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H 332

APPROPRIATIONS – SPECIAL PROGRAMS – Relates to the appropriation to the State Board of Education and the Board of Regents of the University of Idaho for Special Programs for fiscal year 2026.

68th Legislature, 1st Regular Session (2025)

House Bill 332 allocates $1.4M to enhance Idaho's education, boosting staffing and support for rural educators and special programs in underserved areas.

Reported Signed by Governor on March 19, 2025 Session Law Chapter 116 Effective: 07/01/2025
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Bill Summary · H 332

Summary of House Bill 332 (H 332)

Overview

House Bill 332 (H 332) is an appropriations bill that allocates additional funding to the State Board of Education and the Board of Regents of the University of Idaho for Special Programs for the fiscal year 2026. The bill aims to enhance the maintenance budget for these educational bodies, focusing on staffing, operational expenditures, and specific educational initiatives.

Purpose and Intent

The primary intent of H 332 is to provide financial support for various special programs under the jurisdiction of the State Board of Education and the Board of Regents. This includes funding for:
- Additional staffing to improve program delivery.
- Increased operational expenditures to support ongoing activities.
- A rural educator incentive program aimed at attracting and retaining educators in underserved areas.

Key Provisions

  • Funding Increase: The bill appropriates an additional $1,414,100 to the maintenance budget for Special Programs. This includes:

    • An ongoing increase of $1,376,200.
    • A one-time increase of $37,900.

  • Full-Time Equivalent Positions: The bill authorizes an increase of 0.27 full-time equivalent (FTE) positions for the fiscal year 2026. This is intended to support the additional staffing needs identified in the budget.

  • Specific Allocations: The funding will be distributed across various categories, including:

    • Personnel Costs: $1,375,000
    • Operating Expenditures: $19,500 for Forest Utilization Research, $12,800 for Geological Survey, and $5,600 for the Museum of Natural History.

Affected Entities

The bill directly impacts:
- The State Board of Education and the Board of Regents of the University of Idaho, which oversee educational programs and initiatives.
- Educators and students in rural and underserved areas who will benefit from the rural educator incentive program.
- Educational institutions that rely on the funding for operational and programmatic support.

Procedural Timeline

  • Introduced: February 26, 2025
  • Passed by House: March 5, 2025
  • Passed by Senate: March 13, 2025
  • Signed by Governor: March 19, 2025
  • Effective Date: July 1, 2025

Conclusion

House Bill 332 represents a significant investment in Idaho's educational infrastructure, particularly in enhancing special programs and supporting educators in rural areas. The additional funding and staffing provisions aim to improve educational outcomes and ensure that all students have access to quality education.

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

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