H.B. 146 Mentoring and Supporting Teacher Excellence and Refinement Program Amendments

What this bill does

The bill makes the Master Teacher program permanent, ending its pilot status. Under the bill, districts can pay teachers extra for leadership roles outside the standard pay scale, and release them from part of their contract to mentor colleagues.

Plain-English summary written by AI from the sponsor’s presentation in committee and on the floor. Check the official text below.

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Every vote

• 10 yes, 0 no, 5 absentHouse Education Committee: vote to approve it · Jan 22, 2026Who voted how
• 71 yes, 0 no, 4 absentFinal House vote · Feb 2, 2026Who voted how
• 4 yes, 0 no, 3 absentSenate Education Committee: vote to approve it · Feb 13, 2026Who voted how
• 26 yes, 0 no, 3 absentFirst of two Senate votes · Feb 19, 2026Who voted how
• 27 yes, 0 no, 2 absentFinal Senate vote · Mar 4, 2026Who voted how
• 71 yes, 0 no, 4 absentHouse vote to accept the other chamber's changes · Mar 5, 2026Who voted how

Hearings and debates

• Jan 22, 2026 House Education Committee▶ Watch
  Transcript (35 turns)

  1. Committee chair (presiding)1:13:55

     Thank you very much. Um, looking at our agenda today, we've got, uh, the notice agenda has six bills that, uh, we're, uh, were, uh, before the, before the committee today. Um, uh, item number one, house bill 2 41 will not be heard today. And house and item number four, house bill 31 will not be heard today. So we're gonna begin with House Bill 1 46. And, uh, representative Pucci, representative Pucci is gonna present House Bill 1 46 mentoring and support teacher excellence and refinement program amendments. And she does have a handout for the members of the committee. So, uh, we'll make sure we get that to you. Just, uh, I know you need just a second to set up, but when you're ready, you're welcome to begin. You bet. Yes, I do actually. Thank you. And I just, uh, I just received notice we're gonna make one other adjustment to the committee agenda today. So house bill 55 will be here, will be heard last today instead of what would've been, uh, third on the agenda. So, alright, representative.

  2. Rep. Candice B. Pierucci1:15:06

     Appreciate Thank you, Mr. Chair, and thank you members of the committee. And if it's all right, I've got superintendent Molly Hart joining me today. Dr. Hart, I guess I should say whatever title trumps that you want to use. Uh, but she's fantastic. So this bill is a very simple bill. It's a follow up to a program that we, we worked on last year myself with, uh, superintendent Hart and then, then, um, chair Jim Moss. But one of the challenges that we have, and we've done a, a really great job as a legislature trying to increase teacher pay specifically over the past three, four years. But one of the challenges that we have is some of our best teachers end up having to go into administration and leave the classroom so they can make more money. And if you think of your favorite teacher from when you were in high school or middle school, it's very likely that they moved on and into administration. I know my favorite government teacher is now vice principal, and she was a heck of a teacher, and it's sad that she's not in a classroom anymore. But part of the reality of this is people need to make money, support their family. So, as one of the solutions to this, it's the Master Teacher program, and I commend the bill sponsor Jeff n Holton, for creating an acronym that worked with Master for Mentoring and Supporting Teacher Excellence and Refinement. Uh, but this really, in a nutshell, gives great teachers the opportunity to stay in the classroom and they get a supplement to what they're making. So we are trying to get them more money so they can stay in the classroom, and then they mentor other teachers in their cohort to help them, um, become better teachers. So that's the, really the basics of the program, but I thought it'd be helpful to have Superintendent Heart speak to the success of it and how it's been working.

  3. Molly Hart, State Superintendent of Public Instruction1:16:55

     Thank You. Your mic is now on. I'm sorry. Thank You. Thank you. So, yes, this is one of the board's priorities, uh, but also I used this program as a practitioner, as a superintendent of charter schools. And, uh, the experience was, um, uh, invigorating for our staff. Teacher led schools and teacher powered schools are some of the best schools out there When teachers have voice and can, uh, develop leadership skills while they're in the classroom, everybody wins. The students win, the other teachers win. And it's, it's wildly rewarding for the teacher. This program is a, uh, grant program to districts and charters both, and each district or charter can structure their program for their unique needs. And that's very important because it allows for the program to be customized. It's not a one size fits all. In fact, we were able, we've been asked to consider some cuts to our budget, like every agency is. And there are several programs that we might be able to fold into this program so that we can enlarge the, uh, leadership opportunities, uh, and run fewer programs, but still have multiple opportunities for leadership, uh, in schools. I can't say enough good things about exactly what this program does. It is, it fits our mission and vision of, of creating leaders. It sets great example for students. It creates very dynamic classrooms and schools that are very responsive to parent needs. I, I really could go on all day, but I know you have a full agenda. Mm-hmm. So I'll stop there. Thank you.

