Rating: –1

Bill Summary:

Senate Bill 1093 establishes the Adult Alternative Instructional Diploma Program, which creates a new state-managed educational pathway for Idaho residents aged 21 and older who did not complete high school. The program allows qualified providers—approved by the State Board of Education—to offer coursework and services leading to a state-recognized diploma. Providers would be reimbursed $733 per credit completed by a student, and the bill requests a one-time $1.5 million appropriation to launch and administer the program.

The bill outlines minimum service requirements, including individualized learning plans, employability skills certification, and remediation in literacy and numeracy. It also mandates that participating providers demonstrate performance benchmarks, such as a 50% graduation rate, and submit regular reports. The State Board of Education is responsible for program oversight and rulemaking authority.

Reason for Rating:

S1093 receives a negative rating because it expands government involvement in adult education through the creation of a new state-managed program funded by taxpayer dollars. While its intent is to improve adult workforce readiness, the program duplicates existing services, such as GED and adult education options already provided through community colleges and nonprofit organizations—many of which are already free or low-cost.

The Idaho Republican Party Platform opposes the expansion of government programs and subsidies for services that should fall under personal responsibility, particularly in the realm of adult education and career development. By requiring the state to reimburse providers for credits and appropriating public funds for the program’s launch and operation, S1093 grows the education bureaucracy and sets the stage for recurring expenditures. Although performance-based funding is preferable to open-ended entitlements, the bill still imposes an unnecessary and duplicative financial burden on taxpayers for a service already available through the private sector. For these reasons, S1093 earns a negative rating.