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H 405

EDUCATION – Amends existing law to revise provisions regarding the requirement for safe public school facilities.

68th Legislature, 1st Regular Session (2025)

House Bill 405 mandates annual safety inspections for Idaho public schools, ensuring students learn in safe environments free from hazards like lead, mold, and radon.

Reported Printed and Referred to Education
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Bill Summary · H 405

Summary of House Bill 405 (H 405)

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 405 aims to enhance the safety and health standards of public school facilities in Idaho. The bill seeks to ensure that children learn in environments free from hazards such as lead, mold, and radon, thereby reaffirming the state's commitment to providing safe educational settings.

Key Provisions

The bill amends Section 33-1613 of the Idaho Code and introduces several significant changes:

  1. Definition of Public School Facilities:

    • The bill defines "public school facilities" to include all physical properties owned or operated by school districts or charter schools for educational purposes, excluding areas not used for regular school activities.

  2. Mandatory Inspections:

    • School districts are required to conduct independent inspections of their facilities at least once a year to ensure compliance with safety and health codes. This includes checks for electrical, plumbing, fire safety, and structural integrity, as well as specific testing for radon, mold, and lead.

  3. Abatement Requirements:

    • If unsafe conditions are identified, school boards must take immediate action to abate these issues. They are required to report any unresolved safety concerns to parents and guardians, ensuring transparency.

  4. Reporting and Accountability:

    • The bill mandates that reports on unsafe conditions and their abatement be submitted to the state’s Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses. Failure to comply with reporting requirements may result in fines of up to $5,000 for each violation and $1,000 for each day of continued violation.

  5. Abatement Plans:

    • If a school district cannot address all identified issues with available funds, it must develop a plan for abatement, including a timeline for addressing the problems.

Affected Parties

  • Students and Staff: The primary beneficiaries of this legislation are students and school personnel who will have improved safety conditions in their learning environments.
  • School Districts and Charter Schools: These entities will be responsible for compliance with the new inspection and reporting requirements, as well as for the financial implications of any necessary abatement actions.

Procedural Aspects

  • Introduced: March 13, 2025
  • Status: The bill has been reported printed and referred to the Education Committee for further consideration.
  • Fiscal Impact: The fiscal note indicates that the bill will not result in any increase or decrease in revenues for state or local governments and does not require additional funding allocations.

Conclusion

House Bill 405 represents a significant step towards ensuring that Idaho's public school facilities meet essential safety and health standards. By mandating inspections, abatement of hazardous conditions, and transparent reporting, the bill aims to create a safer learning environment for all students and staff in Idaho's public schools.

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

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