IdahoS 14442026 regular legislative sessionSenate

APPROPRIATIONS – PUBLIC SCHOOLS – DIVISION OF STUDENT SUPPORT – Relates to the appropriation to the Public Schools Educational Support Program’s Division of Student Support for fiscal years 2026 and 2027.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

7 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 3 costs, 1 mixed.

More money for public school support

For July 1, 2026–June 30, 2027, the law adds $11.9412 million for public school student support. This includes $4.1412 million from the Public School Endowment Income Fund for Operations. Another $7.8 million comes from the Federal Grant Fund for Children’s Programs. The law also adds $7.8 million in federal grant funding for July 1, 2025–June 30, 2026. That earlier-year funding takes effect upon passage and approval and is treated as spent during that period.

More school technology projects can qualify

Beginning July 1, 2026, technology education projects need two of five listed features to qualify, down from three. Features are skills certification, teacher training, curriculum standards integration, online research-based learning materials, and classroom teaching software. The State Department of Education can use up to $1.57 million from the Public School Income Fund for contracts. Contracts support technology education, information technology certifications, and related faculty preparation for college and careers. A report on student and faculty certificates earned is due January 5, 2027, to legislative budget and education committees.

Set funding rate for virtual schools

For July 1, 2026–June 30, 2027, fully virtual schools receive discretionary funding at $19,723 per support unit. This rate replaces the other Senate Bill 1362 rules for that period. It applies only if that bill was enacted during the second regular session of Idaho’s 68th Legislature. The money goes to schools, not directly to families.

Schools must report classes and spending

Beginning July 1, 2026, districts and charter schools outside the authorized public virtual-school category must report their online classes. Schools teaching at least one online class must report each online class’s enrollment and attendance to state education agencies. Idaho Digital Learning Academy classes are excluded from this reporting rule. Covered schools must register online programs as virtual buildings in Idaho’s education data system and assign students to those buildings. Separately, the State Department of Education must report special education spending and revenue from all sources, including Medicaid reimbursements, by local education agency. That report is due December 15, 2026, to the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee and Legislative Services Office, with its budget division consulted.

Less state money for school support

For July 1, 2026–June 30, 2027, the law cuts student support funding by $9.7516 million. Cuts are $1.7673 million for Administrators, $7.1412 million for Operations, and $843,100 for Children’s Programs. It also lowers the General Fund transfer to the Public School Income Fund by the same $9.7516 million. This matching transfer change counts the spending reduction against the General Fund; it is not a second school funding cut. These changes apply only if Senate Bill 1362 was enacted during the second regular session of Idaho’s 68th Legislature.

Less transportation funding for public schools

For July 1, 2026–June 30, 2027, the law cuts school transportation payments by $7.5 million. The State Department of Education spreads the cut proportionally across eligible school districts and charter schools. The cut covers payments for eligible transportation costs. It does not require families to pay a new fee.

English learner money shifts between divisions

For July 1, 2026–June 30, 2027, the law moves $2.25 million in English learner funding once. Children’s Programs receives the money, while Central Services gives up that allocation. The money follows Senate Bill 1362’s Section 17 distribution rules instead of Section 26. The transfer applies only if that bill was enacted during the second regular session of Idaho’s 68th Legislature. This shifts existing funding rather than adding money overall.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

FINANCE COMMITTEE
Affiliation unavailable

Cosponsors

Cindy J. Carlson
Republican • Senate
Elaine Price
Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 81 • No: 18

House vote • 4/2/2026

House Floor Vote

Yes: 56 • No: 9

Senate vote • 4/1/2026

Senate Floor Vote

Yes: 25 • No: 9

Actions Timeline

Signed by Governor on 04/10/26 Session Law Chapter 336 Effective: 04/10/2026 SECTION 13 & 14; 07/01/2026 SECTION 1-12
4/2/2026
Reported delivered to Governor at 5 p.m. on 04/02/26
4/2/2026
Reported signed by the Speaker & ordered delivered to Governor
4/2/2026
Received from Senate; Signed by Speaker; Returned to Senate
4/2/2026House
Reported enrolled; signed by President; to House for signature of Speaker
4/2/2026Senate
Returned From House Passed; referred to enrolling
4/2/2026Senate
Rules Suspended: Ayes 59 Nays 6 Abs/Excd 5, read in full as required – PASSED - 56-9-5
4/2/2026House
Read second time; Filed for Third Reading
4/2/2026House
Read First Time, Filed for Second Reading
4/1/2026House
Received from the Senate, Filed for First Reading
4/1/2026House
Read third time in full – PASSED - 25-9-1
4/1/2026Senate
Read second time; filed for Third Reading
3/31/2026Senate
Reported out of Committee with Do Pass Recommendation; Filed for second reading
3/30/2026Senate
Reported Printed; referred to Finance
3/30/2026Senate
Introduced; read first time; referred to JR for Printing
3/27/2026Senate

Bill Text

Bill Text
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