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Bill

H 292

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

68th Legislature, 1st Regular Session (2025)

House Bill 292 enhances parental rights in Idaho education by ensuring transparency, limiting certain instruction, and promoting parental involvement in schools.

Reported Printed and Referred to Education
#education #guardiansandconservators #parents #schoolsandschooldistricts #students
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Bill Summary · H 292

Summary of House Bill 292 (H 292)

Title

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

Status

  • Introduced: February 20, 2025
  • Current Status: Reported Printed and Referred to Education

Purpose

House Bill 292 aims to enhance parental rights in education by increasing transparency and involvement in their children's schooling. The bill seeks to establish clear guidelines for school districts regarding the sharing of educational materials and the prohibition of certain instructional content for younger students.

Key Provisions

The bill amends Section 33-6001 of the Idaho Code and includes the following significant changes:

  1. Transparency in Educational Materials:

    • School districts must publish a list of supplemental educational materials, required textbooks, and course syllabi on their websites by October 1 each school year.

  2. Prohibition of Certain Instruction:

    • Public schools are required to adopt policies that prohibit classroom instruction on sexual orientation or gender identity for students in kindergarten through third grade.

  3. Parental Involvement Policies:

    • Schools must develop policies to promote parental involvement, including:
      • Plans for parent participation in areas like homework and discipline.
      • Processes for parents to review learning materials and withdraw their children from objectionable activities.

  4. Access to Student Records:

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

  5. Notification Requirements:

    • Schools must notify parents about significant changes in a student's mental, emotional, or physical health.
    • Parents must be informed if their child is questioned by law enforcement, except in cases where the child is a victim of abuse.

  6. Consent for Surveys:

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

  7. Complaint Mechanism:

    • Parents can file complaints if their rights are violated, and schools must have procedures to address these complaints. If unresolved, parents may pursue legal action for relief.

Impact

  • Who is Affected:

    • This bill primarily impacts parents and legal guardians of children enrolled in Idaho public schools, as well as school districts and public charter schools.

  • Fiscal Impact:

    • The bill is noted to have no fiscal impact, meaning it does not require additional funding or result in revenue changes at the state or local level.

Timeline

  • The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, following the declaration of an emergency for its immediate implementation.

Contact Information

For further inquiries, contact:
- Representative Dale R. Hawkins: (208) 332-1000
- Senator Cindy Carlson: (208) 332-1355

This summary provides an overview of House Bill 292, detailing its intent, provisions, and potential effects on the educational landscape in Idaho.

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

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