Controversial Utah coupon law passes final vote
Despite opposition from teachers, HB215 has passed the Senate and is moving alongside the governor for a signature.
(Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune) People give a thumbs up as they endorse one of the speakers during the Senate Education Committee’s public comment period on HB215 on Monday, January 23, 2023. The bill, which will set up a coupon system in the state, passed a final vote across the Utah Senate on Thursday, January 26, 2023.
Just eight days into the federal legislature, Utah lawmakers finally approved a $42 million bill that will create the largest school voucher program in state history.
The controversial proposal moved forward with amazing speed, despite outcry and opposition from teachers and nearly every educational organization in Utah.
With the final OK of the entire Senate on Thursday by a vote of 20 to 8, HB215 goes to sign alongside Gov. Spencer Cox. He has already signaled that he will support the measure, despite opposing a similar bill last year with caveats that have not been fully reflected in the version now passed.
The bill provides for a taxpayer-funded program to give students “scholarships” to attend private school or home school.
The Salt Lake Tribune will update this developing story.
https://www.sltrib.com/news/education/2023/01/26/controversial-utah-voucher-bill/ Controversial Utah coupon law passes final vote
