English Learner Amendments
HB 42 creates emergency funding for Utah school districts facing sudden increases in English learner enrollment. Schools qualify if English learner enrollment rises 75% above their three-year average or by 30+ students compared to that average. The state board will distribute funds from existing nonlapsing funds (capped at $500,000 annually) to cover teacher training, reducing class sizes for English learners, or hiring classroom aides - prohibiting administrative costs. Districts must demonstrate financial need and report annually on how funds improve student outcomes. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025.
Bill status
signed
all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2025
Committee Review
Feb 2025
House Passage
Mar 2025
Senate Passage
Mar 2025
Signed into Law
Mar 2025
Introduced Jan 21, 2025
Signed Mar 26, 2025
Maddy AI version diff · 2 comparisons
What changed between versions
Substitute #1
→
Enrolled
·
5 edits
·
Mar 26, 2025
MODERATE
The bill was finalized by adding a new section (53F-2-315) that establishes an emergency funding program for schools with a sudden spike in English learner enrollment. This new section defines specific eligibility thresholds (75% increase or 30+ new students), outlines how funds must be used for instructional support, and sets a strict $500,000 annual cap on the state's contribution. The effective date was also updated from February 27, 2025, to March 6, 2025, reflecting the finalization of the enrolled version.
Scope change
The bill's scope expanded by adding a new, standalone section for emergency funding that was previously only referenced in the amended section. This creates a distinct legal mechanism for distributing funds specifically for English learner surges.
FISCAL
Added a new section (53F-2-315) creating an emergency funding program for schools with significant increases in English learner enrollment.
Established a maximum funding cap of $500,000 per fiscal year that the state board can draw from existing at-risk funds for this emergency program.
ELIGIBILITY
Defined specific eligibility criteria requiring a 75% or greater increase in enrollment or an increase of at least 30 students compared to the previous three-year average.
REQUIREMENT
Added requirements for LEAs to submit applications demonstrating substantial need and insufficient existing funds, and restricted fund usage to instructional support, prohibiting administrative expenses.
TIMELINE
Updated the effective date of the bill from February 27, 2025, to March 6, 2025.
Floor votes
How they voted
This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
35
Key actions
7
Committee
5
Mar 26, 2025
Signed into law
Governor Signed
executive
Mar 5, 2025
Legislature · Passed
House/ signed by Speaker/ sent for enrolling
legislature
Mar 5, 2025
Lower · Passed
Senate/ signed by President/ returned to House
lower
Feb 13, 2025
Upper · Passed
Senate/ committee report favorable
upper
Feb 13, 2025
Upper · Passed
Senate Comm - Favorable Recommendation
upper
Feb 7, 2025
Committee
Senate/ to standing committee
upper
Feb 7, 2025
Introduced
Senate/ 1st reading (Introduced)
upper
Feb 6, 2025
Upper · Passed
House/ passed 3rd reading
upper
Jan 28, 2025
Lower · Passed
House Comm - Favorable Recommendation
lower
Jan 27, 2025
Committee
House/ to standing committee
lower
Jan 21, 2025
Introduced
House/ 1st reading (Introduced)
lower
1 primary · 1 co-sponsor
Sponsors
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