This bill amends Section 63-3029N of the Idaho Code to revise the Idaho Parental Choice Tax Credit, which provides financial assistance to parents for educational expenses related to eligible students. Key changes include the definition of "eligible student" to encompass those aged five to eighteen, or up to twenty-one for children with disabilities, at any time within the tax year. The bill also expands the definition of "qualified expenses" to include various educational costs such as tuition, tutoring, and transportation, while specifying that expenses cannot be claimed if they were funded by certain grants or reimbursements. Additionally, the refundable tax credit limit is set at $5,000 per eligible student, with an increased limit of $7,500 for students with disabilities.

Furthermore, the bill repeals Section 67-1230, which related to the Idaho Parental Choice Tax Credit Advance Payment Fund. It establishes a process for parents to apply for the tax credit, including a requirement for a satisfaction and engagement survey to evaluate the performance of nonpublic schools. The state tax commission is tasked with administering the credit, ensuring compliance, and providing annual reports on the program's effectiveness. The bill declares an emergency, making it effective immediately upon passage and retroactively applicable from January 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 63-3029N, 67-1230