Idaho Gov. Brad Little gives his annual State of the State address on Jan. 6, 2025, on the House floor at the Statehouse in Boise. (Pat Sutphin for the Idaho Capital Sun)
This story was first published by Idaho Education News on Feb. 27, 2025.
Gov. Brad Little signed House Bill 93 Thursday, codifying Idaho’s first private school choice program that directs state funds to private school tuition.
The new $50 million program offers private schoolers and home-schoolers up to $5,000 — or $7,500 for special needs students — for tuition and other education expenses.
Idaho now “boasts even more abundant schooling options for Idaho students and families,” Little said in a news release, adding that his administration has increased public school funding by 60% the last few years.
“Idaho can have it all — strong public schools and education freedom,” the Republican governor said. “Providing high-quality education for Idaho students will always be our top priority.”
The bill was sponsored by Rep. Wendy Horman, R-Idaho Falls; Senate Majority Leader Lori Den Hartog, R-Meridian; House Majority Leader Jason Monks, R-Meridian; and Sen. C. Scott Grow, R-Eagle.
Horman and Den Hartog for years have pushed the Legislature to adopt a private school choice program. On Thursday, Horman said she’s “beyond excited for the students and families whose lives will be blessed.”
“I appreciate Gov. Little recognizing the need for this program and responding to the families who need help getting their child into the best education environment possible.”
Little, who previously expressed skepticism about spending public dollars on private schooling, surprised many last month when he pledged $50 million for a private school choice program that’s fair, responsible, transparent and accountable. On Tuesday, Little said HB 93 didn’t meet one of those standards.
“There’s not enough accountability in it,” he told reporters during a Q&A. “But I don’t think there’s enough accountability in the money we give public schools either.”
House Bill 93 cleared the House on a 42-28 vote and the Senate on a 20-15 vote. It also attracted significant public interest.
Idahoans, mostly opposed to House Bill 93, flood state lawmakers with feedback
Idaho Education News previously reported that the House Revenue and Taxation Committee received more than 1,000 emails on House Bill 93, and 94% of messages opposed it. Little told reporters Tuesday that his office received “thousands” of messages, but the governor’s office declined to release data verifying the volume or showing how many people have supported or opposed the bill before he signed it.
Before Thursday’s bill signing, Idaho was one of a few Republican-led states that had yet to implement a private school choice program. Most states direct public funds to private education through school vouchers, education savings accounts (ESAs) or tax credits.
Little’s signature ends a bitter, yearslong debate over opening the door to private school spending in Idaho, but it’s likely not the conclusion. Opponents could sue to block the tax credit or pursue a ballot initiative inviting voters to weigh in. And supporters could seek to expand the tax credit program in the future — or propose a second private school choice program.
Utah and Wyoming have both adopted ESA programs since 2023, and this year lawmakers are moving to lift limitations on eligibility or spending. The “Utah Fits All” scholarship program started two years ago at $42.5 million, the Salt Lake Tribune reported. Last year, spending nearly doubled, and this year GOP leadership is pushing to nearly double it again, to $162 million.
Idaho’s tax credit program will be initially capped at $50 million. HB 93 directs the Idaho State Tax Commission, which would administer the program, to create a waiting list “demonstrating who would be eligible on a first-come, first-served basis if the annual maximum limit…increased.”
Idaho Education Association President Layne McInelly said Thursday that the teachers’ union stands “on the right side of history” for opposing the bill.
“Our members will fight every step of the way to limit and roll back the damage caused by this legislation,” McInelly said in an emailed statement. “They will wade into electoral politics with renewed vigor to ensure future Idaho legislatures support students and public schools — not out-of-state lobbyists and their billionaire benefactors. No one fights for public schools like IEA members.”
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