LINK: Senate Bill 1025
SPONSOR: Sen. Dave Lent
IFF Analysis:
STATUS: Awaiting hearing in Senate Education
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE:
The Education Choice & Competition Act is designed to improve education in Idaho by making changes that are fair, responsible, transparent, and accountable, while also keeping government costs in check. The law builds on the existing Empowering Parents program, which will now expand to provide grants for tuition, along with other eligible education expenses, for students in pre-kindergarten through high school. These grants are prioritized for families earning less than $80,000 per year. To reduce unnecessary and costly reporting, the law also introduces the Idaho Public Education Red Tape Reduction Program, which will cut down on unnecessary or duplicative reports required by the state. This change will save time and resources for school districts, allowing them to focus more on student needs. Going forward, schools will only need to submit reports required by federal law, with exceptions for new state programs. The law also addresses a $66.5 million gap in special education funding, ensuring that more money is directed to support students with special needs. Finally, it makes changes to open enrollment to ensure fair access to special programs and resources across school districts, helping to create a more competitive and balanced educational system.
LATEST NEWS:
1/23/25: Sen. Lent introduced this bill to Senate Ed on Wednesday afternoon. The committee voted to introduce the bill.
About Brian Almon
Brian Almon is the Editor of the Gem State Chronicle. He also serves as Chairman of the District 14 Republican Party and is a trustee of the Eagle Public Library Board. He lives with his wife and five children in Eagle.
