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IdahoS 12882026 regular legislative sessionSenate

EDUCATION – Adds to existing law to provide for the establishment of the Idaho High-Needs Student Fund.

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.

New state fund for high‑needs students

The law creates the Idaho High‑Needs Student Fund. The State Department of Education runs it. Money comes from legislative appropriations, donations, and interest. Funds help schools pay eligible costs for high‑needs students. When schools spend this money, they must use the state budgeting and accounting system to show how it was used. Begins July 1, 2026.

Big IEP reimbursements and rural set‑aside

After approval, the fund pays 100% of costs between $30,000 and $80,000. Above $80,000, it pays up to 80% of the extra. No student gets more than $100,000. Each July 1, up to 40% is set aside for rural districts and up to 60% for non‑rural. Applications received by June 1 are paid if the balance allows; otherwise payments are cut proportionally. Any unused rural set‑aside becomes available to non‑rural districts. Begins July 1, 2026.

Who qualifies and which IEP costs count

Schools can apply each year for each high‑needs student. A high‑needs student has a disability with IEP costs over $30,000 not paid by other sources. Eligible costs include nursing, interpreters, speech, occupational and physical therapy, personal care, equipment, extended‑year services, and Medicaid match. Routine classroom costs, basic supplies, and standard transportation do not count. Applications must list eligible costs and attest they were not already reimbursed, including by school‑based Medicaid. Starts July 1, 2026.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • EDUCATION COMMITTEE

    Affiliation unavailable

Cosponsors

  • Camille Blaylock

    Republican • Senate

  • Ron Mendive

    Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 71 • No: 33

House vote • 3/24/2026

House Floor Vote

Yes: 49 • No: 21

Senate vote • 2/26/2026

Senate Floor Vote

Yes: 22 • No: 12

Actions Timeline

  1. Signed by Governor on 03/31/26 Session Law Chapter 234 Effective: 07/01/2026

    4/1/2026

  2. Reported delivered to Governor at 11:16 a.m. on 03/26/26

    3/26/2026

  3. Reported signed by the Speaker & ordered delivered to Governor

    3/26/2026

  4. Received from Senate; Signed by Speaker; Returned to Senate

    3/25/2026House

  5. Reported enrolled; signed by President; to House for signature of Speaker

    3/25/2026Senate

  6. Returned From House Passed; referred to enrolling

    3/24/2026Senate

  7. Read Third Time in Full – PASSED - 49-21-0

    3/24/2026House

  8. Read second time; Filed for Third Reading

    3/23/2026House

  9. Reported out of Committee with Do Pass Recommendation, Filed for Second Reading

    3/20/2026House

  10. Read First Time, Referred to Education

    2/27/2026House

  11. Received from the Senate, Filed for First Reading

    2/27/2026House

  12. Read third time in full – PASSED - 22-12-1

    2/26/2026Senate

  13. Read second time; filed for Third Reading

    2/20/2026Senate

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

    2/19/2026Senate

  15. Reported Printed; referred to Education

    2/16/2026Senate

  16. Introduced; read first time; referred to JR for Printing

    2/13/2026Senate

Bill Text

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