Idaho Bills
797 bills · 2026 Regular Session
Amends existing law to revise provisions regarding public school building plan reviews.
This legislation streamlines the permitting process for school facilities by eliminating the requirement that school districts obtain plan approval before advertising for bids and by requiring permitting authorities to complete an initial plan review within 30 days of submission for all public works projects.
Brent Crane · HD-013A
69 – 0
Adds to existing law to establish the Idaho Prior Authorization Reform Act.
RS33576 / H0841 This legislation establishes the Idaho Prior Authorization Reform Act to improve transparency, consistency, and timeliness in prior authorization processes used by health insurers and utilization review organizations. The bill requires insurers to publicly disclose prior authorization requirements and clinical criteria, implement standardized electronic prior authorization processes, and comply with defined timelines for standard and expedited determinations. The legislation establishes notification and appeal standards, requires appropriately qualified clinical reviewers, sets minimum validity periods for approvals, provides continuity of approvals when coverage changes, and prohibits improper revocation of prior authorizations. It establishes what entails a complete prior authorization submission. The bill further provides enforcement authority to the Department of Insurance, requires annual reporting of prior authorization data, establishes penalties for noncompliance, and addresses fraudulent prior authorization requests. The legislation is intended to reduce administrative burden, improve patient access to medically necessary care, and provide clear standards for prior authorization practices in Idaho.
Josh Wheeler · HD-035B
Amends existing law to revise provisions regarding the duties of political treasurers.
RS33756 / H0930 This Legislation amends Idaho Code Section 67-6604, relating to Campaign Finance. The bill does two things. It will: • Require all political candidates and Political committees to open a separate checking account for the purpose of collecting contributions and paying expenses of one’s campaign and said funds shall not be commingled with any other account; • Require a candidate who loans personal funds to his political campaign account, an amount exceeding One Thousand Dollars ($1,000), to report said loan to the Idaho Secretary of State and shall deposit said loan amount into his candidate campaign checking account; and • Allow a candidate and a political committee to invest campaign funds, but only in certificates of deposit, money market accounts, or other cash-equivalent accounts. A candidate or political committee may not invest in stocks or other equity securities.
Lori McCann · HD-006A
36 – 34
Adds to existing law to establish a moratorium on certain uses of human gene therapy products.
This legislation establishes a temporary moratorium on the administration of certain human gene therapy products for infectious disease indications to children under eighteen (18) years of age and to pregnant women. The bill adds a new section to Chapter 48, Title 39, Idaho Code, to prohibit the administration of such products regardless of route or modality and regardless of whether the administration is termed an immunization, vaccine, or any other term. The legislation provides that the moratorium shall remain in effect for two (2) years while available safety data is reviewed. The moratorium does not apply to human gene therapy products used for the treatment or therapy of cancer or genetic disorders. The legislation further provides a process by which an individual human gene therapy product may be exempted from the moratorium upon legislative review of safety data, informed consent procedures, and compensation assurances for adverse outcomes.
Brandon Shippy · SD-009
Adds to existing law to establish provisions regarding unbiased artificial intelligence in state government purchasing.
The purpose of this legislation is to ensure that artificial intelligence systems used by state government operate as neutral, accurate, and reliable tools that serve the public interest. As agencies increasingly rely on large language models to assist with research, analysis, and decision-making, this act establishes standards to prevent the intentional distortion, suppression, or prioritization of information to advance undisclosed ideological agendas, including diversity, equity, and inclusion. The legislation affirms that artificial intelligence may describe or analyze any lawful subject in an informational or academic manner, while requiring transparency, procurement safeguards, and oversight to protect objectivity, public trust, and the integrity of state government operations.
John Shirts · HD-009A
56 – 11
Repeals existing law to remove obsolete provisions relating to reports of medical authorities establishing blindness.
