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We've wrapped up Week 2 of the 2024 Legislative Session, and the momentum continues to build. A key focus this year is the evolving role of libraries, which has sparked lively discussions and prompted several legislative proposals. For detailed updates on the library-related bills, please see the information provided below.

Additionally, this week featured a new bill from Senator Herndon. His bill aims to fix issues that could arise when a trustee is recalled.

HJR001 is a House Joint Resolution that aims to repeal the Blaine Amendment (Article IX Section 5) of the Idaho Constitution. The amendment prohibits the use of public funds for religious schools. If the bill passes and is signed by the Governor, it will be presented to voters in the November general election, requiring a simple majority to pass. Proponents of the repeal argue that the Supreme Court decision in Espinoza v. Montana Department of Revenue made the Blaine Amendment invalid, but this is incorrect. The decision merely prohibits discrimination against private religious schools if state appropriations are provided, which is not the case in Idaho. Therefore, repealing this constitutional amendment could lead to funding private religious schools and the passage of ESA/School Voucher legislation, taking away K-12 public school funding.

Contact your legislators today and ask them to vote NO on HJR001.

Click below to view our new platform that allows you to easily send messages to your legislators about HJR001.

Contact Your Legislators Today!

Here's what we are tracking:

Library Legislation: Early in the legislative session, library legislation remains a key focus. Yesterday, Rep. Jaron Crane pulled HB 384, which focused on "harmful materials" in libraries, back to the committee and announced he was working with Sen. Geoff Schroeder on a compromise bill to ease concern about obscenity in public and school libraries. In addition, last Friday, Rep. Chanele Dixon introduced SB1221, which relates to school libraries and would require schools and districts to adopt policies and procedures on library materials, including appointing a reconsideration committee or having the board be the designated review committee. ISBA is working with the sponsors to ensure any legislation is practical to implement locally.

HB386. This bill was presented by the Governor's office on Thursday, January 11. The focus of this bill is to revise the structure and governance of public charter schools in Idaho. It aims to redefine legislative intents, terms, and processes for the establishment, operation, and accountability of these schools.

Guns in Schools Bill Coming: ISBA has been made aware of a piece of legislation that would seize the local school board’s authority on allowing firearms in K-12 schools and would allow any school employee with an enhanced carry license to carry at school. Please, reiterate with your legislators the importance of having the school board decide with their community and stakeholders whether or not you authorize individuals to carry firearms on school grounds.

ISBA Bill Tracker

ISBA is currently tracking 5 bills impacting Idaho public education. The complete bill tracker includes detailed information and ISBA staff analysis regarding the bills.

From the bottom to the top: Curriculum re-design & student-focused instruction

This week, House & Senate Education heard from Cascade Superintendent Joni Stevenson to talk about how their school district vastly improved their student achievement scores through staff professional development, addressing teacher turnover, and more. She spoke about the importance of having their school board using data-based decisions and building trust to get things done. Kudos to Superintendent Stevenson & the Cascade School District Board of Trustees!

In the News

Last week, a bill was introduced to repeal Article 5 Section IX of the Idaho Constitution also known as the Blaine Amendment. The representatives who introduced this bill claimed due to a recent supreme court decision, this provision is now "null and void". Click here to read an article from Idaho Education News on why legal analysis says that that is not actually the case.

Out-of-state dark-money interests are once again supporting the school voucher/ESA debate in Idaho. Click here to read an opinion piece in the Idaho Statesman about how this is happening.

The Idaho Center for Fiscal Policy has created a four-part series on the dangers of school voucher programs in Idaho. Click here to read about the following topics: