What is Amendment B? One of two ballot amendments in Utah

SALT LAKE CITY — With only two amendments left on the ballot in Utah, voters will decide on Amendment B in November.

With controversial Amendments A and D defeated, many voters may be less familiar with the remaining amendments. The Utah Land Trusts Protection and Advocacy Office explained to voters what Amendment B could change.

“Amendment B is the only amendment that, if passed, would increase funding for Utah schools at no cost to taxpayers,” an office spokesperson said in a news release.

The amendment reads:

“Should the Utah Constitution be amended to increase the limit on annual distributions from the state school fund to public schools from 4% to 5% of the fund?”

“A vote FOR Amendment B would increase the current cap on distributions from the $3.3 billion state school fund to 5% of the fund,” the office said. “A vote AGAINST Amendment B would maintain the current 4% cap on distributions from the $3.3 billion state school fund.”

Taxpayer funding is not affected by the decision. That’s because the “$3.3 billion state school fund” has already been permanently appropriated by the state and is growing from land fund revenues and investments, the office said.

So the vote determines how much of that fund the state can distribute to Utah schools each year. If the change passes, the state could distribute an additional $14 million from the fund.

Officials said the fund has grown significantly over the years and it’s time for payouts to increase as well.

“Due to continued high investment returns, the fund will need to pay out a larger portion of its income today,” said Utah Treasurer Marlo Oaks. “Amendment B provides the School and Institutional Trust Funds Office flexibility to fulfill its fiduciary obligation to balance funding between current and future students.”

The Utah PTA endorsed Amendment B and encouraged Utahns to vote for it in November.

“Amendment B not only means more money for Utah students, these funds also support teachers and involve parents in deciding how School Land Trust Funds are used at their child’s school,” said Utah PTA President Corey Fairholm.

The Utah Land Trusts Protection and Advocacy Office did not report any agencies opposed to the change. Other supporters include the Utah State Board of Education and the Utah School Boards Association.