  4. Rep. Candice B. Pierucci1:18:57

     That concludes our presentation.

  5. Committee chair (presiding)1:18:59

     Alright. Thank you. Appreciate that. Are there any, uh, clarifying questions from the members of the committee? Uh, Representative Thompson.

  6. Rep. Jason E. Thompson1:19:08

     Thank you, Mr. Chair. Um, Dr. Hart, you, you had mentioned that there's potentially some other programs that could be rolled into this program. Um, as, um, as you're well aware, I I'm all about that. How, how can we, how can we condense, how can we bring this up? You, um, figured out programs that can be in isolated amounts. Um, what have, how much have you looked into that?

  7. Molly Hart, State Superintendent of Public Instruction1:19:29

     Well, we just adjourned our meeting maybe, uh, 20 minutes ago. So it's a homework assignment, uh, not just today, but through the coming days. Um, and we should have some of that information available for PEA shortly. I just don't have it right at my fingertips. I also want to, you know, you gotta, you gotta improvise, right? So based on what the board decided today, um, I need to spend a little bit of time regroup and think about how we can, uh, leverage what programs we do have and, uh, and create some efficiencies. So I need to put a little bit more thought into it. Um, but one example is, uh, uh, national Board certified teachers. Um, that may be something that districts want to make as part of their, um, master teacher program. Um, that would be one example of, of a possible program. Another one is in code. There's a responsibility, uh, that USBE has to develop, um, a leadership pipeline, um, and we can actually develop that pipeline within this program. So just, you know, what's, what's great about the program is it allows flexibility to do just that. And so really, um, it's not just what ideas I think are worthy, but what ideas the districts and schools themselves come up with.

  8. Rep. Jason E. Thompson1:21:07

     Okay. I love it. I'm, I'm happy to help. Um, if I can help in any way to sit down and look at those and figure out some numbers, I'm willing to spend the time. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

  9. Committee chair (presiding)1:21:15

     Thank you. Uh, we'll now go to Representative Miller.

  10. Rep. Tracy Miller1:21:20

      Thank you. Uh, can you tell me how many LEAs participated in this pilot? And then with this fiscal note, will that expand more LEAs?

  11. Molly Hart, State Superintendent of Public Instruction1:21:29

      So it's contingent upon funding, and so we'll see how this budget year pulls out. Um, I know there's some creative things going on. I'm working on pulling up the report you sent me. Thank you. Yes. Uh, Let me see. I didn't bring a copy. I will also say that we are, um, wanting to develop return on investment type activities into the programs that we develop. So we did, as soon as this program launched, we also launched a, uh, data collection effort so that we can show return on investment for our programs moving forward. And I believe that's what you were provided. And I've got it right here. If you're Okay, I've got, uh, Daggett School District, Duchesne County School District, Morgan North Summit. Park City Rich School, soldier Hollow, hollow Charter School, south Summit School District. You, Uintah School District, you, Uintah River High School, Tara Academy, Wasatch County School District, uh, Weiland Men's School of Discovery, and Winter School of Sports.

  12. Rep. Tracy Miller1:22:32

      That's, that's just, that's just new, um, news. Okay. But then you've got a whole, A whole nother, it's A longer list than that. It's much longer list. And if you want, I can send it to you.

  13. Molly Hart, State Superintendent of Public Instruction1:22:45

      I can send the report that is very long, uh, but good information that I can send to you as well. But it is a long list of grants that were given to. I will say though, 85% of the participating teachers said that it helped them improve. 98% of them said it helped their day-to-day work feel rewarding. Um, 96%, you know, after having this said that they felt like they were satisfied with their choices being a teacher. And overall it showed the satisfaction and quality for teachers improved dramatically. So it's a long list of participants in that grant. And I can send it over to you.

  14. Rep. Tracy Miller1:23:23

      Oh yeah. That's great. So it's safe to say there's a lot of interest in this program.

