RS 32171 introduced to create Idaho Education Opportunity Program; sponsor outlines eligibility, per-student transfer and fiscal estimates

Representative Lance Clow (District 25) presented RS 32171, the Idaho Education Opportunity Program (IEOP), a school‑choice proposal to allow the state portion of per‑pupil funding to follow eligible students who leave public schools into education savings accounts that may be used for private school tuition, curriculum and approved services.

Clow said eligibility would be limited: the student must be a prior public‑school student (grades 1–12) or a kindergarten entrant who has not previously attended private school. The bill sets an adjusted gross income (AGI) eligibility cap of $75,000. Clow explained the funding formula would be based on the state’s average per‑pupil distribution (he cited an estimated 2025 average of $8,440); 80% of that average would follow the student into an education opportunity account while 20% would remain…