Utah 2026 General Session Status: Enacted 2 R cosponsors

SB 216 — Higher Education Performance and Enrollment Funding

Last action — Governor Signed

Track this bill free

No card. One bill, free forever — alerts when it moves.

  1. ✓
    Introduced
  2. ✓
    In Committee
  3. ✓
    Passed Senate
  4. ✓
    Passed House
  5. ✓
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill has been enacted into law. Introduced January 28, 2026. Enacted.

Signed by Governor Spencer Cox (Republican) on March 19, 2026.

Prognosis

Advancing 54% · moderate confidence

Where this bill stands today.

Odds of enactment

High

How often bills like it became law.

  • Enacted

    Current position in the legislative process.

  • 2 sponsors

    1 primary, 1 co-sponsors signed on.

  • Single-party support

    Sponsorship is currently within one party (2 R).

Prognosis reads this bill's own signals — stage, sponsorship breadth, committee status, recorded votes and cross-state momentum. Odds come from a model trained on which bills have become law.

Bill Text

What changed in the latest version

609 added · 579 removed

Plain-language change summary

The updated version of Bill SB 216 adds a requirement for the Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee to include specific factors in funding formulas for technical colleges. It also introduces new performance metrics for funding based on how well these institutions are doing. These changes are important because they aim to create a more equitable and accountable funding system for technical colleges and universities, ensuring they are rewarded for their performance and effectiveness in serving students.

