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 ensuring that cursive handwriting instruction begins by grade 3, and the state department of education will set benchmarks for proficiency, provide assessment guidelines, and share resources to aid teachers in delivering effective instruction. Compliance with these provisions is required by the start of the 2025-2026 school year.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that students who do not achieve cursive handwriting proficiency by the end of grade 5 will receive extra instruction until they meet the required standard. The legislation emphasizes the importance of cursive handwriting as a vital skill and declares an emergency, making the act effective on July 1, 2025.