Bill > SB0119

This bill establishes provisions for the development and implementation of "open educational resources" (OER), which are teaching, learning, and research materials that are publicly available or licensed for free use, adaptation, and distribution. The State Board of Education is tasked with contracting to create comprehensive OER for elementary grades (kindergarten through 8th grade) that align with Utah core standards, reflect Utah values, are accessible to students with disabilities, and are free from bias and inappropriate content. These resources will include instructional materials for all core subjects, teacher resources like lesson plans and assessments, student materials, and implementation guides for school districts, known as LEAs (Local Education Agencies). The State will own the intellectual property rights to these OER and make them available through a centralized digital platform under an open license, allowing LEAs to use, adapt, and distribute them without charge. While the State Board will establish quality standards and review processes, including input from LEAs, parents, and teachers, LEAs are not required to adopt these OER, but if they choose to, they must follow their existing curriculum approval processes. The bill also mandates ongoing review and updates to maintain alignment with educational standards and best practices, and the State Board will report on progress and expenditures to the Education Interim Committee. This bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Education

https://le.utah.gov/~2026/bills/static/SB0119.html