[{"_1":2,"_100":-5,"_101":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6322278,"mediaKeyId","2348156-5e26706fa8c98d3b907136ebe5d85451","parentId",2348156,"title","Senate passes $50 million refundable tax-credit program for parental school choice after divided floor debate","audioSeconds",8229,"startMs",2799000,"endMs",11028000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2348156-5e26706fa8c98d3b907136ebe5d85451&start=2799&end=11028","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2348156-5e26706fa8c98d3b907136ebe5d85451/thumbnail_2799000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6322278/Idaho/Senate-passes-50-million-refundable-tax-credit-program-for-parental-school-choice-after-divided-floor-debate","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6322278-4c2195777da964e8f1276da83396391b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437835&Signature=oHJrN2sF6XqX4ZhVoCXAWHhGHEmoCJ4yL0Wjc2XT-v05O8ezh3Ip26lsLFxE5e1AXEzXiPRFlMGvFMSbnAVX66-HrJ9F8cawfrEJBBFwcSHeytd2YPdKH88YCUk5NBa0R82yzWdle8QsMHRWYsSakFVSC3A1b1BXVC2ANlzhedzmY4Qc-blX6j3UlIuP7ERL7OPkNxXtlw~7E7PsAbLpweb78vb7l7QCRGwGHwIDRF1eH-3Q1vs22P1eNjfx8i6lgA95rqNAY0NFbT4EChYtZC0aFYPZ5SE60y-~-odDWFxZGJZRRcsPqYHZICcu-OhV-P6fMkrVxyt91zRsb8sS-g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Senate of Idaho","date","2025-02-19T00:00:00Z","article","BOISE, Feb. 19, 2025 — The Idaho Senate passed House Bill 93 on Wednesday, approving a refundable income-tax-credit program that would allow eligible parents to claim up to $5,000 per child (or up to $7,500 for children with disabilities) for qualified education expenses paid to nonpublic schools, micro-schools, learning pods and similar providers. The program is capped at $50 million statewide.

Senator Dan Hartog, sponsor of the bill, said the credit is refundable, is intended to expand parental choice, and is structured so the Idaho State Tax Commission administers applications during a 60-day window. The bill prioritizes families at or below 300% of the federal poverty level for both approval and access to a one-time advance payment option. Hartog said parents must incur actual qualified expenses to qualify and must retain documentation: the Tax Commission will be authorized to audit and the Legislative Services Office will run a parent satisfaction and engagement survey.

Hartog described the measure as an effort to increase opportunity and to preserve parental accountability while including guardrails such as auditability, recapture of credits in case of misuse and criminal penalties for tax fraud. He cited U.S. Supreme Court precedent related to school-choice programs and argued that other states’ choice programs have not caused public-education funding to decline.

Opponents warned the bill lacks sufficient transparency and accountability and could enable discrimination and fraud. Senators Ward Engelking, Guthrie, and others argued the program places administration with the Tax Commission (which audits a small share of taxpayers) and provides limited public reporting, raising concerns about whether taxpayers could track how money is used. Multiple senators raised concerns about special-education funding shortfalls and about private schools’ right to set admissions policies; one senator read a constituent letter reporting an instance of religious-based admissions discrimination.

Other objections included the program’s fiscal structure: opponents said tax-credit programs are taken outside the ordinary budget process, reducing visibility for appropriators and potentially diverting funds from public needs. Proponents said the program returns money to parents who already pay taxes supporting public schools and argued competition would spur innovation and better outcomes for some students.

After extended debate and multiple members’ speeches for and against the bill, the Senate recorded a roll call vote of 20 ayes and 15 nays. The bill passed the Senate and will be transmitted back to the House.

Key mechanics in the text: refundable credit up to $5,000 per child ($7,500 for children with disabilities); program cap $50,000,000; 60-day application window; prioritization of families at or below 300% of FPL; tax-commission administration with audit authority; parental retention of records and civil/criminal penalties for misuse; Legislative Services Office parent survey and required reporting to the legislature.

