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IdahoH 07622026 regular legislative sessionHouse

EDUCATION – Amends existing law to revise provisions regarding public charter school admission procedures.

Sponsored By: EDUCATION COMMITTEE

Signed by Governor

EDUCATION

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Charter admissions prioritize siblings and at-risk

Beginning July 1, 2026, charter schools use clear priorities when seats are tight. Up to 10% of seats may go to founders’ children. Siblings of selected students, including foster siblings, get priority. Schools may then prioritize active-duty or guard/reserve families, certain transfers with a written agreement, and students in the school’s primary attendance area before a fair lottery. Schools may weight the lottery for students at or below 185% of the federal poverty level, homeless or in foster care, with disabilities (Idaho law), with limited English, or at-risk (Idaho law). Children of full-time charter employees may be in the first priority group within its limits. In later years, returning students come first, and a new lottery fills open seats. Schools may also boost chances for children who attended in the last three years but left for a parent’s academic sabbatical or a job or military move. A child of a service member with Idaho transfer orders counts as living in the school’s area for preference.

Clear timelines for charter offers

Beginning July 1, 2026, each charter holds its selection within 7 days of the enrollment deadline. The selection is public and posted at least 48 hours ahead. The school sends offers within 7 days after the selection, and families must sign and return by the date in the offer. If a wait list exists, a school may add students up to its charter limit.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • EDUCATION COMMITTEE

    Affiliation unavailable

Cosponsors

  • David J. Leavitt

    Republican • House

  • James W. “Jim” Woodward

    Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 92 • No: 8

Senate vote • 3/17/2026

Senate Floor Vote

Yes: 30 • No: 4

House vote • 3/2/2026

House Floor Vote

Yes: 62 • No: 4

Actions Timeline

  1. Reported Signed by Governor on March 25, 2026 Session Law Chapter 122 Effective: 07/01/2026

    3/25/2026

  2. Delivered to Governor at 2 p.m. on March 19, 2026

    3/19/2026

  3. Returned Signed by the President; Ordered Transmitted to Governor

    3/19/2026Senate

  4. Signed by President; returned to House

    3/18/2026Senate

  5. Received from the House enrolled/signed by Speaker

    3/18/2026Senate

  6. Reported Enrolled; Signed by Speaker; Transmitted to Senate

    3/18/2026House

  7. Returned from Senate Passed; to JRA for Enrolling

    3/17/2026House

  8. Read third time in full – PASSED - 30-4-1

    3/17/2026Senate

  9. Read second time; filed for Third Reading

    3/13/2026Senate

  10. Reported out of Committee with Do Pass Recommendation; Filed for second reading

    3/12/2026Senate

  11. Introduced, read first time; referred to: Education

    3/3/2026Senate

  12. Received from the House passed; filed for first reading

    3/3/2026Senate

  13. Read Third Time in Full – PASSED - 62-4-4

    3/2/2026House

  14. Read second time; Filed for Third Reading

    2/27/2026House

  15. Reported Printed; Filed for Second Reading

    2/26/2026House

  16. Introduced, read first time, referred to JRA for Printing

    2/25/2026House

Bill Text

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