Utah Governor Signs Special Needs Opportunity Scholarship Bill

After vetoing an earlier version of the bill, today Governor Gary Herbert signed HB4003 into law, creating Utah’s first tax credit scholarship program for children with special needs. The revised program includes a means test for scholarships with more funds available to lower-income families, and a feasibility study will be conducted after two years of operation. Eligible families will have the flexibility to use scholarship funds for private school tuition, educational therapies, online curriculum and other education-related expenses.
Statement from John Schilling, President of the American Federation of Children:
“We are thrilled that the Utah Legislature prioritized the education of special needs children by bringing a compromise bill back for a vote in special session, even in the midst of a pandemic. We express gratitude to Governor Herbert for working with the bill sponsors, Representative Mike Schultz and Senator Lincoln Fillmore, and ultimately supporting the revised legislation. This program is an excellent step in the right direction to providing Utah families with the educational freedom that they deserve.”