This bill amends Sections 33-909 and 33-911 of the Idaho Code to enhance the Public School Facilities Cooperative Funding Program and the School District Facilities Fund. It introduces new eligibility criteria for school districts seeking financial support for unsafe facilities, allowing those that have failed to approve bond or plant facility levies, or have approved levies exceeding available funds, to apply for assistance. A new oversight panel within the state department of education will manage the application process and ensure project completion. The bill also prioritizes the distribution of funds from the School District Facilities Fund for existing school bonds and costs associated with the funding program, mandating a defined order of priority for fund usage.

Additionally, the bill establishes provisions for the allocation and use of funds for school district facility needs, requiring that any funds received be deducted from property tax levies to avoid additional taxpayer charges. School districts must report their received funds and expenditures to the state department of education, which will present these reports to the legislature annually. Specific provisions for fiscal years 2025 and 2026 allow districts qualifying for bond levy equalization support to receive equivalent distributions, and it authorizes a $25 million transfer from the bond levy equalization fund to the public school facilities cooperative fund, effective immediately upon passage. An emergency clause ensures that these changes are implemented promptly to improve public school facilities in Idaho.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 33-909, 33-911