H521: School District Facilities Fund

Wednesday, 4/10/24:

H521 was signed into law just over a week ago.

Monday, 3/25/24:

H521 passed the Senate last week and awaits the governor’s signature.

Saturday, 2/24/24:

H521 represents a major part of Gov. Brad Little’s agenda this year. It’s a complex bill, straining the definition of “single subject”. From the statement of purpose:

This legislation provides the largest state investment in school facilities through three main avenues. First,
it dedicates $125 million in ongoing sales tax revenue to the new School Modernization Facilities Fund for
bonding, while providing the legislature with expanded options to cover annual service on the bonds in the
event of economic downturns.

Second, this legislation increases the funding to the School District Facility Fund in two ways. It increases the
sales tax revenue directed to the fund from 2.25% to 3.25% which is projected to be $25 million in FY 2025,
and redirects existing lottery dividends to the fund, which is projected to be approximately $50 million in FY

This fund will help school districts with paying down school bonds, levies, and plant facility levies, with
any remaining funds being used at the district level for additional school facility projects.
Third, this legislation reduces income taxes from 5.8% to 5.695%, allowing Idahoans to have more money to
better support local bonds and levies related to school facilities.

H521 was reported out of House Revenue & Tax on 2/20/24 with a do pass recommendation and quickly reached the House floor, passing 61-6-3 yesterday. Some Democrats argued against the tax cut provision as well potential inequity in distribution of state funds to various school districts. It heads to the Senate.