The proposed bill amends various sections of the Idaho Code to prohibit the use of taxpayer funds to support teachers unions. A new section, 74-408, is introduced, which explicitly forbids public officials from using taxpayer money for activities that promote teachers unions, including the deduction of union dues from employee pay, providing additional compensation for union activities, and distributing union communications. The bill also outlines conditions under which professional employees may engage in union activities, such as taking unpaid leave or using accrued personal leave, contingent upon agreements made during negotiations between the school district and the union. Additionally, civil penalties ranging from $250 to $2,500 are established for public officials who violate these provisions.

Furthermore, the bill modifies existing regulations concerning the evaluation and employment of school district personnel, including superintendents and principals. It introduces new performance evaluation procedures that require alternative measures of student growth if data from Idaho's standards achievement test is not received within 30 days of the evaluation deadline. The bill also details the processes for suspending or discharging certificated employees, ensuring their rights during formal hearings. It emphasizes good faith negotiations between school districts and local education organizations, clarifies definitions related to professional employees and local education organizations, and reinforces the prohibition against using taxpayer funding to promote teachers' unions. The effective date for these changes is set for July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 74-402, 74-403, 74-406, 33-513, 33-1271, 33-1272, 33-1275