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IdahoH 08762026 regular legislative sessionHouse

APPROPRIATIONS – STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION – Relates to the maintenance appropriation to the State Board of Education for fiscal year 2027.

Sponsored By: APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE

Signed by Governor

APPROPRIATIONS

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

9 provisions identified: 6 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.

Education funding for 2026–27

The law provides about $1.123 billion for education from July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027. It funds colleges and universities, community colleges, career technical education, health education, scholarships and grants, special programs, public TV, and the Department of Education. Up to $902,600 supports systemwide college needs. About $1.96 million supports Higher Education Research Council grants and projects.

Unspent education funds reused in 2026–27

The law reuses unspent balances for FY 2027 one‑time needs. Up to $39 million from the Idaho Career Ready Students Program Fund is reappropriated. Unspent FY 2026 Millennium Income Fund money for the Department of Education also carries over. Unspent dedicated funds for Health Education Programs carry over for one‑time costs. The State Controller confirms amounts with the Legislative Services Office.

More money for Opportunity Scholarships

Unspent General Fund money for Scholarships and Grants from FY 2026 moves to the Opportunity Scholarship Program Account on June 30, 2026. This adds scholarship dollars for eligible Idaho students.

Monthly data and audits for education funds

The State Board and Department of Education send a monthly spreadsheet to legislative budget staff by the 10th. The file leaves out student‑identifying data. Agencies must use earmarked funds only for their named purpose. When outside audits are done, agencies send the reports to the budget committee.

More budget flexibility for colleges

From July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027, colleges, community colleges, health education, agricultural research, and career‑technical postsecondary programs can move money between spending categories, and in some cases between programs. Usual limits do not apply for this year. Moving money between different funds still needs the Legislature’s approval.

Public TV can spend donations in 2026–27

Idaho Public Television can spend private donations in its Miscellaneous Revenue Fund for content production and related services from July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027.

Cap on driver training standards spending

No more than $150,000 from the Driver’s Training Fund may be used for standards review and adoption programs in FY 2027. This limit applies even if other laws allow more.

State can approve tuition spending

During FY 2027 (July 1, 2026–June 30, 2027), the Division of Financial Management approves spending of dedicated funds for student tuition and fees at colleges and in health education programs. Schools must show any approved changes in their FY 2028 budget requests. This authority can change student bills in FY 2027.

Staffing caps and voluntary exits at colleges

From July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027, the law sets maximum staff positions for certain State Board programs. Colleges and some postsecondary programs are not capped. College presidents may offer voluntary separation incentives to employees. These incentives are not treated as severance under state law.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE

    Affiliation unavailable

Cosponsors

  • Codi Galloway

    Republican • Senate

  • Steve Miller

    Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 69 • No: 36

Senate vote • 3/19/2026

Senate Floor Vote

Yes: 23 • No: 12

House vote • 3/16/2026

House Floor Vote

Yes: 46 • No: 24

Actions Timeline

  1. Reported Signed by Governor on March 26, 2026 Session Law Chapter 147 Effective: 07/01/2026

    3/26/2026

  2. Delivered to Governor at 4:37 p.m. on March 23, 2026

    3/24/2026

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

    3/23/2026Senate

  4. Signed by President; returned to House

    3/23/2026Senate

  5. Received from the House enrolled/signed by Speaker

    3/23/2026Senate

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

    3/20/2026House

  7. Returned from Senate Passed; to JRA for Enrolling

    3/19/2026House

  8. Read third time in full – PASSED - 23-12-0

    3/19/2026Senate

  9. Read second time; filed for Third Reading

    3/18/2026Senate

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

    3/17/2026Senate

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

    3/17/2026Senate

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

    3/17/2026Senate

  13. Read Third Time in Full – PASSED - 46-24-0

    3/16/2026House

  14. Read second time; Filed for Third Reading

    3/13/2026House

  15. Reported Printed; Filed for Second Reading

    3/12/2026House

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

    3/12/2026House

Bill Text

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