HB 393

Enrolled Copy  H.B. 393
1Early Intervention for Dyslexia Amendments
                                      2026 GENERAL SESSION
                                            STATE OF UTAH
                                      Chief Sponsor: Ariel Defay
                                      Senate Sponsor: Ann Millner
2
3  LONG TITLE
4  General Description:
5      This bill creates the Dyslexia Screening Pilot Program.
6  Highlighted Provisions:
7      This bill:
8      ▸ defines terms;
9      ▸ creates the Dyslexia Screening Pilot Program to:
10●   provide dyslexia related resources to district and charter schools; and
11●   create a dyslexia screener at the University of Utah College of Education and the
12  University of Utah Education Policy Center;
13      ▸ creates reporting requirements to the Education Interim Committee;
14      ▸ requires the University of Utah Education Policy Center to:
15●   develop a statewide dyslexia intervention plan; and
16●   report to the State Board of Education (state board);
17      ▸ requires the state board to:
18●   administer and oversee the pilot program;
19●   choose two schools participating in the program to receive dyslexia intervention;
20●   procure an intervention provider; and
21●   make certain rules related to the pilot program;
22      ▸ provides a repeal date for the pilot program; and
23      ▸ makes technical and conforming changes.
24  Money Appropriated in this Bill:
25      This bill appropriates $3,500,000 in operating and capital budgets for fiscal year 2027, all
26  of which is from the various sources as detailed in this bill.
27  Other Special Clauses:
H.B. 393  Enrolled Copy
28This bill provides a special effective date.
29   Utah Code Sections Affected:
30   AMENDS:
3153E-1-201 (Effective 07/01/26) (Partially Repealed 07/01/27), as last amended by Laws
32of Utah 2025, First Special Session, Chapter 9
3363I-1-253 (Effective 07/01/26), as last amended by Laws of Utah 2025, First Special
34Session, Chapter 9
35   ENACTS:
3653F-5-224 (Effective 07/01/26), Utah Code Annotated 1953
37
38   Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
39Section 1. Section 53E-1-201 is amended to read:
4053E-1-201 (Effective 07/01/26) (Partially Repealed 07/01/27). Reports to and
41   action required of the Education Interim Committee.
42   (1) In accordance with applicable provisions and Section 68-3-14, the following recurring
43reports are due to the Education Interim Committee:
44(a) the report described in Section 9-22-109 by the STEM Action Center Board,
45including the information described in Section 9-22-113 on the status of the computer
46science initiative and Section 9-22-114 on the Computing Partnerships Grants
47Program;
48(b) the prioritized list of data research described in Section 53H-15-303 and the report
49on research and activities described in Section 53H-15-305 by the Utah Data
50Research Center;
51(c) the report described in Section 53H-1-203 by the Utah Board of Higher Education on
52career and technical education issues and addressing workforce needs;
53(d) the annual report of the Utah Board of Higher Education described in Section
5453H-1-203;
55(e) the reports described in Section 53H-7-603 by the Utah Board of Higher Education
56regarding activities related to campus safety;
57(f) the State Superintendent's Annual Report by the state board described in Section
5853E-1-203;
59(g) the annual report described in Section 53E-2-202 by the state board on the strategic
60plan to improve student outcomes;
61(h) the report described in Section 53E-3-501 by the state board on students in an LEA
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62who receive academic credit through the packet method;
63      (i) the report described in Section 53E-8-204 by the state board on the Utah Schools for
64the Deaf and the Blind;
65      (j) the report described in Section 53E-10-703 by the Utah Leading through Effective,
66Actionable, and Dynamic Education director on research and other activities;
67      (k) the report described in Section 53F-2-522 regarding mental health screening
68programs;
69      (l) the report described in Section 53F-4-203 by the state board and the independent
70evaluator on an evaluation of early interactive reading software;
71      (m) the reports described in Section 53F-5-224 by the state board and a district and
72charter school regarding the Dyslexia Screening Pilot Program;
73      [(m)] (n) the report described in Section 53F-6-412 by the program manager of the Utah
74Fits All Scholarship Program;
75      [(n)] (o) the report described in Section 63N-20-107 by the Governor's Office of
76Economic Opportunity on UPSTART;
77      [(o)] (p) the report described in Section 53F-5-215 by the state board related to a grant
78for an elementary teacher preparation assessment;
79      [(p)] (q) upon request, the report described in Section 53F-5-219 by the state board on
80the Local Innovations Civics Education Pilot Program;
81      [(q)] (r) the report described in Section 53F-5-405 by the state board regarding an
82evaluation of a partnership that receives a grant to improve educational outcomes for
83students who are low-income;
84      [(r)] (s) the report described in Section 53H-1-604 regarding the Higher Education and
85Corrections Council;
86      [(s)] (t) the report described in Section 53G-7-221 by the state board regarding
87innovation plans; and
88      [(t)] (u) the reports described in Section 53F-6-412 regarding the Utah Fits All
89Scholarship Program.
