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IdahoS 13362026 regular legislative sessionSenate

EDUCATION – Amends and adds to existing law to revise and establish provisions regarding civics education.

Sponsored By: STATE AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

Signed by Governor

EDUCATION

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

6 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 5 mixed.

Idaho students face new graduation rules

Beginning July 1, 2026, Idaho public-school students in grades 9–12 must earn two American history credits and two American government credits. Starting in 2027–2028, students must pass a civics test and participate in a U.S. government and history course. An associated college-credit course or examination provides an alternative route. Students can test after entering grade 9, retake without limit, and have passage recorded on their transcripts. Special education students follow their individualized education plans. Students graduating before January 1, 2029, are exempt if they met the old requirement before the 2026–2027 school year began. The state superintendent oversees testing, with State Board approval of test development.

Idaho teachers get conditional training support

Beginning July 1, 2026, Idaho’s education department must make teacher-training funding available, subject to state appropriations. Training must focus on advanced high school civics, Western civilization, or U.S. history courses. Eligible expenses include statewide summer institutes and workshops that help teachers prepare students for college-level work. The law specifies no funding amount.

Idaho eighth graders study Western civilization

Idaho eighth graders must take a full-year Western civilization course by the 2030–2031 school year. Beginning July 1, 2026, district and public charter curricula must cover Athens, Greek city-states, Rome, and Christianity. Required topics also include the Carolingian Empire, medieval Western Europe, the Reformation, and the Renaissance. Courses must cover the Scientific Revolution, England’s constitutional and parliamentary systems, and the Enlightenment.

Idaho schools expand required history lessons

Beginning July 1, 2026, Idaho districts and public charters must teach specified American Revolution and founding topics. These include Western influences, colonial heritage, revolutionary principles, political and military events, founding figures, documents, symbols, and the early republic. During those lessons, English and communications classes must include related founding-era writings, including works by Paine, Henry, Adams, and Wheatley. U.S. history must also teach how totalitarian ideologies, including communism, conflict with America’s republican principles. Lessons must cover World War II, the Cold War, and failures and atrocities of the Soviet Union and Communist China.

Idaho schools face stricter materials standards

Beginning July 1, 2026, Idaho districts and public charters must use rigorous, accurate history, government, civics, and social studies materials. Materials must meet state standards, engage students with primary sources, and promote patriotism, moral character, Western heritage, and republican government. They must also encourage truth, goodness, beauty, and understanding of citizens’ rights and duties. Supplementary materials are allowed only if they meet the same standards. Schools must offer the pledge or national anthem without forcing participation; students may opt out for their own or parents’ objections. Flag display and symbolism duties remain, and the superintendent selects Washington portraits for relevant classrooms.

Idaho students receive expanded civics instruction

Beginning July 1, 2026, Idaho elementary and secondary schools must teach republican government principles and citizenship virtues. The State Board chooses grades and materials; public high school graduates must show civic knowledge, prudence, justice, fortitude, moderation, and patriotism. Civics courses cover Western influences, the Declaration, constitutional principles, the Bill of Rights, and Idaho’s Constitution and government. Lessons cover Congress’s powers and lawmaking, executive powers and agencies, the Electoral College, courts and precedent, and federal, state, local, and tribal relationships. They also cover elections, voting, civic participation, and respect for valid Idaho and federal laws. Required sources include selected Federalist Papers, Washington’s Farewell Address, and Jefferson’s inaugural address. During civics courses, related English lessons must include selections from Tocqueville’s “Democracy in America.”

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • STATE AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

    Affiliation unavailable

Cosponsors

  • Kelly Arthur Anthon

    Republican • Senate

  • Barbara Ehardt

    Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 82 • No: 18

House vote • 4/2/2026

House Floor Vote

Yes: 54 • No: 12

Senate vote • 4/1/2026

Senate Floor Vote

Yes: 28 • No: 6

Actions Timeline

  1. Signed by Governor on 04/10/26 Session Law Chapter 317 Effective: 07/01/2026

    4/2/2026

  2. Reported delivered to Governor at 6:06 p.m. on 04/02/26

    4/2/2026

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

    4/2/2026

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

    4/2/2026House

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

    4/2/2026Senate

  6. Returned From House Passed; referred to enrolling

    4/2/2026Senate

  7. Rules Suspended: Ayes 58 Nays 0 Abs/Excd 12, read in full as required – PASSED - 54-12-4

    4/2/2026House

  8. Read second time; Filed for Third Reading

    4/2/2026House

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

    4/1/2026House

  10. Read First Time, Referred to Education

    4/1/2026House

  11. Received from the Senate, Filed for First Reading

    4/1/2026House

  12. Read third time in full as amended – PASSED - 28-6-1

    4/1/2026Senate

  13. Read second time as amended, filed for Third reading

    3/31/2026Senate

  14. Read first time as amended, filed for Second Reading

    3/30/2026Senate

  15. Reported engrossed, filed for first reading, as amended

    3/30/2026Senate

  16. Amendments reported printed

    3/30/2026Senate

  17. Amendments ordered printed; referred for engrossment

    3/30/2026Senate

  18. Reported out without recommendation, as amended

    3/30/2026Senate

  19. Placed in the Committee of the Whole

    3/30/2026Senate

  20. Reported out of committee; to 14th Order for amendment

    3/20/2026Senate

  21. Reported Printed; referred to Education

    2/25/2026Senate

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

    2/24/2026Senate

Bill Text

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