Bill Analyses and Ratings
Bill Information: H0622 – Idaho Digital Learning Academy Funding Restrictions
Bill Summary
House Bill 622 amends Idaho Code Section 33-1020 to restructure funding for the Idaho Digital Learning Academy (IDLA). The bill reduces per-enrollment funding from $445 to $427 and caps state-funded enrollments at three courses per student per school year, excluding summer courses.
The bill establishes new eligibility criteria for state funding. Students must be enrolled full-time in a non-virtual Idaho public school or charter school, be in grades 6-12, and not be taking driver’s education. Additionally, students enrolled in schools located in cities with populations exceeding 50,000 are ineligible for state funding unless enrolled in a “custom section” where all students come from a single school district.
School districts and charter schools may still enroll students in IDLA courses that don’t meet state funding criteria, but must pay the academy’s fees directly. The bill includes an emergency clause making it effective July 1, 2026.
Overall Assessment
This bill restricts access to state-funded digital learning by excluding elementary students (grades K-5), limiting secondary students to three state-funded courses annually, and denying state funding to students in larger cities unless their district creates custom sections. The changes reduce state spending by approximately 4% per enrollment while shifting costs to local districts that want to provide broader digital learning access. Students in rural areas and smaller communities retain fuller access to state-funded digital courses, while families in urban areas face new barriers.
Rating Breakdown
ARTICLE I. RESPONSIBILITY IN GOVERNMENT (1)
The bill reduces per-enrollment funding from $445 to $427, decreasing state expenditures by approximately 4% per enrollment. It further limits state spending by capping enrollments at three per student per school year and excluding entire categories of students from state funding eligibility, including those in grades K-5, students in cities over 50,000 population, and driver's education courses. These changes collectively reduce the scope and cost of state-funded digital learning programs.
ARTICLE II. CITIZEN INVOLVEMENT IN GOVERNMENT (0)
This bill addresses digital learning academy funding mechanisms and eligibility criteria. It does not involve elections, voting procedures, citizen participation in government processes, or transparency measures.
ARTICLE III. EDUCATION (-1)
The bill restricts parental choice by excluding grades K-5 from state-funded digital learning, capping enrollments at three courses per year, and denying state funding to students in cities over 50,000 population unless enrolled in custom sections. These limitations reduce access to virtual learning options that parents might prefer for their children. While districts can pay fees for ineligible courses, this shifts costs to local taxpayers and effectively reduces available options for many families seeking alternative educational environments.
ARTICLE IV. AGRICULTURE (0)
This bill concerns digital learning academy funding for K-12 students. It does not address agriculture, farming operations, agricultural education, or related policy areas.
ARTICLE V. WATER (0)
This bill modifies education funding formulas. It does not address water rights, water management, inter-basin transfers, or water policy.
ARTICLE VI. NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT (0)
This bill addresses digital learning academy funding. It does not involve natural resources, environmental policy, land management, or conservation issues.
ARTICLE VII. ENERGY (0)
This bill concerns education funding. It does not address energy policy, energy production, utility regulation, or energy independence.
ARTICLE VIII. IDAHO NATIONAL LABORATORIES (0)
This bill modifies digital learning academy funding. It does not address Idaho National Laboratory operations, nuclear research, or technology development.
ARTICLE IX. PRIVATE PROPERTY RIGHTS (0)
This bill establishes eligibility criteria for education funding. It does not involve private property rights, eminent domain, regulatory takings, or property development.
ARTICLE X. STATE AND FEDERAL LANDS (0)
This bill addresses education funding mechanisms. It does not involve state or federal land management, land ownership, or land use policy.
ARTICLE XI. WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT (0)
This bill concerns digital learning academy funding. It does not address wildlife management, hunting, fishing, or predator control.
ARTICLE XII. ECONOMY (0)
This bill modifies education funding formulas. While education indirectly affects workforce development, the bill does not directly address commerce, industry, small business regulation, labor policy, or economic development initiatives.
ARTICLE XIII. HEALTH AND WELFARE (0)
This bill addresses digital learning academy funding eligibility. It does not involve healthcare policy, health insurance, medical decision-making, or welfare programs.
ARTICLE XIV. AMERICAN FAMILY (0)
This bill establishes funding criteria for digital learning courses. It does not address family values, marriage, parental rights in child-rearing, or family structure issues.
ARTICLE XV. OLDER AMERICANS (0)
This bill addresses funding for students in grades K-12. It does not involve policies or programs affecting older Americans, retirement, or senior services.
ARTICLE XVI. LAW AND ORDER WITH JUSTICE (0)
This bill concerns education funding. It does not address criminal justice, gun rights, sentencing policy, drug policy, or law enforcement.
ARTICLE XVII. NATIONAL DEFENSE – SECURING THE BORDER (0)
This bill modifies digital learning academy funding. It does not address national defense, military policy, veterans' affairs, or border security.
ARTICLE XVIII. ELECTION OF JUDGES AND IDAHO SUPREME COURT JUSTICES (0)
This bill addresses education funding mechanisms. It does not involve judicial selection, judicial elections, or constitutional interpretation.
ARTICLE XIX. RELIGIOUS LIBERTY (0)
This bill establishes eligibility criteria for digital learning funding. It does not address religious freedom, free exercise of religion, or conscience protections.