  15. Molly Hart, State Superintendent of Public Instruction1:23:27

      Uh, the interest exceeds the Yeah, the capacity. Thank you. In fact, that's part of the reason we need to go after more funding. Um, there are programs that need to get off the ground and wanna be added. That can't be added at this time. Thank you.

  16. Committee chair (presiding)1:23:45

      All right. Any other questions? Representative Miller?

  17. Rep. Tracy Miller1:23:48

      That's It. Thank you. Okay. All right. Thank you.

  18. Committee chair (presiding)1:23:50

      Uh, we're gonna go to Representative Moss. No, that's all right. Are you, do you have a question rep? Do you have, sorry, lemme get your light on here.

  19. Rep. Carol S. Moss1:24:03

      Pucci. Yes, I have a question. Um, I just wanted to say, when I was teaching, and I did wanna make more money, but I got a master's degree plus however many hours the highest level, I also got an admin certification and I didn't ever use it 'cause I decided I didn't wanna leave the classroom. But my point is, I spent a lot of time and money, um, to move up and to get that level so I could make more money. And so this would enable people to do these kinds of things in lieu of spending all those years

  20. Rep. Candice B. Pierucci1:24:40

      and dollars of your own to get Correct. Correct. That is correct. Yeah. I don't think, and I think the idea is rewarding those really high quality teachers and not forcing them to go get a master's, but just acknowledging their natural leadership and skillset and getting them more money so they can stay being a great teacher.

  21. Molly Hart, State Superintendent of Public Instruction1:24:59

      Thank you. I, I did, um, out of the 40 ish districts, because we do have some splitting, uh, we have 39 LEAs, uh, both districts and charters that are already participating and more that want to.

  22. Rep. Carol S. Moss1:25:14

      Okay. Thank you. Thanks Molly.

  23. Committee chair (presiding)1:25:17

      Alright, thank you. I don't see any additional lights. And so, uh, we'll go to public comment. Are there any that are here, are there any that are here to speak to, uh, mentoring and support teacher excellence and refining refinement program amendments? Alright. Uh, representative Pucci, I'm sorry. We do have one. Thank you. Thank you for the help. I appreciate that. Uh, please, uh, introduce yourself. Tell us your name and, uh, who you represent, if anyone, and make sure you sign in, please.

  24. Piper Riddle, Executive Director, Northern Utah Educational Services1:25:48

      Yes. So was not planning on getting up, but I am Piper Riddle, executive Director of Northeastern Utah Educational Services. We are, uh, a grantee with the Master Pilot Program. Uh, we serve 14, uh, LEAs in the Northeastern region, including five, um, charters. And, and while we're in our year one of this pilot program, um, I wanna emphasize the stipend that makes, you know, it's possible through the grant. Um, certainly does provide some lift, but I think more than anything, the feedback we hear from educators is that they, um, are, are excellent educators who want to remain in the classroom, want to have voice in leadership. And so, um, giving them an opportunity to, um, inform decision making at the school level, at the district level. I think that's the, the biggest, um, benefit of this grant that, um, they leading out in conversations our, our pilot is specific to, um, classroom behavior and building leadership, uh, skills, knowledge, and disposition in that space. And, um, I think it's empowering. So, um, I'm in support and I'm grateful for it. Thank you.

  25. Committee chair (presiding)1:27:14

      Thank you for your comments. All right. Any others that would like to speak to the, uh, speak to the bill? Okay. That'll, we'll conclude our public comments. We'll move back to the committee for, uh, action items. All right. Uh, I've got, uh, vice Chair de Faye.

  26. Rep. Ariel Defay1:27:34

      Yes. I move that we recommend House Bill 1 46 favorably.

  27. Committee chair (presiding)1:27:39

      Alright. We have a motion to recommend House Bill 1 46 favorably. Would you like to speak to that motion? I'll

  28. Rep. Ariel Defay1:27:44

      Waive. Alright.

  29. Committee chair (presiding)1:27:45

      We'll waive. Is there any discussion? Uh, let's see. I think in the new procedure, we go back to you. Yes. That's, So We, this, did you want me to do summation right now? Yeah. Yes. Okay. We go back to you now. So to the sponsor.

