State Policy
UPDATED: Idaho joins lawsuit over new Title IX rules
The rules, which would extend sex discrimination protections to LGBTQ+ students, have prompted a growing pushback in Republican-led states.
Analysis: Uncle Sam helps rural Idaho schools — but only to a limited degree
School districts in Idaho’s timber country stand to receive close to $7 million from the feds. But many of these same districts will be before voters next month, seeking bonds and levies.
New lawsuit challenges Idaho’s Blaine Amendment
The lawsuit argues that the state’s ban on taxpayer resources going to religious institutions unconstitutionally violates religious freedom and free speech rights.
Idaho’s share from a federal funding program declines
Idaho will receive $22.8 million from the Secure Rural Schools program, including $6.9 million for schools. But Idaho’s funding share decreased by about 7%, and it’s not clear why.
Report card: What Critchfield accomplished — and didn’t — this session
Critchfield accomplished one of her top priorities but others fizzled after failing to garner support among lawmakers.
Freeman resigning as State Board director
The longtime executive director’s resignation sets the stage for what could be a politically charged hiring process.
Libraries now face a complex question: What’s ‘harmful’ to minors?
“Until it’s litigated — and it’ll probably be litigated at some point — we don’t really know where we’re at,” one library director said.
Analysis: The Mike Moyle session offers a possible preview for 2025
The House speaker got almost everything he wanted in 2024, and minces no words about work left unfinished. “I still think that the school choice issue is not going away. … I assure you that something will happen next year.”
Governor signs library bill, school facilities ‘trailer’ as session adjourns
Libraries hosting material considered “harmful” to minors could face a $250 statutory fine.
Little signs pronouns bill
The bill bars teachers from referring to a student by a name or pronoun that doesn’t align with their birth sex, unless the teacher has parental consent.