→
Previous
Latest
02-04 11:12 S.B.
Enrolled Copy S.B.
▸ requires the Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee to ensure the inclusion of certain factors in non-statutory funding formulas for technical colleges;
S AMENDS:
AMENDS:
B 53H-1-402 (Effective 07/01/26) (Partially Repealed 07/01/27), as renumbered and .
53H-1-402 (Effective 07/01/26) (Partially Repealed 07/01/27), as renumbered and S.B.
amended by Laws of Utah 2025, First Special Session, Chapter 8 1 53H-8-202 (Effective 07/01/26), as renumbered and amended by Laws of Utah 2025, 6 First Special Session, Chapter 8 53H-8-301 (Effective 07/01/26), as renumbered and amended by Laws of Utah 2025, First Special Session, Chapter 8 S.B.
216 Enrolled Copy amended by Laws of Utah 2025, First Special Session, Chapter 8 53H-8-202 (Effective 07/01/26), as renumbered and amended by Laws of Utah 2025, First Special Session, Chapter 8 53H-8-301 (Effective 07/01/26), as renumbered and amended by Laws of Utah 2025, First Special Session, Chapter 8 53H-8-304 (Effective 07/01/26), as renumbered and amended by Laws of Utah 2025, First Special Session, Chapter 8 53H-8-305 (Effective 07/01/26) (Repealed 07/01/27), as renumbered and amended by Laws of Utah 2025, First Special Session, Chapter 8 63I-1-253 (Effective 07/01/26), as last amended by Laws of Utah 2025, First Special Session, Chapter 9 ENACTS:
216 02-04 11:12 53H-8-304 (Effective 07/01/26), as renumbered and amended by Laws of Utah 2025, First Special Session, Chapter 8 53H-8-305 (Effective 07/01/26) (Repealed 07/01/27), as renumbered and amended by Laws of Utah 2025, First Special Session, Chapter 8 63I-1-253 (Effective 07/01/26), as last amended by Laws of Utah 2025, First Special Session, Chapter 9 ENACTS:
(h) the report described in Section 53H-13-309 regarding the talent advisory councils;
- 2 - Enrolled Copy S.B.
216 (h) the report described in Section 53H-13-309 regarding the talent advisory councils;
(j) the report described in Section 53H-6-202 by the board on an institution compensating a student athlete for the use of the student athlete's name, image, or - 2 - 02-04 11:12 S.B.
(j) the report described in Section 53H-6-202 by the board on an institution compensating a student athlete for the use of the student athlete's name, image, or likeness;
216 likeness;
(3) In accordance with applicable provisions, the Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee shall complete the following:
(3) In accordance with applicable provisions, the Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee shall[ ] :
(a) an appropriation recommendation described in Section 53H-1-504 regarding compliance with Subsections 53H-1-504(5) and (14);
(a) complete the following:
and (b) as required by Section 53H-8-304, the review of performance funding described in Section 53H-8-304.
[(a)] (i) an appropriation recommendation described in Section 53H-1-504 regarding compliance with Subsections 53H-1-504(5) and (14);
and [(b)] (ii) as required by Section 53H-8-304, the review of performance funding described in Section 53H-8-304[.] ;
and (b) ensure that all non-statutory performance and growth funding formulas that contribute to appropriations for technical colleges:
(i) include equivalent funding value for secondary and adult students;
and (ii) reflect the full responsibility of the technical college's statutorily-required services.
and] [(b) enrollment-based funding, including, for technical colleges, funding distribution models that:] [(i) include equivalent funding value for secondary and adult students;
and] [(b) enrollment-based funding, including, for technical colleges, funding distribution - 3 - S.B.
and] [(ii) reflect the full responsibility of the technical college's statutorily-required services.] Section 2.
216 Enrolled Copy models that:] [(i) include equivalent funding value for secondary and adult students;
and] [(ii) reflect the full responsibility of the technical college's statutorily-required services.] (4) The board shall:
(a) complete a technical college capacity funding framework study for institutions described in Subsection 53H-3-602(1)(b)(iv) that contemplates:
(i) a process for identifying specific technical college programs eligible for state-funded capacity expansion;
(ii) identifying, validating, and quantifying, by institution and program, unmet:
(A) student demand, including secondary and postsecondary students;
and (B) employer demand for graduates;
(iii) methodology for establishing the amount and timing of state-funded capacity appropriations, including whether the appropriations are retrospective or prospective;
(iv) the availability of alternative funding sources to support capacity expansions;
(v) mechanisms for the return of state funds if an institution does not achieve capacity gains;
and (vi) how the capacity framework comports with:
(A) enrollment funding, as described in Section 53H-8-211;
and (B) performance funding, as described in Chapter 8, Part 3, Performance Funding;
and (b) report the results of the study described in this Subsection (4), including any corresponding recommendations, to the Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee before October 1, 2026.
Section 2.
(2)(a) Subject to Subsection (3), the board shall recommend a combined appropriation - 3 - S.B.
(2)(a) Subject to Subsection (3), the board shall recommend a combined appropriation for the operating budgets of institutions and the board for inclusion in a state appropriations act.
216 02-04 11:12 for the operating budgets of institutions and the board for inclusion in a state appropriations act.
- 4 - Enrolled Copy S.B.
(b) The board's combined budget recommendation shall include:
