Idaho Bills
817 bills · 2026 Regular Session
Amends existing law to eliminate proration of the homestead property tax exemption.
RS33557 / H0843 This legislation amends Section 63-602G, Idaho Code, relating to the homeowner’s property tax exemption. The bill removes provisions requiring the exemption to be prorated when the eligibility status of a property changes during the tax year. Under current law, when a property becomes eligible or ineligible for the homestead exemption during the year, the exemption amount may be prorated based on the number of days the property qualified for the exemption. This process has been inconsistently applied and has been difficult to administer in practice. This legislation provides that the full exemption amount shall apply as of January 1 of the tax year in which a complete application is submitted and approved and eliminates the requirement that the exemption be prorated. The bill maintains the existing requirement that applications must be submitted by the last business day of the year to receive the exemption for the current tax year. Applications received after the second Monday in July will continue to be granted as tax cancellations rather than adjustments to the property roll.
Dustin Manwaring · HD-029A
32 – 0
Amends existing law to revise a provision regarding prohibited conduct.
The primary objective of this legislation is to safeguard the Second Amendment rights of Idaho’s citizens. Presently, our preemption law prohibits local governments from establishing more stringent regulations regarding the carrying of firearms in public facilities. Additionally, our laws prohibit the carrying of firearms within courtrooms and courthouses. However, the recent development of county courthouses being created within county offices has resulted in confusion regarding the permissible locations for firearm carrying. This legislation clarifies that in such instances, prohibiting individuals from carrying firearms within a courtroom will be allowed. Nevertheless, our citizens should be permitted to carry firearms when entering city or county buildings for other purposes.
Brandon Mitchell · HD-006B
56 – 11
Adds to existing law to establish certain requirements for employers to verify the lawful status of workers.
This legislation adds to Idaho employment law to prohibit employment of illegal aliens and require employers to e-verify an employee’s legal employment status as a condition of employment.
Jordan Redman · HD-003B
43 – 26
States findings of the Legislature and supports domestic production and supply of sugar beets.
The purpose of this legislation is to urge federal action to protect Idaho’s sugar beet industry from unfair foreign trade practices. Idaho is a leading sugar beet producer, supporting rural communities, farm families, and thousands of jobs. This memorial calls on Congress and the federal administration to raise the Tier 2 over-quota duty on imported sugar, which has not been updated since 2000 and no longer provides effective protection against subsidized foreign imports sold below the cost of production. Strengthening this safeguard will help restore fair trade and protect domestic producers and workers.
Tammy Nichols · SD-010
Amends existing law to revise provisions regarding cloud seeding.
RS33165C1 / H0977 This legislation revises Idaho Code § 42-4301 to clarify state policy and legislative oversight of cloud seeding activities. While acknowledging the importance of a reliable water supply, the bill recognizes that current data does not conclusively demonstrate the effectiveness or safety of cloud seeding. The legislation requires legislative approval for any cloud seeding program, mandates independent third-party and environmental review, and authorizes the legislature to reevaluate, suspend, or prohibit such activities. It also prohibits unauthorized cloud seeding and establishes enforcement provisions. The purpose of this act is to ensure that weather modification activities in Idaho are subject to clear oversight, independent evaluation, and accountability.
Clint Hostetler · HD-024A
States findings of the Legislature and requests federal intervention to ensure proper application of FLPMA.
The Idaho Legislature calls on the United States Congress to reaffirm the Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA) as the primary authority governing federal land management and land exchanges. A recent legal decision originating in Idaho threatens the predictability and stability of FLPMA's long-established framework, which is essential to effective land management in Idaho and throughout the West. This memorial calls on Congress to act expeditiously to reaffirm that FLPMA as the primary authority to manage federal public lands and prevent disruption to existing and future land exchanges.
Judy Boyle · HD-009B
69 – 0
States findings of the Legislature and urges the United States House of Representatives and Senate to take immediate federal action to restore clarity, consistency, and stability to intercollegiate athletics.
This Senate Joint Memorial formally urges the United States Congress and Idaho's congressional delegation to enact targeted federal legislation addressing the instability in collegiate athletics governance.This instability arises from recent litigation and changes related to athlete compensation, name, image, and likeness (NIL) rights, revenue sharing, and transfers, which threaten the sustainability of college sports programs. The memorial highlights the economic, educational, cultural, and community benefits provided by Boise State University's athletic programs to the State of Idaho, including substantial economic impact, job creation, tourism, academic success for student-athletes, and national visibility, and calls for a uniform national framework that preempts conflicting state laws, defines student-athlete eligibility and employment status, preserves women's and Olympic sports, restores predictability for universities, and promotes fair competition based on merit rather than conference affiliation. The resolution also encourages timely federal action to prevent program cuts, escalating costs, and competitive disparities, thereby safeguarding taxpayer investments and the broader benefits of intercollegiate athletics for future generations.
Ben Adams · SD-012
States findings of the Legislature, opposes the neighboring state of Utah imposing an export tax on transportation fuels, and urges Utah to reconsider such tax.
