Bill

Bill > H0164


ID H0164

ID H0164
Amends and adds to existing law to establish the Idaho Education Opportunity Program.


summary

Introduced
02/06/2025
In Committee
02/07/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
04/04/2025

Introduced Session

2025 Regular Session

Bill Summary

RELATING TO EDUCATION; AMENDING TITLE 33, IDAHO CODE, BY THE ADDITION OF A NEW CHAPTER 68, TITLE 33, IDAHO CODE, TO ESTABLISH PROVISIONS REGARDING THE IDAHO EDUCATION OPPORTUNITY PROGRAM, TO ESTABLISH THE IDAHO EDUCA- TION OPPORTUNITY PROGRAM FUND, TO DEFINE TERMS, TO PROVIDE FOR CERTAIN ACCOUNTS, TO PROVIDE FOR FUNDING PROCEDURES AND RENEWAL, AND TO PROVIDE FOR ADMINISTRATION; AMENDING CHAPTER 30, TITLE 63, IDAHO CODE, BY THE ADDITION OF A NEW SECTION 63-3022W, IDAHO CODE, TO ESTABLISH PROVISIONS FOR AN INCOME TAX DEDUCTION FOR PRIVATE SCHOOL TUITION; PROVIDING SEV- ERABILITY; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

AI Summary

This bill establishes the Idaho Education Opportunity Program (IEOP), a new education funding mechanism that provides grants to qualifying students for educational expenses. The program allows parents of eligible K-12 students to receive state funds based on their household income, with grants ranging from 20% to 80% of the average per-student distribution in public schools. Qualified students can use these funds for various educational expenses such as tuition, textbooks, transportation, educational therapies, technology, and tutoring at approved schools or institutions. To participate, parents must apply annually, agree to not enroll their child in public school, and use funds only for approved educational purposes. The bill also introduces a tax deduction for private school tuition, allowing parents to deduct the cost of tuition for qualified dependent children attending accredited private schools. The program prioritizes funding for special needs students and those from lower-income households, with funds distributed in three installments throughout the academic year. The state department of education will administer the program, conduct random audits, and manage the implementation of the IEOP. The program is set to begin on January 1, 2026, and aims to provide more educational choices and financial support for Idaho families.

Committee Categories

Education

Sponsors (0)

No sponsors listed

Other Sponsors (1)

Education Committee (H)

Last Action

Reported Printed and Referred to Education (on 02/07/2025)

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