Bill > HB0537

This bill proposes amendments to the governance and structure of the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind (USDB), fundamentally changing its legal status from a public corporation to a subdivision of the state board of education. The bill clarifies that USDB is a single public school agency responsible for serving students who are deaf, blind, or deafblind statewide, and can serve other students under specific state board rules. It gives the state board direct governing authority over USDB, including establishing committees and policies, appointing a superintendent, and overseeing financial operations. The bill requires the superintendent to appoint associate superintendents for the deaf and blind schools based on their expertise in educating students with these specific disabilities. When USDB becomes a student's designated local education agency (LEA), it must ensure all federally mandated educational rights and protections for students with disabilities remain in place. The bill maintains USDB's ability to sue, contract, acquire property, and establish a foundation, while also requiring the state board to submit annual reports on USDB's financial status, programs, and student academic performance. The changes will take effect on July 1, 2025.

Education

https://le.utah.gov/~2025/bills/static/HB0537.html