216 (b) The board's combined budget recommendation shall include:
and (ii) determining an equitable distribution of funds among the respective institutions in accordance with the aims and objectives of the statewide master plan for higher - 4 - 02-04 11:12 S.B.
and (ii) determining an equitable distribution of funds among the respective institutions in accordance with the aims and objectives of the statewide master plan for higher education.
216 education.
(6)(a) The board shall request a hearing with the governor on the recommended - 5 - S.B.
(6)(a) The board shall request a hearing with the governor on the recommended appropriations.
216 Enrolled Copy appropriations.
(13) The board shall create policies requiring an institution of higher education to waive - 5 - S.B.
(13) The board shall create policies requiring an institution of higher education to waive transcript fees for a student who is under [the age of ]26 years old and:
Show all 86 changed rows (46 more)
Previous
Latest
216 02-04 11:12 transcript fees for a student who is under [the age of ]26 years old and:
(b) is a person who is homeless, as defined in Section 35A-5-302;
- 6 - Enrolled Copy S.B.
216 (b) is a person who is homeless, as defined in Section 35A-5-302;
and - 6 - 02-04 11:12 S.B.
and (vii) advanced graduate.
216 (vii) advanced graduate.
(i) students typically complete within the first two years or 60 credits of education at a degree-granting institution;
- 7 - S.B.
216 Enrolled Copy (i) students typically complete within the first two years or 60 credits of education at a degree-granting institution;
(i) calculating the average direct instructional cost per budget-related full-time equivalent at each level of instruction Ŝ→ on a system-wide basis ←Ŝ ;
(i) calculating the average direct instructional cost per budget-related full-time equivalent at each level of instruction on a system-wide basis;
(ii) calculating the five-year average full-time equivalent budget-related resident enrollment at each level of instruction Ŝ→ at each institution ←Ŝ for the five-year 226a period ending with the previous fiscal year and the five-year period ending with the year before the previous fiscal year;
(ii) calculating the five-year average full-time equivalent budget-related resident enrollment at each level of instruction at each institution for the five-year period ending with the previous fiscal year and the five-year period ending with the year before the previous fiscal year;
- 7 - S.B.
(v) applying a state cost-sharing weight based on institution type in accordance with Subsection (3)(b);
216 02-04 11:12 (v) applying a state cost-sharing weight based on institution type in accordance with Subsection (3)(b);
(b) The Legislature shall apply the following state cost-sharing weights in accordance with Subsection (3)(a)(v), representing the percentage of the average cost per full-time equivalent described in Subsection (3)(a) that the state funds:
- 8 - Enrolled Copy S.B.
216 (b) The Legislature shall apply the following state cost-sharing weights in accordance with Subsection (3)(a)(v), representing the percentage of the average cost per full-time equivalent described in Subsection (3)(a) that the state funds:
[(5)] (8) "New performance funding" means the difference between the total amount of - 8 - 02-04 11:12 S.B.
[(5)] (8) "New performance funding" means the difference between the total amount of money in the account and the amount of money appropriated from the account for performance funding in the current fiscal year.
216 money in the account and the amount of money appropriated from the account for performance funding in the current fiscal year.
[(6)] (9) "Performance" means total performance across the metrics described in Section - 9 - S.B.
[(6)] (9) "Performance" means total performance across the metrics described in Section 53H-8-304.
216 Enrolled Copy 53H-8-304.
and (B) consider the comments and recommendations described in Subsection (1)(b)(ii)(A), and make any necessary changes to the model described in - 9 - S.B.
and (B) consider the comments and recommendations described in Subsection (1)(b)(ii)(A), and make any necessary changes to the model described in Subsection (1)(a)(i) and the goals described in Subsection (1)(a)(ii).
216 02-04 11:12 Subsection (1)(a)(i) and the goals described in Subsection (1)(a)(ii).
(i) the Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee[, and the Education Interim Committee shall prepare and jointly meet to consider ] shall make recommendations to the Executive Appropriations Committee regarding legislation for introduction at the following general legislative session to adopt the goals described in Subsection (1)(a)(ii)[.] ;
(i) the Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee[, and the Education Interim - 10 - Enrolled Copy S.B.
216 Committee shall prepare and jointly meet to consider ] shall make recommendations to the Executive Appropriations Committee regarding legislation for introduction at the following general legislative session to adopt the goals described in Subsection (1)(a)(ii)[.] ;
(b) For the five-year performance period beginning on July 1, 2027, and ending on June 30, 2032, the board shall establish the performance model described in Subsection - 10 - 02-04 11:12 S.B.
(b) For the five-year performance period beginning on July 1, 2027, and ending on June 30, 2032, the board shall establish the performance model described in Subsection (1)(a)(i) and set the goals described in Subsection (1)(a)(ii)(D) for the following metrics:
216 (1)(a)(i) and set the goals described in Subsection (1)(a)(ii)(D) for the following metrics:
(A) responsiveness to workforce needs, measured by degrees and certificates the institution awarded that map to high-demand jobs in the state;
