EDUCATION – States findings of the Legislature and calls on Congress to pass and fully fund legislation that fulfills the 40% federal funding commitment in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
Summary
House Joint Memorial 11 is a nonbinding legislative memorial from the Idaho Legislature to Congress, the President, Idaho’s congressional delegation, the Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction, and the U.S. Secretary of Education. It states that the federal government promised, through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), to fund up to 40% of the national average per-pupil expenditure for the excess cost of special education, but has never met that commitment. The memorial argues that Idaho’s current federal IDEA support is far below that target and that the shortfall has shifted costs to state and local taxpayers, school districts, and families.
The memorial urges Congress to enact and fully fund legislation that would reach the 40% IDEA funding level within a reasonable, defined timeline, and it asks the President to support that effort in the annual federal budget. It also directs the Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction to provide an annual overview of how federal IDEA funding supports Idaho’s special education system and encourages the U.S. Department of Education to publish clear information on IDEA funding levels so Idaho can plan and advocate more effectively. Because it is a joint memorial, it does not change Idaho statutes or create enforceable state-law requirements; instead, it expresses the Legislature’s position and requests federal action.
Impact
HJM011 does not amend Idaho law or impose new duties on school districts, families, or state agencies beyond the reporting and informational request directed to the Superintendent of Public Instruction. Its practical effect is to formally communicate Idaho’s support for increased federal special education funding and to place the state on record urging Congress and the President to meet the IDEA funding commitment. The memorial is aimed at federal policy and budget decisions, while also signaling Idaho’s concern about the fiscal pressure that underfunded IDEA places on state and local education budgets.
Sentiment
The overall sentiment around the bill appears strongly supportive and bipartisan in tone. The memorial frames full IDEA funding as both a moral obligation and a sound financial investment, emphasizing benefits for students with disabilities, families, school districts, and the future workforce. The vote history shows passage on House Third Reading by a margin of 37 yeas to 28 nays, suggesting meaningful support but not unanimity.
Contention
The main point of contention is not the goal of supporting students with disabilities, but the broader fiscal and policy implications of federal special education funding commitments. Supporters argue that Congress has long failed to meet its promised 40% share and that the resulting burden falls on Idaho taxpayers and schools. Opponents likely focused on the memorial’s federal advocacy posture, the costs associated with mandatory funding increases, or skepticism about the feasibility of reaching the 40% target, though no committee transcript is available to identify specific objections.
States findings of the Legislature and provides that individual legislative members may donate all or a portion of their compensation to the tax relief fund.
States findings of the Legislature and authorizes the Legislative Council to appoint a committee to undertake and complete a study of issues relating to the involuntary commitment of certain persons.
States findings of the Legislature and requests Idaho work with the federal government to reform certain federal acts that impede the production and processing of minerals in Idaho.
States findings of the Legislature and makes three separate applications to the United States Congress to call a convention of the states under Article V of the Constitution of the United States.
States findings of the Legislature and provides that all temporary and pending rules of the State Board of Education and the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation have been reviewed and approved by the Senate Education Committee, with exceptions.