House Bill 311 Summary

• Amends Idaho Code Section 33-2107A to explicitly authorize the legislature to appropriate funds for the operational costs of upper divisions (third and fourth year college curriculum) in community college districts.

• Maintains existing provisions allowing community college district boards to levy property taxes (not exceeding 0.02% of market value) and issue general obligation bonds for upper division buildings and equipment.

• Clarifies that community college boards may accept gifts and grants for upper division operations, with tuition and fees from students covering all other operational costs not funded by legislative appropriation or local levy.

• Requires upper division courses and programs to remain subject to state board of education approval under Idaho Code Section 33-107(8).

• Becomes effective July 1, 2023, and is declared an emergency measure.