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Idaho Legislature Β· 2026 Session Β· Education / Licensing
βœ… Passed Committee

S 1285 β€” Nonpublic School Equivalency for Occupational Licensing

Provides equivalency between public high school graduation and graduation from a nonpublic school for occupational and professional licensing requirements. Passed House Business Committee. Sponsored by Sen. Ben Toews.

Last Action: Mar 19, 2026 β€” House: Reported out of Committee with Do Pass Recommendation, Filed for Second Reading Sponsor: Commerce & HR Committee Β· Sen. Ben Toews Topic: Education / Licensing
Notable: Sponsored by Sen. Ben Toews

S 1285 is sponsored by Sen. Ben Toews (R-Coeur d'Alene, Senate Caucus Chair) β€” who has 2 good votes on record with The Idaho Ledger (YES on HB 659, YES on HB 93). This bill extends his consistent support for educational freedom into the licensing arena.

What S 1285 Does

Senate Bill 1285 requires that for the purposes of occupational and professional licensing in Idaho, graduation from a nonpublic school (private school or homeschool) is treated as equivalent to graduation from a public high school. Currently, some licensing boards may treat nonpublic school graduates differently β€” this bill ensures they receive equal treatment.

This is a natural complement to HB 93 (Parental Choice Tax Credit) β€” supporting families who choose nonpublic education by ensuring those students face no licensing disadvantages.

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