This bill amends the Idaho Code concerning the Idaho Launch Grant Program and the In-Demand Careers Fund by revising sunset dates and repealing certain sections. Specifically, it changes the expiration date for Sections 72-1204 and 72-1205 from July 1, 2029, to June 30, 2026, and entirely repeals Section 72-1206, which relates to the In-Demand Careers Fund. Additionally, a provision regarding this fund is removed from Section 63-3638. The bill aims to streamline the grant program for students pursuing in-demand careers by clarifying definitions, grant distribution processes, and eligibility criteria, with grants capped at $8,000 per student.

Moreover, the bill introduces amendments to the distribution of funds to special purpose taxing districts and other entities in Idaho, establishing a framework for distributing excess funds based on current property tax budgets. It specifies that districts formed after January 1, 2001, will not receive certain payments and outlines the distribution of funds for property tax replacement and exemptions. The bill reallocates funding, deleting the previous $80 million allocation to the In-Demand Careers Fund and instead distributing $330 million annually to the public school income fund. It also includes provisions for continuous appropriation of certain revenue percentages and an emergency clause for effective dates, with some sections becoming effective as of July 1, 2025, and others by June 30, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 72-1204, 72-1205, 72-1206, 63-3638