The Idaho Senate passed House Bill 2 39 on March 25, 2025, by a 29‑6 margin. The bill requires public schools to notify parents two weeks in advance of any instruction on specified sexual topics and to obtain written parental consent before students participate.

Senator Sarah Nichols, who opened debate on the bill, said the measure "ensures parents remain the primary decision makers regarding their children's education on sensitive topics like human sexuality." Nichols said the law would narrow the covered material, require school boards to adopt investigation procedures for alleged violations and provide alternate instruction for students whose parents withhold consent.

Opponents argued the bill undermines local control and that grievances should be handled at the district level. One senator said the common remedy for local disputes is to work with the school board or change board membership, rather than running statewide legislation.

Supporters said parents should be notified and that the bill respects parental authority. Senator Lenny said the measure restores what he described as parental ownership of children’s education. Sponsors provided packets of testimony during floor debate.

The Senate roll call produced a final tally showing 29 in favor and 6 opposed. The bill will be returned to the House of Representatives with the Senate’s vote recorded.

Supporters framed the bill as a transparency and parental-rights measure. Critics warned that a statewide mandate could take authority away from locally elected school boards and might create unintended consequences for programs such as child-abuse-prevention lessons.

Votes at a glance: House Bill 2 39 — Final Senate vote 29 yes, 6 no; result — passed.