Utah 2023 Regular Session

Utah House Bill HB0124

Introduced
1/17/23  
Refer
2/2/23  
Report Pass
2/7/23  
Engrossed
2/13/23  
Refer
2/14/23  
Report Pass
2/16/23  

Caption

Salary Supplement for School Speech-language Pathologists and Audiologists

Impact

If passed, the bill would amend the existing Teacher Salary Supplement Program by explicitly making speech-language pathologists and audiologists eligible for salary supplements. The legislation also details the process by which eligible teachers can apply for these supplements and sets the salary supplement amount at $4,100 for each full-time eligible teacher. The financial implications will be significant as it requires annual appropriations, which will need to be secured in future budget cycles to sustain this program financially.

Summary

House Bill 0124 aims to expand eligibility for the Teacher Salary Supplement Program, specifically including speech-language pathologists and audiologists. This bill seeks to align the compensation framework for these important educational professionals with that of teachers in more traditional subject areas, recognizing their essential role in the education system. By doing so, it not only intends to improve retention and recruitment of qualified professionals in these fields but also addresses the need for adequate support in educational settings.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 0124 appears to be largely positive among educators and advocates for special education. Supporters of the bill argue that enhancing the pay for speech-language pathologists and audiologists is a critical step toward acknowledging the importance of their work and improving the quality of education for students needing these services. However, there could be concerns regarding the funding sources and how they may impact other educational programs within the state budget.

Contention

Some contentious issues may arise surrounding this bill, particularly in terms of funding for the supplemental salaries. Opponents might raise concerns about prioritizing salary supplements for these specialized positions at the potential expense of other funding needs within the education system. Moreover, there may be discussions about the practicality and administrative burden of implementing additional eligibility criteria or application processes, as well as how this bill interacts with existing pay scales for other non-teaching educational staff.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

UT HB0103

Salary Supplement for School Speech-language Pathologists and Audiologists

UT HB395

Speech-language pathologists and audiologists; create board to license and regulate.

UT SB1075

Audiologists; speech-language pathologists; compact

UT S0565

Professional Licensing And Regulation Of Speech-language Pathologists And Audiologists

UT H6489

Professional Licensing And Regulation Of Speech-language Pathologists And Audiologists

UT AB2686

Speech-language pathologists, audiologists, and hearing aid dispensers.

UT HB0467

School Health Services Amendments

UT SB0183

Educator Salary Amendments

UT SB905

Relating to the licensing and regulation of speech-language pathologists and audiologists.

UT H5557

Establishes prevailing standards and procedures for licensing speech-language pathologists and audiologists in Rhode Island.

Similar Bills

UT HB0103

Salary Supplement for School Speech-language Pathologists and Audiologists

UT HB0467

School Health Services Amendments

UT SB0183

Educator Salary Amendments

UT SB0173

Market Informed Compensation for Teachers

UT HB0190

Local Education Agency Personnel Amendments

UT SB0052

Educator Salary Amendments

DC B25-0049

Local Rent Supplement Program Eligibility Amendment Act of 2023

MN SF5207

Open statutory appropriation provision for the cost of certain background studies