All Roll Calls
Yes: 33 • No: 0
IdahoH 08832026 regular legislative sessionHouseWALLET
EDUCATION – Adds to existing law to provide for school district and public charter school earned autonomy regarding spending.
Sponsored By: EDUCATION COMMITTEE
Signed by Governor
EDUCATION
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
2029 report on school outcomes
The State Board of Education reports to the Legislature in 2029 on how many districts and charter schools joined and any changes in student growth and state test scores. For districts, the report also states whether any participating district collected a levy and includes disclosures required by section 33‑802B. This transparency requirement starts July 1, 2026.
More local control for charters
Beginning July 1, 2026, eligible non‑virtual public charter schools can choose how to spend their state funds, including discretionary, categorical, and salary apportionment. The school must meet the performance terms in section 33‑5218(2)(b), (e), and (g), and it does not need to change its charter or performance certificate to join. Participating charters are exempt from certain state reporting listed in law, with no penalties or funding cuts; federal and school‑finance reporting still applies. Autonomy continues year to year, but the state may revoke it after a bad audit, two years missing academic targets, or if the school’s charter is revoked, not renewed, or renewed with conditions.
More local control for districts
Beginning July 1, 2026, qualifying school districts can choose how to spend state funds, including discretionary, categorical, and salary apportionment. To qualify, a district must be in the top 20% on state tests or beat the state average by 15 points in both ELA and math; have 75% of K–3 students proficient on the spring reading test or cut “below basic” by 15 points each year; and have a graduation rate 3 points above the state average or a college‑and‑career readiness rate 5 points above it. The district must also have three years of clean audits: an unmodified opinion (or only the allowed GASB 45 sick‑leave exception), no material weaknesses or significant deficiencies, and no going‑concern note. Participating districts are exempt from certain state reporting listed in law, with no penalties or funding cuts; federal and school‑finance reporting still applies. Autonomy continues year to year, but the state may revoke it after a bad audit or two years missing the academic standards.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
EDUCATION COMMITTEE
Affiliation unavailable
Cosponsors
Lori Den Hartog
Republican • Senate
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 3/30/2026
House Floor Vote
Yes: 33 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Reported Signed by Governor on April 2, 2026 Session Law Chapter 309 Effective: 07/01/2026
4/2/2026Returned Signed by the President; Ordered Transmitted to Governor
4/1/2026HouseReturned from Senate Passed; to JRA for Enrolling
3/31/2026HouseRead third time in full – PASSED - 33-0-2
3/30/2026HouseRead second time; filed for Third Reading
3/25/2026HouseReported out of Committee with Do Pass Recommendation; Filed for second reading
3/24/2026HouseReceived from the House passed; filed for first reading
3/19/2026SenateRead second time; Filed for Third Reading
3/18/2026HouseReported out of Committee with Do Pass Recommendation, Filed for Second Reading
3/17/2026HouseIntroduced, read first time, referred to JRA for Printing
3/12/2026House
Bill Text
Bill Text
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