Idaho Capitol Watch
SB 1225: EDUCATION – Amends existing law to establish provisions regarding public university president searches and to revise provisions regarding certain records.
Senate Bill 1225 codifies the State Board of Education's existing practices for hiring presidents at Idaho's public universities and colleges. It requires a diverse search committee with defined membership, periodic public updates during the search, protection of candidate confidentiality until a sole finalist is chosen, and final Board action in an open public meeting. Only the sole finalist's name must be released at least 10 business days before the decision. The bill also amends public records law to limit disclosure of applicant names to this sole finalist rather than multiple candidates. The measure passed both chambers, was signed by the Governor on February 23, 2026, and took immediate effect.
Status
Effective (February 23, 2026) · Originated in the Idaho Senate · Introduced January 21, 2026
Sponsors
- EDUCATION COMMITTEE
Committees
- JR for Printing
Bill history
- February 12, 2026 — House: Read Third Time in Full – PASSED - 67-1-2AYES – Alfieri, Barbieri, Beiswenger, Berch, Bingham, Boyle, Bruce, Burgoyne, Cannon, Cayler, Cheatum, Church, Cornilles, Crane(12), Crane(13), Dygert, Egbert, (passed)
- February 16, 2026 — Senate: Reported enrolled; signed by President; to House for signature of Speaker
- February 17, 2026 — House: Received from Senate; Signed by Speaker; Returned to Senate
- February 18, 2026 — House: Reported signed by the Speaker & ordered delivered to Governor
- February 18, 2026 — House: delivered to Governor at 3:15 p.m. on 02/18/26
- February 23, 2026 — House: Signed by Governor on 02/23/26
- February 23, 2026 — House: Session Law Chapter 3
- February 23, 2026 — House: Effective: 02/23/2026
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