Bill > HB0463

This bill reorganizes and clarifies how special education programs are funded and administered in Utah, introducing new definitions for terms like "services eligible for the self-contained WPU" (Weighted Pupil Unit, a funding calculation based on student needs) and "specialized instruction," which refers to specially designed teaching and support services for students with disabilities. It also modifies existing provisions to allow for stipends for special educators who work additional days beyond their contract to support the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process, which is a legal document outlining a student's special education needs and services. The bill establishes new programs for "Special Education Self-Contained Program" and "Special Education Self-Contained Support Add-on Program" to provide additional funding and resources for students with significant disabilities, and a "Special Education Preschool Program" to ensure free appropriate public education for eligible preschool-aged children with disabilities, with specific enrollment and funding growth limits. Additionally, it creates an "Extended School Year for Students With Disabilities Program" to fund special education and related services provided beyond the regular school year, and an "Special education program implementation impact aid" to support students in state care and administrative functions for local education agencies (LEAs). The bill also repeals an existing section related to various special education appropriations and sets an effective date of July 1, 2026.

Education

https://le.utah.gov/~2026/bills/static/HB0463.html