Committee moves to reconfigure state school safety advisory board to address quorum problems

Representative Ted Hill told the House Committee on Education that existing Idaho law establishes a 13‑member School Safety and Security Advisory Board but that the board has struggled to meet quorum and to carry out its work. He presented RS31800 to reconfigure the advisory board to six members, including two gubernatorial appointees (one emergency responder), the State Superintendent or designee, a State Board of Education representative, and one legislator from each chamber.

Hill said the change is administrative and intended to make the advisory board more effective. "The size of the board has been problematic and they have not been able to achieve quorum and achieve their mission," he said, and added that he would personally volunteer to serve on the new board.

Representative Marmon moved to introduce RS31800 for second reading and the motion carried by voice vote. Committee members asked whether law‑enforcement leaders who currently served as members had objected; Hill said they had not raised objections and that the reconfiguration reflected earlier input that the larger board could not meet its requirements.

Representative Hawkins, who said she currently serves on the board, clarified that the governor retains authority to bring additional individuals into discussions as ad hoc members even if the permanent membership is reduced; Hawkins said the change was intended to ensure quorum so the board can do its work.

The committee voted to introduce RS31800 and place it on the second‑reading calendar; a full bill hearing will follow.