The Idaho Senate approved House Bill 3 52 on March 25, 2025, voting 29 to 6 to require public schools to adopt procedures that prohibit formal classroom instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity for kindergarten through 12th grade.

Senator Eric Carlson, who opened debate as sponsor, said the measure "prohibits classroom instruction by public school personnel on sexual orientation or gender identity from kindergarten through grade 12," while preserving instruction on human biology, anatomy and health.

"I believe the best place for conversations on these topics are in the home, not the classroom," Carlson said, adding the bill does not restrict instruction on basic anatomy or health. Carlson also said counselors could still discuss these topics with students.

Senate opponents argued the measure burdens teachers, risks erasing students' lived experiences and could impede classroom discussion. Senator Hannah Wintrow asked for clarification about whether teaching the difference between boys and girls would be covered; Carlson answered that human biology and anatomy are not prohibited. One senator said the bill could limit child abuse prevention instruction and urged care to avoid interfering with protective education.

The vote followed floor debate and a roll call; the secretary announced 29 senators in favor and six opposed. The bill will be returned to the House of Representatives with the Senate’s concurrence.

Supporters described the bill as restoring parental primacy in sensitive classroom instruction. Critics said it could create new burdens on teachers and potentially limit age-appropriate safety lessons. The sponsors said school counselors and human biology instruction are not affected by the change.

Votes at a glance: House Bill 3 52 — Final Senate vote 29 yes, 6 no; result — passed.

House Bill 3 52 will be returned to the House of Representatives for final processing.