Idaho's S 1339 requires all public school districts and public charter schools to create annual strategic performance plans focused on improving student outcomes. These plans must set measurable goals for academic proficiency, growth, college/career readiness, and support for at-risk students, using evidence-based strategies and data. Starting in 2027-2028, schools must submit these four-year plans with annual progress reports to the state education department, which will evaluate performance using a state-developed matrix and recognize top-performing schools. The bill replaces previous continuous improvement requirements and mandates regular board reviews of progress toward these goals.
This bill allocates state funding to Idaho's Division of Career Technical Education for the Secondary and General Programs program over fiscal years 2026 and 2027. It provides $1,877,300 for the 2026-2027 period and $957,600 for the 2025-2026 period, both drawn from the Idaho Career Ready Students Program Fund. The money is designated specifically for trustee and benefit payments related to the program. The legislation includes an emergency declaration to allow Section 2 to take effect immediately upon signing, while Section 1 becomes active on July 1, 2026.
Idaho's S 1332 is a budget bill that transfers specific funds from specialized state accounts into the General Fund for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. It directs the transfer of $45 million from the Strategic Initiatives Program Fund, $3 million from the Opportunity Scholarship Program Account, $33.7 million from the Permanent Building Fund, $15 million from the Water Pollution Control Fund, and $10 million from the In-Demand Careers Fund (for 2026) and another $10 million (for 2027) to the General Fund. These transfers are intended to provide immediate funding flexibility for state operations during the 2025-2026 budget period. The bill declares an emergency to allow most provisions to take effect immediately upon passage, with one transfer scheduled for late 2026. This is a procedural budget adjustment, not a new policy.
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.
HJR 9 proposes a constitutional amendment in Idaho to remove language allowing the state legislature to require children to attend public schools between ages six and eighteen. It would add a new provision stating that "the right of the people to educate their children without government regulation outside of public schools shall not be infringed." If approved by voters, this change would directly affect all Idaho parents and students by altering the constitutional basis for education requirements. The amendment focuses on redefining parental education rights rather than creating new laws or regulations.
H 745 prohibits public employers in Idaho from using taxpayer funds to support government unions or their activities. It bans payroll deductions for union dues, restricts government funding of union events or communications, and defines "government unions" to include teacher associations and local education organizations. The law directly affects public employees (like teachers and first responders) and their unions, preventing public funds from subsidizing union operations, political advocacy, or membership drives. Exceptions only apply for critical emergency services by first responders.
This non-binding Idaho Joint Memorial (HJM 11) urges Congress to fully fund the federal commitment under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which requires 40% of the national average per-pupil cost for special education services. It highlights that federal funding currently covers only about 12% in Idaho, placing financial strain on schools and families. The memorial specifically calls for Congress to pass legislation that meets the 40% funding target through mandatory, sustained increases within a defined timeline. It also directs Idaho’s education department to annually report on how federal IDEA funding supports special education services in the state.