Panel OKs bill to aid districts hurt by waivers

House committee members were unanimous Tuesday in their support of a bill to help school districts impacted by fee waivers.

The House Education Standing Committee liked the idea of appropriating $1 million for the Uniform School Fund over the next two fiscal years.

The money would help districts compensate for losses from low-income students who require fee waivers in order to participate in various school activities.

Rep. Lou Shurtliff, D-Ogden, wants HB169 to establish criteria for distribution of the funds. The bill also calls for each school district to receive up to $40 per each high school student eligible for free school lunch.