provider through procurement, sets specific rules for participating districts, and mandates an annual report to the Education Interim Committee. The pilot is set to expire on July 1, 2027, and does not appropriate new state funds. This bill directly affects school districts opting into the pilot and the State Board of Education responsible for oversight.
Bill status failed 2 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Feb 2026
House Failed
Feb 2026
Governor
Introduced Jan 20, 2026 Last action Mar 7, 2026
Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Introduced Substitute #1 · 9 edits
MAJOR
This bill introduces a five-year pilot program allowing local education agencies to use alternative, computer-adaptive tests instead of the standard statewide assessments for math, reading, and science. It establishes strict eligibility caps based on enrollment percentages to limit participation, mandates that the State Board of Education procure a testing provider through a formal process, and requires annual reporting on the program's effectiveness. The bill also updates the sunset dates for various existing education committees and repeals specific sections related to the pilot program after its five-year term.
Scope change
The bill expands the scope of testing options by creating a new pilot program for alternative assessments, while simultaneously narrowing the scope of participation by imposing strict enrollment caps on eligible school districts and charter schools.
DEFINITION

Defined 'Alternative assessment' as a computer-adaptive, nationally norm-referenced test administered by an educational service organization.

PROGRAM

Created the Alternative Statewide Testing Pilot Program to allow LEAs to use alternative assessments for math, reading, and science instead of standard statewide tests.

ELIGIBILITY

Limited program participation to school districts with no more than 10% (rising to 20%) of students taking statewide assessments, and charter schools with no more than 35% (rising to 50%).

REQUIREMENT

Required the State Board of Education to select a testing provider through the Utah Procurement Code and ensure scores are converted to state proficiency levels.

Mandated that participating LEAs administer the alternative test at the beginning, middle, and end of the school year and issue individual student reports within 30 days.

Added a requirement for the State Board to report annually to the Education Interim Committee on the number of participating LEAs, student feedback, and program recommendations.

Authorized the State Board to make rules regarding the application process, reporting requirements, accommodations for disabilities, and compliance with federal assessment laws.

TIMELINE

Established a five-year sunset date for the pilot program, set to expire on July 1, 2031.

Updated repeal dates for various education-related committees and sections, including the Higher Education and Corrections Council and the Standards Review Committee.

Floor votes · House Feb 11, 2026

How they voted

3242
Failed · 1 other
Total votes 75
Feb 11, 2026
D Democratic14
14 Nay
100% Nay
R Republican61
32 Yea 28 Nay 1
52% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea All Nay Mixed No data
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
26
Key actions
2
Committee
3
Feb 11, 2026
Vote failed
House Vote: fail (32-42-1)
house
Feb 2, 2026
Lower · Passed
House/ committee report favorable [House Education Committee]
lower
Jan 30, 2026
Lower · Passed
House Comm - Favorable Recommendation [House Education Committee]
lower
Jan 29, 2026
Committee
House/ to standing committee [House Education Committee]
lower
Jan 20, 2026
Introduced
House/ 1st reading (Introduced)
lower
1 primary · 1 co-sponsor

Sponsors