HB 727 Summary

• Revises duties of the State Superintendent of Public Instruction and State Department of Education regarding the Idaho Education Network (IEN), including coordinating with the Idaho Digital Learning Academy and school districts to distribute distance learning services.

• Creates the Idaho Education Network Program and Resource Advisory Council (IPRAC) within the Department of Administration, composed of 13 members including the superintendent of public instruction, department of administration director, representatives from public and higher education, private sector, and legislative members.

• Transfers administrative oversight of the IEN from the Department of Education to IPRAC, which shall coordinate network development, procure telecommunications services, apply for federal funding, and manage implementation phases connecting schools statewide.

• Establishes the Idaho Education Network Fund in the state treasury to receive appropriations, grants, federal funds, and donations for IEN implementation and ongoing costs, with interest earned returned to the fund.

• Declares an emergency, making the act effective upon passage and approval.