Education (Career & Technical Education)

HCR 13 is a concurrent resolution (not a law) encouraging Utah schools to expand technical education programs focused on high-demand careers in nuclear technology, mining, and fiber optics. It urges the State Board of Education and local schools to create courses leading to industry certifications (like electric lineworker training) and collaborate with employers to align curriculum with workforce needs. The resolution does not appropriate funding or mandate changes but recommends specific actions to strengthen Utah’s workforce pipeline in key industries. It directly affects public schools, career and technical education programs, and industry partners through voluntary program development. The resolution passed the legislature in March 2026 and is now sent to the State Board of Education for consideration.

SB 195 establishes a Statewide Youth Apprenticeship Governance Council to coordinate youth apprenticeship programs across Utah state agencies and education providers. It authorizes the state to participate in the federal Workforce Pell Grant program and allows the Department of Workforce Services to share wage data with the Utah Board of Higher Education. Key provisions include modifying definitions, enabling interstate agreements for education programs, classifying certain student data as protected, and creating mechanisms for approving industry-recognized credentials. The bill directly affects state agencies, educational institutions, and apprenticeship programs by improving coordination and data sharing for workforce development. No new funding is appropriated.

HB 189 requires Utah's Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee to adjust funding formulas for technical colleges to ensure they provide equal funding value for secondary and adult students and fully account for the colleges' statutorily required services. This change, effective May 6, 2026, directly affects how state funds are distributed to Utah's technical colleges. The bill does not appropriate new money but mandates specific adjustments to existing funding mechanisms to better align with institutional responsibilities and workforce needs. It amends Section 53H-1-402 of Utah Code to formalize these requirements in funding calculations.