To ensure that state laws are streamlined, up-to-date, and essential for the citizens of Idaho, while best serving the public health, safety, and welfare, the Legislature approved the Idaho Code Cleanup Act, H0014 in the 2025 legislative session. Submitted sections of the Idaho Code were reviewed for repeal consideration by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) Task Force on the criteria of obsolete, outdated, and unnecessary. This bill repeals Section 67-5414, Idaho Code, that relates to reports from medical authorities diagnosing blindness. The Idaho Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired reports that this process is no longer how the majority of referrals are received and is therefore unnecessary.
Carl Bjerke · SD-005
70 – 0
Amends existing law to establish provisions regarding visitation and termination of parental rights.
This legislation updates Idaho’s child protection statutes to clarify the application of existing provisions when a child is in the custody of the state. Specifically, the bill clarifies that mandatory in-person visitation is not required when sexual or physical abuse has been substantiated. Additionally, it clarifies existing provisions that allow a court to consider termination of parental rights when the Department of Health and Welfare initiates proceedings.
Melissa Wintrow · SD-019
44 – 24
States findings of the Legislature and provides for the addition of Joint Rule 24 to establish limitations on the number of pieces of draft legislation and the number of routing slips that may be requested by each member of the Legislature.
In recent years the volume of legislation brought by lawmakers has ascended to problematic levels. This creates logjams for bill drafters and has placed unreasonable expectations on that critical human resource. This resolution seeks to add a new joint rule 24 that will help temper that volume, provide for quality over quantity, and provide faster turnaround times. This will benefit not just bill drafters but the committee process and legislators alike.
Jim Guthrie · SD-028
35 – 0
Amends and adds to existing law to revise provisions regarding prohibitions against restrictive covenants banning accessory dwelling units and to establish provisions regarding accessory dwelling units in the Local Land Use Planning Act.
This legislation ensures that homeowners may construct accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and prevents cities from banning or unreasonably restricting them. It amends Idaho's Local Land Use Planning Act by treating ADUs as a residential use allowed by-right if certain conditions are met, with clear, objective standards for approval.
Ben Toews · SD-004
47 – 23
Amends existing law to provide for a retired member who is appointed to an elective public office.
Under current law, an individual who is receiving an unreduced retirement benefit pursuant to Idaho Code § 59-1346 and who has been retired for more than six months may again become employed as a result of being elected to a public office—other than an office held prior to retirement—while continuing to receive a Public Employee Retirement System of Idaho (PERSI) retirement benefit. During such employment, the individual does not accrue additional service credit, and no employee or employer contributions are made. This legislation expands that provision to include individuals who are appointed to an elected office, allowing them to continue receiving a PERSI retirement benefit under the same conditions, as if they were elected to the office. Individuals appointed to an elected office are required to run for that office at the next general election. As a result, the maximum duration this provision could apply to an appointed individual is approximately two years. If the individual is elected, they may continue to receive the PERSI benefit as allowed under current law. If the individual is not elected or chooses not to run, the provision would no longer apply. It is anticipated that this change would affect one to two individuals per year.
Todd Lakey · SD-023
68 – 0
Amends existing law to provide an exemption for religious organizations in certain instances.
Under the Idaho Sunshine Law, churches and other religious organizations that support or oppose ballot measures run the risk of being compelled to publicly report and disclose the names and addresses of church and community members that tithe or otherwise financially contribute to the church. The vague and overbroad disclosure and reporting requirements in the Idaho Sunshine Law impose a chilling effect on church speech, thereby discouraging churches from speaking faithfully on the important cultural issues that are implicated by ballot initiatives. This legislation would clarify that churches are not non-business entities, as those terms are used in Chapter 66, Title 67, Idaho Code, and are therefore not subject to donor disclosure requirements under the Idaho Sunshine Law so long as the expenditures and contributions of the church does not exceed 10% of the church's total financial receipts.
Brandon Shippy · SD-009
States findings of the Legislature and provides that all temporary and pending rules of the Idaho State Department of Agriculture and the Idaho Hop Growers' Commission have been reviewed and approved by the Senate Agricultural Affairs Committee, with an exception.
This resolution states that all pending and temporary administrative rules of the Idaho State Department of Agriculture have been reviewed and approved by the Senate Agricultural Affairs Committee, with the exception of Docket No. 02-0601-2501, Section 112, new subsections 01 through 05, only, which were not approved.
