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H 428

BROADCASTING OF HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS – Adds to existing law to establish provisions regarding priority public broadcasting rights of Idaho high school sports events.

68th Legislature, 1st Regular Session (2025) Introduced by Chris Bruce

Idaho H 428 grants IPTV the right of first refusal to broadcast all IHSAA high school sports, with revenues funding education and statewide public broadcasting, boosting access.

Reported Printed; Filed in the Office of the Chief Clerk
#athletics #education #government #schoolsandschooldistricts #students #television
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Bill Summary · H 428

Summary of Idaho House Bill 428 (H 428)

Overview

H 428 adds a new section ( Idaho Code 33-143) to establish priority public broadcasting rights for Idaho high school sports. The bill designates Idaho Public Television (IPTV), operated by the State Board of Education, with the right of first refusal to broadcast all high school sports events sanctioned by the Idaho High School Activities Association (IHSAA). It aims to increase public access to high school sports via TV, radio, and online streaming, while directing any resulting revenue to educational and broadcasting initiatives.

What the bill would do

  • Establish IPTV as the preferred broadcaster for all IHSAA-sanctioned high school athletic events (both public and private schools in Idaho).
  • Require IPTV to notify the IHSAA at least 30 days before an event of its intent to broadcast; the IHSAA must notify participating schools.
  • If IPTV declines to broadcast or does not provide proper notice, other broadcasters may apply for broadcasting rights under conditions set by the IHSAA.
  • Revenue generated from IPTV broadcasts must be used to support educational programming and statewide public broadcasting efforts; a portion, determined by the State Board of Education, would be allocated to public high schools or the IHSAA to improve sports facilities and programs.
  • Broadcasting must comply with applicable privacy, copyright, antitrust, and related laws.
  • The State Board of Education, in consultation with the IHSAA, may promulgate rules (with legislative approval) to implement the bill, including scheduling, content guidelines, and technical standards.

Financial impact

  • Start-up costs (one-time, FY 2026; effective July 1, 2025): approximately $50,000 to $150,000 for equipment upgrades, personnel, and production.
  • Ongoing annual costs: roughly $75,000 to $200,000, potentially offset or exceeded by revenue generated.
  • Minor rulemaking costs: about $5,000 to $10,000.
  • Fiscal note indicates no direct General Fund impact; any surplus revenue retained by IPTV would support operations and educational/broadcasting initiatives rather than reverting to the General Fund.

Affected parties

  • Idaho Public Television and the State Board of Education.
  • Idaho High School Activities Association (IHSAA).
  • Public and private high schools in Idaho (participating schools).
  • Other broadcasters (as alternative bidders if IPTV declines).

Timeline and status

  • Emergency provision included; effective date set for July 1, 2025.
  • Introduced: March 21, 2025.
  • Status: Reported Printed; Filed in the Office of the Chief Clerk.
  • Primary sponsor: Representative Bruce.

Notes for readers

  • The bill emphasizes public access and educational/public broadcasting funding.
  • Implementation would involve rulemaking by the State Board of Education, with IHSAA input and legislative approval.

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

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