90  (2) In accordance with applicable provisions and Section 68-3-14, the following occasional
91      reports are due to the Education Interim Committee:
92      (a) in 2027, 2030, 2033, and 2035, the reports described in Sections 53H-1-502,
9353H-1-503, and 53H-1-504;
94      (b) in 2025, the report described in Section 53H-6-203 by a degree-granting institution
95regarding policies on abusive coaching practices;
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96(c) if required, the report described in Section 53E-4-309 by the state board explaining
97the reasons for changing the grade level specification for the administration of
98specific assessments;
99(d) if required, the report described in Section 53E-5-210 by the state board of an
100adjustment to the minimum level that demonstrates proficiency for each statewide
101assessment;
102(e) the report described in Section 53E-10-702 by Utah Leading through Effective,
103Actionable, and Dynamic Education;
104(f) if required, the report described in Section 53F-2-513 by the state board evaluating
105the effects of salary bonuses on the recruitment and retention of effective teachers in
106high-poverty schools;
107(g) upon request, the report described in Section 53F-10-303 by the state board
108regarding the Rural School Sports Facilities Grant Program;
109(h) upon request, a report described in Section 53G-7-222 by an LEA regarding
110expenditure of a percentage of state restricted funds to support an innovative
111education program;
112(i) the reports described in Section 53G-11-304 by the state board regarding proposed
113rules and results related to educator exit surveys; and
114(j) the report described in Section 26B-5-113 by the Office of Substance Use and Mental
115Health, the state board, and the Department of Health and Human Services regarding
116recommendations related to Medicaid reimbursement for school-based health
117services.
118   (3) In accordance with applicable provisions and Section 68-3-14, every five years the
119Education Interim Committee shall review the programs described in the following
120sections of code:
121(a) beginning July 1, 2027, [Title 53E, Chapter 10, Part 3] Chapter 10, Part 3, Concurrent
122Enrollment;
123(b) beginning July 1, 2027, Section 53F-2-408, Enhancement for Accelerated Students
124Program;
125(c) beginning July 1, 2027, Section 53F-2-409, Concurrent enrollment funding;
126(d) beginning July 1, 2027, Section 53F-2-415, Student health and counseling support --
127Qualifying personnel -- Distribution formula -- Rulemaking;
128(e) beginning July 1, 2028, Section 53F-2-416, Appropriation and distribution for the
129Teacher and Student Success Program;
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130      (f) beginning July 1, 2028, Section 53F-2-510, Digital Teaching and Learning Grant
131Program;
132      (g) beginning July 1, 2028, Section 53F-9-306, Teacher and Student Success Account;
133      (h) beginning July 1, 2028, Title 53G, Chapter 7, Part 13, Teacher and Student Success
134Program; and
135      (i) beginning July 1, 2029, Section 53F-2-502, Dual language immersion.
136Section 2. Section 53F-5-224 is enacted to read:
13753F-5-224 (Effective 07/01/26). Dyslexia Screening Pilot Program.
