State Policy
Analysis: A bad session for higher education, and it could have been worse
Lawmakers clamped down on DEI and cut budgets at Boise State University and the University of Idaho. But they left the lucrative Idaho Launch program untouched — for now.
What passed? What didn’t? A detailed look back at the 2025 session
The 89-day legislative session was a blur of activity — especially in education. Here’s what happened, and what you might have missed.
Analysis: Through inaction, the Legislature makes Idaho’s special education crisis even worse
Lawmakers weren’t going to fix this problem overnight. But instead of addressing it, they neglected it, kicking an $82.2 million can down the road.
Statehouse roundup, 3.28.25: Anti-DEI bill heads to Senate floor
In other news, a fast-tracked Idaho Launch revamp is headed to the Senate.
Statehouse roundup, 3.27.25: Senate votes to repeal Empowering Parents
In other news, a bill to revamp Idaho Launch is on a fast track to the House floor, after three conservative Republicans flipped their votes.
Analysis: Tromp’s turbulent tenure ends where it began
The Boise State University president struggled to fit in with Statehouse hardliners. This week, some of those same lawmakers sent a message to her would-be successors.
UPDATED: State Board launches Boise State presidential search
“We are determined to conduct a very thorough search, and to get the process started immediately,” State Board president Linda Clark said.
Statehouse roundup, 3.20.25: Consensus plan emerges to rework the WWAMI bill
In other news, budget-writers cut a federal grant for Idaho libraries.
Analysis: Launch and go-on rates, and what the new numbers have to say
In this sensitive political climate, it’s no surprise to see Gov. Brad Little seek comfort in some encouraging statistics. And it looks like he’s justified.
Statehouse roundup, 3.10.25: House committee approves digital literacy requirement
Also Monday, the Senate sent a Title IX governance bill to the governor, and House Republicans pitched a bill to create school ‘districts of innovation.’