- 11 - S.B.
216 Enrolled Copy (A) responsiveness to workforce needs, measured by degrees and certificates the institution awarded that map to high-demand jobs in the state;
and] - 11 - S.B.
and] [(ii) change in performance compared to the degree-granting institution's average performance over the previous five years.] [(b)] (4) For each institution, the board shall annually:
216 02-04 11:12 [(ii) change in performance compared to the degree-granting institution's average performance over the previous five years.] [(b)] (4) For each institution, the board shall annually:
- 12 - Enrolled Copy S.B.
[(i)] (a) adopt annual performance goals for each metric described in Subsection [ (2)(a)(ii) that will] (2) that are sufficiently rigorous to advance the institution toward achievement of the five-year goals described in Subsection (1)(a)(ii);
216 [(i)] (a) adopt annual performance goals for each metric described in Subsection [ (2)(a)(ii) that will] (2) that are sufficiently rigorous to advance the institution toward achievement of the five-year goals described in Subsection (1)(a)(ii);
- 12 - 02-04 11:12 S.B.
(1) As used in this section:
216 (1) As used in this section:
[(a) "Access metric" means the metric described in Subsection 53H-8-304(2)(a)(i).] [(b) "Award" means a degree or certificate that an institution grants.] - 13 - S.B.
[(a) "Access metric" means the metric described in Subsection 53H-8-304(2)(a)(i).] [(b) "Award" means a degree or certificate that an institution grants.] [(c) "Cohort" means a group of students, defined by the year in which the group enrolls in an institution.] [(d) "Five-year performance period" means the five-year period beginning on July 1, 2022, and ending on June 30, 2027.] [(e)] (a) "High-yield award" means the same as that term is defined in board policy under Subsection [53H-8-304(2)(c)] 53H-8-304(3).
216 Enrolled Copy [(c) "Cohort" means a group of students, defined by the year in which the group enrolls in an institution.] [(d) "Five-year performance period" means the five-year period beginning on July 1, 2022, and ending on June 30, 2027.] [(e)] (a) "High-yield award" means the same as that term is defined in board policy under Subsection [53H-8-304(2)(c)] 53H-8-304(3).
or - 13 - S.B.
or (B) maintain the number described in Subsection (2)(b)(i)(A) at or above 80%;
216 02-04 11:12 (B) maintain the number described in Subsection (2)(b)(i)(A) at or above 80%;
(ii) for the institutional efficiency metric described in Subsection 53H-8-304(2)(b)(i)(B), to increase the five-year rolling average number of degrees - 14 - Enrolled Copy S.B.
(ii) for the institutional efficiency metric described in Subsection 53H-8-304(2)(b)(i)(B), to increase the five-year rolling average number of degrees and certificates an institution awards per full-time equivalent student by at least 1.0% each year;
216 and certificates an institution awards per full-time equivalent student by at least 1.0% each year;
(v) for the research university research expenditure metric described in Subsection 53H-8-304(2)(b)(iv)(B), to increase the total number of research dollars the university expended by at least 1.0% more than the year-over change in the Consumer Price Index that the United States Bureau of Labor Statics reports;
(v) for the research university research expenditure metric described in Subsection 53H-8-304(2)(b)(iv)(B), to increase the total number of research dollars the university expended by at least 1.0% more than the year-over change in the Consumer Price Index that the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics reports;
(3) In order to meet the system goals described in Subsection (2)(a), the goals for each institution for the five-year performance period are:
(3) In order to meet the system goals described in Subsection [(2)] (2)(a), the goals for each institution for the five-year performance period are:
Titles 53 through 53G.
Titles 53 through 53H.
(2) Section 53-2a-105, Emergency Management Administration Council created -- - 14 - 02-04 11:12 S.B.
(2) Section 53-2a-105, Emergency Management Administration Council created -- Function -- Composition -- Expenses, is repealed July 1, 2029.
216 Function -- Composition -- Expenses, is repealed July 1, 2029.
(3) Section 53-2a-1103, Search and Rescue Advisory Board -- Members -- Compensation, - 15 - S.B.
(3) Section 53-2a-1103, Search and Rescue Advisory Board -- Members -- Compensation, is repealed July 1, 2030.
216 Enrolled Copy is repealed July 1, 2030.
- 15 - S.B.
(21) Section 53F-5-219, Local Innovations Civics Education Pilot Program, is repealed July 1, 2026.
216 02-04 11:12 (21) Section 53F-5-219, Local Innovations Civics Education Pilot Program, is repealed July 1, 2026.
- 16 - Enrolled Copy S.B.
(22) Title 53F, Chapter 10, Part 2, Capital Projects Evaluation Panel, is repealed July 1, 2027.
216 (22) Title 53F, Chapter 10, Part 2, Capital Projects Evaluation Panel, is repealed July 1, 2027.
(38) Section 53H-4-306.3, Electrification of Transportation Infrastructure Research Center - 16 - 02-04 11:12 S.B.
(38) Section 53H-4-306.3, Electrification of Transportation Infrastructure Research Center -- Steering committee, is repealed July 1, 2028.
216 -- Steering committee, is repealed July 1, 2028.
(39) Section 53H-4-306.4, Electrification of Transportation Infrastructure Research Center - 17 - S.B.
(39) Section 53H-4-306.4, Electrification of Transportation Infrastructure Research Center -- Industry advisory board, is repealed July 1, 2028.
216 Enrolled Copy -- Industry advisory board, is repealed July 1, 2028.
- 17 -
- 18 -
⬇ Download PDF
View plain text versions (8)

