STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
RS31015 / H0447
The Idaho Parental Choice Tax Credit legislation provides for a refundable tax credit up to $5,000 for a parent
or guardian that incurs qualified education expenses for an eligible student. "Qualified expenses" include
kindergarten through twelfth grade tuition and fees related to attending a nonpublic school, tutoring, taking
assessments used to determine college admission, costs for textbooks, curriculum, and transportation costs for
the purposes of receiving academic instruction. It also means a micro school or learning pod that provides
academic instruction from a certified Idaho teacher.
The Idaho Parental Choice Grant portion of the legislation also calls for a grant of up to $5,000 that would allow
lower income Idahoans to participate in the refundable tax credit. The grant program would be administered
by the Idaho State Tax Commission.
Both, the refundable tax credit and grant limits increase up to $7,500 for special needs students that require
ancillary personnel to assist in academic instruction.
The Idaho State Tax Commission has the ability to audit records, receipts and documents similar to all tax
filings to ensure accountability. The Idaho State Tax Commission may refer suspected cases of fraud to the
Attorney General for investigation and prosecution.
FISCAL NOTE
The total fiscal impact to the state General Fund is a maximum of $50 million if both programs are fully
subscribed. The refundable tax credit portion of the legislation has a cap of $40 million and the grant portion
of the legislation has a $10 million cap which would require a direct appropriation from the General Fund.
It is estimated the Idaho State Tax Commission would need to utilize two full-time employees (FTEs) in the
administration of these programs. No additional FTEs are being requested because of existing vacancies within
the Idaho State Tax Commission.
Contact:
Representative Wendy Horman
Representative Jason Monks
Senator C. Scott Grow
Senator Doug Ricks
(208) 332-1000
DISCLAIMER: This statement of purpose and fiscal note are a mere attachment to this bill and prepared by a proponent
of the bill. It is neither intended as an expression of legislative intent nor intended for any use outside of the legislative
process, including judicial review (Joint Rule 18).
Statement of Purpose / Fiscal Note Bill SOP/FN INTRODUCED: 01/30/2024, 10:01 AM