138  (1) As used in this section:
139      (a) "Dyslexia" means the same as that term is defined in Section 53E-4-307.
140      (b) "Program" means the Dyslexia Screening Pilot Program created in Subsection (2).
141      (c) "Rural elementary school" means a public elementary school located in a county of
142the fourth, fifth, or sixth class as described in Section 17-60-104.
143      (d) "Screening" means the use of evidence-based measures to identify whether a student
144may:
145(i) be at risk for characteristics of dyslexia; and
146(ii) need additional assessment, progress monitoring, and intervention related to
147dyslexia.
148      (e) "Urban elementary school" means a public elementary school located in a county of
149the first, second, or third class as described in Section 17-60-104.
150  (2) There is created a four-year pilot program known as the Dyslexia Screening Pilot
151      Program to:
152      (a) provide dyslexia resources to a district and charter school;
153      (b) provide dyslexia intervention to one rural elementary school and one urban
154elementary school;
155      (c) create a statewide dyslexia intervention plan; and
156      (d) create a dyslexia screener at the University of Utah Education Policy Center and the
157University of Utah College of Education.
158  (3) The state board shall:
159      (a) administer and oversee the program in coordination with the University of Utah
160Education Policy Center and the University of Utah College of Education;
161      (b) solicit proposals from and select district and charter schools to participate in the
162program;
163      (c) select one rural elementary school and one urban elementary school participating in
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164the program to receive dyslexia intervention;
165(d) in accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 6a, Utah Procurement Code, procure a vendor
166to provide the dyslexia intervention described in Subsection (3)(c);
167(e) identify and maintain an approved list of dyslexia screeners, including the screener
168developed under Subsection (5), that, in identifying risks for dyslexia and informing
169instructional decision-making, demonstrate evidence of validity and reliability;
170(f) report annually to the Education Interim Committee detailing:
171(i) the reports described in Subsections (5)(f) and (g); and
172(ii) the outcomes and effectiveness of the screener and dyslexia intervention; and
173(g) publish on the state board's website a webpage that:
174(i) provides a list of dyslexia screeners the state board approves district and charter
175schools to use for the program;
176(ii) provides additional dyslexia resources for parents, teachers, and students,
177including:
178(A) information on early indicators and reported risk factors;
179(B) characteristics of dyslexia and related literacy difficulties;
180(C) information on evidence-based instruction and intervention practices;
181(D) expectations for progress monitoring and communication; and
182(E) guidance on a referral process for diagnosis; and
183(iii) links to all other dyslexia resources the state board creates or approves.
184   (4) To participate in the program, a district or charter school shall:
185(a) submit an application to the state board;
186(b) use the free dyslexia screener the University of Utah Education Policy Center and
187University of Utah College of Education develops in accordance with Subsection
188(5)(a); and
189(c) allocate funds from the district or charter school's budget to pay other costs incurred
190under the program.