Christy Zito · SD-008
Relates to the appropriation to the Division of Veterans Services for fiscal year 2027.
RS33549 / S1383 This appropriation to the Division of Veterans Services provides enhancements to the FY 2027 maintenance budget that include new equipment for veterans homes, an adjustment for IT licensing fees, replacement items, and IT hardware.
Janie Ward-Engelking · SD-018
65 – 5
Amends existing law to revise provisions regarding county fair boards.
This legislation amends Section 22-202A, Idaho Code, which allows county commissioners in counties over a specified population threshold to designate a county fair board as an advisory body rather than as a governing board. This legislation does not impact counties that already relied upon this section. This statutory provision was adopted decades ago to address a specific circumstance at that time. Today, the population-based trigger is arbitrary and no longer reflects sound governance principles. Good governance should not hinge on an outdated population threshold or mechanism that creates structural instability for county fair operations. County fairs remain foundational to Idaho's agricultural heritage, rural communities, and local economies. Repealing this antiquated statute removes an unnecessary and destabilizing tool from code, restores clarity to county fair governance, and ensures fair boards operate under consistent statutory authority across the state. This legislation modernizes Idaho Code by protecting counties that have relied on the state while eliminating an outdated provision that is no longer needed and does not represent best practices in local governance.
Jerald Raymond · HD-031A
51 – 14
Amends Senate Bill No. 1326 to provide for scope and applicability.
RS33712 / S1391 This legislation is a trailer bill to S1326a.This legislation restores the ability for a publicly employed land surveyor to enter private land for surveying activities. It also restores the requirement to provide a notice of survey to the property owner or occupant.
Mark Harris · SD-035
34 – 1
Amends existing law to provide for the voluntary licensure of pharmacists as naturopathic doctors.
This legislation amends Idaho Code § 54-5905 to allow pharmacists to seek voluntary, dual licensure as a naturopathic doctor under the regulation of the Idaho Board of Naturopathic Healthcare. Importantly, this legislation does not mandate licensure for any individual. To qualify for licensure under this chapter, a pharmacist must have a valid and active license to otherwise practice as a pharmacist, either in the state of Idaho or a corresponding equivalent from another state, possess an approved doctoral degree in naturopathy, and meet standards showing minimum competency. The legislation improves access to natural healthcare for all Idahoans who choose to seek it, as well as safeguarding public health by ensuring that any licensed naturopathic doctor who wishes to perform minor procedures or utilize prescriptive privileges must carry an active and valid Idaho license to do so. It does not grant any new privileges and restricts the scope of practice for registered naturopaths to what is currently legal under Idaho Code § 54-1804. This legislation will not limit or restrict any current rights of any pharmacist who chooses to forego registration or licensure under state law.
Kelly Anthon · SD-027
33 – 0
Amends existing law to establish provisions regarding hearing notices and to revise a provision regarding procedure at a hearing.
Idaho’s Administrative Procedure Act, which governs the conduct of contested cases before Idaho’s administrative agencies, is largely based upon the 1961 Model State Administrative Procedure Act (“MSAPA”), with selected updates and Idaho-specific modifications since it was initially codified in 1992. Modern practice, and related developments in administrative law, led to a number of updates adopted into law via House Bill 9a from the 2025 Session. This bill furthers that work by adding language regarding notice requirements when an agency issues an order.
Chris Bruce · HD-023A
35 – 0
Amends existing law to revise provisions regarding qualified pre-tax contributions and investment earnings and certain qualified Roth contributions and investment earnings.
This legislation amends Idaho Code §59-1308(9) to replace “after-tax contributions” with “Roth contributions and investment earnings” to align with IRS regulations regarding the type of after-tax contributions referred to in this section. It also adds references to IRS code sections 401(a) and 402A to complement existing reference to 401(k). Additionally, it adds “as now in effect and as hereafter amended” to maintain reference to IRS code if future amendments to IRS code occur.
