WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

H 349

An Act establishing a commission to consider happy hour in the Commonwealth

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Mike Connolly and 1 co-sponsor

establishes a district/charter school process to discipline students for inappropriate online behavior toward staff or others, with defined steps and possible sanctions.

Accompanied a study order, see H4733
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · H 349

Summary of Idaho House Bill H 349 (Education)

Bill at a glance

  • Bill Number: H 349
  • Title: EDUCATION – Adds to existing law to establish provisions regarding inappropriate online behavior by students and to prescribe a process for student discipline by the school district or public charter school
  • Sponsor/Committee: Education Committee
  • Status: Reported Printed and Referred to Education
  • Introduced: March 3, 2025
  • Effective date: July 1, 2025 (emergency clause noted)

Purpose and intent

H 349 adds a new section (Idaho Code 33-512E) to define what constitutes inappropriate online behavior by a student toward public school employees or other persons, and to establish a disciplinary process administered by the school district boards or public charter school governing boards.

Key provisions

  • Definition of inappropriate online behavior (33-512E(2))
    • Any online communication or use of a mobile electronic device (as defined in Idaho Code §49-1401A) or other online means (including social media) that harasses, threatens, or bullies a public school employee or other person.
    • Behavior can occur during or outside school hours and on/off school property.
    • Includes content that is obscene or discriminatory directed at school employees or others, or that harms the reputation, dignity, or safety of those individuals.
  • Who is covered (33-512E(2)(b)-(c))
    • “Person” includes any student enrolled in a district or charter school, any parent/legal guardian of such a student, or any volunteer at a district or charter school.
    • “Public school employee” includes administrators, instructional staff, and pupil services staff directly employed by the district or charter school.
  • Reporting and investigation (33-512E(3))
    • Upon receipt of a report, the school district board of trustees or the charter school governing board (or their designee) must investigate to verify claims.
    • Investigations may include interviews and gathering evidence.
    • Boards must notify the student’s parents/guardians and, when appropriate, law enforcement.
  • Disciplinary measures (33-512E(4))
    • If the behavior is confirmed, the student and parents/guardians must meet with the district or charter board to discuss disciplinary measures.
    • Disciplinary options include: warning or reprimand, required participation in an online behavior awareness program, temporary suspension, or expulsion.
  • Other remedies (33-512E(5))
    • The new provisions do not eliminate or replace other legal remedies available to adversely affected employees or persons.
  • Fiscal impact
    • The fiscal note indicates no expected increase or decrease in revenue or expenditures at the state or local level; no fiscal impact anticipated.

Who is affected

  • Students enrolled in Idaho school districts or public charter schools.
  • Parents or legal guardians of those students.
  • Volunteers at school districts or public charter schools.
  • Public school employees (administrators, teachers, pupil services staff).
  • School district boards of trustees and public charter school governing boards (and their designees).

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduced: March 3, 2025; referred to JRA for printing; later reported and referred to Education.
  • Emergency: An emergency clause exists; the act becomes effective on July 1, 2025.
  • Process flow: Report → investigation by the district/charter board → notification of parents/guardians and possibly law enforcement → formal meeting to discuss disciplinary measures → imposition of measures (warning, online-behavior program, suspension, expulsion) if warranted.

Notes

  • The bill targets online behavior related to school employees or others, including conduct outside school hours and off school property if it impacts a school environment.
  • It emphasizes proportional and appropriate discipline and preserves other legal remedies for harmed individuals.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.