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H 238

EDUCATION – Adds to existing law to provide for the display of the Ten Commandments in public schools.

68th Legislature, 1st Regular Session (2025)

House Bill 238 requires Idaho public schools to display the Ten Commandments, funded by private donations, impacting students and staff in educational settings.

Reported Printed and Referred to Education
#education #religionandchurches #schoolsandschooldistricts
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Bill Summary · H 238

Summary of House Bill 238 (H 238)

Title

EDUCATION – Adds to existing law to provide for the display of the Ten Commandments in public schools.

Bill Information

  • Bill Number: H 238
  • Introduced: February 14, 2025
  • Status: Reported Printed and Referred to Education
  • Classification: Bill
  • Subject Areas: Education, Religion and Churches, Schools and School Districts

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 238 aims to mandate the display of the Ten Commandments in public educational institutions across Idaho. The bill seeks to affirm the historical and traditional significance of the values represented in the Ten Commandments for students, staff, and the general public.

Key Provisions

The bill proposes the following key provisions:

  1. Definition of Educational Institutions:

    • The term "educational institution" includes any school under the governance of the State Board of Education or the Board of Regents of the University of Idaho, as well as any other public-funded school in Idaho.

  2. Display Requirements:

    • Each educational institution must display a durable poster or framed copy of the Ten Commandments in a conspicuous location.
    • The display must meet specific size requirements: at least 16 inches wide and 20 inches tall.
    • The text of the Ten Commandments must be legible and presented as specified in the bill.

  3. Private Donations:

    • All costs associated with the posters or framed copies will be covered by private donations, ensuring no fiscal impact on the State General Fund or other government entities.
    • Institutions are required to accept and display any privately donated copies that meet the specified requirements.

  4. Replacement of Non-Compliant Displays:

    • Institutions may replace existing displays that do not meet the new requirements with those that do, again funded by private donations.
    • If additional compliant displays are received, they must be displayed in classrooms.

  5. Effective Date:

    • The bill declares an emergency, making it effective on July 1, 2025.

Impact

  • Affected Parties:

    • Public educational institutions in Idaho will be directly impacted, as they will be required to display the Ten Commandments.
    • Students, staff, and the general public will be exposed to the Ten Commandments as part of the educational environment.

  • Fiscal Considerations:

    • The bill is designed to have no financial burden on the state, as all displays will be funded through private donations.

Legislative Actions

  • February 14, 2025: Introduced and referred to the Joint Rules Committee for printing.
  • February 17, 2025: Reported printed and referred to the Education Committee.

Contact Information

For further inquiries, individuals may contact:
- Senator Glenneda Zuiderveld: (208) 332-1000
- Representative Faye Thompson: (208) 332-1347

This summary provides an overview of House Bill 238, outlining its purpose, key provisions, and potential impacts on Idaho's public educational institutions.

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

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