LEGISLATURE
Education news, including daily roundups, from the 2026 session
With her $50 million proposal on hold, the state superintendent wants to use existing funds to help schools serve high-needs special education students.
In other business Wednesday, the State Board of Education approved the first steps of a University of Idaho-University of Utah medical education partnership. And the State Board’s logo and messaging could get a makeover.
For instance, the new law doesn’t require the state to report how many recipients were already enrolled in private school. This data would help answer one of the most hotly contested questions surrounding the program.
In a column advocating for private school choice, Dorothy Moon questioned whether Idaho’s public school system is “fulfilling its purpose.” The state superintendent shot back.
A stinging legislative report spells out a spate of problems at the massive Idaho Home Learning Academy — issues the 2025 Legislature left unresolved.
The report brings the Idaho Home Learning Academy’s $22.5 million money trail into sharp and stark focus. Gov. Brad Little found the report both thorough and troubling.
A stinging legislative staff report outlined several familiar problems with the Idaho System for Educational Excellence upgrade — but exposed some new problems.
-
Statehouse roundup, 4.2.26: House passes teachers’ union restrictions, as session adjourns
The union restrictions aren’t new — lawmakers have debated them in past sessions, and earlier this session — but the issue came back to life in the waning days of the 2026 session.
-
Statehouse roundup, 4.1.26: IDLA, virtual school budget cuts clear Senate
In other news, an eleventh-hour bill restricting teachers’ union activities cleared the Senate — after tense debate and over bipartisan opposition.
-
Statehouse roundup, 3.31.26: Private school tax credit followup bill heads to Little
The House approved about $229 million in cash transfers, as a possible cushion if state revenues don’t rebound in the coming months.
-
Statehouse roundup, 3.30.26: Senate ‘radiator caps’ bill to revive teachers’ union restrictions
In other Statehouse news, Gov. Brad Little has acted on a host of education bills. (Spoiler alert: His veto stamp remains unused for the year.)
-
Statehouse roundup, 3.27.26: Senate committee rejects amendments to IDLA bill
In other news, a bill to criminalize violations of Idaho’s bathroom law passed the Senate, and goes to Gov. Brad Little’s desk.
-
Statehouse roundup, 3.26.26: After a disjointed hearing, IDLA bill is on hold
In other news Thursday, budget-writers earmarked money for a $5 million special education program.
-
Statehouse roundup, 3.25.26: IDLA budget cut clears House
The vote followed months of discussion over reforms that culminated in a heated House floor debate Wednesday.
-
Statehouse roundup, 3.24.26: High-needs special education bill heads to Little’s desk
In other news, GOP leadership introduced a new policy bill making long-term cuts to the Idaho Digital Learning Alliance — bypassing the deadlocked House Education Committee.
-
Statehouse roundup, 3.23.26: House committee rejects policy bill on IDLA as budget cuts advance
Also Monday, the Senate approved three education budget bills after rehashing recent taxing and spending decisions.
-
Statehouse roundup, 3.20.26: JFAC slashes IDLA budget while largely sparing virtual charters
In other news, the House Education Committee sent a $5 million high-needs special education funding bill to the House floor.