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@@-LEGISLATURE+ST+A+TEMENTOF-THE-STATE-OF-IDAHO-Sixty-eighth-Legislature-Second-Regular-Session---2026-IN-THE-HOUSE-OF-REPRESENTATIVES-HOUSE-BILL-NO.-601-BY-COMMERCE-AND-HUMAN-RESOURCES-COMMITTEE-AN-ACT-1-RELATING-TO-COLLECTIVE-BARGAINING;-AMENDING-TITLE-44,-IDAHO-CODE,-BY-THE-2-ADDITION-OF-A-NEW-CHAPTER-28,-TITLE-44,-IDAHO-CODE,-TO-PROVIDE-A-DECLA---3-RATION-OF-POLICY,-TO-DEFINE-TERMS,-TO-ESTABLISH-PROVISIONS-REGARDING-4-THE-PROHIBITION-OF-TAXPAYER-FUNDING-OF-GOVERNMENT-UNIONS,-TO-PROVIDE-5-FOR-ENFORCEMENT-AND-PENALTIES,-AND-TO-PROVIDE-FOR-APPLICATION;-AMENDING-6-SECTION-33---513,-IDAHO-CODE,-TO-REMOVE-A-PROVISION-REGARDING-ATTEN---7-DANCE-AT-CERTAIN-MEETINGS-OF-THE-STATE-TEACHERS-ASSOCIATION-AND-TO-MAKE-8-TECHNICAL-CORRECTIONS;-AMENDING-SECTION-33---1271,-IDAHO-CODE,-TO-RE---9-VISE-PROVISIONS-REGARDING-SCHOOL-DISTRICTS,-PROFESSIONAL-EMPLOYEES,-10-AND-NEGOTIATION-AGREEMENTS;-AMENDING-SECTION-33---1275,-IDAHO-CODE,-TO-1-1-PROHIBIT-TAXPAYER-FUNDING-OF-LOCAL-EDUCATION-ORGANIZATIONS;-PROVIDING-12-SEVERABILITY;-PROVIDING-APPLICABILITY;-AND-DECLARING-AN-EMERGENCY-AND-13-PROVIDING-AN-EFFECTIVE-DATE.+PURPOSE+RS33114-Be-It-Enacted-by-the-Legislature-of-the-State-of-Idaho:-15-SECTION-1.-That-Title-44,-Idaho-Code,-be,-and-the-same-is-hereby-amended-16-by-the-addition-thereto-of-a-NEW-CHAPTER-,-to-be-known-and-designated-as-Chap---17-ter-28,-Title-44,-Idaho-Code,-and-to-read-as-follows:-18-CHAPTER-28-19-GOVERNMENT-UNIONS-20-44---2801.-DECLARATION-OF-POLICY.-The-legislature-of-the-state-of-Idaho-21-finds-and-declares-that:-22-(1)-Public-employees-are-free-to-form-and-join-membership-organiza---23-tions,-professional-associations,-labor-unions,-or-similar-organizations-of-24-their-own-choosing-to-advance-their-mutual-interests.-25-(2)-Unlike-private-sector-labor-relations,-collective-bargaining-be---26-tween-government-entities-and-labor-unions-representing-public-employees-is-27-an-inherently-political-process-with-significant-implications-for-the-size,-28-cost,-operations,-transparency,-and-accountability-of-government.-29-(3)-The-operation-of-state-and-local-government-in-Idaho-is-to-be-deter---30-mined-by-the-people-through-their-elected-representatives-rather-than-by-un---31-elected-private-interests,-and-therefore,-no-public-employer-should-autho---32-rize-or-engage-in-collective-bargaining-with-labor-organizations-represent---33-ing-government-employees-unless-the-legislature-finds-collective-bargaining-34-in-that-instance-to-be-in-the-public-interest-and-expressly-authorizes-it-by-35-statute.-36-(4)-To-advance-the-existing-policy-of-the-state-of-Idaho-that-special-37-interests-be-prevented-from-unduly-influencing-governmental-action-and-that-38-governmental-functions-and-policies-reflect,-to-the-maximum-extent-possi---39-ble,-the-public-interest,-public-funds-and-taxpayer---funded-facilities,-sys---40--2-tems,-and-resources-should-not-be-used-to-preferentially-aid-or-subsidize,-1-directly-or-indirectly,-the-operations-or-advocacy-of-government-unions.-2-44---2802.-DEFINITIONS.-As-used-in-this-chapter:-3-(1)-"Affiliate"-means-any-membership-organization-affiliated-with-a-4-government-union-or-with-which-a-government-union-is-affiliated.-5-(2)-"Collective-bargaining-agreement"-means:-6-(a)-A-written-agreement-negotiated-between-a-public-employer-and-gov---7-ernment-union-that-addresses-public-employee-compensation,-benefits,-8-or-other-terms-or-conditions-of-employment;-or-9-(b)-A-negotiated-agreement-governed-by-sections-33---1271-through-10-33---1276,-Idaho-Code.-1-1-(3)-"Government-union"-means:-12-(a)-An-organization-of-any-kind,-agency,-or-employee-representation-13-committee-or-union-that-exists-for-the-purpose,-in-whole-or-in-part,-of-14-dealing-with+/+H0601+This+legislation+prohibitspublicemployers-concerning-public-employee-compensation,-15-benefits,-or-other-terms-or-conditions-of-employment;-or-16-(b)-A-local-education-organization-as-defined-in-section-33---1272,-Idaho-17-Code.