House passes memorial urging Congress to consider limiting the U.S. Department of Education’s role

The Idaho House on March 19 passed House Joint Memorial 19, a nonbinding resolution that expresses the legislature’s support for federal efforts (as described in the memorial) to reduce the role of the U.S. Department of Education and urges the U.S. Congress to consider changes.

The bill's sponsor on the floor said the memorial was supported by members of the second floor and by the state superintendent of public education, and read excerpts from statements by former presidents to frame historical views on the department’s role. The sponsor characterized the memorial as a request for federal action only, not as a directive for state policy.

A lawmaker who spoke in opposition on the floor said eliminating the Department of Education would not remove federal statutory obligations—laws protecting students with disabilities and other federal requirements would remain—and cautioned that enforcing those laws would become a state responsibility if federal enforcement mechanisms were removed, increasing state expense.

The sponsor responded that the superintendent had testified before committee and that the memorial simply asks Congress to "help facilitate the process," not to immediately dismantle enforcement structures. The sponsor requested a roll-call vote; the House recorded 61 ayes, 8 nays and 1 absent/excused and the memorial passed and was transmitted to the Senate.

Why it matters: the measure is symbolic but signals the legislature’s policy priorities on federal education oversight and frames possible state concerns about enforcement costs and authority. Because the memorial does not change Idaho law, any practical effects depend on further federal action.

What’s next: House Joint Memorial 19 was transmitted to the Senate for its consideration.