Bill > S1289

This bill establishes new rules for scholarships awarded by Idaho's public colleges and universities, particularly for student athletes. A "scholarship" is broadly defined to include any financial aid, tuition waiver, grant, or assistance, whether based on academics, athletic ability, or participation in sports. The bill mandates that these institutions must prioritize Idaho residents when awarding scholarships. For student athletes, there are specific limits on the percentage of non-United States citizens who can receive scholarships: no more than 10% of all student athletes across sports (excluding football) can be non-citizens, and for football, this limit is 5%. Additionally, no men's or women's collegiate athletic team can have more than 50% of its scholarship-receiving members be non-United States citizens at any given time. Importantly, scholarships already awarded to non-United States citizens before the bill becomes law will not be invalidated, and these students will not count towards the new limits for up to four academic years, including time already spent in their program. The Idaho State Board of Education will create rules to put these provisions into effect, and the bill is declared an emergency, taking effect on July 1, 2026.

Education, Justice

Education Committee (Senate)

https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2026/legislation/S1289/