Why it matters: Proponents said the program expands parental options and can assist families seeking alternatives to public schools; opponents said the cap and administration model still pose transparency and equity concerns, especially for rural communities and students with disabilities.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Senate Legislative Session Day 45 - February 19, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","House Bill 93, a refundable income-tax-credit program capped at $50 million to subsidize qualified nonpublic education expenses, passed the Idaho Senate 20-15 after extended debate over accountability, constitutionality, and impact on public schools.","taxTitle","2025 Senate Legislative Sessions, 2025 Legislative Sessions, Idaho","taxId",77672,"location","Idaho","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6322283,"Senate approves limits on rental application fees after floor debate; bill capped and includes waiting-list exception",1395,1355000,2750000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2348156-5e26706fa8c98d3b907136ebe5d85451&start=1355&end=2750","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2348156-5e26706fa8c98d3b907136ebe5d85451/thumbnail_1355000.jpg","/articles/6322283/Idaho/Senate-approves-limits-on-rental-application-fees-after-floor-debate-bill-capped-and-includes-waiting-list-exception","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6322283-acc0f5af38fe1d556dc6ba05cdf7488a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437835&Signature=IxVX1LDIFoFMsWdH84xUObwY5kznJd23GR6a0rxETOak~sZUBRkBKUynrbP-5x0b1VZbSuPT5FQyA-4zsSLfToJN2HIsQg3m~uDvU2u6lbLTvnE6cQ94e875ZQ57Fz~uIuj-CiislYyH-tk~-yKSR6X1Zyj27tRNxeneDJi3UQU7E6dlv3lsF6MO4EImFc9wZ612EcA1OQhp1HUUOaqfRbXT8pyVNUSgdgnxgECIx~ZwpkgLChx-9zrPJKeKhYytTIw7mkmKeoF-Y6DQ1ZVE6ZkUSCozFNR5wqQh5vn6AKjhkpOd7LqX14zJOiqF3ETIxZfZn7AJBIiTAfzFe~QIwA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","BOISE, Feb. 19, 2025 — The Idaho Senate on Wednesday passed Senate Bill 10-42 (as amended), a measure to limit how and when landlords may charge rental application fees and to require greater transparency about screening and unit availability.

Senator Rabe, the bill sponsor, said the bill restricts landlords to charging application fees for no more than two applicants for the same unit at a time (with limited exceptions), requires that units be available or reasonably expected to be available (generally within 60 days) for a fee to be charged, mandates disclosure of tenant-screening criteria and requires landlords to run the background or screening check to justify the fee. The bill also allows the collection of actual costs only and provides an exception for waiting lists used by some affordable and senior properties.

Rabe told the Senate the measure was drafted with input from landlord associations including the Idaho Apartment Association and the National Association of Residential Property Managers and that the intent was to codify best practices while giving renters a remedy against abusive actors. She cited examples offered to the Senate of application fees as high as $427 and said the average fee was about $100.

Opponents on the floor argued the bill represents government overreach into private contracts. Senator Foreman said contract law and courts already address disputes and described the measure as an intrusion on private business. Senator Lakey and other members raised industry concerns about the 60-day availability rule, citing college-town leasing practices and long lead times.

Backers responded that renters, including veterans, seniors and families, face burdens from repeated application fees when housing markets are tight. Senators Lenny and Ricks said the bill protects consumers without unduly restricting responsible landlords; Ricks noted third-party screening services (such as Zillow) provide exemptions that allow a single application to be used across multiple properties.

After floor debate and recorded disclosures by some members under rule 39(h) that they own rental properties, the secretary called the roll. The final vote on SB 10-42 as amended was 23 ayes, 12 nays; the majority vote carried the bill. The Senate approved the title and will transmit the bill to the House.

Key provisions and clarifications: units must be available or reasonably expected to be available (default 60-day guideline), landlords must disclose screening criteria, they may charge only actual costs, and waiting-list models used by qualifying affordable or senior housing are exempt.

Why it matters: Sponsors framed the bill as consumer protection targeted at abusive application-fee practices that can consume household savings; opponents warned of regulatory overreach and adverse effects in markets with long leasing lead times.

