House Bill 84 Summary

• School districts may apply for state funding to address unsafe facilities if they have failed to approve at least one bond levy within the preceding two years, or if the Division of Building Safety initiates an application on their behalf.

• A panel consisting of the Division of Building Safety administrator, Division of Public Works administrator, and State Board of Education executive director evaluates applications based on the most economical solution within a 20-year timeframe and may authorize up to $150,000 per application for planning costs.

• Unsafe facility abatement projects must follow Division of Building Safety permitting, plan review, and inspection requirements, with the Idaho Building Code Board functioning as an appeals board; upon issuance of a certificate of occupancy, responsibility for facility safety returns to the school district.

• The state initially funds approved projects from the Public School Facilities Cooperative Fund, and school districts repay their share through a state-authorized plant facilities levy imposed for up to 20 years, with interest charged on unpaid balances at the state treasurer's investment rate.

• A Public School Facilities Cooperative Fund is created in the state treasury, funded by appropriation and continuously appropriated for program purposes, with investment earnings credited to the school district building account.