Bill Analyses and Ratings

Rating: +1

Bill Summary:

House Bill 351 amends Idaho Code to significantly expand and codify parental rights within the public education system. It establishes that parents have the right to reasonable academic accommodations for their children, to access and review learning materials, and to opt their children out of content or activities that conflict with their beliefs or values. The bill mandates that school districts and charter schools adopt policies promoting parental involvement in academic decisions, discipline, and attendance. It requires annual publication of textbooks and syllabi, notification of parents regarding any changes to a student’s physical, mental, or emotional health, and prohibits school personnel from encouraging students to withhold personal information from their parents.

Additionally, the bill requires parental consent for non-curricular surveys or health screenings and guarantees access to school records and classroom observations. It establishes a formal complaint process and creates a private cause of action for parents whose rights are violated. The bill includes an emergency clause, making it effective July 1, 2025.

Reason for Rating:

House Bill 351 aligns fully with the Idaho Republican Party Platform’s emphasis on parental sovereignty, transparency in education, and the protection of religious and moral convictions. It restores rightful authority to families, ensures schools operate with accountability, and gives parents enforceable tools to protect their children from ideological or bureaucratic overreach. By affirming that parents—not the state—are the primary stewards of a child’s education and well-being, H0351 is appropriately rated at +1.