How this bill changes current law

9 changes Share ↗

Compared against the Utah Code as published AI-generated reading aid — verify against the official bill.

The bill modifies the reporting and funding processes for higher education appropriations in Utah, including repealing a study requirement and introducing new enrollment-based funding formulas.

  • Section 53H-1-402

    [the reports described in] Section 53H-8-306 [by the Department of Workforce Services and the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity on targeted high-demand jobs] → the report described in Section 53H-8-306 by the Department of Workforce Services on high-demand jobs

    The bill removes the requirement for the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity to be involved in reporting on high-demand jobs.

  • Section 53H-1-402

    [(4) In consultation with the board, the Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee shall study a re-design of:]

    The requirement for the Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee to study a redesign of the performance funding model is repealed.

  • Section 53H-1-402

    [(a)] (i) an appropriation recommendation described in Section 53H-1-504 regarding compliance with Subsections 53H-1-504(5) and (14); and → (a) (i) an appropriation recommendation described in Section 53H-1-504 regarding compliance with Subsections 53H-1-504(3)(c) and 53H-1-504(9)(a); and

    The bill updates the compliance subsections for appropriation recommendations in the Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee.

  • Section 53H-1-402

    [(b)] (ii) as required by Section 53H-8-304, the review of performance funding described in Section 53H-8-304[.] ;

    The specific review of performance funding is simplified.

  • Section 53H-8-202

    enrollment [growth] funding described in Section 53H-2-211. → enrollment funding described in Section 53H-2-211.

    The term 'growth' is removed from 'enrollment growth funding,' standardizing the terminology.

  • Section 53H-8-202

    subject to Subsection (13), the board may fix the tuition, fees, and charges for each institution at levels the board finds necessary to meet budget requirements.

    This provision allowing the board to fix tuition, fees, and charges is deleted.

  • Section 53H-8-211

    The board shall determine and establish in board policy, definitions, measures, and relative weights of metrics based on each institution's mission; and for a definition of credit hours eligible for meeting the 30-hour threshold include a student's concurrent enrollment credits and other credits.

