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Bill

H 258

ELECTIONS – Amends, repeals, and adds to existing law to establish provisions regarding state board of education elections.

68th Legislature, 1st Regular Session (2025)

House Bill 258 allows Idaho voters to elect five of seven State Board of Education members, enhancing representation and engagement in educational governance.

Reported Printed and Referred to State Affairs
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Bill Summary · H 258

Summary of House Bill 258 (H 258)

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 258 aims to reform the election process for the State Board of Education in Idaho. The bill seeks to enhance democratic representation by transitioning from a predominantly appointed board to one that includes elected members from various regions of the state. This change is intended to ensure that the board reflects the diverse educational needs and perspectives of Idaho's population.

Key Provisions

The bill introduces several significant changes to the existing law regarding the State Board of Education:

  1. Election of Board Members:

    • Five out of the seven members of the State Board of Education will be elected by voters from specific geographic zones.
    • The Governor will continue to appoint the remaining two members.
    • Elections for these positions will commence in the 2026 general election, with three members serving two-year terms and two members serving four-year terms. Subsequent elections will be for four-year terms.

  2. Geographic Zones:

    • The state will be divided into five zones for the purpose of electing board members:
      • Zone 1: Legislative districts 1 through 7
      • Zone 2: Legislative districts 8 through 14
      • Zone 3: Legislative districts 15 through 21
      • Zone 4: Legislative districts 22 through 28
      • Zone 5: Legislative districts 29 through 35

  3. Candidate Qualifications:

    • Candidates must be at least 25 years old, U.S. citizens, and residents of the legislative district corresponding to their zone for at least one year prior to the election.

  4. Filing and Fees:

    • Candidates must file a declaration of candidacy and pay a $100 filing fee, which will be deposited into the general fund.
    • Alternatively, candidates can submit a nominating petition with 500 signatures from qualified electors within their zone.

  5. Compensation:

    • Each elected member of the State Board of Education will receive an annual stipend of $12,000, along with reimbursement for travel and necessary expenses.

  6. Campaign Contributions:

    • The bill revises existing provisions regarding campaign contributions and expenditures, aligning them with other state elective offices.

Impact

The passage of H 258 is expected to:
- Increase public engagement in educational governance by allowing voters to elect a majority of board members.
- Provide a more equitable representation of Idaho's diverse regions on the State Board of Education.
- Result in a fiscal impact of approximately $84,000 annually to the general fund for member stipends, with additional costs for travel and expenses expected to be under $10,000 per year.

Procedural Aspects

  • Introduced: February 18, 2025
  • Status: Reported printed and referred to the State Affairs Committee on February 19, 2025.
  • Effective Date: The bill includes a declaration of emergency, indicating that it will take effect immediately upon passage.

This summary provides an overview of House Bill 258, highlighting its intent, key provisions, potential impacts, and procedural details for stakeholders and interested parties.

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

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