Bill > H0098

This bill aims to restrict the use of taxpayer funds for teachers unions in Idaho by implementing several key provisions. The bill prohibits public officials from using taxpayer funds to support teachers unions in various ways, such as deducting union dues from employee paychecks, providing additional compensation specifically for union dues, sharing employee contact information without consent, requiring employees to interact with unions, distributing union communications, or contributing public funds to unions. The legislation defines "teachers union activities" broadly, including actions like supporting political candidates, influencing legislation, soliciting membership, and participating in union governance. Public officials who violate these restrictions can face civil penalties ranging from $250 to $2,500 depending on the nature and frequency of the violation. The bill also amends existing laws to clarify that negotiations between school districts and teachers unions must follow new guidelines, and any agreement provisions that would require taxpayer funding for union promotion are explicitly declared null and void. The bill provides some limited exceptions, such as allowing unpaid time off for union activities or using voluntarily donated personal leave, but generally seeks to significantly limit the financial and administrative support that school districts can provide to teachers unions. The legislation is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and includes a severability clause to ensure that if any part of the law is found invalid, the rest remains in force.

Government Affairs

State Affairs Committee (H)

https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2025/legislation/H0098/