This bill establishes a new requirement for cursive handwriting proficiency for public school students in Idaho. It mandates that all students must demonstrate proficiency in cursive handwriting by the end of grade 5, defined as the ability to write legibly in cursive. The state board of education is tasked with implementing cursive handwriting instruction by grade 3, setting benchmarks for proficiency, providing assessment guidelines, and sharing resources to aid teachers in delivering effective instruction. Compliance with these requirements is expected by the start of the 2025-2026 school year, and students who do not meet the proficiency standard by the end of grade 5 will receive additional instruction until they do.

The bill emphasizes the importance of cursive handwriting as a vital skill and declares an emergency to ensure its immediate implementation, with the effective date set for July 1, 2025. The addition of Section 33-1638 to Chapter 16, Title 33 of the Idaho Code formalizes these requirements and outlines the responsibilities of the state education authorities in promoting cursive handwriting instruction in public schools.