Rating: +1

Bill Summary:
H0041 adds a new section to Idaho Code (§ 33-143) that limits the types of flags and banners that may be displayed on public elementary and secondary school property. The bill permits only official flags—including those of the United States, Idaho and other states, counties, cities, school districts, recognized tribes, foreign nations not engaged in hostilities with the U.S., military branches, and school mascots or achievement awards. It explicitly prohibits the display of flags or banners representing political viewpoints, including those referencing race, sexual orientation, gender, political parties, or ideologies. The bill includes an emergency clause and becomes effective July 1, 2025.

Reason for Rating:
H0041 protects public education from ideological influence and affirms the Idaho Republican Party Platform’s commitment to political neutrality in schools, promotion of civic unity, and parental rights. By restricting publicly funded school displays to officially recognized flags and banners, the bill ensures that classrooms are not used to promote divisive political or cultural agendas. It strengthens local control, maintains educational focus, and prevents taxpayer-funded institutions from being co-opted for political messaging—all central to the platform’s values of limited government and moral responsibility in education.