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H 352

EDUCATION – Amends existing law to revise provisions regarding parental rights in education.

68th Legislature, 1st Regular Session (2025)

House Bill 352 empowers Idaho parents by prohibiting sexual orientation and gender identity instruction in schools, enhancing parental involvement in education decisions.

Reported Signed by Governor on March 31, 2025 Session Law Chapter 223 Effective: 07/01/2025
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Bill Summary · H 352

Summary of House Bill 352 (H 352)

Title:

EDUCATION – Amends existing law to revise provisions regarding parental rights in education.

Status:

  • Reported Signed by Governor: March 31, 2025
  • Session Law Chapter: 223
  • Effective Date: July 1, 2025

Introduction:

House Bill 352 (H 352) was introduced on March 3, 2025, and aims to amend Idaho's existing laws concerning parental rights in education. The bill primarily focuses on the rights of parents and guardians regarding their children's education, particularly in relation to topics of sexual orientation and gender identity.

Purpose:

The main intent of H 352 is to enhance parental rights in educational settings by establishing clear policies that govern the involvement of parents in their children's education. It seeks to ensure that parents have the authority to make decisions regarding their children's exposure to certain educational content, particularly related to sexual orientation and gender identity.

Key Provisions:

  1. Prohibition of Instruction on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity:

    • Public schools are required to adopt policies that prohibit classroom instruction on sexual orientation or gender identity from kindergarten through 12th grade.

  2. Parental Rights and Involvement:

    • Parents or legal guardians have the right to reasonable academic accommodations and to be involved in their children's education.
    • Schools must develop policies that promote parental involvement, including:
      • Plans for parent participation in homework, attendance, and discipline.
      • Processes for parents to review course materials and withdraw their child from objectionable activities.

  3. Notification Requirements:

    • Schools must notify parents about changes in their child's mental, emotional, or physical health.
    • Parents must be informed if their child is questioned by law enforcement at school.

  4. Access to Educational Records:

    • Parents have the right to access their children's educational and health records, with certain exceptions related to abuse or neglect.

  5. Consent for Surveys and Screenings:

    • Consent from parents is required before administering noncurricular surveys or health screenings that pertain to sensitive topics such as sexuality or personal beliefs.

  6. Complaint Mechanism:

    • Parents can file complaints if they believe their rights have been violated, and schools must have procedures in place to address these complaints.

Impact:

  • Who is Affected:

    • The bill affects public school students, parents, guardians, and school districts across Idaho.
    • It specifically impacts how schools approach education on sensitive topics and the level of parental involvement in educational decisions.

  • Fiscal Implications:

    • The fiscal note indicates that the implementation of this bill is not expected to require additional general funds or taxpayer dollars.

Procedural Timeline:

  • March 3, 2025: Bill introduced and referred to the Education Committee.
  • March 31, 2025: Signed by the Governor, with an effective date set for July 1, 2025.

Conclusion:

House Bill 352 represents a significant shift in the governance of parental rights in education within Idaho, particularly concerning sensitive topics. By establishing clear guidelines for parental involvement and prohibiting certain instructional content, the bill aims to empower parents in their children's educational experiences.

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

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