  30. Rep. Candice B. Pierucci1:27:58

      Okay. Well, thank you. I appreciate the comments made. And again, this was the brainchild of Superintendent Heart and Chair Moss previously. And, uh, I just would point out, we do a lot in this committee. I think last session we passed 68 bills outta this committee. If I'm not mistaken. It was in the sixties. We do a lot of things, um, from the state level, but what I love about this is it's empowering teachers. It's getting right down to the professionals who are in the classroom with our students and children. And the data shows, you know, the teacher leadership can help improve classroom instruction and improve teacher satisfaction, which thereby, uh, increases retention. Uh, which, you know, then you have that experience in the classroom and it has this, um, this program I like because there's this peer mentorship and this ability of working together and then they can choose, you know, the pilot that we walk through. And I can send you the numbers, specifically war around classroom behavior. So I appreciated that, uh, comment. There's, you know, but it allows it to be customized, which I think is one of the criticisms we get when we're up here, the legislatures that we're not allowing enough, um, flexibility and customization at the local level. I'll also just say we can pour all the money into education in the world, but we know the two things that impact a student's learning is a phenomenal teacher with high quality training and, uh, who is passionate about their job and an engaged parent. And so I like this program because it's really getting right down to the teacher and water in the row. And I think all of us up here can name the teachers that impacted us. You know, growing up, mine was Mrs. Enrico in sixth grade, and Mrs. Jacobson. And, uh, those people, they stay with you. And so, uh, we really appreciate our teachers and I think, uh, this is something that I hope we continue to grow and expand because it's working really well. And I think it can be a game changer in terms of teacher retention. So thank you.

  31. Committee chair (presiding)1:29:51

      Alright. Thank you. Appreciate, uh, that summation to the members of the committee for, uh, two, uh, uh, related to the motion.

  32. Rep. Doug Welton1:29:59

      So Representative Welton? Yeah, just real quickly, I just wanna say thank you. This is, this is tremendous. So I appreciate the bill sponsor and, and, uh, Dr. Hart and everybody's been involved on this. Uh, I wish it was around seven years ago. Mm-hmm. Um, it would've been, uh, a great career path in, but, uh, quite often you've got in education, you can be here, you can be here, and most people want to stay in the classroom. That's where teachers want to be mm-hmm. For most of them. And so I, I appreciate what this does. Great. Great, bill. Thank

  33. Committee chair (presiding)1:30:28

      You. Alright. Thank you Representative Welton. Uh, back to the maker of the motion to sum.

  34. Rep. Ariel Defay1:30:35

      Thank you. Thank you Representative Pucci. I think this is a fabulous Bill. I, like you said, you, those teachers stick out in our minds. Mrs. Laws. I have a friend, Lori Oliver Sin, I know she would, she's a phenomenal teacher, but she's doing admin and she should be teaching. So I really love this program. Thank you for bringing it forward.

  35. Committee chair (presiding)1:30:54

      Alright, thank you. Uh, we'll now, now put it to a vote. All those in favor of, uh, recommending Favorably House Bill 1 46, mentoring and supporting teacher excellence and refinement program amendments, please say aye. Aye. Aye. Any opposed? None opposed. That carries unanimously. Thank you. Thank you. Appreciate you Representative Pucci.

• Feb 2, 2026 House floor debate▶ Watch
  Transcript (7 turns)

  1. Speaker (presiding)15:34

     for items on the house. Third reading calendar, House Bill 1 46, mentoring and supporting teacher excellence and Refinement program amendments by Representative Pucci. This bill was heard in education with a vote of 10 0 5 Representative Pucci.

  2. Rep. Candice B. Pierucci15:50

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker, colleagues. Uh, hopefully you remember the bill we passed, uh, last session on the Master teacher program, but if you don't, I'll refresh you as this bill would remove the pilot and have this be a permanent program as we've seen so much success. But if you all think back to your K through 12 experience, it's likely you have a couple of favorite teachers that stick out for me. It's Mrs. Enrico, Mrs. Jacobson, who changed my life for the good. Uh, it's also very likely that the people you look back as your favorite teachers are now in administration. Uh, sometimes our best and brightest teachers, we take and have them go in administration a lot of time they have to so they can make more money and provide for their family. So trying to acknowledge that is a real concern and factor in people's decision making. We have created the master teacher program, which really creates a pathway for outstanding teachers to be able to stay in the classroom, uh, rather than moving into administration. And what we're having them do is act as coaches and mentors for other teachers to help them raise those teaching skills and elevate the academic excellence in the classroom across the whole. Um, the money and the pilot that we did was wildly successful. I've only heard positive things from the district schools and charters that it was implemented in, uh, there were over 2080 educators that were impacted by this program and it really helps strengthen that teacher voice in our schools and helps them, uh, in ways where they can collaborate together in enhancing and increasing curriculum, uh, standards as well as their professional learning opportunities and elevating the type of instruction we're seeing in the classroom. So, uh, for that reason, we would be discontinuing the pilot and allowing this to move forward permanently. Obviously it's contingent upon funding, but I'm very optimistic about the results we're already seeing from the classroom, and I would ask for my colleague support on this.

