Estimated Reading Time: 2 Minutes
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The 2024 legislative session has officially begun, and it is already shaping up to be an action-packed session. The House Education Committee met for the first time on Thursday, January 11. This was an organizational meeting, and no official business took place. The Committee will begin meeting daily beginning on January 15. The Senate Education Committee met for the first time on Thursday afternoon as well. They will begin meeting Monday through Thursday from here on out.
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Here's what we are tracking:
- HB384. This bill expands the definition of materials deemed “harmful” to minors in their school or public library. This bill gives parents, guardians, and minors the ability to request that the library remove the material deemed harmful from its shelves within 30 days. If the item has not been removed, it creates a private right of action where any party can recover $250 and damages from the school district or public library.
- HJR001. The purpose of this bill is to repeal the Blaine Amendment. For this bill to pass, it would require two-thirds of each legislative body to vote in favor of it. If the bill is passed and signed by the Governor, it would be presented to the voters in the November general election. It would only require a simple majority to pass at that time. If the simple majority is reached, the Blaine Amendment (Article IX Section 5) would be repealed.
- 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.
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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:
- Spending on Private School Vouchers Increases Over Time
- Private School Vouchers Are Especially Harmful to Rural Communities
- Private School Voucher Programs Can Lead to Tax Hikes
- What Could $360 Million Buy for Idaho’s Public Schools?
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ISBA is currently tracking 3 bills impacting Idaho public education. The complete bill tracker includes detailed information and ISBA staff analysis regarding the bills.
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Here's What You Need to Know
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- The House Education Committee meets Monday - Friday at 9:00 a.m. in EW41.
- The Senate Education Committee meets Monday - Thursday at 3:00 p.m. in WW55.
- The State Department of Education (SDE) has scheduled weekly education spotlights in each of the education committees. They will happen on Mondays. The first spotlight will feature the Cascade School District on January 15.
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- Deputy Director and Government Affairs, Quinn Perry, joined an Idaho Ed. News podcast recently to discuss education issues expected to be discussed in the legislature this year. Listen to it here.
- A new library bill aimed at protecting minors from "harmful material" was printed this week. Read more about it here.
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Who is representing ISBA at the Capitol?
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Misty Swanson
Executive Director
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Quinn Perry
Deputy Director &
Government Affairs
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Katie Russell
Communications & Program Associate
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199 N. Capitol Blvd.
Suite 503
Boise, ID 83702
(866) 799-4722
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