IdahoH 07612026 regular legislative sessionHouseWALLET

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL – Amends and repeals existing law to provide for the consolidation of the Idaho STEM Action Center into the Workforce Development Council.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.

Tax credit for STEM donations

Starting July 1, 2026, donations to the Idaho STEM Action Center qualify for Idaho’s charitable income tax credit. You can claim the credit for gifts made that year when you file your Idaho return. The credit lowers your tax bill, subject to program limits.

Council leads STEM work, reports results

From July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2036, the Workforce Development Council leads statewide STEM education and skills training. It supports statewide programs and professional development with schools, industry, and government. Each year, the Council reports to the Governor and the budget committee on commitments, spending, and results, including educator training, event participation, and how courses match workforce demand.

STEM programs move under Workforce Council

Beginning July 1, 2026, the state moves STEM programs into the Workforce Development Council. The Council is now the “Council” named in the school computer science law. The Workforce Development Training Fund can pay for STEM education and will cover any unpaid STEM fund obligations. All money in the STEM Education Fund moves to the Training Fund on July 1, 2026, and no later than July 31, 2026. Older STEM statutes are repealed on July 1, 2026, and section 67-824 ends on October 1, 2026. The law also updates personnel rules to cover STEM Action Center employees.

New 3% training tax on employers

Beginning July 1, 2026, covered Idaho employers pay a new training tax equal to 3% of their unemployment insurance taxable wage rate. Deficit-rated employers in rate class six are exempt. The tax is due with unemployment insurance contributions. Employers cannot deduct this tax from workers’ wages or count it toward their experience rating. The money goes through the employment security clearing account into the Workforce Development Training Fund. The Labor director can refund amounts collected in error.

50% match for STEM projects

Starting July 1, 2026, any group that funds a Council-approved STEM special project must cover at least 50% of the total cost. In-kind support like materials, staff time, facilities, or services can count toward the match.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

EDUCATION COMMITTEE
Affiliation unavailable

Cosponsors

Dave Lent
Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 33 • No: 0

House vote • 3/23/2026

House Floor Vote