  3. Speaker (presiding)17:51

     Thank you Representative Pucci discussion to the bill. Representative Arthur.

  4. Rep. John Arthur17:58

     Thank you speaker. It is with great excitement and enthusiasm that I rise in support of this bill. I'd like to thank the good sponsor for recognizing that in our schools for too long we have taken for granted the incredible human capital that we have. We have teachers that forever have stepped up to, to coach, to help out their teammates, to, to make magic happen for kids. And they've done it for free and they've just done it because they love. And if you don't mind, Mr. Speaker, I'll just share a quick story. In my second year of teaching, I was talking to a superintendent and the superintendent said to me, you know, Mr. Arthur, you're, you're a very good teacher. You, you should become a principal. And I thought that was ridiculous. I I, I can't imagine anybody would ever go up to LeBron James and say, LeBron James, you're a great basketball player. You should be a, a general manager, right? You, you gotta keep your talent on the court. And that's exactly what this bill does. It allows teachers to stay in the classroom, be compensated for the extra work that they do as leaders on top of it. I, I don't look at this as just a, a master teacher bill. I look at this as a teacher retention bill and I'm just very grateful for it. So for those reasons, uh, I encourage everyone to support that Bill.

  5. Speaker (presiding)19:12

     Thank you representative Arthur Arthur. Further discussion to the bill and none back to your representative, preci for summation. Thank

  6. Rep. Candice B. Pierucci19:23

     You Mr. Speaker. And I appreciate the comments from my good colleague who is a phenomenal teacher, uh, in his own right and I appreciate his leadership in that community. Uh, colleagues, again, there are a lot of times we work on contentious bills up here. This bill, though, truly is a consensus bill and one where you can go back to a district knowing that this is going to make a phenomenal impact on the teachers and by extension the students in your area. And I would ask for your support.

  7. Speaker (presiding)19:51

     Thank you. Representative Pucci Voting will now be open on first, or sorry on HB 1 46. Seeing all President hadn't voted. Voting is now closed. HP 1 46 passed. This body was 71. Yes. Vote zero. No votes will be sent to the Senate for its consideration. Madam Reading, clerk

• Feb 13, 2026 Senate Education Committee▶ Watch
  Transcript (20 turns)

  1. Committee chair58:11speaker not certain

     uh, HP 2 1 46. Mentoring and support teacher excellence and Refinement program amendments. Representative Pucci.

  2. Rep. Candice B. Pierucci58:25

     There you go. Thank you. Committee, uh, colleagues. This is a program we worked on last session. We did it as a pilot program last session. Uh, this is the brainchild of, uh, two fantastic leaders in the education community. Uh, working with former board chair Jim Moss and our superintendent Molly Hart, on trying to find ways that we can retain fantastic teachers in the classroom. If you think about some of your best teachers growing up, it is very likely that they are now an administration to make more money. And while we've done a lot to try and increase teacher pay, our state, this is still a challenge that we see in our schools. And so the goal of the master teacher program is to let phenomenal teachers stay in the classroom, continue teaching, and give them an opportunity to increase their pace that they can continue doing that. So part of that is they would be, uh, promoted to being a master teacher in their school, and they would help mentor their other teachers, uh, to elevate their teaching skills and, uh, just capacity collaboration, instructional materials in general, professional learning, uh, so that they can be a mentor for those other teachers. Uh, and this way we're able to do that. There was a study done on the pilot program and a report that I'm happy to send to you if you have any questions. But it showed that overwhelmingly there was success in this program, and the majority of teachers felt much more confident in their teaching abilities. And, uh, specifically when it came to deescalation training, um, they felt like they were much more prepared for one of the districts that focused on that. But this is operating in different districts who were able to get this, uh, grant program and we're removing the pilot program and now making this a permanent program because it's been very successful, uh, for our teachers. Thank you. Does that conclude your presentation? Yes, It does. Okay.

