House Bill 163 Summary

• Amends Idaho Code Section 33-6001 to require school districts and charter schools to develop policies that promote parental involvement, including parent participation plans, course review processes, and procedures for parents to withdraw children from objectionable materials.

• Requires public schools to notify parents or legal guardians of known changes in a student's mental, emotional, or physical health or well-being, and prohibits schools from adopting policies that encourage students to withhold health information from parents.

• Mandates schools notify parents within five (5) school days of requests for education and health records, except documentation relating to physical abuse, abandonment, or neglect by the parent or guardian.

• Requires schools to notify parents if a student has been or may be questioned by a school resource officer or law enforcement unless the child is a victim or suspected victim of physical abuse.

• Requires parental consent before administering noncurricular surveys or health screenings, and advance notice and permission when surveys address students' sexuality, religion, personal beliefs, mental health, family information, or financial information.

• Establishes private cause of action allowing parents to sue schools for injunctive relief and damages if parental rights are violated and complaints are not remedied.

• Effective date: July 1, 2023.