Idaho Legislative Updates: What Parents Need to Know

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Idaho Legislative Updates: What Parents Need to Know

As part of our ongoing commitment to keeping families informed, the Coalition for Idaho Charter School Families has compiled a comprehensive update on the most impactful education bills from this legislative session. Below, you'll find the latest on bills affecting charter schools, school choice, and education policy in Idaho.

Bills Signed or Pending Governor’s Signature

  • HB 93 - Parental Choice Tax Credit: Provides up to $5,000 per child for private education expenses. Signed by Governor Brad Little on Feb 27, 2025. Read More

  • S1092 - Lifetime Teaching Certificate: Grants a lifetime teaching certificate to educators with 25+ years of experience, removing the requirement for continued professional development. Awaiting Governor’s Signature. Read More

  • S1069 - Literacy Coaches Funding: Appropriates $5 million to extend a program providing voluntary literacy coaches for K-3 teachers. Awaiting Governor’s Signature. Read More

  • S1147 - School Performance Incentives: Allocates $35 million to reward schools for meeting proficiency targets in math (grades 5-8) and for high schools achieving college and career readiness goals. Awaiting Governor’s Signature. Read More

  • H41 - Restrictions on Flags in Schools: Passed with amendments clarifying it does not apply to personal items worn by students or to parking lots and sports facilities. Awaiting Governor’s Signature. Read More

  • SB 1044 - Cursive Handwriting Requirement: Requires students to be proficient in reading and writing cursive by the end of 5th grade. Signed by Governor Brad Little; effective for 2025-2026 school year. Read More

Other Key Bills & Legislative Proposals: Status as of 3/14/25

  • HB 368 - Eliminates 10 seats at WWAMI and adds 20 non-WWAMI seats over 3 years, impacting Idaho’s medical education. Passed House Education Committee; awaiting House floor vote. Read More

  • S1145 - Would have allowed school districts or public charter schools to use literacy intervention funds for Early Literacy Readiness Programs for four- and five-year-olds. Failed in the Senate (14-21 vote). Read More

  • HB 331 - Public Charter School Facilities Program: Enhances the program to assist qualifying charter schools with facility needs. Passed House; awaiting second reading in Senate. Read More

  • HB 163 - Charter School Enrollment Preference for Military Families: Grants priority access to public charter schools for active-duty military families. Passed House Education Committee; awaiting full House vote. Read More

  • HB 257 - Public Charter School Operations Amendments: Modifies provisions related to virtual charter schools and transportation funding. Introduced; awaiting further action. Read More

  • HB 141 - Title IX Compliance Responsibility: Assigns responsibility for Title IX compliance to public college and university presidents. Passed House; to Senate for consideration. Read More

  • S 1046 - Human Growth and Development Instruction: Requires schools to provide instruction on human growth and development. Passed Senate; referred to House Education Committee. Read More

  • S 1068 - Parent-Supported Instruction: Establishes provisions and defines terms regarding parent-supported instruction for public school students. Introduced; referred to Senate Education Committee. Read More

  • H 162 - School-Sponsored Bible Reading: Requires public schools to include Bible reading as part of school-sponsored activities. Introduced; referred to House Education Committee. Read More

  • S 1032 - Distraction-Free Learning Policies: Requires Idaho public school districts to create policies limiting the use of electronic devices during class time. Passed Senate unanimously; awaiting House consideration. Read More

  • HJR 1 - Amendment to Compulsory Education Language: Proposes to amend the Idaho Constitution to allow parents to educate children outside public school without government regulation. Advanced to full House; if passed, will appear on November 2026 ballot. Read More

Why This Matters

These legislative actions will have a direct impact on Idaho’s charter schools, parents, and students. Whether it’s expanding school choice, providing more funding flexibility, or protecting parental rights, staying informed is the first step to making your voice heard.

📌 Stay Engaged: Contact your legislators, attend advocacy events, and share your story to support the continued success of charter schools in Idaho.

For real-time updates, follow us on social media or reach out to us at Hello@idchartercoalition.org

The Coalition for Idaho Charter School Families