Idaho: Legislature votes to create "high-needs special education program"

Mar 24, 2026 Idaho News: Statehouse roundup, 3.24.26: High-needs special education bill heads to Little's desk

For the second straight year, the House has voted to create a high-needs special education program.

But this time, the vote was decisive — and probably final.

By a 49-21 margin, the House endorsed state superintendent Debbie Critchfield’s $5 million proposal — aimed at helping districts and charters pay for full-time aides or specialized care for high-needs students. The bill already passed the Senate, which means it goes to Gov. Brad Little, who publicly endorsed the proposal during his Jan. 12 State of the State address.

Tuesday’s vote culminates a significant turnaround in the Statehouse. Last year’s $3 million high-needs bill squeaked through the House by a single vote, only to die in the Senate by another one-vote margin.

Republican Reps. Barbara Ehardt of Idaho Falls and Judy Boyle of Midvale — conservatives who opposed the 2025 bill — debated in favor of the new version.

Ehardt praised Critchfield for finding a funding shift for the high-needs program — shifting money for a driver’s education account and interest from career-readiness student fund.

Boyle, a co-sponsor of the high-needs bill, says the state funding will cover costs that are now a burden for local districts and their patrons. “This is actually a property tax relief bill.”

Senate Bill 1288 would still require districts and charters to cover the first $30,000 of a student’s special education costs. A local school could qualify for up to $100,000 in state reimbursements.

Some supporters noted that the high-needs program would help address Idaho’s $100 million special education shortfall — the gap between state and federal funding and local costs. . . .

Opponents said they were fearful about starting a program that will add pressure on the state budget, next year and beyond. . . .