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H 785

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, 2nd Regular Session (2026)

Idaho H 785 creates disciplinary procedures for student inappropriate online behavior, clarifying school authority to address digital misconduct on and potentially off campus.

Reported Signed by Governor on March 26, 2026 Session Law Chapter 174 Effective: 07/01/2026
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Bill Summary · H 785

Legislative bill overview

H 785 establishes new legal provisions in Idaho to define inappropriate online behavior by students and creates a disciplinary process for school districts and charter schools to address such conduct. The bill appears to formalize how schools handle student misconduct occurring online, whether on or off school property.

Why is this important

Student online behavior increasingly blurs the lines between school and personal life, creating unclear jurisdiction and inconsistent discipline policies across districts. Establishing clear definitions and procedures helps schools respond consistently to cyberbullying, harassment, and other digital misconduct while raising questions about the extent of school authority over off-campus student speech.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of school authority: Whether schools can discipline students for online behavior occurring entirely outside school hours and on non-school networks, potentially affecting First Amendment protections for off-campus speech
  • Definition ambiguity: What constitutes "inappropriate online behavior" may be too vague, leading to subjective enforcement and disproportionate discipline across student populations
  • Due process concerns: Whether the prescribed discipline process provides adequate procedural protections and appeal mechanisms, particularly for serious consequences

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

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