Idaho Bills

Amends existing law to revise provisions regarding classroom behavior management.

This bill reviews the powers and duties section of Idaho Code 33-1224 and defines corporal punishment, physical escorts, restraints, seclusion and explicitly prohibits corporal punishment to be used as a classroom punishmentmethod. Itfurtherprohibitsrestraintandseclusionasaformofdisciplineorclassroomgovernance. it clarifies that restraint and seclusion may only be deployed if a student has placed themselves, an employee, or other students and employees in imminent danger. It requires each school district and charter school board to adopt a policy that conforms to the statute and ensures a clear and transparent reporting requirement to parents or legal guardians. Staff directly assigned to students exhibiting aggressive or dangerous behaviors must be trained on the correct use of restraint and seclusion and de-escalation techniques. Finally, it directs the State Department of Education to prepare resources, guidance, and training modules to support each local education agency to adhere to the provisions of the bill.

Amends and adds to existing law to establish training requirements for school board members.

The legislation specifies the frequency and type of school board training required, to help ensure trustees and charter school directors provide effective oversight while reflecting the needs and priorities of their local communities. The primary goal of the legislation is to build school board capacity and drive continued student achievement in Idaho schools. Boards properly trained to review and discuss student achievement data provide the accountability needed to ensure schools offer quality learning opportunities for all students.

Adds to existing law to provide for the display of the national motto in certain circumstances.

The purpose of this bill is to display the United States national motto in public school buildings. This will affirm for students, staff and the general public the historical and ongoing significance of our nation’s motto, “IN GOD WE TRUST” It shall be in all educational institutions under the general supervision, governance, or control of the state board of education or the board of regents of the University of Idaho in conspicuous place in each building of the school or institution. It shall be in the form of a framed poster or plaque paid for by private donations.

Adds to existing law to provide for emergency governing authority over a community college when the college's accreditation is threatened or revoked.

The purpose of this legislation is to provide a remedy for local taxpayers should a community college be at risk of losing its accreditation. Under this legislation, residents of a community college could petition the State Board of Education to assume temporary authority of a community college in certain emergency situations.

Amends, repeals, and adds to existing law to revise provisions regarding the Empowering Parents Program and to provide for tuition grants.

This bill expands the Empowering Parents Program to add transportation to and from school as an allowable expense for the micro-grants ($1,000/student; $3000 maximum per family). This bill also creates a pilot program for five years for up to 2,000 students to provide a tuition grant of $6,000 per student. This tuition grant can be used for both traditional tuition or for the hiring of a certified teacher for a micro-school. The distribution of the tuition grant will be prioritized based on the lowest income applicants receiving the highest priority. The tuition grant pilot program sunsets in five years. The new tuition grants and the existing micro-grants will continue to be distributed via a digital platform which ensures fiscal transparency and accountability. This legislation moves the operation of the Empowering Parents Grant Program from the State Board of Education to the State Department of Education.

Amends existing law to revise provisions regarding the enrollment and transfer of pupils.

This bill proposes to update Idaho code on "Open Enrollment" so that families can more easily send their children to the public school that works best for them. This is the first comprehensive update to the law in 30 years. Current law allows local school districts to opt out of Open Enrollment altogether, allows districts to chargeparentstuitionwhentheirchildenrollsfromotherdistricts, andallowsadministratorstodenyenrollment for reasons other than capacity, such as discipline issues or poor grades. Many school districts have modern Open Enrollment policies reflective of the new era of student mobility, simple transfer of data and up-to-date reporting. However, the law has not kept up and is outdated in a time when schools and districts are competing to offer new, popular and modern curriculum and programs.

Adds to existing law to provide for assumption of a community college's property by the Board of Examiners when the college ceases operation or has its accreditation revoked.

The purpose of this legislation is to protect the assets of a community college should the community college cease to operate or lose its accreditation.