Legislature
Legislative roundup, 2.18.21: New bill would revive Strong Families grants
The bill would also create state scholarships for students who do not attend public schools.
Legislative roundup, 2.17.21: Clow pushes for money for virtual charters
The Idaho Virtual Academy and Inspire Connections charters have accommodated thousands of new students during the coronavirus pandemic. Without at least $6 million, these schools will have to cut staff and cap enrollment, House Education Committee Chairman Lance Clow said.
“You’re going to send parents scrambling again,” he said.
Legislative roundup, 2.16.21: Senate passes advanced opportunities expansion, and a big tax bill surfaces
The Senate signed off on extending the state’s advanced opportunities program to private and parochial school students. Meanwhile, the first big tax relief bill of the year surfaced Tuesday.
Legislative roundup, 2.15.21: New labor negotiations bill introduced
If the bill passes, school districts would no longer have to participate in labor negotiations with the teachers’ union.
Legislative roundup, 2.12.21: Bill emerges to split higher education budgets
The bill marks the latest chapter in a political tug of war between House conservatives and the state’s higher education leaders — specifically, Boise State University President Marlene Tromp.
Legislative roundup, 2.11.21: House passes school closure bills
The bills define and limit who has authority to close schools due to infectious disease.
Legislative roundup, 2.10.21: Lawmakers seek to scrap August school elections
In other Statehouse news, a rewritten guns-in-schools bill emerges, and a lawmaker wants to ban professors from offering students extra credit for voting.
Legislative roundup, 2.9.21: New higher education fee opt-out bill introduced
Some legislators want college students to be able to opt out of fees they aren’t using.
Legislative roundup, 2.3.21: New guns-in-schools bill introduced
Rep. Chad Christensen said the new bill would allow anyone with an enhanced concealed carry permit to carry on school grounds, regardless of whether the school or district allows it.
Legislative roundup, 2.2.21: Senate puts virtual charter funding bill on hold
The hurry-up proposal is designed to provide $7.6 million to two virtual charter schools that have grown rapidly during the pandemic. It sailed through the House last week.