Bill > SB0081

This bill amends existing Utah law to clarify definitions and procedures related to dyslexia assessment and diagnosis, particularly within educational settings. It introduces new definitions for "diagnosis" of dyslexia, specifying that it requires a formal determination by a qualified professional based on a comprehensive evaluation, and explicitly excludes screening, recommendations for screening, or results from diagnostic assessments from this definition. The bill also defines "dyslexia assessment" to include diagnostic assessments for identification or psychoeducational evaluations for diagnosis, and "qualified professional" as someone with specialized training in identifying and evaluating reading disorders. Furthermore, it defines "qualifying dyslexia assessment" as one administered by a licensed professional within their scope of practice and competent by training, and "screening" as the use of evidence-based measures to identify students potentially at risk for dyslexia who may need further assessment. The bill also adds protections for educational professionals, stating they cannot be disciplined or retaliated against solely for recommending or referring a student for dyslexia screening, provided it's consistent with federal disability laws, and clarifies that such a recommendation does not constitute a diagnosis. Additionally, it makes minor technical amendments to definitions related to mental health therapy and the practice of psychology, including changing "mental or emotional condition" to "mental disorder" in certain contexts. The bill is set to take effect on May 6, 2026.

Education, Health and Social Services

https://le.utah.gov/~2026/bills/static/SB0081.html