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.
This Idaho bill revises rules for virtual public education programs. It requires school districts to verify student residency, ensure curriculum meets state standards, and disclose detailed cost information to parents when contracting with educational providers. The bill prohibits direct payments of state funds to parents and sets certification requirements for virtual teachers. These changes apply to all Idaho school districts offering virtual programs and public charter schools classified as "virtual schools" under revised definitions.
This bill establishes a "social access pass" program for homeschool students in grades 8-12 in Idaho, allowing them to attend public school social events like dances, cultural activities, and career fairs at one local public school within their attendance area. Homeschool students must apply voluntarily, provide proof of residency, and pay a $25 fee (to cover program costs), but they won’t be charged extra for individual events beyond what enrolled students pay. The pass does not create enrollment in the public school system, so it won’t affect school funding, attendance records, or parental educational choices. The program begins in the 2026-2027 school year.
This bill requires Idaho public schools to address student online harassment targeting staff or others by creating a process for reporting, investigating, and disciplining students. It defines "inappropriate online behavior" as harassment, threats, or bullying via internet, mobile devices, or social media that harms school employees, students, parents, or volunteers. Schools must investigate reports, notify parents, and impose discipline like warnings, behavior programs, or suspension. The law does not block victims from pursuing other legal remedies.
This bill creates the Idaho High-Needs Student Fund to reimburse school districts and charter schools for special education costs exceeding $30,000 per student with a disability. It covers eligible expenses like therapy, specialized equipment, and nursing services directly tied to an individualized education program (IEP), excluding routine classroom costs. Reimbursement provides up to 100% of costs above $30,000 (capped at $80,000) and 80% above $80,000, with a maximum $100,000 per student annually. Funds are allocated 60% to non-rural and 40% to rural school districts, with annual reports required starting in 2028.
This bill establishes the Public School Digital Content and Curriculum Fund in Idaho's state treasury, administered by the Idaho Department of Education. It provides state funding for public school districts (including specialized programs like the Idaho Bureau of Educational Services for the Deaf and Blind) to purchase digital content, curriculum, and academic text support systems that directly improve student achievement in areas like reading, math, career readiness, and college preparation. School districts must demonstrate how requested funds (capped at $50,000 per request) will help meet measurable student performance targets outlined in their continuous improvement plans, with funding distributed first-come, first-served based on needs-based criteria. The bill also specifies that funds are continuously appropriated and interest earned must be returned to the fund.
