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H 75

EDUCATION – Amends and adds to existing law to establish the Public Education Facilities Fund and to provide for the transfer of certain moneys.

68th Legislature, 1st Regular Session (2025)

House Bill 75 creates a Public Education Facilities Fund, allocating $25M for grants to improve rural school facilities, ensuring better educational environments statewide.

Bill Previously Held at Desk, Referred to Education
#buildings #education #funds #schoolsandschooldistricts
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Bill Summary · H 75

Summary of House Bill 75 (H 75)

Title

EDUCATION – Amends and adds to existing law to establish the Public Education Facilities Fund and to provide for the transfer of certain moneys.

Status

  • Introduced: January 28, 2025
  • Current Status: Previously held at desk, referred to Education Committee.

Purpose

House Bill 75 aims to establish the Public Education Facilities Fund to provide financial support for the construction, remodeling, and maintenance of public school facilities. The bill seeks to address the needs of school districts, particularly focusing on those in rural areas.

Key Provisions

  1. Establishment of the Public Education Facilities Fund:

    • A new fund will be created in the state treasury to support public education facilities.
    • Funds will be allocated as need-based grants to school districts for projects related to their core educational mission (excluding primarily athletic facilities).

  2. Grant Application Process:

    • School districts must submit a detailed application that includes:
      • Project plans and specifications.
      • Projected costs and bids.
      • A ten-year plan for the district.
      • Evidence of financial need and previous bond levy requests.
    • Priority will be given to rural school districts.

  3. Review and Approval:

    • The Office of the State Board of Education will review applications in consultation with the Idaho State Department of Education and the Division of Public Works.
    • Grants will be awarded based on demonstrated need, with a preference for rural schools.

  4. Transfer of Funds:

    • The bill proposes a one-time transfer of $25,000,000 from the existing Public School Facilities Cooperative Fund and half of the remaining balance of the Public School Health Insurance Participation Fund, estimated at $28,000,000, to the new fund.
    • The transfer is scheduled to occur by December 1, 2025.

  5. Investment of Idle Funds:

    • Any idle moneys in the Public Education Facilities Fund will be invested, with interest earned returned to the fund.

Impact

  • Affected Parties:

    • Public school districts in Idaho, particularly those in rural areas, will benefit from the availability of grant funds for facility improvements.
    • The legislation does not impose any new taxes or increase expenditures at the state or local government levels.

  • Fiscal Note:

    • The bill is designed to have no fiscal impact on state or local revenues or expenditures, as it reallocates existing funds.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill was introduced and referred to the Education Committee on January 28, 2025.
  • It has undergone initial legislative actions, including being held at the desk and reported for printing.

Conclusion

House Bill 75 represents a significant step towards enhancing the infrastructure of public education facilities in Idaho, particularly for rural school districts. By establishing a dedicated fund and a structured grant application process, the bill aims to ensure that school facilities meet the educational needs of students across the state.

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

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