-18-(4)-"Government-union-activities"-means-activities-undertaken-at-the-19-direction-of,-on-behalf-of,-or-to-advance-the-purposes-of-a-government-union-20-or-its-affiliate-by:-21-(a)-Supporting-or-opposing-any-candidate-for-federal,-state,-or-local-22-public-office;-23-(b)-Influencing-the-passage-or-defeat-of-any-federal-or-state-legisla---24-tion,-federal-or-state-regulation,-local-ordinance,-or-any-ballot-mea---25-sure;-26-(c)-Promoting-or-soliciting-membership-or-participation-in,-or-finan---27-cial-support-of,-a-government-union-or-its-affiliate;-28-(d)-Seeking-to-become-the-exclusive-representative-of-a-unit-of-public-29-employees-for-the-purposes-of-collective-bargaining;-30-(e)-Participating-in-the-administration,-business,-or-internal-gover---31-nance-of-a-government-union-or-its-affiliate;-32-(f)-Preparing,-conducting,-or-attending-government-union-or-affili---33-ate-events,-conferences,-conventions,-meetings,-or-trainings,-unless-34-such-training-is-directly-related-to-the-performance-of-public-employ---35-ees'-job-duties;-36-(g)-Distributing-government-union-or-affiliate-communications;-37-(h)-Representing-or-speaking-on-behalf-of-a-government-union-or-its-af---38-filiate-in-any-setting,-venue,-or-procedure-in-which-the-public-employer-39-is-not-a-participant;-40-(i)-Preparing,-filing,-or-pursuing-grievances;-41-(j)-Representing-public-employees-in-investigatory-interviews,-disci---42-plinary-proceedings,-or-appeals,-up-to-and-including-termination,-or-43-other-administrative-or-legal-proceedings;-44-(k)-Engaging-in-collective-bargaining-and-any-related-mediation-or-ar---45-bitration;-46-(l)-Administering-a-collective-bargaining-agreement;-or-47-(m)-Participating-in-labor---management-committees.-48-(5)-"Public-employee"-means:-49--3-(a)-An-employee-of-a-public-employer;-or-1-(b)-A-professional-employee-as-defined-in-section-33---1272,-Idaho-Code.-2-(6)(a)-"Public-employer"-means:-3-(i)-The-state-of-Idaho-or-an-agency,-commission,-or-other-govern---4-mental-body-of-the-state;-or-5-(ii)-A-county,-municipality,-school-district,-including-a-spe---6-cially-chartered-district,-highway-district,-planning-and-zoning-7-commission,-or-any-other-political-subdivision-or-local-govern---8-mental-body-of-the-state-of-Idaho.-9-(b)-"Public-employer"-does-not-include:-10-(i)-A-corporate-authority-as-defined-in-section-44---1801,-Idaho-1-1-Code;-or-12-(ii)-A-city-that-is-governed-by-title-50,-Idaho-Code.-13-(7)-"Representational-activities"-means-those-activities-specified-in-14-subsection-(4)(i)-through-(m)-of-this-section.-15-44---2803.-TAXPAYER-FUNDING-OF-GOVERNMENT-UNIONS-PROHIBITED.-(1)-No-16-public-employer,-its-agents,-or-representatives-may-use-or-authorize-the-use-17-of+from+allowingtaxpayerfundstopromotegovernment+unions,+with+certain+exceptions.+Depending+on+the+outcome+of+public+employers’+collective+bar+gaining+negotiations+with+government+unions,+some+public+employers+may+experience+a+modest+indeterminate+increase+in+revenue.+This+could+occur+if+governmentunions-by:-18-(a)-Deducting-dues,-fees,-assessments,-fines,-or-contributions-from-19-the-pay-of-a-public-employee-on-behalf-of-a-government-union-or-its-af---20-filiate;-21-(b)-Increasing-a-public-employee's-compensation-with-the-intent-that-22-the-additional-compensation,-or-a-part-of-it,-be-used+are+requiredto-pay-government-23-union-or-affiliate-dues,-fees,-assessments,-fines,-or-contributions;-24-(c)-Providing-more-personal-or-contact-information-of-a-public-employee-25-to-a-government-union-or-its-affiliate-than+reimbursethepublicemployer-is-re---26-quired+for+any+time+public+employees+spend+on+union-related+activities+during+work+hours.+FISCAL+NOTE+This+legislation+causes+no+increase+or+decrease+in+revenue,+or+additional+expenditure+of+funds+at+the+state+or+local+level+of+government;+therefore,+this+legislation+has+no+fiscal+impact.