WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

H 98

TEACHERS UNIONS – Amends and adds to existing law to provide for restrictions regarding the use of taxpayer funds for teachers unions.

68th Legislature, 1st Regular Session (2025)

House Bill 98 prohibits taxpayer funding for teachers' unions in Idaho, restricting school districts from using public resources for union activities and ensuring transparency.

Introduced, read first time; referred to: State Affairs
#civilactions #employersandemployees #government #labor #schoolsandschooldistricts #taxandtaxation #teachingandteachers
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · H 98

Summary of House Bill 98 (H 98)

Bill Overview

  • Bill Number: H 98
  • Title: TEACHERS UNIONS – Amends and adds to existing law to provide for restrictions regarding the use of taxpayer funds for teachers unions.
  • Introduced: January 30, 2025
  • Status: Introduced, read first time; referred to State Affairs
  • Classification: Bill
  • Subject Areas: Civil Actions, Employers and Employees, Government, Labor, Schools and School Districts, Tax and Taxation, Teaching and Teachers

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 98 aims to prohibit the use of taxpayer funds to support teachers' unions in Idaho. The legislation seeks to ensure that public officials do not allocate school district resources, including funds and personnel, for union-related activities. This bill is part of a broader effort to maintain the integrity of public funding and prevent potential conflicts of interest involving public officials and teachers' unions.

Key Provisions

The bill introduces several significant changes to existing law, including:

  1. Prohibition of Taxpayer Funding:

    • Public officials are prohibited from using taxpayer funds for:
      • Deducting union dues from employee paychecks.
      • Increasing employee compensation with the intent of funding union dues.
      • Providing additional personal information to unions without employee consent.
      • Coercing employees to engage with unions.
      • Distributing union communications or solicitations.
      • Contributing public funds to unions.

  2. Union Activities and Compensation:

    • Professional employees may engage in union activities under specific conditions:
      • Time off without pay for union activities may be negotiated.
      • Employees can use accrued personal leave for union activities, provided it is available to all employees equally.
      • Employees may participate in union activities during duty hours without losing pay, contingent upon the union reporting time spent on such activities and reimbursing the school district.

  3. Definitions and Technical Corrections:

    • The bill amends existing definitions related to public officials and conflicts of interest, ensuring clarity in the application of these laws.

  4. Civil Penalties:

    • The bill establishes civil penalties for violations of its provisions.

  5. Severability and Emergency Clause:

    • The bill includes a severability clause and declares an emergency, allowing for immediate implementation upon passage.

Impact

  • Affected Parties:

    • The legislation primarily impacts public school districts, teachers, and teachers' unions in Idaho. It restricts how school districts can interact with unions and manage union-related activities.

  • Financial Implications:

    • According to the fiscal note, the bill is not expected to cause an increase or decrease in revenue or additional expenditures at the state or local level. However, some districts may see a modest increase in revenue if unions are required to reimburse districts for time spent on union activities.

Legislative Timeline

  • January 30, 2025: Bill introduced and referred to State Affairs.
  • February 10, 2025: Reported out of committee with a "Do Pass" recommendation.
  • February 11, 2025: Read second time and filed for third reading.
  • February 12, 2025: Passed in the House with a vote of 40-29.
  • February 13, 2025: Received from the House and filed for first reading in the Senate.

This summary provides an overview of House Bill 98, detailing its purpose, key provisions, potential impacts, and legislative progress.

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

Sign in to ask a question.