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H 10

An act relating to approval of amendments to the charter of the City of Barre

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Michael Boutin and 1 co-sponsor

Idaho HB 10 bans flags/banners that express political viewpoints on public K–12 property, permitting only state, national, school, military, tribal, and achievement flags.

House message: Governor approved bill on May 1, 2025
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Bill Summary · H 10

Summary — H 10: Approval of amendments to the charter of the City of Barre / Education — Display of flags and banners on public school property (Idaho House Bill No. 10)

Note: The bill packet included unrelated text from a Massachusetts bill on nondisclosure agreements; this summary focuses on Idaho House Bill No. 10 (introduced Jan. 14, 2025), which amends Title 33 (Education) of the Idaho Code.

Main purpose

H 10 creates a statewide rule limiting which flags and banners may be displayed on public elementary and secondary school property in Idaho. The stated intent (from the bill sponsor attachment) is to keep classrooms free from partisan political displays.

Key provisions

  • Adds new Section 33-143 to Idaho Code (Chapter 1, Title 33) establishing permitted and prohibited flags/banners on public K–12 school property.
  • Permitted displays (nonexclusive list):
    • United States flag
    • Official flag of the State of Idaho, counties, municipalities, public universities or community colleges, school districts, special districts, or other Idaho political subdivisions
    • Official flags of any U.S. state
    • Official flags of recognized foreign nations
    • Official school flags
    • Official flags of U.S. military branches and units
    • Official flags of Indian tribes
    • Flags/banners recognized by the Idaho Department of Education that are awarded for achievements
    • Flags/banners representing official school mascots and colors
  • Prohibition:
    • Public elementary and secondary schools shall not display flags or banners that “represent a political viewpoint,” explicitly including (but not limited to) flags or banners regarding a political party, race, sexual orientation, gender, or political ideology.
  • Effective date / emergency:
    • The bill declares an emergency and provides the act shall be in full force and effect on and after July 1, 2025.

Who is affected

  • Directly: All public elementary and secondary schools in Idaho (students, school staff, administrators, and local school boards).
  • Indirectly: Parents, community groups, advocacy organizations, and vendors who provide or display flags/banners at schools.
  • The Idaho Department of Education may have a role in recognizing achievement-related flags/banners.

Fiscal impact

  • The attached fiscal note states the legislation has no anticipated increase or decrease in revenue and no additional state or local expenditures (no fiscal impact).

Legislative status and timeline

  • Introduced: January 14, 2025.
  • Passed both chambers and presented to Governor.
  • Signed by the Governor: May 1, 2025.
  • Effective (per bill language): July 1, 2025.

Additional notes

  • The bill text does not specify enforcement mechanisms, penalties, or appeal procedures for alleged violations; implementation details may fall to school districts or the Idaho Department of Education.
  • Because the prohibition targets displays that “represent a political viewpoint,” the provision could be subject to legal challenge on free‑speech or viewpoint‑discrimination grounds; this summary does not evaluate legal merits.
  • Sponsors listed: Michael Boutin (primary) and Edward Waszazak (primary). A separate contact list in the fiscal note names other legislators (Edward H. Hill; Senator Christy Zito) as contacts for the fiscal note attachment.

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

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