Bill > H0599

This bill amends existing Idaho law to revise how funds are distributed from the Public School Digital Content and Curriculum Fund, which is a state treasury fund administered by the state department of education to provide digital content and curriculum to Idaho classrooms to improve student achievement. Key changes include shifting the distribution method from a first-come, first-served basis to a competitive, needs-based system determined by the state department of education, and requiring that requests for funding, which cannot exceed $50,000 per request, be made by local education agencies (LEAs) that have the necessary technology infrastructure and provide a detailed explanation of how the funds will improve student performance and meet measurable targets outlined in their continuous improvement plans. The bill also clarifies that LEAs can jointly request funds and that additional distributions will only be granted if the LEA demonstrates progress toward its stated targets. An emergency clause is included, making the act effective on July 1, 2026.