  3. Committee chair1:00:22

     We're gonna come back to members of the committee for discussion. Senator Baldry, go ahead.

  4. Sen. Heidi Balderree1:00:28

     Uh, as the floor sponsor of this bill, I have to, I have to speak in support of this. I think it's great that we're transitioning this pilot to something permanent. And so that will empower our teachers to not just lead, um, from the principal's office, but right. Uh, right where they like to be, which is in the classroom. And it's gonna ensure that we don't lose our veteran teachers, um, to administration. And I'm just super excited about this bill and thank the sponsor for bringing it forward.

  5. Committee chair1:00:56

     Thank you. Senator Riebe. Go ahead.

  6. Sen. Kathleen A. Riebe1:01:00

     Thank you, Mr. Chair. Um, as a teacher with an admin degree, I went for the big money and I ran for office. So, um, people do find different ways to serve in their communities. I do appreciate that our teachers are supportive of this. I've heard nothing but good things about this, so thank you for listening to our teachers. Thank you for listening to our teacher communities, and thank you for running this bill. Thank You Boy. Sitting by me. I know has changed you a little bit. No, thank you.

  7. Committee chair1:01:29

     Uh, any other discussion to, uh, to this bill? Uh, seeing none, we're gonna go to members of the public for comment. Anyone in the public like to comment on this, come forward and, uh, state your name for the record and then go ahead. Okay. Go ahead.

  8. Amanda Bollinger, Vice Chair, Utah State Board of Education1:01:49

     Thank you Chair. Amanda Bollinger. I'm the Vice Chair of Utah State Board of Education and wanted to let you know that we did vote to support this bill. It's actually one of our top priorities for funding this year. We do appreciate a representative Peru's hard work on this and have seen the benefits at the school level of how it is helping build teacher leaders and also mentors for other teachers, which we know that having a great teacher in the classroom is the biggest impact that can happen to improve student learning. So we appreciate the work that's been done and hope that you would support this bill as well. Thank you.

  9. Committee chair1:02:24

     Thank you. Go ahead and state your name for the record. Tell us who you represent.

  10. David Bell, resident1:02:32

      Good afternoon. My name is David Bell from West Jordan. I am here representing myself. Um, I'm here in support of this bill. I am a public school educator and a big, uh, I'm one of the educators who wants to stay in the classroom. I love those who go on to be grade administrators, but I wanna stay in the classroom my entire career. So something like this that incentivizes me to stay there and be there and support my students and care for them and be the best teacher I can for them, is something that I'm very grateful for.

  11. Committee chair1:02:56

      Thank you. And thank you for your service too. Go ahead.

  12. Jennifer Partridge, President, Provo School Board1:03:04

      Hello, I'm Jennifer Partridge. I'm president of the school board in Provo, and I'm here representing, uh, my board to say that we are very grateful of and supportive of this program. We have used this grant to build, um, or to create building leadership teams in each of our schools. And those teachers are doing wonderful things, leading out in creating a culture of collaboration and a focus on our district and school, um, strategic plans and really helping with our, it's moved the needle with our student achievement as well. So we're grateful for that and support this bill.

  13. Committee chair1:03:40

      Thank you. Anyone else want to comment? Seeing none. We'll go to members of the public online, seeing no lights there. We're gonna come back to the committee for action. Further discussion. Senator Riebe, go ahead.

  14. Sen. Kathleen A. Riebe1:03:59

      Thank you, Mr. Chair. I would like to send out House Bill 1 46 mentoring and supporting teacher Excellent. And refinement program amendments out with a favorable recommendation.

  15. Committee chair1:04:08

      Okay, so the motion is to send out HB 1 46 with a favorable recommendation. Discussion. That motion. Senator Baldry, go ahead.

  16. Sen. Heidi Balderree1:04:16

      Oh, I was just going to make the motion. Okay.

  17. Committee chair1:04:21

      So seeing no other lights, we're gonna come back to you to some. Thank you.

  18. Sen. Kathleen A. Riebe1:04:24

      Yeah, thank you. I appreciate the discussion today. And those who came to support the bill, uh, just I wanna highlight something because of what Senator Baldry had mentioned, what was interesting as I looked at the data that came outta the pilot was actually the majority of the teachers that this Uintah had been in the classroom 10 years or more. And so it is a way to keep those teachers that have that institutional knowledge, uh, weathered those 10 years and also keep them in the classroom to help, uh, mentor and train some of the newer teachers we have coming into the profession. I also think that professional development is something everyone strives for in their career, and this is an opportunity for us to give that to teachers with them out without them having to leave the classroom. So I appreciate the committee's support.

