WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

H 349

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.

68th Legislature, 1st Regular Session (2025)

Idaho H349 defines inappropriate online behavior toward school staff or others and creates a district/charter process to investigate and impose discipline up to suspension or expul

Reported Printed and Referred to Education
#education #guardiansandconservators #parents #schoolsandschooldistricts #scienceandtechnology #speech #students
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.