AI-generated summary, not yet reviewed by Better Utah staff. Please consult the bill text.

Utah's approach to identifying and supporting students with dyslexia would change under this bill, which adds new definitions distinguishing between a dyslexia "screening" (an initial check for warning signs), a "diagnostic assessment," and a formal "diagnosis" made by a qualified professional. When a "qualifying dyslexia assessment" — administered by someone licensed and competent to give it — shows a student lacks reading competency, shows characteristics of dyslexia, or is falling behind, schools would be required to provide diagnostic testing, individualized intervention or tutoring, ongoing progress monitoring, and information for parents about home strategies and outside resources; the bill also allows parents to share outside dyslexia assessment results with schools. Teachers and school staff would be protected from discipline or retaliation solely for recommending that a student be screened for dyslexia, and such a recommendation would not count as an official diagnosis. Finally, the bill updates the legal definitions used by licensed mental health therapists and psychologists so that "mental illness" is defined by reference to the standard diagnostic manual used in those fields, confirming that evaluating and treating dyslexia falls within their professional scope of practice.