  19. Committee chair1:05:05

      Thank you. It's always nice to have something come to our committee that, uh, we can all agree on and we try and that, and that is that. I, I think we all believe that our teachers are important, so thank you. Uh, we'll come back to Senator Riebe Waive. Okay.

  20. Committee chair1:05:22

      So the, the motion is to, uh, send out HP 1 46 mentoring and supporting teacher excellence and refinement programs amendments, uh, with the favorable recommendation. All in favor say aye. Aye. Aye. Uh, any opposed? Uh, chair rules? That is unanimous. Thank you. Thank you.

• Feb 19, 2026 Senate floor debate▶ Watch
  Transcript (12 turns)

  1. Senate President Adams (presiding)1:21:26

     Senator Balderree.

  2. Sen. Heidi Balderree1:21:28

     Thank you Mr. President. Um, this, this bill simply, uh, transitions a successful pilot program into a permanent feature of Utah's education system. Uh, what the bill does, it supports pathways that allow outstanding teachers to remain in the classroom without moving into administration. The pilot program funding went towards, uh, an MTSS coach, capacity building, teacher leader stipends and regional reach impacting up to 2080 educators. It strengthens teacher voice using curriculum, collaboration instruction and professional learning decisions, and supports new and early career teachers through peer mentoring and instructional, um, coaching. And with that, I conclude my presentation.

  3. Senate President Adams (presiding)1:22:20

     Thank you Senator. Uh, looking for discussion saying unto you for a motion,

  4. Unknown speaker1:22:26speaker not certain

     Um, I recommend that House Bill 1 46 be read for a third time.

  5. Senate President Adams (presiding)1:22:29

     Thank you. And the question is, shall house bill 1 46? Be read A third time Roll call vote.

  6. Unknown speaker1:22:34

     Senator Spery I Aye. Lewin Aye. Brammer bus Colmore. Aye. Es. Camilla? Aye. Fillmore Grover. Aye. Harper Kins. Aye. Sson Aye. Johnson. Aye. K. Juab McKay Aye. Mikel Aye. Milner Musselman Owens Cher Aye. Plum Rebe Sandal Stevenson Stratton. Yes. Bickers weer Wilson. Aye. Winterton President Adams Aye. House

  7. Senate President Adams (presiding)1:23:21

     bill 1 46. Having received 26 yay votes. Zero nay votes. Three being absent shall be read a third time. Uh, Senator Wilson. Mr.

  8. Sen. Chris H. Wilson1:23:36

     President, motion to circle house bill 1 46 on third for physical impact.

  9. Senate President Adams (presiding)1:23:41

     I think we have a motion to, to table on third house Bill 1 46. All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Roll. That motion passes. The bill will be tabled on third. I'm gonna go to Senator Brammer first then. Senator ml. Senator Brammer.

  10. Sen. Brammer1:23:57

      Yeah. Motion to Uncer HB two 30. We Have a motion to Uncer house Bill two 30.

  11. Senate President Adams (presiding)1:24:05

      Offender amendments. All in favor say aye. Aye. Let me, let me place that motion again. The motion is to encircle third substitute house Bill. Is that correct? Yes. Two 30. All in favor say aye. Aye. Aye. Any opposed? Vote. Motion passes. Wanted to make sure we got the right one in front of us. Senator, go

  12. Sen. Heidi Balderree1:24:22

      Ahead. Alright, thank you very much. So what this does is, uh,

• Mar 4, 2026 Senate floor debate▶ Watch
  Transcript (5 turns)

  1. Rep. Candice B. Pierucci1:19:50

     and mentoring roles without leaving the classroom. So to become full-time administrators and it creates a way for teachers to lead and mentor other teachers while still spending the majority of their time teaching students. It authorizes school districts to pay these teachers more for their extra leadership responsibilities outside the traditional steps in lane pay scale. It allows teachers to be released from part of their regular teaching contract to focus on these leadership tasks and it increases freedom by providing more career options in economic liberty to earn higher wages without being forced into an office job or administration. For districts, it provides more freedoms to experiment with how they staff their schools. It helps them to retain talent and keep the best teachers in the classroom where they impact students the most. And it's provides mentorship, providing new teachers with structured guidance from master teachers. Uh, market based pay allows for merit-based pay raises outside of the rigid seniority based scales. It empowers people in the classroom. Uh, we need to stop telling our best teachers that the only way to get a raise is to stop teaching and House Bill 1 46 keeps our master teachers squarely where they belong with our kids. Uh, this is evidence-based policy. It isn't a shot in the dark. We ran this as a pilot program. We saw it worked to keep the teachers in the profession and now we are making it a permanent part of Utah's success story. And with that it conclude my presentation.