191   (5) The University of Utah Education Policy Center and the University of Utah College of
192Education shall:
193(a) work with the state board and stakeholders to develop and maintain a dyslexia
194screening process a district or charter school may use in accordance with the
195requirements of this section;
196(b) ensure that the screening process described in Subsection (5)(a):
197(i) is free to use for district and charter schools participating in the program;
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198(ii) uses scientifically sound, evidence-based measures;
199(iii) aligns with nationally recognized best practices for dyslexia screening; and
200(iv) identifies indicators of risk for dyslexia for the purpose of informing:
201(A) instruction;
202(B) interventions;
203(C) progress monitoring;
204(D) reporting; and
205(E) further evaluation;
206      (c) recommend to the state board the data elements the district and charter schools
207participating in the program should collect and report;
208      (d) evaluate the program screener's validity, reliability, and usefulness in:
209(i) identifying a student at risk for dyslexia; and
210(ii) informing instruction and interventions;
211      (e) in consultation with the state board, develop and maintain a comprehensive statewide
212dyslexia intervention plan, that:
213(i) establishes evidence-based standards for early identification and intervention for a
214student with dyslexia;
215(ii) provides guidance, resources, and best practices to district and charter schools;
216and
217(iii) promotes statewide coordination, training, and implementation of best practices
218for dyslexia intervention;
219      (f) regarding the schools described in Subsection (3)(c) that the state board selects for
220dyslexia intervention, collaborate with the state board to:
221(i) evaluate the implementation and effectiveness of evidence-based interventions
222provided under the program, including:
223(A) analyses of student progress-monitoring data;
224(B) updates on a student's IEP or 504 Accommodation Plan;
225(C) intervention fidelity; and
226(D) student literacy outcomes; and
227(ii) report annually to the state board on the intervention outcomes described in this
228Subsection (5)(f);
229      (g) report annually to the state board regarding the creation and outcomes of the screener
230developed under Subsection (5)(a);
231      (h) use the reports the state board requires under Subsection (9)(b) to annually evaluate
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232the program; and
233(i) provide professional learning for educators on:
234(i) recognizing early indicators and characteristics of dyslexia;
235(ii) using screeners and progress monitoring tools;
236(iii) implementing evidence-based instruction and intervention practices; and
237(iv) communicating with families.
238   (6) The University of Utah Education Policy Center and the University of Utah College of
239Education may work in collaboration with the reading clinic at the University of Utah
240established in Section 53H-4-209 to implement the requirements of Subsection (5).
241   (7)(a) A district or charter school shall use the state board approved list described in
242Subsection (3)(e) when screening a student for dyslexia.
243(b) A school district or charter school may use the dyslexia screening process the
244University of Utah Education Policy Center and the University of Utah College of
245Education develops under Subsection (5)(a), at no cost, to satisfy the requirements of
246this section.
247   (8) Beginning July 1, 2027, a school district or charter school participating in the program:
248(a) shall use the state board approved screener to screen a student for dyslexia one time
249who:
250(i) scores below or well below average on the benchmark assessments described in
251Section 53E-4-307; and
252(ii) is in kindergarten, first grade, or was not tested in kindergarten or first grade and
253is demonstrating characteristics of dyslexia in second or third grade; and
254(b) shall provide additional screening to a student in kindergarten or first grade when
255teacher observation or parent concern indicates characteristics of dyslexia.
256   (9) In accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act, the
257state board shall make rules to:
258(a) create an application process for a district or charter school to participate in the
259program;
260(b) create reporting requirements for a district or charter school participating in the
261program;
262(c) establish reporting requirements related to intervention delivery, including
263documentation of intervention, dosage, duration, and student response;
264(d) in accordance with Subsection (7)(a), enforce required dyslexia screening under the
265program;
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266      (e) create a process for reviewing and criteria for approving dyslexia screeners;
267      (f) identify the intervals for administering the dyslexia screener; and
268      (g) maintain accessibility for the screener for district and charter schools.
269  (10) A district or charter school that participates in the pilot program or the state board shall
270      report annually to the Education Interim Committee on the program's progress and
271      outcomes.
272Section 3. Section 63I-1-253 is amended to read:
27363I-1-253 (Effective 07/01/26). Repeal dates: Titles 53 through 53G.
274  (1) Section 53-1-122, Road Rage Awareness and Prevention Restricted Account, is
275      repealed July 1, 2028.
276  (2) Section 53-2a-105, Emergency Management Administration Council created --
277      Function -- Composition -- Expenses, is repealed July 1, 2029.
278  (3) Section 53-2a-1103, Search and Rescue Advisory Board -- Members -- Compensation,
279      is repealed July 1, 2030.
280  (4) Section 53-2a-1104, General duties of the Search and Rescue Advisory Board, is
281      repealed July 1, 2027.
282  (5) Title 53, Chapter 2a, Part 15, Grid Resilience Committee, is repealed July 1, 2027.
