Rating: +1

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Bill Summary:

House Bill 275 strengthens and consolidates Idaho’s internet filtering requirements for K–12 public schools and public charter schools. It requires school districts to implement and maintain internet content filters that block access to obscene materials, content harmful to minors, and materials depicting the sexual exploitation of children. These requirements apply not only to general internet access but also to digital or online library resources provided to students.

The bill mandates that filtering systems be configurable at the local level, allowing districts to control specific blocked categories, whitelist or blacklist websites, and generate usage and audit reports. Vendors providing digital resources must verify their compliance with filtering standards or risk contract penalties and withheld payments. Additionally, the bill repeals outdated or redundant sections of Idaho Code related to digital content and updates cross-references to reflect the new consolidated law.

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Reason for Rating:

H0275 directly aligns with the Idaho Republican Party Platform by protecting minors from exposure to obscene or sexually exploitative content in public education settings. It reinforces community standards and parental rights, while giving local school boards full authority to configure and enforce age-appropriate internet access policies. The bill promotes accountability from third-party vendors and ensures that Idaho taxpayer-funded school resources are morally and legally appropriate.

By combining clear filtering standards with local control and enforceable compliance mechanisms, H0275 supports limited government, protects families, and upholds traditional values—earning a +1 rating