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Idaho representative introduces measure to let school boards discipline students for obscene online attacks on staff
Summary
Representative Jordan Redmond introduced RS32528 to add a definition of inappropriate online behavior directed at public school employees and authorize disciplinary measures, including school-board proceedings. Committee members raised First Amendment and scope concerns and asked for legal review; the motion to introduce passed on a voice vote.
Representative Jordan Redmond, R., representing District 3 in Kootenai County, introduced RS32528 on March 3, 2025, a measure that would add a definition of “inappropriate online behavior” directed at public school employees and authorize new disciplinary measures, including bringing students before a school board for discipline.
The bill, Redmond said, was brought to him by teachers in his district who have seen “inappropriate online behaviors by students with online posts that are obscene, discriminatory and harmful to a teacher's reputation.” He told the committee the measure is aimed at posts that are “obscene and defamatory” rather than ordinary expressions of dislike.
Committee members pressed the sponsor on constitutional and scope issues. Representative Kyle Harris asked whether the measure had been reviewed by legal counsel because of possible First Amendment implications. Representative Jordan Redmond responded that he did not believe the measure implicated the First Amendment when posts are “lewd or crude” or defamatory, but agreed to consult counsel.
Other lawmakers said the bill’s current language blurs its targets and reach. Representative Garner noted the draft defines “person” in a way that can include parents or others, and Representative Nelson asked whether the measure would reach student-to-student conduct or was intended to focus on employees. Redmond said the bill is “more geared towards students saying something defamatory against the teaching staff or possibly other folks within the school.”
Representative Ehart moved to introduce RS32528. Several members, including Representative Mathias, said they supported the concept and welcomed testimony from teachers and school boards at a future hearing, noting the bill, as drafted, would authorize school districts to adopt disciplinary measures rather than create new criminal penalties. The committee approved the motion to introduce on a voice vote.
The committee did not adopt legal changes or a final rule at the March 3 meeting; members asked the sponsor to seek review from Legislative Services Office or the attorney general’s office and to return with clarifying language and definitions at a formal hearing.
