This bill appropriates additional funds to the State Board of Education for community colleges for the fiscal year 2026, totaling $1,679,800. The specific allocations include $496,800 for the College of Eastern Idaho, $690,000 for the College of Southern Idaho, and an insertion of $493,000 for the College of Western Idaho. The bill also outlines the transition to an outcomes-based funding model for community colleges, which will replace the current Enrollment Workload Adjustment. The Office of the State Board of Education is tasked with developing this new funding model and must submit a proposal to the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee by December 31, 2025, with implementation planned for fiscal year 2028 or earlier.
Additionally, the bill stipulates that appropriations are subject to specified conditions, limitations, and restrictions. An emergency clause is included, allowing the act to take effect on July 1, 2025. This legislative action aims to enhance funding mechanisms for community colleges while ensuring accountability and progress reporting to the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee.