Summary

Idaho HB 65 (Open States or Idaho Legislature) amends and adds to existing education law. It establishes provisions relating to public school technology and to the funding for this technology, among other actions.

Legislative Analysis

HB 65 addresses problems in the fiscal year 2013 budget caused by the repeal of SBs 1108, 1110, and 1184. Due to these repeals, public schools would receive over $30 million less in FY 2013 than originally appropriated. HB 65 makes temporary (FY 2013) changes to the Idaho Code to enable public schools to meet their contractual obligations. One change from the original budget in this legislation is that funding allocated for mobile computing devices is instead allocated for additional teacher professional development.

HB 65 adds a new section to the Idaho Code regarding public school technology. The legislation prescribes a formula for expending and distributing money from the educational support program for public school technology. It also describes the possible uses for these funds as follows:

• For the installation, repair, replacement and support of a wireless technology infrastructure, in each public school serving high school grades, of sufficient capacity to support utilization of mobile computing devices by all students in such grades.
• For classroom technology that assists teachers in the effective and efficient delivery of instruction. At least ninety-seven percent (97%) of the moneys expended or distributed for this paragraph shall be distributed to school districts, public charter schools, and the Idaho School for the Deaf and Blind, less up to $500,000 in fiscal year 2013, which may be expended for the development and maintenance of an internet-based clearinghouse of online, nonsectarian K-12 or dual credit courses available from the Idaho Digital Learning Academy, Idaho public school districts, Idaho public charter schools, Idaho public colleges and universities, and Idaho private colleges and universities accredited by the same organization that accredits Idaho’s public colleges and universities.
• For professional development and training that promotes the effective use of technology by students, staff, and parents, the integration of technology into public school curricula and instructional methods, and the development of plans at the school, district, and statewide level for the improved use and integration of technology in learning, and the development and effective utilization of student data.

Legislative History

Detailed Vote History: Legiscan |  Open States

Approved by Governor Butch Otter on 4/11/2013