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Libertas Institute supports this bill
The Utah Fits All Scholarship is undergoing some changes again this year through House Bill 467 from Representative Candice Pierucci. The original bill had major changes to the definition of what is or is not a private school. It included requiring private schools to be in person and eliminated online and hybrid schools from being considered a private school. In addition, the bill would have limited private school students to tuition only. This felt like a major blow to innovation and parental choice.
Working with the sponsor and other stakeholders, that definition has been changed through the 4th substitute. This substitute reverts to the old private school definition in place from last year’s bill but includes a minor provision preventing schools from becoming a pseudo education savings account. This minor change will have no impact on entrepreneurship, while legally preventing fraud.
Libertas supports the 4th substitute of this bill. Utah is known as one of the most innovative states when it comes to education, getting outsized results from all schools in the state. Reverting to last year’s definition preserves innovation and helps families maintain options for their families.