Bill > HB0344

This bill makes comprehensive amendments to Utah's school fees law, focusing on clarifying definitions and establishing new guidelines for charging fees in public schools. The bill introduces detailed definitions for terms like "common education expense," "course," "fee," and "non-fee course," and establishes specific rules about what fees local educational agencies (LEAs) can and cannot charge students. Starting in the 2025-2026 school year, secondary schools will be prohibited from charging fees for non-fee courses, textbooks, school equipment, and common education expenses. The bill allows LEAs to charge fees for specific activities like field trips, discretionary projects, and extracurricular activities, with restrictions designed to ensure fees are directly related to the specific activity's expenses. For elementary schools, the bill reinforces that schools cannot require fees for activities during the regular school day and can only provide voluntary supply lists. The bill also requires LEAs to annually adopt and publicize a detailed fee schedule with clear information about fees and waiver policies, and establishes potential penalties for LEAs that improperly charge fees, including repayment requirements and potential withholding of state funds. The legislation aims to make public education more accessible by limiting fees and providing more transparency about school-related expenses.

Education

https://le.utah.gov/~2025/bills/static/HB0344.html