Idaho Lawmakers Consider Eliminating U.S. Department of Education

State legislature introduces bill to formally request Congress dissolve the federal education agency.

Published on Mar. 12, 2026

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Idaho lawmakers have introduced legislation declaring state support for eliminating the federal Department of Education. The bill, known as a 'memorial,' would be sent to Idaho's congressional delegation to show the Legislature's backing for turning over education oversight fully to the states. The measure passed a divided voice vote in the House State Affairs Committee, despite debate over whether to hold a public hearing on the proposal.

Why it matters

The potential elimination of the U.S. Department of Education has significant implications for education policy, funding, and oversight at the state level. Critics argue that dissolving the federal agency could undermine civil rights protections, gender discrimination laws, and special education requirements that are currently enforced at the national level.

The details

The joint memorial was introduced at the request of Idaho's Republican Governor Brad Little's office and with the support of the state's Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield. Proponents argue that eliminating the federal Department of Education would lead to more efficient use of taxpayer dollars and better student outcomes, though some lawmakers questioned whether there is evidence to support those claims. The bill would bypass the usual public hearing process and move straight to a full House floor debate, a move opposed by some Democratic committee members who argued the public should have a chance to weigh in.

  • The legislation was introduced by Idaho lawmakers on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.
  • The House State Affairs Committee debated the bill on the same day it was introduced.

The players

Brent Crane

Republican chairman of the Idaho House State Affairs Committee.

Jason Monks

Idaho House Majority Leader and Republican from Meridian.

Debbie Critchfield

Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Monica Church

Democratic state representative from Boise who opposed bypassing a public hearing on the bill.

Anne Henderson Haws

Democratic state representative from Boise who questioned the fiscal claims made in the memorial.

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What they’re saying

“If we believe that this memorial is important, I believe we need to let the public have an opportunity to talk about it.”

— Monica Church, State Representative (Idaho Capital Sun)

“I don't think that it's fiscally responsible to make statements like this without any backing behind this bill. And so we should at least have a hearing on this in this committee, so that we can further discuss whether there is evidence that that's actually true.”

— Anne Henderson Haws, State Representative (Idaho Capital Sun)

What’s next

The joint memorial may return for a public hearing and another vote at the discretion of the House State Affairs Committee chair.

The takeaway

The debate over eliminating the U.S. Department of Education highlights the ongoing tensions between federal and state control over education policy. While proponents argue for greater state autonomy, critics warn that dissolving the federal agency could undermine important civil rights and education protections.