2026 Legislative Session Kickoff
A simple guide to staying informed—and getting involved
The Idaho Legislative Session has officially begun! 🎉
This is the time of year when Idaho lawmakers meet in Boise to discuss bills, vote on new laws, and make decisions that can impact families, schools, and communities across our state.
At Idaho PTA, we believe advocacy should feel clear, accessible, and empowering—because every parent, teacher, and community member deserves to understand what’s happening and how to participate.
This guide is here to help you follow the session and stay informed in simple, practical ways.
What is the Idaho Legislative Session?
The Idaho Legislative Session is when the Idaho House of Representatives and the Idaho Senate meet to:
Introduce bills (new ideas for laws)
Debate and vote on bills
Make decisions about the state budget
Hear from Idaho citizens and community leaders
If you’ve ever wondered, “How does a bill become a law?” — you can be part of the process when you get involved in local legislation!
How a Bill Becomes a Law (Simple Version)
Here is the basic path a bill usually follows:
A bill idea is written
It is introduced in the House or the Senate
A committee reviews it (a smaller group of lawmakers)
The full House or Senate votes
It moves to the other chamber (House ↔ Senate)
Both chambers must approve it
The Governor signs it or vetoes it
Idaho PTA Day on the Hill — January 20, 2026 🏛️
One of the best ways to learn about Idaho’s legislative process is to experience it in person.
You are invited to join us for Idaho PTA Day on the Hill:
📅 Tuesday, January 20, 2026
🕙 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
📍 Idaho State Capitol (Boise)
This is your chance to connect with legislators, learn about key issues, and let your voice be heard for Idaho kids.
Why PTA Pays Attention During Session
PTA focuses on issues that affect children and families, including:
Education and school funding
Student safety and mental health
Attendance and learning supports
Technology and online safety
Family engagement and community well-being
Our goal is to stay informed, share clear updates, and advocate effectively.
How YOU Can Stay Informed (Even If You’re Busy)
You don’t have to be an expert. Here are simple ways to stay connected:
✅ 1) Follow Idaho PTA Updates
We’ll share key updates and opportunities for engagement here:
Idaho PTA Advocacy Hub: https://www.idahopta.org/idaho-voice
✅ 2) Track Bills on the Official Idaho Legislature Website
If you want to follow a specific bill number (example: HB123 or SB456), the state’s bill tracker is the most reliable place to start:
Idaho Legislature Bill Tracker: legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2026
✅ 3) Use Beginner-Friendly Guides
These resources are helpful for understanding what to watch and how the session works:
Idaho EdNews: 2026 Legislative Session Guide
Idaho Capital Sun: 2026 Session 101 Guidebook
Want to Get Involved? Here are 3 Easy Ways
You can support Idaho PTA advocacy by doing any of these:
1) Share your story
Stories help lawmakers understand real life. Even one paragraph matters.
2) Ask questions
It’s okay to say, “I don’t understand this bill—what does it mean for students?”
3) Stay connected and share information
Follow Idaho PTA updates and share them with your local PTA and community.
Idaho & National PTA Resolutions: A Key Tool for Advocacy 🎯
PTA Resolutions are official statements that help guide what PTA supports and advocates for. In Quarter One of 2026, we will review Idaho and National PTA resolutions. Please review them and join us in shaping our advocacy priorities:
https://www.pta.org/home/advocacy/ptas-positions/Individual-PTA-Resolutions
Idaho PTA at the National Table 🇺🇸
As Idaho PTA President, I will be attending the 2026 National PTA Legislative Conference, along with Alexis Morgan, Idaho PTA’s Federal Legislative Chair, to ensure Idaho parent and teacher voices are represented at the national level.
Your Voice Matters
Advocacy doesn’t have to be loud to be powerful. When parents and teachers stay informed, ask questions, and share real stories, it helps leaders make better decisions.
Thank you for showing up for Idaho kids. We are stronger together.
With gratitude,
Jamie Braithwaite
Idaho PTA State President
