"This is not a parent choice bill, this is a private school choice bill," said JoAnn Neilson, president of the Utah PTA. "We urge parents to get in and try to change the (public school) system so it can be better for all children."

Money for schools under the bill remained at issue.

The bill would save the state $3.4 million in the first year but cost $133,800 the second, its fiscal note states. The fiscal analysts office also projects the bill would save the state $374 million over the next 13 years, Ferrin said.

But the fiscal analyst also reports the bill would reduce the Minimum School Program by $11.3 million next year because students leaving public schools no longer require state per-pupil funds.

Lawmakers have said they believe the school budget would be restored.

Plus, Mascaro says, if the bill proves to be a bad one, it can be fixed.

"If we find out we were totally wrong, it didn't work and the numbers are going south, I guarantee you I'll be the first legislator up here to file a bill to take it away," Mascaro said. "I believe this bill has safety nets . . . to allow us to move forward with some assurance."

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E-mail: jtcook@desnews.com