Week 10

[Week 10] Legislative Update This Week’s Highlights:

Key Legislative Actions:

STATE – Idaho House Bill No. 345: Medicaid Reform and Cost-Containment Act

**This bill passed 26 to 6 and is now at Governor Little’s desk for consideration** Idaho Parents Unlimited was present at this bill’s reading in the Senate Health and Welfare Committee, and provided testimony which sought clarification on different aspects of the bill. We heard assurances that the disability community would be at the table when discussing impacts and changes this bill will have for the community. This bill requires Idaho lawmakers to approve major Medicaid changes, such as moving to Managed Care, repealing and replacing rules including basic and enhanced plans. For children with disabilities, this could impact access to Medicaid services by introducing stricter eligibility reviews, potential cost-sharing for families, and changes in provider reimbursements.This could also have major effects on the Medicaid Expansion population.

STATE – Idaho House Bill No. 291: Idaho High Needs Student Fund

**The House Education Committee has sent House Bill No.291 to the House floor (11 yays, 3 nays) This bill establishes a fund to assist with costs related to students with disabilities who require substantial supports. The funding will be allocated to districts and charter schools through an application process overseen by the State Department of Education.

STATE – Idaho House Bill No. 236: Denial of Attendance, Enrollment

**House Bill 236 was sent back for an amendment. This amendment is due in large part to testimony from Idahoans!** This bill expands reasons for denying school enrollment or attendance to include: habitual truancy, continues disruptive behavior, behavior deemed detrimental to the health and safety of other students, possession of a dangerous weapon, or previous expulsion or disenrollment due to safety concerns. Requires parents or guardians to disclose a student’s relevant criminal history when seeking enrollment.

Get Involved!

You can use IPUL’s “Power of a Personal Story” template to craft testimony to share with legislators. Other testimony tips can be found in the padlet as well. You will find all our tips at this link https://shorturl.at/kSLOf

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