AFC Celebrates the Passage of the Idaho Parental Tax Credit

Dallas, Texas – The American Federation for Children applauds Idaho’s legislature for passing the Idaho Parental Tax Credit. The Senate passed the bill in a 20-15 vote Wednesday after passage in the House earlier in the month. The bill now goes to Governor Little’s desk for his signature.

The bill would empower families by offering up to a $5,000 tax credit ($7,500 for students with disabilities) to help cover private school expenses, including tuition, textbooks, transportation, and more. This bill will ensure more Idaho children can access an education that fits their needs.

“We are trying to do something different that gives families options,” Sen. Den Hartog told Idaho Reports when the bill was introduced earlier this year. With today’s passage, the state is a critical step closer to doing just that.

Statement from Ryan Cantrell, Vice President of Government Affairs, American Federation for Children

“With today’s vote, families in Idaho are on the verge of experiencing a dramatic expansion in private school choice, and we are eager to see it signed into law. We applaud the steadfast and multi-year efforts of bill sponsors Senate Majority Leader Den Hartog, Representative Horman, House Majority Leader Monks, and Senator Grow. We are also grateful for the leadership and timely support of Speaker Moyle as well as the skillful committee management of Chairmen Cannon and Ricks.

We celebrate with the countless families, students, educators, and everyday Idahoans who stood up to demand their right to education freedom. During his State of the State address, Governor Little proposed $50 million for a school choice program. Now, with his signature, he can deliver on this promise to advance education options for families who need them the most.”

Details:

• The measure establishes a $50 million parental choice tax credit
• Families earning up to 300% of the federal poverty level receive an application preference and qualify for upfront funding
• Eligible students would receive up to $5,000 to offset qualified expenses; this amount increases to $7,500 for students who have a disability
• Eligible educational expenses could include kindergarten through twelfth grade private school tuition, tutoring, assessments related to college admission, textbooks, curriculum, and transportation
• Nonpublic schools enrolling students participating in the program maintain their independence in admissions policies, curriculum, and other matters
• The Idaho State Tax Commission will administer the program and may audit records to ensure accountability
• The program will become available for the 2025-2026 school year