Ben Fuhriman · HD-030B
35 – 0
Amends existing law to revise a sales tax exemption for data center equipment and to revise a certain property tax exemption for certain capital investments.
This legislation amends the sales tax exemption for data centers in six key ways. This legislation does the following: 1) adds two additional criteria for qualification for the exemption related to energy and water consumption, 2) narrows the original sales tax exemption to only be applicable to the internal servers, 3) prohibits data centers constructed after April 1, 2026 that opt-in to the sales tax exemption from also claiming the property tax abatement in 63-4502, 4) allows for the sales tax exemption to only be available for 20 years for each project, 5) requires the tax commission to report annually on the approximate amount of sales tax revenue not collected as a result of this policy, and 6) requires the tax commission to submit a report every 5 years to the legislature with an analysis of the effects of the exemption and data centers on Idaho’s economy, energy resources, and water resources. This legislation provides that data center projects currently under construction may continue with the sales tax exemption provisions (construction materials and internal server equipment) as originally provided when 63-3622VV was enacted in 2020; however, the new 20-year provision will apply to those projects currently under construction.
Lori Den Hartog · SD-022
Amends existing law to provide for the executive budget document to include certain information pertaining to certain recommendations.
This legislation ensures that when the Governor's recommended budget includes an item that requires a change in policy, that a draft of the suggested policy is submitted along with the names of legislators willing to sponsor such legislation.
James Petzke · HD-021A
69 – 0
Amends and adds to existing law to establish provisions regarding dispensing fees and to establish duties and restrictions pertaining to pharmacy benefit managers and third-party payers.
This legislation amends Section 41-349, Idaho Code, relating to Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs). The bill establishes a minimum professional dispensing fee of $12.35 per prescription to be paid by PBMs to pharmacies. The legislation also provides a methodology for determining future dispensing fees and directs the Idaho Department of Insurance to oversee implementation. Additionally, the legislation specifies that reimbursement to pharmacies for prescription drugs shall be based on the National Average Drug Acquisition Cost (NADAC).
Camille Blaylock · SD-011
Amends existing law to provide for a certain manner of proving identity.
The legislation promotes consistent identity validation requirements. This legislation combines multiple DMV identity requirements (for driver's licenses, registration, and titling) into one statute. As DMV records have become more uniform across vehicle and driver's services and more physical county offices begin offering both services, identity validation requirements should be uniform to simplify application processes.
Brandon Mitchell · HD-006B
35 – 0
Adds to existing law to establish provisions regarding machine guns and contingent authorization and to establish provisions regarding a prohibition on enforcement of invalid federal restrictions.
This legislation provides legal protection for fully automatic weapons within the state of Idaho in the event of the federal ban being overturned or repealed.
Josh Kohl · SD-025
Amends existing law to revise provisions regarding the homestead property tax exemption.
RS33659 / H0885 This legislation clarifies who qualifies for the homestead exemption. Homeowners can't claim this exemption if they have a similar exemption in another state. Their Idaho license or I.D. must show the same address as the property they're claiming. Homeowners can also use an individual Idaho tax return for verification if it shows the same address. To maintain the exemption, they must also live in Idaho at least six months a year, unless they're serving in the military or on a religious mission. If a homeowner runs for office, their homestead address will qualify as their candidate residence address.
Britt Raybould · HD-034B
Repeals existing law to remove obsolete language relating to the Capital Crimes Defense Fund.
To ensure that state laws are streamlined, up-to-date, and essential for the citizens of Idaho, while best serving public health, safety, and welfare, the Legislature approved the Idaho Code Cleanup Act, H14 in the 2025 Legislative session. Submitted sections of Idaho Code were reviewed for repeal consideration by the DOGE Task Force on the criteria of obsolete, outdated, and unnecessary. This bill repeals Section 19-5908, Idaho Code, the Capital Crimes Defense Fund (CCDF). The CCDF shared costs to afford public defense costs associated with death-penalty cases. Since October 1, 2024, these costs are now covered by the Office of the State Public Defender.
Todd Lakey · SD-023
68 – 0