Measure would change rules for USDB

After two years of work, a multi-faceted bill meant to clarify the operations of the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind is making progress.

HB296, sponsored by Ken Sumsion, R-American Fork, moved through the House on Wednesday with a unanimous vote. The legislation is slated for debate in the Senate.

Sumsion calls his bill a "recodification" which will clean up the current law — with a few "enhancements." He emphasizes the bill won't change the status of USDB, which is considered a state agency.

Currently there is one USDB superintendent who represents the blind, the deaf, and students who are deaf and blind. This bill calls for having a general superintendent, and also two associate superintendents, one representing the blind and another representing the deaf.

The legislation would allow children who aren't deaf or blind to attend the school, such as if they wanted to be with a sibling and learn communication skills in that area, such as sign language. The State Board of Education has the power to grant this exception.

Previously, students who achieved grade level would then transition into their mainstream district schools — "whether they want to or not," Sumsion said .The bill allows the student to stay at USDB until graduation if they wish.

The bill requires USDB to report to the State Board annually.

USDB has about 25 full-time students in its residential facility based in Ogden, along with several subsidiary programs statewide.

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