This bill amends various sections of the Idaho Code to improve the framework for virtual education programs and public charter schools. It introduces provisions that allow school districts to offer virtual education while counting average daily attendance for both fully virtual and blended programs. Additionally, it requires districts to maintain records verifying student residency and financial statements for state and federal fund expenditures. Starting July 1, 2025, districts will be prohibited from enrolling new students from outside their boundaries in virtual education programs, and by January 1, 2026, they must report enrollment and financial data to the legislature. The bill also revises the approval process for public charter schools, stipulating that only the public charter school commission can authorize virtual schools after July 1, 2026.

Moreover, the bill enhances financial support and compliance measures for public charter schools, allowing the state department of education to deduct amounts related to noncompliance from future appropriations. It establishes a lottery system for managing admissions to ensure equitable access, with specific enrollment preferences for certain groups. The financial support structure is modified, including an increase in authorizer fees and adjustments to facilities funding based on discretionary funding changes starting in fiscal year 2027. The bill emphasizes compliance with fiscal requirements and allows for advance payments to assist charter schools with startup costs, with an emergency clause making the act effective from July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 33-1619, 33-5202A, 33-5203, 33-5206, 33-5207