+Contact:+Senator+Ben+T+oews+,+Majority+Caucus+Chair+(208)+332-1000+Representative+Judy+Boyle+(208)+332-1000+DISCLAIMER:+This+statement+of+purpose+and+fiscal+note+ar+e+a+mer+e+attachmentto-disclose-pursuant-to-chapter-1,-title-74,-Idaho-Code,-unless-27-the-public-employer-receives-written-authorization-from-the-public-em---28-ployee-to-disclose-additional-information;-29-(d)-Requiring-or-coercing-a-public-employee-to-meet,-communicate,-lis---30-ten-to,-or-otherwise-interact-with-a-government-union-or-its-affiliate;-31-(e)-Distributing-communications-or-membership-solicitations-on-behalf-32-of-a-government-union-or-its-affiliate;-33-(f)-Contributing-public-funds-to,-or-expending-public-funds-on-behalf-34-of,-a-government-union-or-its-affiliate;-or-35-(g)-Except-as-provided-by-sections-33---1216+this+billand-33---1279,-Idaho-Code,-and-36-except-as-otherwise-provided-by-this-section,-providing-any-form-of-com---37-pensation-or-paid-leave-to-a-public-employee,-directly-or-indirectly,-38-for-the-purpose-of-engaging-in-government-union-activities.-39-(2)-If-provided+pr+epar+edbya-collective-bargaining-agreement-between-a-public-40-employer-and-a-government-union:-41-(a)-A-public-employee-may-be-granted-time-off-without-pay-or-benefits-to-42-engage-in-government-union-activities,-and-a-government-union-may-com---43-pensate-a-public-employee-for-engaging-in-government-union-activities.-44-(b)-A-public-employee-may-use-compensated-personal-leave,-whether-the-45-public-employee's-own-leave-or-leave-voluntarily-donated-by-other-pub---46-lic-employees,-to-engage-in-government-union-activities-if:-47--4-(i)-The-leave-is-accrued-at-the-same-rate-by-similarly-situated-1-public-employees+pr+oponentofthe-public-employer-without-regard-to-member---2-ship-or-participation-in-a-government-union;-and-3-(ii)-The-public-employee-may-freely-choose-how-to+bill.+It+is+neither+intended+as+an+expr+ession+of+legislative+intent+nor+intended+for+anyuse-the-leave.-4-(c)-A-public-employee-may-engage-in-representational-activities-while-5-in-a-duty-status-without-loss-of-pay-or-benefits-if:-6-(i)-The-government-union-reports-to-the-public-employer-no-less-7-than-twice-per-calendar-year-the-amount-of-time,-in-increments-8-rounded-to-the-nearest-quarter-of-an-hour,-spent-on-representa---9-tional-activities-each-day-by-each-public-employee-engaged-in-10-representational-activities;-1-1-(ii)-The-public-employer-calculates-the-pro-rata-value-of-compen---12-sation,-including-wages-and-benefits,-paid-or-accruing-to-a-pub---13-lic-employee-for-time-spent-engaged-in-representational-activi---14-ties-and-provides-an-invoice-to-the-government-union-no-less-than-15-twice-per-calendar-year-for-the-amounts-so-calculated;-and-16-(iii)-Upon-receipt+outsideofthe-invoice-from-the-public-employer,-the-17-government-union-remits-full-payment-to-the-public-employer-within-18-thirty-(30)-days.-19-44---2804.-ENFORCEMENT-AND-PENALTIES.-20-(1)(a)-A-person-who-violates-the-provisions+legislative+pr+ocess,+including+judicial+r+eview+(Joint+Rule+18).+Statementof-section-44---2803,-Idaho-21-Code,-shall-be-subject-to-a-civil-penalty-not-to-exceed-two-hundred-and-22-fifty-dollars-($250).-23-(b)-A-person-who-knowingly-violates-the-provisions-of-section-44---2803,-24-Idaho-Code,-shall-be-subject-to-a-civil-penalty-not-to-exceed-one-thou---25-sand-five-hundred-dollars-($1,500).-26-(c)-A-person-who-knowingly-violates-the-provisions-of-section-44---2803,-27-Idaho-Code,-and-who-has-previously-admitted-to-committing-or-has-been-28-previously-determined-to-have-committed-a-violation-pursuant-to-para---29-graph-(b)-of-this-subsection-shall-be-subject-to-a-civil-penalty-not-to-30-exceed-two-thousand-five-hundred-dollars-($2,500).-31-(2)-The-attorney-general-or-appropriate-county-prosecutor-shall-inves---32-tigate-complaints-regarding-the-violation-of-a-provision-of-section-44---2803,-33-Idaho-Code,-and-shall-ensure-the-effective-enforcement-of-this-section.-34-44---2805.-APPLICATION.-Nothing-in-section-44---2803,-Idaho-Code,-shall-35-be-construed-to:-36-(1)-Authorize-a-public-employer,-who-does-not-independently-possess-37-such-authority,-to-engage-in-collective-bargaining-with-a-government-union.-38-(2)-Limit-the-right-of-firefighters-to-collectively-bargain-as-provided-39-by-chapter-18,-title-44,-Idaho-Code.-40-(3)-Limit-any-right-a-city-may-possess-to-authorize-and-engage-in-col---41-lective-bargaining-pursuant-to-the-provisions-of-title-50,-Idaho-Code.-42-(4)-Require-a-public-employer-to-take-actions-that-would-violate-the-43-provisions-of-49-U.S.C.-5333(b)-or-jeopardize-its-continued-eligibility-to-44-receive-federal-transit-administration-funding.