The Senate recorded several members’ 39(h) disclosures noting rental interests; senators on both sides said they had discussed the bill with landlords and housing providers across the state.","Senate Bill 10-42, limiting when landlords may charge rental application fees and requiring transparency about unit availability and screening criteria, passed the Senate as amended 23-12 and now goes to the House.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6322289,"Senate unanimously passes reorganization of landlord-tenant code, removes archaic coverture language",282,1037000,1319000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2348156-5e26706fa8c98d3b907136ebe5d85451&start=1037&end=1319","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2348156-5e26706fa8c98d3b907136ebe5d85451/thumbnail_1037000.jpg","/articles/6322289/Idaho/Senate-unanimously-passes-reorganization-of-landlord-tenant-code-removes-archaic-coverture-language","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6322289-b7778cba2cc8ee3f01ec142368ce23a8/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437835&Signature=A7mIR2714yAHqzDI5~5-2EQdigjywRHtbvuB0H5Bzyqj6IWGICRlRnw4d486QdQ3RezOSPAgQdBTjSVNcHGvRE8GjXrcr26rkE-PvOvKvcmyM4J728i1D81fpJOJ76ZlnJRx6rB6-rJX5Q6qklsX6GO8fN-KcKx3dO5uRhqV03qGzBcuBwd-jsHxoNDHrMMoN8dhxqixjXpHX8LqlyEFLDJiAxmITegE8z2S5uBOPVU9X~SWt3D8PqKAedoLJtAKly~LNrxX~kRv8fk8pKwZ27ENbjRhHHCv9DdgZ~3aprX2rxtZOt2OQAaXWPvyH0Xis8k21xa9nys4X0NcB7GoDw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","BOISE, Feb. 19, 2025 — The Idaho Senate on Wednesday approved Senate Bill 10-43, a Judiciary and Rules Committee measure that reorganizes provisions of the state’s landlord-tenant code and removes an outdated reference to coverture from Idaho law.

Sponsor Senator Rabe presented the bill on the Senate floor, saying the change mostly reorganizes existing provisions “so it’s easy for folks to find” and contains a single substantive change removing coverture language dating from 1881. Rabe said the reorganization groups lease rules, local-government preemption language and lease-for-life rules into clearer sections.

Supporters on the floor characterized the bill as cleanup rather than a policy shift. Senator Nichols made a disclosure under Senate rule 39(h) that she is a landlord; no other conflict disclosures affected the roll call. Debate closed without amendments, and the Senate recorded a final vote of 35 ayes, 0 nays. The title was corrected and the bill will be transmitted to the House for consideration.

Why it matters: The reorganization is intended to make landlord and tenant responsibilities easier to locate in statute and to excise an anachronistic legal phrase that no longer reflects modern law. The action does not change the substantive rights of landlords or tenants except for removing the antiquated coverture reference.

Senate Bill 10-43 was presented under the third-reading calendar and advanced after members agreed to dispense with further reading. The secretary conducted a roll call that the presiding officer announced as 35 ayes, 0 nays. The Senate approved the bill’s title and ordered it transmitted to the House.

Motions and votes: The question before the Senate was whether SB 10-43 should pass the Senate. The final tally was 35 ayes, 0 nays. No amendments were adopted on the floor and no formal directions to staff were recorded as part of this item.

Background: During debate the sponsor described coverture as a 19th-century legal doctrine that treated married women under the legal identity of their husbands and noted that the reference had persisted in code sections despite prior statutory cleanup work.

Looking ahead: SB 10-43 will move to the House for its consideration. The Senate’s action was procedural and limited to reorganization and cleanup.","The Idaho Senate passed Senate Bill 10-43 on third reading to reorganize landlord-tenant statutes and remove an 1881-era reference to coverture; the measure passed 35-0 and will be transmitted to the House.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Senate passes $50 million refundable tax-credit program for parental school choice after divided floor debate

Senate approves limits on rental application fees after floor debate; bill capped and includes waiting-list exception

Senate unanimously passes reorganization of landlord-tenant code, removes archaic coverture language