IdahoH 08762026 regular legislative sessionHouseWALLET

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

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

11 provisions identified: 8 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.

$1.12 billion for Idaho education in FY2027

The law provides $1,123,469,900 for education programs from July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027. It funds colleges and universities, community colleges, career technical education, Idaho Public Television, health education, and more. Money must be spent in the listed programs and expense classes. This keeps campuses and services running for the year.

Carry forward unspent education funds for FY2027

The law carries unspent FY2026 dedicated balances into FY2027 for one-time needs. It applies to colleges and universities, health education programs, the Idaho Millennium Income Fund at the Department of Education, and the Idaho Career Ready Students Program. Up to $39 million moves into FY2027 for Career Ready projects. Money is for nonrecurring costs from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027. The State Controller must confirm amounts with the Legislative Services Office before use.

Colleges may offer exit incentives to staff

Colleges and universities can offer voluntary separation incentive plans starting July 1, 2026. Offers are optional and set by each campus president. These incentives are not treated as severance under Section 67-5342, Idaho Code.

Funds for system needs and research

Up to $902,600 supports systemwide needs for four-year colleges in FY2027. About $1,960,500 funds Higher Education Research Council projects, matching grants, and the Idaho Incubation Fund. These amounts come from the appropriation in Section 1.

More money to Opportunity Scholarship

Unspent General Fund scholarship money as of June 30, 2026 moves into the Opportunity Scholarship account. The State Controller makes the transfer on July 1, 2026. This can increase funds for eligible students.

One-year budget flexibility for colleges and CTE

For FY2027, several education programs can move money between expense classes, and in some cases between programs. This covers colleges and universities, the State Board office, community colleges, postsecondary career technical education, health education programs, and agricultural research and extension. Transfers between different funds still need the Legislature’s approval. The window runs July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027.

Public TV can spend donations in FY2027

Idaho Public Television has continuous spending authority for its Miscellaneous Revenue Fund in FY2027. It can use private donations for positions, content, and related services from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027.

Stronger reporting on education spending

By the 10th of each month, the State Department of Education and the State Board office must send a de‑identified student data file to the Legislative Services Office. Funds named in law can be used only for their stated purpose. These funds are subject to accountability reports and reviews when audit staff are available. Agencies that hire outside auditors must submit those reports to the budget committee.

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. The cap applies to the amounts in this act and any other law. It takes effect July 1, 2026.

One-year flexibility on tuition and fees

In FY2027, the Division of Financial Management can approve using dedicated state funds for student tuition and fees. This applies to colleges, universities, and health education programs, despite normal limits in state law. Schools must show any approved changes in their FY2028 budget requests. This gives institutions flexibility, but it does not set tuition rates.

Staffing caps for education agencies in 2027

The law sets maximum full‑time job counts for State Board offices for FY2027. Examples include 84.42 FTE for the State Board office, 127.00 FTE for the Department of Education, and 144.37 FTE for Vocational Rehabilitation. Colleges and postsecondary CTE are not limited by these caps. Any increase above a cap needs the Governor’s approval and prompt notice to the budget committee.

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

House vote • 3/19/2026

House Floor Vote

Yes: 23 • No: 12

House vote • 3/16/2026