House committee advances bill limiting use of public resources for teacher-union activity

BOISE, Idaho — The Idaho House State Affairs Committee voted to send House Bill 98 to the House floor with a "do pass" recommendation after a two-hour hearing that sharply divided lawmakers, teachers' unions and school administrators.

Representative Judy Boyle, a Republican from District 9, introduced the bill, saying it would "ensure that taxpayer dollars do not go to fund teacher unions." The measure would bar districts from using public payroll systems, paid release time or other public resources to support union activities, and it creates civil penalties for violations.

Supporters said the bill draws a clear line between taxpayer-funded public services and private union activity. Max Nielson of the Freedom Foundation told the committee the measure would "restore balance and fairness" by preventing districts from using public time and resources for union purposes. Jason Mercier and witnesses from the Heritage Foundation and other organizations argued the bill would protect taxpayers and make unions more accountable to members.

Opponents, including testimony from the Idaho Education Association and school administrators, said the…