This Idaho bill (H 634) requires school districts and public charter schools to use state education funds only for the specific purposes they were designated for - such as textbooks or instructional programs - rather than diverting them to other uses. If funds are misused, the school must pay back the state, and if they fail to reimburse, the state will deduct the amount from their next state payment. The bill directly affects schools receiving state education funds by creating a clear accountability system for fund usage. It amends Idaho law to enforce proper fund allocation without adding new programs or changing existing funding levels.
Idaho bill S 1285 creates a new standard allowing graduates of nonpublic high schools to meet the high school diploma requirement for occupational licenses. The bill amends multiple licensing statutes (including podiatry and mortician licensing) to require that licensing authorities treat nonpublic school diplomas as equivalent to diplomas from accredited public schools or a GED. This change directly affects individuals who graduated from nonpublic schools seeking licenses in professions like podiatry, mortuary science, or other regulated fields. The key mechanism is a new section (67-9419) mandating that licensing boards accept nonpublic school diplomas as fulfilling the standard high school graduation requirement.
Idaho's H 595 requires all public schools and charter schools to develop cardiac emergency response plans (CERPs) by the 2026-2027 school year. These plans must ensure AEDs are accessible within three minutes of a cardiac arrest, include staff training in CPR/AED use following American Heart Association guidelines, and integrate with existing emergency policies. Schools with athletic programs must also maintain AEDs at all sports venues and require coaches to be certified in CPR/AED use. The law takes effect July 1, 2026, and provides legal immunity for those following its requirements.
Idaho's S 1331 reduces state funding for education programs in fiscal year 2026 by $22.3 million from the Public School Income Fund and transfers money to the General Fund. It directly affects public schools (teachers and student support), Idaho's universities (including Boise State, Idaho State, and the University of Idaho), community colleges, and education programs like medical residencies and career technical education. Key mechanisms include cutting specific budget line items (e.g., $5.4 million for Boise State University, $1.8 million for student administrators), reducing authorized staff positions, and reallocating funds. The bill declares an emergency to expedite these fiscal adjustments.
This Idaho bill prohibits public schools from granting excused absences for student participation in political protests, political lobbying activities, or walkouts. It requires such absences to be counted as unexcused, affecting school attendance records and funding calculations. Schools must annually report these unexcused absences to the state superintendent, with reports beginning in 2027. The law applies to all Idaho public K-12 schools and charter schools.
SJR 103 proposes a constitutional amendment to manage Idaho's lands acquired from the federal government. It creates two trust systems: one for lands granted under specific historical conditions (allowing limited sales at fair market value with annual limits), and a permanent trust for all other federal lands that **cannot be sold** but may be leased. Revenue from the permanent trust fund must support public lands management, county compensation, improved public access, and K-12 education. The amendment requires voter approval and would prevent future legislative sales of these protected lands while directing funds toward public benefits.
Idaho's S 1317 creates a framework for voluntary regional service centers (RSCs) that school districts and public charter schools can form to share specialized staff and administrative services. The bill allows multiple local education agencies to pool resources for high-cost, hard-to-staff roles like psychologists and special education support under IDEA, while maintaining local control over curriculum and enrollment. RSCs would receive state funding for core administrative services (e.g., HR, finance), operate under locally governed boards, and offer additional fee-based services through agreements. This aims to reduce duplication, improve compliance with federal special education requirements, and lower costs for participating schools.
H 741 allows eligible Idaho public charter schools (non-virtual, meeting specific performance criteria) to spend state funding - such as discretionary, categorical, and salary funds - as they determine, without needing charter revisions. Participating schools are exempt from certain reporting requirements (including those under sections 33-119, 33-1002, and others) and automatically retain spending flexibility yearly, unless they fail audits, academic benchmarks, or lose charter status. Teachers transitioning from these schools to other public schools retain career ladder credit for prior service. The bill requires a 2029 report to the legislature on participation and student performance changes. It takes effect July 1, 2026.
Idaho's H 636 revises how school districts access state funds for building and maintenance projects. It creates a dedicated School District Facilities Fund in the state treasury, using money from specific tax codes and legislative appropriations. The fund must be distributed by August 1 each year to school districts based on student attendance, with strict spending priorities: first paying existing school bonds and required levies, then allowing use for new construction, renovations, or maintenance. This reduces property tax levies for school districts since these funds replace some local tax revenue, directly affecting all Idaho school districts and their property taxpayers. The bill also includes temporary adjustments for fiscal years 2025-2026 related to bond levy equalization.
This bill consolidates Idaho's STEM education programs under the Workforce Development Council by repealing the separate Idaho STEM Action Center structure. It transfers responsibilities like computer science education initiatives, STEM funding oversight, and program coordination to the Council. The key change revises references from "STEM Action Center" to "Workforce Development Council" in all relevant laws, streamlining oversight of K-12 computer science programs and STEM education funding.