-45-SECTION-2.-That-Section-33---513,-Idaho-Code,-be,-and-the-same-is-hereby-46-amended-to-read-as-follows:-47--5-33---513.-PROFESSIONAL-PERSONNEL.-The-board-of-trustees-of-each-school-1-district,-including-any-specially-chartered-district,-shall-have-the-fol---2-lowing-powers-and-duties:-3-1.-(1)-To-employ-professional-personnel,-on-written-contract-in-a-form-4-approved-by-the-state-superintendent-of-public-instruction,-conditioned-5-upon-on-a-valid-certificate-being-held-by-such-professional-personnel-at-the-6-time-of-entering-upon-the-duties-thereunder.-Should-the-board-of-trustees-7-fail-to-enter-into-written-contract-for-the-employment-of-any-such-person,-8-the-state-superintendent-of-public-instruction-shall-withhold-ensuing-ap---9-portionments-until-such-written-contract-be-is-entered-into.-When-the-board-10-of-trustees-has-delivered-a-proposed-contract-for-the-next-ensuing-year-to-1-1-any-such-person,-such-person-shall-have-a-period-of-time-to-be-determined-by-12-the-board-of-trustees-in-its-discretion,-but-in-no-event-less-than-ten-(10)-13-calendar-days-from-the-date-the-contract-is-delivered,-in-which-to-sign-the-14-contract-and-return-it-to-the-board.-If-the-board-of-trustees-does-not-make-a-15-determination-as-to-how-long-the-person-has-to-sign-and-return-the-contract,-16-the-default-time-limit-shall-be-twenty---one-(21)-calendar-days-after-the-con---17-tract-is-delivered-to-the-person.-Delivery-of-a-contract-may-be-made-only-18-in-person-or-by-certified-mail,-return-receipt-requested-or-electronically,-19-return-receipt-requested.-When-delivery-is-made-in-person,-delivery-of-the-20-contract-must-be-acknowledged-by-a-signed-receipt.-When-delivery-is-made-21-by-certified-or-electronically,-delivery-must-be-acknowledged-by-the-22-return-of-the-certified-receipt-or-return-electronic-receipt-from-the-23-person-to-whom-the-contract-was-sent.-If-the-delivery-is-made-electroni---24-cally,-with-return-electronic-receipt,-and-the-district-has-not-received-a-25-return-of-a-signed-contract-and-has-not-received-an-electronic-read-receipt-26-from-the-employee,-the-district-shall-then-resend-the-original-electroni---27-cally-delivered-contract-to-the-employee-via-certified-mail,-return-receipt-28-requested,-and-provide-such-individual-with-a-new-date-for-contract-return.-29-Should-the-person-willfully-refuse-to-acknowledge-receipt-of-the-contract-or-30-the-contract-is-not-signed-and-returned-to-the-board-in-the-designated-period-31-of-time-or-if-no-designated-period-of-time-is-set-by-the-board,-the-default-32-time,-the-board-or-its-designee-may-declare-the-position-vacant.-33-(a)-The-board-of-trustees-shall-withhold-the-salary-of-any-teacher-who-34-does-not-hold-a-teaching-certificate-valid-in-this-state.-It-shall-not-35-contract-to-require-any-teacher-to-make-up-time-spent-in-attending-any-36-meeting-called-by-the-state-board-of-education-or-by-the-state-superin---37-tendent-of-public-instruction-;-nor-while-attending-regularly-scheduled-38-official-meetings-of-the-state-teachers-association-.-39-(b)-No-contract-shall-be-issued-for-the-next-ensuing-year-until-such-40-time-as-the-employee's-formal-written-performance-evaluation-has-been-41-completed.-42-(c)-If-applicable-student-data-relating-to-Idaho's-standards-achieve---43-ment-test-has-not-been-received-by-the-district-within-thirty-(30)-days-44-of-the-deadline-to-complete-the-formal-written-performance-evaluation-45-for-district-employees,-the-school-district-or-charter-school-shall-46-utilize-one-(1)-of-the-other-objective-measures-of-growth-in-student-47-achievement-as-determined-by-the-board-of-trustees-or-governing-board,-48-not-including-Idaho's-standards-achievement-test,-in-order-to-complete-49-the-required-student-achievement-component-of-performance-evaluations.-50--6-2.-(2)-In-the-case-of-school-districts-other-than-elementary-school-1-districts,-to-employ-a-superintendent-of-schools-for-a-term-not-to-exceed-2-three-(3)-years,-who-shall-be-the-executive-officer-of-the-board-of-trustees-3-with-such-powers-and-duties-as-the-board-may-prescribe.-The-superintendent-4-shall-also-act-as-the-authorized-representative-of-the-district-whenever-5-such-is-required,-unless-some-other-person-shall-be-named-by-the-board-of-6-trustees-to-act-as-its-authorized-representative.-The-board-of-trustees-7-shall-conduct-an-annual,-written-formal-evaluation-of-the-work-of-the-su---8-perintendent-of-the-district-to-be-completed-no-later-than-June-1.-The-9-evaluation-shall-indicate-the-strengths-and-weaknesses-of-the-superinten---10-dent's-job-performance-in-the-year-immediately-preceding-the-evaluation-and-1-1-areas-where-improvement-in-the-superintendent's-job-performance,-in-the-view-12-of-the-board-of-trustees,-is-called-for.-13-3.-(3)-To-employ-through-written-contract-principals-who-shall-hold-a-14-valid-certificate-appropriate-to-the-position-for-which-they-are-employed,-15-who-shall-supervise-the-operation-and-management-of-the-school-in-accordance-16-with-the-policies-established-by-the-board-of-trustees-and-who-shall-be-under-17-the-supervision-of-the-superintendent.-18-4.-(4)-To-employ-assistant-superintendents-and-principals-for-a-term-19-not-to-exceed-two-(2)-years.-Service-performed-under-such-contract-shall-20-be-included-in-meeting-the-provisions-of-section-33---515,-Idaho-Code,-as-a-21-teacher-and-persons-eligible-for-a-renewable-contract-as-a-teacher-shall-re---22-tain-such-eligibility.-The-superintendent,-the-superintendent's-designee,-23-or-in-a-school-district-that-does-not-employ-a-superintendent,-the-board-24-of-trustees,-shall-conduct-an-annual,-written-evaluation-of-each-such-em---25-ployee's-performance-to-be-completed-no-later-than-June-1.-26-5.-(5)-To-suspend,-grant-leave-of-absence,-place-on-probation-or-dis---27-charge-certificated-professional-personnel-for-a-material-violation-of-any-28-lawful-rules-or-regulations-of-the-board-of-trustees-or-of-the-state-board-of-29-education,-or-for-any-conduct-which-that-could-constitute-grounds-for-revo---30-cation-of-a-teaching-certificate.-Any-certificated-professional-employee,-31-except-the-superintendent,-may-be-discharged-during-a-contract-term-under-32-the-following-procedures:-33-(a)-The-superintendent-or-any-other-duly-authorized-administrative-of---34-ficer-of-the-school-district-may-recommend-the-discharge-of-any-certifi---35-cated-employee-by-filing-with-the-board-of-trustees-written-notice-spec---36-ifying-the-alleged-reasons-for-discharge.-37-(b)-Upon-receipt-of-such-notice,-the-board,-acting-through-its-duly-38-authorized-administrative-official,-shall-give-the-affected-employee-39-written-notice-of-the-allegations-and-the-recommendation-of-discharge,-40-along-with-written-notice-of-a-hearing-before-the-board-prior-to-any-de---41-termination-by-the-board-of-the-truth-of-the-allegations.-42-(c)-The-hearing-shall-be-scheduled-to-take-place-not-less-than-six-(6)-43-days-nor-more-than-twenty---one-(21)-days-after-receipt-of-the-notice-by-44-the-employee.-The-date-provided-for-the-hearing-may-be-changed-by-mutual-45-consent.-46-(d)-The-hearing-shall-be-public-unless-the-employee-requests-in-writing-47-that-it-be-in-executive-session.-48--7-(e)-All-testimony-at-the-hearing-shall-be-given-under-oath-or-affirma---1-tion.-Any-member-of-the-board,-or-the-clerk-of-the-board,-may-administer-2-oaths-to-witnesses-or-affirmations-by-witnesses.-3-(f)-The-employee-may-be-represented-by-legal-counsel-and/or-by-a-repre---4-sentative-of-a-local-or-state-teachers-association.-5-(g)-The-chairman-of-the-board-or-the-designee-of-the-chairman-shall-con---6-duct-the-hearing.-7-(h)-The-board-shall-cause-an-electronic-record-of-the-hearing-to-be-made-8-or-shall-employ-a-competent-reporter-to-take-stenographic-or-stenotype-9-notes-of-all-the-testimony-at-the-hearing.-A-transcript-of-the-hearing-10-shall-be-provided-at-cost-by-the-board-upon-request-of-the-employee.-1-1-(i)-At-the-hearing,-the-superintendent-or-other-duly-authorized-admin---12-istrative-officer-shall-present-evidence-to-substantiate-the-allega---13-tions-contained-in-such-notice.-14-(j)-The-employee-may-produce-evidence-to-refute-the-allegations.-Any-15-witness-presented-by-the-superintendent-or-by-the-employee-shall-be-sub---16-ject-to-cross---examination.-The-board-may-also-examine-witnesses-and-be-17-represented-by-counsel.-18-(k)-The-affected-employee-may-file-written-briefs-and-arguments-with-19-the-board-within-three-(3)-days-after-the-close-of-the-hearing-or-such-20-other-time-as-may-be-agreed-upon-on-by-the-affected-employee-and-the-21-board.-22-(l)-Within-fifteen-(15)-days-following-the-close-of-the-hearing,-the-23-board-shall-determine-and,-acting-through-its-duly-authorized-adminis---24-trative-official,-shall-notify-the-employee-in-writing-whether-the-evi---25-dence-presented-at-the-hearing-established-the-truth-of-the-allegations-26-and-whether-the-employee-is-to-be-retained,-immediately-discharged,-or-27-discharged-upon-termination-of-the-current-contract.-28-(m)-If-the-employee-appeals-the-decision-of-the-board-of-trustees-to-29-the-district-court,-the-district-court-may-affirm-the-board's-decision-30-or-set-it-aside-and-remand-the-matter-to-the-board-of-trustees-upon-on-31-the-following-grounds-and-shall-not-set-the-same-aside-for-any-other-32-grounds:-33-(i)-That-the-findings-of-fact-are-not-based-upon-on-any-substan---34-tial,-competent-evidence;-35-(ii)-That-the-board-of-trustees-has-acted-without-jurisdiction-or-36-in-excess-of-its-authority;-or-37-(iii)-That-the-findings-by-the-board-of-trustees-as-a-matter-of-law-38-do-not-support-the-decision.-39-(n)-The-determination-of-the-board-of-trustees-shall-be-affirmed-unless-40-the-court-finds-that-the-action-of-the-board-of-trustees-was:-41-(i)-In-violation-of-constitutional-or-statutory-provisions;-42-(ii)-In-excess-of-the-statutory-authority-of-the-board;-43-(iii)-Made-upon-on-unlawful-procedure;-or-44-(iv)-Arbitrary,-capricious-or-an-abuse-of-discretion.-45-(o)-Record-augmentation-on-appeal:-46-(i)-If,-before-the-date-set-for-any-hearing-at-the-district-court,-47-application-is-made-to-the-court-for-leave-to-present-additional-48-evidence-and-it-is-shown-to-the-satisfaction-of-the-court-that-the-49-additional-evidence-is-material,-relates-to-the-validity-of-the-50--8-board-action-and-that-there-was-good-cause-for-failure-to-present-1-it-in-the-proceeding-before-the-board,-then-the-court-may-remand-2-the-matter-to-the-board-with-direction-that-the-board-receive-addi---3-tional-evidence-and-conduct-additional-fact---finding;-4-(ii)-Any-party-desiring-to-augment-the-transcript-or-record-may-5-file-a-motion-in-the-same-manner-and-pursuant-to-the-same-procedure-6-for-augmentation-of-the-record-in-appeals-to-the-supreme-court;-and-7-(iii)-The-board-may-modify-its-action-by-reason-of-the-additional-8-evidence-and-shall-file-any-modifications,-new-findings-or-deci---9-sions-with-the-reviewing-court.-10-6.-(6)-To-grant-an-employee's-request-for-voluntary-leave-of-absence.-1-1-The-board-of-trustees-may-delegate-ongoing-authority-to-grant-an-employee's-12-request-for-voluntary-leave-of-absence-to-the-district's-superintendent-or-13-other-designee.-Upon-the-superintendent-or-designee's-granting-of-an-em---14-ployee's-request-for-voluntary-leave-of-absence,-the-board-shall-ratify-or-15-nullify-the-action-at-the-next-regularly-scheduled-board-meeting.-16-7.-(7)-To-delegate-to-the-superintendent-or-other-designee-the-ongo---17-ing-authority-to-place-any-employee-on-a-period-of-involuntary-leave-of-ab---18-sence-should-the-superintendent-or-designee-believe-that-such-action-is-in-19-the-best-interest-of-the-district.-Upon-the-superintendent-or-designee's-ac---20-tion-to-place-a-certificated-employee-on-a-period-of-involuntary-leave-of-ab---21-sence,-the-board-shall-ratify-or-nullify-the-action-of-the-superintendent-or-22-designee-at-the-next-regularly-scheduled-meeting-of-the-board-or-at-a-special-23-meeting-of-the-board-should-the-next-regularly-scheduled-meeting-of-the-board-24-not-be-within-a-period-of-twenty---one-(21)-days-from-the-date-of-the-action.-25-(a)-Where-there-is-a-criminal-court-order-preventing-the-certificated-26-employee-from-being-in-the-presence-of-minors-or-students,-preventing-27-the-employee-from-being-in-the-presence-of-any-other-adult-individual-28-employed-at-the-school-or-detaining-the-employee-in-prison-or-jail,-the-29-certificated-employee's-involuntary-leave-of-absence-shall-be-without-30-pay-due-to-the-certificated-employee's-inability-to-perform-the-essen---31-tial-functions-of-the-employee's-position.-Without-such-a-condition-or-32-situation,-the-involuntary-leave-of-absence-shall-be-with-pay.-33-(i)-During-the-period-of-involuntary-leave-of-absence-without-34-pay,-the-salary-of-the-certificated-employee-will-be-maintained-35-in-a-district---managed-account.-Should-the-certificated-employee-36-return-to-the-district-for-active-employment-subsequent-to-the-37-removal-or-dismissal-of-the-court-order,-acquittal-or-adjudication-38-of-innocence,-the-district-shall-remit-the-salary-funds,-less-the-39-cost-incurred-by-the-district-for-the-substitute-hired-to-replace-40-the-certificated-employee.-Further,-should-the-certificated-em---41-ployee-return-to-the-district-under-the-provisions-established-42-in-this-subsection,-the-district-shall-arrange-to-have-the-cer---43-tificated-employee-credited-with-the-public-employee-retirement-44-system-of-Idaho-(PERSI)-for-the-certificated-employee's-time-away-45-from-work-during-the-period-of-leave-of-absence.-46-(ii)-During-the-period-of-involuntary-leave-of-absence,-the-dis---47-trict-shall-continue-to-pay-the-district's-portion-of-monthly-48-costs-associated-with-the-certificated-employee's-health-insur---49-ance-benefits.-The-assumption-of-this-payment-by-the-district-50--9-shall-not-alter-the-certificated-employee's-financial-obliga---1-tions,-if-any,-under-the-policy.-2-(b)-Should-there-be-dual-court-orders-preventing-more-than-one-(1)-em---3-ployee-from-being-in-the-presence-of-one-(1)-or-more-other-employees,-all-4-employees-subject-to-the-court-order-shall-be-excluded-from-the-school-5-pursuant-to-subsection-7.(a)-of-this-section-paragraph-(a)-of-this-sub---6-section-.-7-(c)-If-the-period-of-involuntary-leave-of-absence-is-due-to-the-dis---8-trict's-need-to-conduct-an-investigation-into-the-conduct-of-the-cer---9-tificated-employee,-and-there-are-no-related-criminal-investigation(s)-10-and/or-investigations-or-criminal-charges-of-any-nature-pending,-the-1-1-administration-shall-complete-its-investigation-within-a-period-of-12-sixty-(60)-working-days.-On-or-before-the-sixtieth-working-day,-the-13-administrative-leave-shall-either-cease-and-the-certificated-employee-14-shall-be-returned-to-his-position-of-employment-or-the-administration-15-shall-advance-a-personnel-recommendation-to-the-board-of-trustees.-If-16-a-recommendation-is-advanced,-the-involuntary-leave-of-absence-shall-17-continue-until-such-time-as-the-district-board-has-made-its-decision-in-18-regard-to-the-personnel-recommendation-with-such-decision-effectively-19-concluding-the-involuntary-leave-of-absence.-If-a-related-criminal-20-investigation-is-occurring-and/or-or-criminal-charges-are-pending,-the-21-district-shall-not-be-bound-to-any-limitation-as-to-the-duration-of-in---22-voluntary-leave-of-absence.-The-timelines-established-in-this-section-23-may-be-waived-or-modified-by-mutual-agreement.-24-SECTION-3.-That-Section-33---1271,-Idaho-Code,-be,-and-the-same-is-hereby-25-amended-to-read-as-follows:-26-33---1271.-SCHOOL-DISTRICTS-----PROFESSIONAL-EMPLOYEES-----NEGOTIATION-27-AGREEMENTS.-(1)-The-board-of-trustees-of-each-school-district,-includ---28-ing-specially-chartered-districts,-or-the-designated-representative(s)-29-representatives-of-such-district,-is-hereby-empowered-to-and-shall,-upon-30-its-own-initiative-or-upon-the-request-of-a-local-education-organization-31-representing-a-majority-of-the-professional-employees,-enter-into-a-nego---32-tiation-agreement-with-the-local-education-organization-or-the-designated-33-representative(s)-representatives-of-such-organization.-34-(1)-(2)-The-parties-to-such-negotiations-shall-negotiate-in-good-faith-35-on-those-matters-specified-in-any-such-negotiation-agreement-between-the-lo---36-cal-board-of-trustees-and-the-local-education-organization-,-unless-otherwise-37-prohibited-by-section-44---2803,-Idaho-Code,-or-any-other-applicable-law-.-38-(2)-(3)-A-request-for-negotiations-may-be-initiated-by-either-party-to-39-such-negotiation-agreement.-40-(3)-(4)-Upon-either-party-making-a-request-for-negotiations,-the-lo---41-cal-education-organization,-upon-board-request,-shall-provide-to-the-dis---42-trict-written-evidence-establishing-that-the-local-education-organization-43-represents-fifty-percent-(50%)-plus-one-(1)-of-the-professional-employees-44-for-negotiations.