UT HB0146

Converts the Mentoring and Supporting Teacher Excellence and Refinement Pilot Program into a permanent program by removing all pilot-related language and the July 1, 2028 repeal date

Appropriates $2,400,000 from the Public Education Economic Stabilization Restricted Account for fiscal year 2027 to fund the Teacher Excellence Program

Program provides competitive grants to LEAs and Regional Education Service Agencies (RESAs) to create teacher leadership tracks outside traditional salary steps and lanes, with required matching funds of 10-20% depending on grant tier

Eligible grant uses include releasing teachers for mentoring and leadership work, providing extended contracts with increased pay for teacher leader roles, and building differentiated pay scales for classroom teachers in leadership positions

State Board of Education may use up to 6.25% of appropriated funds for administrative costs and must report to the Education Interim Committee upon request