Representative Klansa introduced House Bill 246 as a response to concerns from principals and counselors about students taking online courses through the Statewide Online Education Program (SOEP). Committee members and sponsors said existing registration (SEATS) is cumbersome and that counselors sometimes lack timely access to students' progress in state-authorized online courses.

The bill would require a one-stop portal that lists courses offered by the state’s six authorized providers, describe course rigor and teacher interaction, provide a centralized registration option, and include a metrics-based “report card” for providers. Sponsors said the portal would allow parents and counselors to see course availability and student progress and would enable reviews and reporting similar to commercial marketplaces. The legislation also includes provisions for audits to confirm rigor and for improved communication between online providers and local, bricks-and-mortar schools.

Providers that spoke expressed support for replacing the SEATS system but raised concerns that new reporting and oversight requirements could be burdensome. Mountain Heights Academy, a charter provider, said the six providers already are local education agencies (LEAs) with governing boards and existing oversight; it urged caution on additional reporting that might require redirecting funds.

Supporters from local superintendents and the Utah School Boards Association argued the change would improve counselor access to student progress and strengthen the integrity of credits placed on school transcripts. After public comment, the committee voted to recommend HB 246 with a favorable recommendation.