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H 224

EDUCATION – Amends existing law to require public school districts to adopt certain safety protocols.

68th Legislature, 1st Regular Session (2025)

House Bill 224 mandates Idaho public schools to adopt clear safety protocols and emergency procedures, enhancing safety for students and staff without extra costs.

Reported Signed by Governor on March 14, 2025 Session Law Chapter 72 Effective: 07/01/2025
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Bill Summary · H 224

Summary of House Bill 224 (H 224)

Overview

House Bill 224 (H 224) is a legislative measure aimed at enhancing school safety protocols within public school districts in Idaho. The bill amends existing law to clarify and streamline safety provisions, ensuring that schools can effectively manage emergencies and maintain a safe environment for students and staff.

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of H 224 is to revise and simplify the language surrounding school safety regulations in Idaho. The bill seeks to eliminate confusion by breaking down complex provisions into clearer, more manageable sections. This legislative action is part of a broader initiative to improve safety measures in educational settings.

Key Provisions

  • Amendment of Section 33-512: The bill revises Section 33-512 of the Idaho Code, which governs the powers and duties of school district boards of trustees. Key changes include:

    • Safety Protocols: School districts are required to adopt specific safety protocols to protect students and staff.
    • Emergency Procedures: The bill emphasizes the need for clear emergency procedures to be established and communicated within each district.
    • Instructional Hours: The bill maintains existing requirements for instructional hours while allowing for flexibility in the event of emergencies.

  • No Fiscal Impact: According to the fiscal note, the implementation of this bill will not result in any increase or decrease in revenue or additional expenditures at the state or local government levels.

Affected Parties

  • Public School Districts: All public school districts in Idaho will be required to comply with the new safety protocols outlined in the bill.
  • Students and Staff: The safety measures are designed to directly benefit students and staff by creating a safer school environment.

Procedural Aspects

  • Legislative Timeline:
    • Introduced: February 12, 2025
    • Passed by House: February 18, 2025
    • Passed by Senate: March 10, 2025
    • Signed by Governor: March 14, 2025
    • Effective Date: July 1, 2025

The bill underwent a thorough legislative process, receiving unanimous support in both the House and Senate, indicating broad bipartisan agreement on the importance of school safety.

Conclusion

House Bill 224 represents a significant step toward enhancing safety protocols in Idaho's public schools. By clarifying existing regulations and establishing clear safety measures, the bill aims to foster a secure learning environment for all students and staff. The effective date of July 1, 2025, allows school districts time to prepare for the implementation of these new requirements.

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

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