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H 305

An Act improving housing opportunities

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Marjorie Decker and 4 co-sponsors

House Bill 305 empowers Idaho school districts to make flexible staffing decisions, enhancing local control and allowing better resource allocation starting July 1, 2025.

Accompanied a new draft, see H4757
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Bill Summary · H 305

Summary of House Bill 305 (H 305)

Bill Overview

  • Title: Education – Amends existing law to revise provisions regarding staff allowance
  • Bill Number: H 305
  • Introduced: February 21, 2025
  • Status: Reported Signed by Governor on March 21, 2025 (Session Law Chapter 145)
  • Effective Date: July 1, 2025

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 305 aims to enhance local control for school districts in Idaho by revising the provisions related to staff allowances. The bill seeks to eliminate restrictions that previously limited school boards' ability to make staffing decisions based on their unique needs, thereby allowing for more flexibility in resource allocation.

Key Provisions

The bill amends Section 33-1004 of the Idaho Code, which governs staff allowances for school districts. Key changes include:

  1. Local Control: Strikes a section of the code that restricted school boards from exercising local control over staffing decisions.
  2. Staff Allowance Calculation:
    • The instructional staff allowance is calculated by multiplying support units by 1.021.
    • Additional allowances for pupil service staff (0.079), administrative staff (0.075), and classified staff (0.375) are also defined.
  3. Contracting for Services: Allows school districts to contract for services with nondistrict employees, enabling these employees to be counted in the staff allowance calculations.
  4. Appeal Process: Establishes an appeal process for districts that cannot utilize their staff allowance due to specific circumstances, allowing for alternative uses of funds.
  5. Increased Allowances for Small Districts: Provides additional allowances for districts with fewer than 40 support units, including provisions for secondary schools.
  6. Emergency Declaration: The bill includes a declaration of emergency, indicating the immediate need for these changes.

Impact

  • Who is Affected: The bill primarily impacts school districts, school boards, and educators in Idaho. It allows districts to better meet their staffing needs based on local conditions rather than being constrained by state mandates.
  • Fiscal Impact: According to the fiscal note, this legislation does not result in additional expenditures or changes in revenue for state or local governments, indicating a neutral fiscal impact.

Procedural Timeline

  • March 3, 2025: The bill was placed on the third reading calendar.
  • March 10, 2025: Reported out of committee with a "Do Pass" recommendation.
  • March 17, 2025: Passed in the Senate with a vote of 35-0-0.
  • March 21, 2025: Signed by the Governor and reported as law.

Conclusion

House Bill 305 represents a significant shift in how staffing decisions are made within Idaho's school districts, promoting local governance and flexibility in addressing educational needs. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, allowing districts to implement the new provisions in the upcoming school year.

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

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