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HB 393

Early Intervention for Dyslexia Amendments

2026 General Session Introduced by Ariel Defay and 1 co-sponsor

Utah establishes a four-year Dyslexia Screening Pilot Program to provide districts with a state-approved screening process and resources to identify and intervene early for at-risk

Governor Signed
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Bill Summary · HB 393

Overview

HB 393, titled Early Intervention for Dyslexia Amendments, establishes a Dyslexia Screening Pilot Program in Utah. The bill creates a targeted four-year pilot to improve early identification and intervention for students at risk of dyslexia, provides resources to districts and charters, and outlines duties for the Utah State Board of Education (USBE) and the University of Utah partners. It includes a designated funding appropriation and a clear set of reporting and rulemaking requirements.

Main purpose and intent

  • To implement an early intervention framework for dyslexia through a pilot program.
  • To provide districts and charter schools with access to dyslexia screening resources and a standardized screener developed with university partners.
  • To promote early identification, data collection, and evidence-based interventions to improve reading outcomes.

Key provisions and changes

  • Definitions and scope:

    • Dyslexia defined with emphasis on neurobiological and environmental factors and early indicators.
    • Clarifies terms for screening, diagnosis, and diagnostic assessment.

  • Dyslexia Screening Pilot Program (new program):

    • Four-year pilot intended to deliver dyslexia resources to districts/charters and to create a dyslexia screener at the University of Utah Education Policy Center and College of Education.
    • USBE administers and oversees the program, with rules to be developed via administrative processes.
    • Establishes a published, district-accessible webpage listing approved screeners and dyslexia resources for parents, teachers, and students.

  • Participation and implementation:

    • Districts/charters must apply to participate and may fund the screener or use a free University-developed screener.
    • The University of Utah partners develop, maintain, and validate the screener, ensure accessibility, and provide professional development on dyslexia indicators, screening, progress monitoring, and family communication.

  • Screening timeline and process:

    • Beginning July 1, 2027, districts/charters in the program must use a state-approved screener to screen students in kindergarten through third grade who show risk factors or below-average benchmark scores.
    • Additional screening is required for kindergarten/first-grade students when indicated by data or concerns; referrals to the state-approved screener are possible.

  • Rules and reporting:

    • USBE to establish application, reporting, screening enforcement, screener approval criteria, administration intervals, and accessibility rules.
    • Upon request, districts/charters or USBE must report progress and outcomes to the Education Interim Committee.

  • Funding:

    • Appropriates $1,500,000 in the FY 2027 operating and capital budgets (Public Education Economic Stabilization Restricted Account) for the Dyslexia Screening Pilot Program, with up to 5% for administrative costs.
    • Ongoing (FY 2027 onward) implementation costs are estimated at $477,000 per year, split between the Income Tax Fund and board absorption of some costs.

Who and what is affected

  • State: Utah State Board of Education (USBE) and the University of Utah Education Policy Center/College of Education (partners).
  • Local: School districts and charter schools that opt into the Dyslexia Screening Pilot Program.
  • Stakeholders: Students in grades 1–3 (screening targets), parents/guardians, teachers, school administrators, and special education personnel.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Effective date: July 1, 2026.
  • Pilot duration: Four years, with annual evaluations and reporting upon request.
  • Major implementation milestones:
    • USBE to approve a statewide benchmark reading assessment for grades 1–6 (Section 53E-4-307).
    • Beginning July 1, 2027, districts/charters in the program must screen per state-approved processes.
    • Ongoing rulemaking and reporting requirements to the Education Interim Committee.
  • Repeal mechanics: The bill itself creates a pilot program with a sunset/repeal date for the broader pilot component in 2030, aligning with the four-year pilot timeline and eventual program evaluation.

Note: The fiscal note indicates net costs of about $477,000 annually starting FY 2027, with some absorption by the state board.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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