Committee introduces bill to shrink state school safety advisory board after quorum problems

BOISE, Jan. 23, 2025 — Representative Ted Hill introduced RS 31800, a proposal to restructure Idaho’s School Safety and Security Advisory Board by reducing its membership from 13 to six, after he said the larger board has repeatedly failed to achieve quorum.

Hill told the House Committee on Education that the board’s size has “been problematic” and that the reconfigured panel would include two governor appointees, one currently employed as an emergency responder, one member at large at the governor’s discretion, the state superintendent of public instruction or a designee, a representative appointed by the State Board of Education and one member each from the state house and senate. Hill said members would serve two‑year terms.

Committee members asked whether law enforcement leaders would object to the change and whether the restructure would exclude chiefs and sheriffs. Hill said he had not heard objections and that the larger board had been unable to meet its responsibilities. Representative Hawkins, who said she currently serves on the board, noted the governor may still appoint additional ad hoc members for input to preserve participation from stakeholders while ensuring quorum for business.

Representative Marmon moved to introduce RS 31800 to the second‑reading calendar. The committee approved the motion by voice vote.

Why it matters: Proponents said the smaller board would be more likely to meet quorum and complete its advisory work on school security, bullying prevention and related policies; supporters offered to participate on the reconstituted board.