UT HB0088

Removes the exemption that allowed students without lawful immigration status to pay in-state tuition rates if they attended Utah high school for 3+ years and graduated in Utah, eliminating the requirement for such students to file an affidavit about legalizing their status

Restricts eligibility for the Utah Promise Program financial aid grants to only resident students with lawful immigration status, removing the previous allowance for students exempt from nonresident tuition

Eliminates multiple exceptions to lawful presence verification requirements for public benefits, including exceptions for home loans backed by federal agencies (FHA, VA), Department of Commerce license applicants, and applicants for Opportunity scholarships, New Century scholarships, and promise grants

Requires agencies to verify lawful U.S. presence through the federal SAVE program for anyone applying for state, local, or federal public benefits, with criminal penalties for false statements

Takes effect May 6, 2026