Education (K-12 Education)

This bill revises Idaho's rules for counting students in public schools and charter schools to determine funding and reporting. It sets specific limits: kindergarten students count as no more than half a full-time equivalent (FTE), summer/night school students max at one-fourth FTE, and students with 11+ unexcused absences before a count date cannot be included. Schools must count enrollment four times yearly (October, December, February, April) and require parental consent for enrollment. These changes directly affect school districts and charter schools in how they calculate student numbers for state funding.

This Idaho bill (H 780) updates rules for students enrolled in nonpublic schools (private or homeschool) who participate in public school activities. It requires these students to meet the same academic proficiency standards as public school students - demonstrated through state tests or approved assessments - to join nonacademic activities like sports or clubs. The bill clarifies that dually enrolled students do not count toward public charter school enrollment limits, establishes fees for nonpublic students joining activities, and allows credits from postsecondary institutions to count toward high school graduation. It directly affects nonpublic school students, public schools, and charter schools in Idaho. The changes take effect July 1, 2026.

This Idaho bill (H 516) prohibits public school staff from providing classroom instruction on sexual orientation or gender identity to students in kindergarten through grade 12. It requires schools to adopt policies banning such instruction unless it is age-appropriate and developmentally suitable per state standards. The law directly affects Idaho public schools and their curriculum decisions for all K-12 students. Key mechanisms include mandating school policies that prevent classroom lessons on these topics, while allowing age-appropriate discussions that align with educational standards. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026.

Idaho's S 1227 establishes rules for using generative artificial intelligence (like AI that creates text or images) in public K-12 schools. It requires the state education department to create a framework prioritizing student privacy, safety, and human oversight, while mandating school districts to adopt local policies aligned with this framework. The bill also directs the development of AI literacy standards for students, teacher training programs, and guidelines for purchasing AI tools that comply with privacy laws. These requirements take effect July 1, 2026.