The first Idaho private school voucher bill of the 2025 legislative session is up – and it’s even bigger than what the loudest anti-public school lawmakers in the Legislature say they will ask for.  

House Bill 1, introduced by Rep. Clint Hostetler (R-Twin Falls), will offer parents of K-12 students up to $9,500 in tax credits per qualifying K-12 student. The program will cap at $250 million in credits. To start, the credits could be used for expenses like tuition, textbooks, transportation and college entrance exams. In addition, the credits could be used for “Any other expense that is reasonably related to kindergarten through grade 12 academic instruction.” In Arizona – a model so beloved by anti-public school advocates that they brought in former Gov. Doug Ducey to speak at an event on Monday – those other expenses have included kayaks, trampolines, solar-powered air conditioners and a ham radio.   

“The fact that the first bill out of the gate is a voucher bill speaks volumes about what this legislative session will be like for education issues,” said Chris Parri, political director at the Idaho Education Association. “Already, a lot of the oxygen this session is being taken up by vouchers.” 

Hostetler dubbed his bill the “gold standard” of school choice on social media. “We don’t need another watered down proposal with more ‘accountability’ or ‘means testing,’ we need to give unfettered access to all,” he wrote.  

That unfettered access is more permissive than what Rep. Wendy Horman (R-Idaho Falls) announced at the pro-voucher event on Monday. Horman, who is once again planning to partner on legislation with Sen. Lori Den Hartog (R-Meridian) conceded that lawmakers’ past concerns about runaway spending influenced this year’s proposal. Horman and Den Hartog’s bill, which echoes unsuccessful legislation they sponsored in 2024, will cap credits at $50 million and prioritize parents whose incomes are below 300 percent of the poverty level. 

Horman made clear that the Arizona law remains a guidepost for pro-voucher lawmakers. 

“We see this as a next good step toward building in the direction of Arizona and other states,” she said.  

Arizona’s voucher program heavily contributed to its $1.4 billion shortfall in 2024, which led to significant cuts, including $333 million slashed from water programs for the growing desert state.  

“What Rep. Horman, Sen. Den Hartog, and Rep. Hostetler are advocating for is runaway, unaccountable spending that will siphon money from public schools that desperately need it,” said Idaho Education Association Executive Director Paul Stark. “Idaho lawmakers have consistently, and wisely, rejected such proposals. They should apply the same common sense to this year’s legislation.” 

Governor Little Unveils His Own Voucher Plan 

During his state-of-the-state address, Governor Brad Little introduced his own voucher proposal along with a suggested $150 million for public schools. Little’s plan would set aside an additional $50 million for private school vouchers.  

“Just like we do with every taxpayer dollar that is spent in government, we will ensure there is oversight in school choice,” the governor said. “Why? Because accountability in government is an Idaho value, and it is what taxpayers demand and deserve. Just as we expect the following from our public schools, any school choice measure I would consider must be done the Idaho way, which means it is fair, responsible, transparent and accountable. It must prioritize the families that need it most and it must not take funds away from public schools.” Vouchers will be a huge topic of conversation during IEA’s Lobby Day on Jan. 20, when more than 200 members will flood the Statehouse to make the case for Idaho’s public school system.  

“Idaho’s public school educators are innovative and resourceful, but they could do even more with proper funding,” Stark said. “Voucher proponents make their disdain for public schools clear, painting them as failing and ineffective. Idahoans who interact with the schools at the center of their communities know better, and it’s time our lawmakers reflect reality. We could do so much with the funds that are proposed for private school students who often already come from means.” 

IEA members will continue to see competing private school voucher bills emerge. Bookmark IEA Reporter to get the latest and tune into the IEA Reporter podcast, which has been revived for the 2025 legislative season.