283  (6) Section 53-2d-104, State Emergency Medical Services Committee -- Membership --
284      Expenses, is repealed July 1, 2029.
285  (7) Section 53-2d-503, Establishment of maximum rates, is repealed July 1, 2027.
286  (8) Section 53-5a-302, Concealed Firearm Review Board -- Membership -- Compensation
287      -- Terms -- Duties, is repealed July 1, 2029.
288  (9) Section 53-11-104, Board, is repealed July 1, 2029.
289  (10) Title 53, Chapter 31, Department Interaction With Local Law Enforcement, is repealed
290      July 1, 2027.
291  (11) Subsection 53C-3-203(4)(b)(vii), regarding the distribution of money from the Land
292      Exchange Distribution Account to the Geological Survey for test wells and other
293      hydrologic studies in the West Desert, is repealed July 1, 2030.
294  (12) Subsection 53E-1-201(1)(q), regarding the Higher Education and Corrections Council,
295      is repealed July 1, 2027.
296  (13) Subsection 53E-2-304(6), regarding foreclosing a private right of action or waiver of
297      governmental immunity, is repealed July 1, 2027.
298  (14) Subsection 53E-3-503(5), regarding coordinating councils for youth in care, is
299      repealed July 1, 2027.
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300   (15) Subsection 53E-3-503(6), regarding coordinating councils for youth in care, is
301repealed July 1, 2027.
302   (16) Subsection 53E-4-202(8)(b), regarding a standards review committee, is repealed
303January 1, 2028.
304   (17) Section 53E-4-203, Standards review committee, is repealed January 1, 2028.
305   (18) Title 53E, Chapter 6, Part 5, Utah Professional Practices Advisory Commission, is
306repealed July 1, 2033.
307   (19) Subsection 53E-7-207(7), regarding a private right of action or waiver of governmental
308immunity, is repealed July 1, 2027.
309   (20) Section 53F-5-215, Elementary teacher preparation assessment grant, is repealed July
3101, 2028.
311   (21) Section 53F-5-219, Local Innovations Civics Education Pilot Program, is repealed July
3121, 2026.
313   (22) Section 53F-5-224, Dyslexia Screening Pilot Program, is repealed July 1, 2030.
314   [(22)] (23) Title 53F, Chapter 10, Part 2, Capital Projects Evaluation Panel, is repealed July
3151, 2027.
316   [(23)] (24) Subsection 53G-4-608(2)(b), regarding the Utah Seismic Safety Commission, is
317repealed January 1, 2025.
318   [(24)] (25) Subsection 53G-4-608(4)(b), regarding the Utah Seismic Safety Commission, is
319repealed January 1, 2025.
320   [(25)] (26) Section 53G-9-212, Drinking water quality in schools, is repealed July 1, 2027.
321   [(26)] (27) Subsection 53G-9-703(4), regarding the parental video presentation concerning
322student use of technology, is repealed January 1, 2030.
323   [(27)] (28) Subsection 53H-1-402(1)(j), regarding the Higher Education and Corrections
324Council, is repealed July 1, 2027.
325   [(28)] (29) Section 53H-1-604, Higher Education and Corrections Council, is repealed July
3261, 2027.
327   [(29)] (30) Subsection 53H-4-210(3), regarding the creation of the SafeUT and School
328Safety Commission, is repealed January 1, 2030.
329   [(30)] (31) Subsection 53H-4-210(4), regarding the appointment of the members of the
330SafeUT and School Safety Commission, is repealed January 1, 2030.
331   [(31)] (32) Subsection 53H-4-210(5), regarding the attorney general designating the chair of
332the SafeUT and School Safety Commission, is repealed January 1, 2030.
333   [(32)] (33) Subsection 53H-4-210(6), regarding the quorum requirements of the SafeUT and
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334      School Safety Commission, is repealed January 1, 2030.
335  [(33)] (34) Subsection 53H-4-210(7), regarding a formal action of the SafeUT and School
336      Safety Commission, is repealed January 1, 2030.
337  [(34)] (35) Subsection 53H-4-210(8), regarding compensation for members of the SafeUT
338      and School Safety Commission, is repealed January 1, 2030.
