Sen. Lincoln Fillmore

Maddy summaryHB 508 requires Utah's State Board of Education to study how local school districts (LEAs) collect, store, and report student data. It creates a Data Systems and Reporting Advisory Committee with input from school superintendents, technology staff, charter schools, and vendors to examine data retention practices, student information system costs, and reporting requirements. The study will analyze current data collection methods, security measures, system expenses, and whether reporting obligations remain necessary, with findings due to the Education Interim Committee by September 2025. This bill does not change current policies but mandates a review to identify potential efficiencies or reforms.

Maddy summaryHB 246 enhances accountability and transparency in Utah's Statewide Online Education Program. It requires the State Board of Education to publish annual report cards for online course providers, including student test scores, completion rates, and satisfaction survey results. The bill mandates a centralized registration system for parents and students to enroll in courses and establishes standardized reporting on course quality, such as student completion timelines and teacher-to-student ratios. These changes directly affect parents, students, and online course providers by making program performance more visible and accessible, with no new state funding required.

Maddy summaryHB 545 prohibits Utah school districts from entering into agreements that delegate governance authority - such as decisions about curriculum, budgets, or operations - to private entities. The bill specifically bans contracts with private associations or non-government groups that would transfer such authority, with only a narrow exception for school community councils defined under existing law. This law, effective May 7, 2025, ensures school governance remains under local school boards rather than private organizations. It applies directly to all Utah public school districts and any private entities seeking to partner on governance.

Maddy summaryHB 268 modifies Utah's school funding rules for students attending nonresident districts, specifically exempting online schools from payment requirements. It directly affects school districts that enroll students from other districts in online programs, as resident districts will no longer be required to pay the usual per-student funding adjustments for these students. The bill amends Utah Code 53G-6-405 to explicitly exclude online schools from the payment formula (previously applied to nonresident enrollments) and makes technical adjustments to the existing rules. This change takes effect July 1, 2025, with no new state funding allocated.

Maddy summaryHB 324 amends Utah's special group license plate program to allow individuals to purchase two plates for an additional fee and introduces a new white classic plate design. It permits corporate-sponsored plates, major league sports team plates, and changes how revenue from historical support plates is allocated - splitting funds between sponsoring agencies and the Transportation Investment Fund. The bill also exempts vintage vehicles from voluntary contributions for historical plates and allows college athletic program fees from license plate sales to fund student-athlete name/image/likeness compensation. These changes affect license plate buyers, sponsoring organizations, and state agencies managing plate revenue, with $3.5 million appropriated for implementation.

Maddy summaryHB 235 requires candidates for county auditor in Utah's first-class counties (typically larger counties like Salt Lake) to hold specific professional certifications, such as CPA, CISA, or CIA, active in good standing. This applies to individuals filing for the office, elected officials, and interim replacements appointed during vacancies. The bill amends existing statutes to add these qualifications to the eligibility requirements under Section 17-16-1, while making minor technical updates to related codes. It does not create new funding or affect current auditors, only setting standards for future candidates. The policy change directly impacts candidates seeking county auditor roles in larger counties.

Maddy summarySB 29 allows Utah's State Board of Education to adjust funding for new or expanding charter schools that underestimated enrollment by more than 10% in their initial budget. The bill authorizes the state board to reallocate unencumbered funds from specific sources - starting with unspent start-up grants, then charter school levy guarantees, and finally general school funds - to cover the enrollment shortfall. It requires the state board to report all adjustments to the Legislative Fiscal Analyst and Governor's Office, and exempts these adjustments from standard budget rules. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025, and does not appropriate new funds.

Maddy summarySB 66 updates Utah law by changing the official terminology for certain school staff. It replaces the terms "classified school employee" and "classified employee" with "education support professional" across multiple state codes related to retirement systems and school personnel. This is a technical correction to align definitions, not a policy change affecting benefits or responsibilities. The bill directly impacts how school support staff are categorized in retirement system representation and administrative records. No new funding or requirements are added.

Maddy summarySB 327 redefines key terms for public sector labor organizations in Utah, clarifying that these groups must be independent of public employers and excluding organizations handling internal HR or legal functions. It explicitly states that private employees have the right to collectively bargain with their employers through labor unions or associations. The bill includes a coordination clause ensuring its definitions override a similar bill (H.B. 267) if both pass. These changes directly affect public employees, their labor organizations, and the process of collective bargaining in Utah. The bill makes no financial appropriations and takes effect upon the effective date of H.B. 267.

Maddy summarySB 102 requires Utah's Education Interim Committee to regularly review specific public education programs, including STEM initiatives, higher education reports, campus safety activities, and scholarship programs. The bill mandates that certain state education agencies and boards submit annual or periodic reports to this legislative committee, covering topics like workforce training, student outcomes, mental health screenings, and dual-language immersion programs. These reviews will occur every five years for designated programs starting in 2027, ensuring ongoing evaluation of key education efforts. The bill makes no new funding changes and focuses solely on streamlining reporting requirements for legislative oversight.