    New definitions and measures for credit hours are established for the performance metrics.

  • Section 53H-8-301

    Defines 'strategically important occupation' and 'new performance funding.'

    New terms related to performance funding and metrics are defined.

  • Section 53H-8-304

    Establishes a five-year performance metrics and goals applicable to higher education institutions.

    New metrics and goals for performance are established for institutions, changing how performance is assessed.

Amendments

6 amendments

Click Show changes on an amendment above to see how it modifies the bill.

Action History

  1. Governor Signed

  2. Senate/ to Governor

  3. Senate/ received enrolled bill from Printing

  4. Senate/ enrolled bill to Printing

  5. Enrolled Bill Returned to House or Senate

  6. Draft of Enrolled Bill Prepared

  7. Bill Received from Senate for Enrolling

  8. Senate/ signed by President/ sent for enrolling

  9. Senate/ received from House

  10. House/ to Senate

  11. House/ signed by Speaker/ returned to Senate

  12. House/ received from Senate

  13. Senate/ to House

  14. Senate/ concurs with House amendment

  15. Senate/ placed on Concurrence Calendar

  16. Senate/ received from House

  17. House/ to Senate

  18. House/ passed 3rd reading

  19. House/ floor amendment

  20. House/ 3rd reading

  21. House/ 2nd reading

  22. House/ committee report favorable [House Education Committee]

  23. House Comm - Favorable Recommendation [House Education Committee]

  24. House/ to standing committee [House Education Committee]

  25. House/ 1st reading (Introduced)

  26. House/ received from Senate

  27. Senate/ to House

  28. Senate/ passed 3rd reading

  29. Senate/ 3rd reading

  30. Senate/ passed 2nd reading

  31. Senate/ floor amendment

  32. Senate/ uncircled

  33. Senate/ circled

  34. Senate/ 2nd reading

  35. Senate/ placed on 2nd Reading Calendar

  36. Senate/ comm rpt/ amended [Senate Education Committee]

  37. Senate Comm - Favorable Recommendation [Senate Education Committee]

  38. Senate Comm - Amendment Recommendation [Senate Education Committee]

  39. LFA/ fiscal note publicly available for SB0216

  40. Senate/ to standing committee [Senate Education Committee]

  41. LFA/ fiscal note sent to sponsor for SB0216

  42. Senate/ 1st reading (Introduced)

  43. Senate/ received bill from Legislative Research

  44. LFA/ bill sent to agencies for fiscal input for SB0216

  45. LFA/ bill assigned to staff for fiscal analysis for SB0216

  46. Numbered Bill Publicly Distributed

  47. Bill Numbered but not Distributed

Sponsors

Sponsorship breakdown

Export CSV (upgrade) →

1 sponsors · 1 co-sponsors · 102 not signed on

Sponsors (1)

Co-sponsors (1)

Not signed on (102)

102 members have not signed on to this bill.

Show all 102 →

"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

Whip count is in markup. Polling the chamber and every recorded vote this session. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Calling the roll · Tallying · Engrossing

Subjects

education
Cross-referencing the record. Reading this bill against every other bill in the corpus by meaning, not keywords. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Matching · Ranking · Engrossing

Frequently asked questions

Who sponsors SB 216?
SB 216 is sponsored by Karen M. Peterson (Republican) and Ann Millner (Republican).
What is the current status of SB 216?
This bill has been enacted into law. Introduced January 28, 2026. Enacted.
Where can I track SB 216?
Track SB 216 free on One Click Politics — get push/email alerts when it moves.

Make your voice heard on SB 216

Find the representatives who decide this bill and tell them where you stand — for yourself, or mobilize your whole list in one click with One Click Politics advocacy software.

Find my representatives → Run a campaign

Stay ahead of SB 216

Last checked for changes 3 months ago · updated continuously

One Click Politics tracks every bill in Congress and all 50 states.

Track this bill →