Rating: +1

Bill Summary:

Senate Bill 1198E1 adds a new section to Chapter 59, Title 67, Idaho Code, prohibiting state institutions of higher education from establishing or funding any diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) offices, officers, consultants, or training programs. It bans mandatory DEI training, bias response teams, and DEI-related course requirements for degree completion. The bill allows funds previously used for DEI to be reallocated to in-state merit-based scholarships. It includes exemptions for legal compliance training (e.g., Title IX, ADA), academic freedom for faculty-led instruction and research, and the independent activity of student groups using non-state funds. Institutions must submit annual compliance reports to the Attorney General and legislative committees. The Attorney General may impose fines up to 10% of a division’s operating budget or $50,000 for violations. The bill also creates a private right of action for students and employees to seek injunctive relief. The law includes standard definitions and carveouts to preserve lawful operations and academic integrity.

Reason for Rating:
S1198E1 directly advances key objectives of the Idaho Republican Party Platform by prohibiting state-funded ideological programming that promotes identity-based discrimination or political indoctrination. It eliminates DEI bureaucracies, restores ideological neutrality in higher education, and promotes fairness by redirecting funds to merit-based scholarships for Idaho students. The inclusion of strong enforcement mechanisms and private legal remedies ensures accountability, while the exemptions for legal compliance and academic freedom safeguard constitutional protections. This bill represents a model of principled, conservative reform in higher education and fully aligns with platform priorities on educational freedom, limited government, and equal treatment under the law, earning a positive rating.