-If-requested-by-the-board,-the-local-education-organiza---45-tion-shall-establish-this-representative-status-on-an-annual-basis,-prior-to-46-the-commencement-of-negotiations.-In-order-to-establish-a-local-education-47-organization's-representative-status,-a-local-education-organization-must-48-show-that-within-the-last-two-(2)-years,-fifty-percent-(50%)-plus-one-(1)-of-49--10-the-professional-employees,-as-defined-in-section-33---1272,-Idaho-Code,-in---1-dicated-agreement-to-be-represented-by-the-local-education-organization-for-2-negotiation-purposes.-Evidence-of-fifty-percent-(50%)-plus-one-(1)-incon---3-sistent-with-this-provision-shall-not-be-counted-in-the-establishment-of-rep---4-resentative-status.-5-(4)-(5)-Accurate-records-or-minutes-of-the-proceedings-shall-be-kept-and-6-shall-be-available-for-public-inspection-at-the-office-of-the-affected-school-7-district-during-normal-business-hours.-8-(5)-(6)-Joint-ratification-of-all-final-offers-of-settlement-shall-be-9-made-in-open-meetings.-Each-party-must-provide-written-evidence-confirming-10-to-the-other-that-majority-ratification-has-occurred.-1-1-SECTION-4.-That-Section-33---1275,-Idaho-Code,-be,-and-the-same-is-hereby-12-amended-to-read-as-follows:-13-33---1275.-TERMS-OF-AGREEMENTS.-(1)-All-agreements,-by-any-name-or-ti---14-tle,-entered-into-pursuant-to-the-provisions-of-this-act,-shall-have-a-one-15-(1)-year-duration-of-July-1-through-June-30-of-the-ensuing-fiscal-year.-The-16-parties-shall-not-have-the-authority-to-enter-into-any-agreement-negotiated-17-under-the-provisions-of-this-act-that-has-any-term-that-allows-for-such-agree---18-ment-or-any-provision-of-such-agreement-to-be-in-any-force-or-effect-for-mul---19-tiple-years-or-indefinitely,-or-otherwise-does-not-expire-on-its-own-terms-on-20-or-before-June-30-of-the-ensuing-fiscal-year.-21-(2)-Notwithstanding-the-provisions-of-subsection-(1)-of-this-section,-22-upon-mutual-ratification,-any-item-other-than-compensation-and-benefits-as-23-defined-in-subsection-(3)-of-this-section-of-any-agreement-entered-into-pur---24-suant-to-this-act-may-have-a-nonrolling-two-(2)-year-duration-with-a-desig---25-nated-start-date-and-end-date.-A-second-year-term-for-any-item-not-defined-in-26-subsection-(3)-of-this-section-cannot-be-added,-automatically-or-by-mutual-27-consent,-back-into-the-agreement-after-the-expiration-of-the-first-year-but-28-rather-may-be-addressed-by-the-parties-at-the-expiration-of-the-end-date-of-29-the-two-(2)-year-term.-30-(3)-For-purposes-of-this-section,-"compensation"-means-salary-and-ben---31-efits-for-professional-employees.-"Benefits"-means-employee-insurance,-32-leave-time-and-sick-leave-benefits.-33-(4)-No-agreement-by-any-name-or-title-that-is-entered-into-pursuant-to-34-the-provisions-of-this-section-or-otherwise-may-require-or-permit-a-school-35-district,-including-specially-chartered-districts,-to-use-taxpayer-funding-36-to-promote-a-local-education-organization-or-its-affiliate-in-a-manner-pro---37-hibited-by-section-44---2803,-Idaho-Code.-Any-provision-of-an-agreement-in-vi---38-olation-of-this-subsection-shall-be-null-and-void,-contrary-to-public-policy,-39-and-of-no-legal-force-or-effect.-40-SECTION-5.-SEVERABILITY.-The-provisions-of-this-act-are-hereby-declared-41-to-be-severable-and-if-any-provision-of-this-act-or-the-application-of-such-42-provision-to-any-person-or-circumstance-is-declared-invalid-for-any-reason,-43-such-declaration-shall-not-affect-the-validity-of-the-remaining-portions-of-44-this-act.-45--11-SECTION-6.-APPLICABILITY.-The-provisions-of-this-act-shall-apply-to-all-1-contracts-entered-into-or-amended-on-or-after-July-1,-2026,-and-shall-apply-to-2-any-renewal-or-extension-of-any-existing-contract-on-or-after-that-date.-3-SECTION-7.-An-emergency-existing-therefor,-which-emergency-is-hereby-4-declared-to-exist,-this-act-shall-be-in-full-force-and-effect-on-and-after-5-July-1,-2026.-6+Purpose+/+Fiscal+Note+Bill+SOP/FN+INTRODUCED:+02/05/2026,+4:30+PM
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