  2. Speaker (presiding)1:21:20

     Thank you for the presentation. Senator Sandall.

  3. Sen. Scott D. Sandall1:21:25

     This bill is showing as read on the board and there's a substitute online, but it has no fiscal note.

  4. Speaker (presiding)1:21:39

     Okay. A motion to circle. Okay. All in favor of the motion to circle, say aye. Aye. Any opposed? I'll rule that passes. The bill is circled house bill two 90, house bill two 90, child tax credit amendments. Senator Fillmore. Senator Fillmore.

  5. Sen. Lincoln Fillmore1:22:02

     Thank you Mr. President Pro Tem. Uh, you know, Utah has been number one for a a long time in,

• Mar 4, 2026 Senate floor debate▶ Watch
  Transcript (10 turns)

  1. Presiding officer8:45speaker not certain

     and Body House bill 1 46 and replace it with first substitute house bill 1 46. You wanna explain those changes, Senator? Yes.

  2. Sen. Heidi Balderree8:54

     The fiscal note has, uh, uh, simply caught up and, uh, this bill was unanimous in our last vote. All, all the first sub does is address the fiscal note.

  3. Presiding officer9:03

     Okay. Do we have discussion? Say none. I'll place the motion to substitute. All in favor say aye. Aye. Aye. Any opposed? Roll That motion passes. Uh, now to the bill Senator.

  4. Sen. Heidi Balderree9:16

     Okay. And since it was unanimous and not, and to spare the body of time, I'll just, uh, remind you that it was the mentoring and Supporting Teacher Excellence and Refinement program. And with that, I conclude my presentation and move the house. Bill one 40. Well,

  5. Presiding officer9:29

     Let's, let's open it up for discussion. Senator, do we have discussion to the bill? Say no discussion. I'll go to you for action.

  6. Sen. Heidi Balderree9:41

     I move, uh, that we under suspension of the rules. The house bill, uh, 1 46. First substitute shall pass.

  7. Presiding officer9:47

     Thank you. And the question is, under suspension of the rules shall first substitute House bill one forty six pass. Roll call vote.

  8. Senate clerk (roll call)9:54

     Senator Spry Aye. Lewin Brammer fuss. Fillmore Escamilla Aye. Fillmore Aye. Grover Harper Hankins Aye. Ipson Aye. Johnson Juab McKay. Mikel Milner Musselman Owens Cher Plum Rebi Sandal Stevenson Stratton Bickers Aye. Weiler Aye. Wilson. Aye. Winterton Luin. President Adams Aye.

  9. Presiding officer10:42

     First substitute house bill 1 46. Having received 27 yay votes, zero nay votes, two being absent passes as body and will be signed will be returned to the house for further consideration.

  10. Presiding officer11:13

      Senator Hinkins. Senator McKell. Senator Macal.

• Mar 5, 2026 House floor debate▶ Watch
  Transcript (6 turns)

  1. Unknown speaker1:06:31

     First substitute House Bill 1 46, mentoring and supporting teacher excellence in refinement program amendments by Representative Pucci.

  2. Rep. Candice B. Pierucci1:06:39

     Representative per Pucci. Thank You. Motion to Concur.

  3. Speaker (presiding)1:06:42

     Thank you representative. That motion is in order. Would you like to speak to it?

  4. Rep. Candice B. Pierucci1:06:46

     It's a great bill. Thank you.

  5. Speaker (presiding)1:06:47

     Thank you representative, uh, discussion to the motion to concur with the Senate amendments on first substitute HB 1 46. Although See none, we will go ahead and place that motion. All in favor, say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Will that motion passes?

  6. Speaker (presiding)1:07:05

     Uh, voting will now be open on first substitute. Uh, 1 46. First substitute HB 1 46 for final passage. All present having voted voting now closed for substitute. HB 1 46 passed this body with 71 yes votes, zero, no votes and will be sent, returned to the Senate for the signature of the President matter meeting clerk