BOISE, Idaho — Idaho lawmakers wrapped up the 2024 Legislative Session in early April, signing several bills into law; however, three new laws in particular are being met with contention by some Idahoans, including Boise School District (BSD) superintendent Coby Dennis.
The superintendent wrote to parents and staff addressing three bills recently signed into law by Governor Brad Little regarding the definition of sex and gender, the mandated usage of preferred pronouns and potentially harmful materials in libraries.
In the written statement, Dennis said the laws would pose "unnecessary obstacles" to students and staff and would negatively impact the district.
House Bill 421 asserts that there are only two sexes, male and female and that an individual's sex assigned at birth is fixed for life.
House Bill 538 makes it illegal to mandate that public employees, including public school teachers and staff, address people by their preferred pronouns.
House Bill 710 requires public and school libraries to have a form available that anyone may use to request that material be moved to an adults-only section if they think it includes sexual content that is “harmful" to minors, which is defined in Idaho’s obscenity code. If the material isn't moved within 60 days, individuals may file a civil lawsuit for $250 and other damages and fees against the school or library district.
BSD superintendent Dennis said that the bills are a cause for concern.
"Earlier this week, Governor Little signed into law three bills that have caused concern and confusion for many of us. House Bill 421 revised the definitions of sex and gender; House Bill 538, restricts the use of preferred pronouns; and, of course, House Bill 710a, restricting the availability of materials in libraries," the statement read.
"Each bill on its own presents a number of troubling consequences for students and staff. However, when combined they add unnecessary obstacles to our values of respect and dignity, as well as to our commitment to fostering a sense of welcoming, belonging and connectedness for all students. Obstacles that we will overcome together."
The message went on to state that the district will work closely with school librarians, social workers, counselors and principals to "develop student-focused strategies and guidelines" and that the school district intends to conduct its own legal analysis of the soon-to-be instated laws.
The three laws are scheduled to go into effect on July 1, 2024, pending anticipated legal challenges.
Watch more Local News:
See the latest news from around the Treasure Valley and the Gem State in our YouTube playlist:
HERE ARE MORE WAYS TO GET NEWS FROM KTVB:
Download the KTVB News Mobile App
Apple iOS: Click here to download
Google Play: Click here to download
Watch news reports for FREE on YouTube: KTVB YouTube channel
Stream Live for FREE on ROKU: Add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching 'KTVB'.
Stream Live for FREE on FIRE TV: Search ‘KTVB’ and click ‘Get’ to download.