339  [(35)] (36) Subsection 53H-4-210(9), regarding the support staff for the SafeUT and School
340      Safety Commission, is repealed January 1, 2030.
341  [(36)] (37) Section 53H-4-306.1, Definitions -- Electrification of Transportation
342      Infrastructure Research Center, is repealed July 1, 2028.
343  [(37)] (38) Section 53H-4-306.2, Electrification of Transportation Infrastructure Research
344      Center -- Designation -- Duties, is repealed July 1, 2028.
345  [(38)] (39) Section 53H-4-306.3, Electrification of Transportation Infrastructure Research
346      Center -- Steering committee, is repealed July 1, 2028.
347  [(39)] (40) Section 53H-4-306.4, Electrification of Transportation Infrastructure Research
348      Center -- Industry advisory board, is repealed July 1, 2028.
349  [(40)] (41) Section 53H-4-306.5, Electrification of Transportation Infrastructure Research
350      Center -- Duties of the project director, is repealed July 1, 2028.
351  [(41)] (42) Section 53H-4-306.6, Electrification of Transportation Infrastructure Research
352      Center -- Project development and strategic objectives -- Reporting requirements, is
353      repealed July 1, 2028.
354  [(42)] (43) Section 53H-4-307.1, Center for Civic Excellence, is repealed July 1, 2030.
355  [(43)] (44) Section 53H-4-307.2, Center for Civic Excellence -- Duties -- Authority, is
356      repealed July 1, 2030.
357  [(44)] (45) Section 53H-4-307.3, Center for Civic Excellence -- Leadership, is repealed July
358      1, 2030.
359  [(45)] (46) Section 53H-4-307.4, Center for Civic Excellence -- Faculty, is repealed July 1,
360      2030.
361  [(46)] (47) Section 53H-4-307.5, Center for Civic Excellence -- Curriculum, is repealed July
362      1, 2030.
363  [(47)] (48) Section 53H-4-307.6, Center for Civic Excellence -- Oversight -- Reporting, is
364      repealed July 1, 2030.
365  [(48)] (49) Section 53H-4-313, Food Security Council, is repealed July 1, 2027.
366  [(49)] (50) Section 53H-8-305, Five-year performance goals, is repealed July 1, 2027.
367  [(50)] (51) Title 53H, Chapter 10, Part 4, Education Savings Incentive Program, is repealed
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368July 1, 2028.
369Section 4. FY 2027 Appropriations.
370The following sums of money are appropriated for the fiscal year beginning July 1,
371   2026, and ending June 30, 2027. These are additions to amounts previously appropriated for
372   fiscal year 2027.
373Subsection 4(a). Operating and Capital Budgets
374Under the terms and conditions of Title 63J, Chapter 1, Budgetary Procedures Act, the
375   Legislature appropriates the following sums of money from the funds or accounts indicated for
376   the use and support of the government of the state of Utah.
377   ITEM 1      To State Board of Education - Contracted Initiatives and Grants
378From Public Education Economic Stabilization
379Restricted Account, One-time  3,500,000
380Schedule of Programs:
381Dyslexia Intervention Programs  3,500,000
382The Legislature intends that the State Board of
383Education:
384(1) use $1,500,000 of the appropriation under
385this item to support the creation of the dyslexia screener
386at the University of Utah Education Policy Center as
387described in Section 53F-5-224;
388(2) use $1,700,00 of the appropriation under this
389item to support the development of the state's dyslexia
390intervention plan at the University of Utah as described
391in Section 53F-5-224;
392(3) use $300,000 of the appropriation under this
393item to procure a vendor to provide dyslexia intervention
394to two elementary schools as described in Section
39553F-5-224; and
396(4) may use up to 5% of the appropriation under
397this item to cover administrative costs associated with the
398Dyslexia Screening Pilot Program.
399Section 5. Effective Date.
400   This bill takes effect on July 1, 2026.
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