The purpose of this Joint Memorial is to express the opposition of the Idaho Legislature to any proposal by the State of Utah to impose an export tax on transportation fuels sold outside its borders. The Legislature finds that such a tax would disproportionately increase fuel costs for Idaho families, farmers, and businesses, despite Idahoans already paying fuel taxes to support Idaho’s transportation system. The Legislature further finds that an export-based fuel tax would shift transportation funding responsibilities onto residents of neighboring states, raise concerns under established interstate fuel tax frameworks, and implicate constitutional limitations on state taxation of exports and interstate commerce. Accordingly, this Joint Memorial urges continued interstate cooperation and good-faith dialogue to address transportation funding and energy policy issues in a manner that preserves affordable energy prices and maintains the longstanding cooperative relationship between Idaho and Utah.
Joe Palmer · HD-020A
Amends existing law to revise provisions regarding the domestic use of water.
In 2025, the Idaho legislature passed S1083a, enacting several amendments impacting domestic exempt wells in Idaho. This amendment provides the following further amendments and clarifications: 1. Defines the term "subdivision," for purposes of sections 42-111 and 42-227 to mean a development with 5 lots. 2. Clarifies that the limitations contained in section 42-227(4) apply only to subdivisions with final applications filed on or after July 1, 2025. 3. Clarifies that the amendments of section 31-3805 apply only to subdivisions with final applications filed on or after July 1, 2025. 4. Additional amendments to improve readability.
Kelly Anthon · SD-027
69 – 0
Amends existing law to require drivers to drive in the right-hand lane on multilane highways unless passing and to provide penalties for driving in the left-hand lane of a controlled access highway and impeding the flow of traffic.
This proposed legislation amends Section 49-630, requiring vehicles to be driven on the right-hand side of multilane highways with the exception of certain circumstances. This will promote highway safety and traffic flow. Section 49-655 is also amended to provide for a penalty for impeding traffic.
Kelly Anthon · SD-027
28 – 42
Relates to the appropriation to the Department of Health and Welfare for fiscal year 2027.
RS33861 / H0978 This appropriation to the Department of Health and Welfare for the Division of Public Health Services provides enhancements to the FY 2027 maintenance budget that includes appropriations for the Idaho home Visiting Program, the restoration of the Immunization Assessment Fund; Fee for Service Laboratory Testing; ARPA Funded Multi-Year Grants; HIV Prevention and Surveillance; Hepatitis Prevention and Surveillance; restore funding to the Suicide Prevention and Awareness Program; reduces the budget to move the Idaho Home Visiting Program to the Division of Early Learning and Development; and reduces the Health Care Policy Initiatives budget.
Rod Furniss · HD-031B
24 – 11
Amends and adds to existing law to provide for hazardous waste management.
The purpose of this legislation is to repeal Chapter 58, Title 39, Idaho Code, Hazardous Waste Facility Siting Act, and revise and move certain provisions from Chapter 58 to Chapter 44, Title 39, Idaho Code, Hazardous Waste Management Act. This legislation proposes consolidating statutory provisions related to hazardous waste management into one Idaho Code chapter, which would streamline Idaho Code and allow citizens to navigate this process with ease. Additionally, it retains all necessary regulatory provisions to ensure hazardous waste management facilities are appropriately sited for the protection of human health and the environment.
John Vander Woude · HD-022A
34 – 0
States findings of the Legislature and supports the consolidation of the Soil and Water Conservation Commission into the Idaho Department of Water Resources.
This Concurrent Resolution supports the consolidation of the Soil and Water Conservation Commission with the Idaho Department of Water Resources for the purpose of creating efficiency. The resolution also urges the Governor, the Idaho Association of Soil Conservation Districts Board, the Legislature and the Director of the Department of Water Resources to collaborate to ensure the core missions of the two organizations remain intact.
Mark Harris · SD-035
67 – 0
Adds to existing law to establish provisions regarding immunity and reimbursement for justifiable homicide and defense of self, others, and certain places.
The proposed legislation created Idaho Code §19-202B to provide strong legal protections for individuals who use force in lawful self-defense, defense of others, or defense of certain places. It grants immunity from criminal prosecution when force is justified under existing Idaho statutes and limits law enforcement's ability to arrest without a warrant unless exigent circumstances exist. As the bill states, a person using justified force "shall be immune from any criminal prosecution for the use of such force or threat of force." To ensure this immunity is applied early, the bill requires courts to hold a pretrial immunity hearing within fourteen days of a defendant's motion. Once the defendant makes a prima facie showing of justified force, the burden shifts to the state in criminal cases and to the plaintiff in civil cases. If those parties cannot meet their respective burdens, the court must dismiss the case. These procedures are designed to prevent individuals who acted lawfully from being subjected to prolonged criminal or civil proceedings. The bill also mandates reimbursement for defendants who are acquitted or have charges dismissed due to justified self-defense. Counties must cover reasonable costs such as legal fees, loss of time, and related expenses. In addition, the legislation requires full expungement of all criminal history records associated with such cases, and once expunged, the person is legally considered never to have been arrested or prosecuted. This ensures that individuals who acted within the law do not face lasting consequences from an arrest or charge that should not have occurred.
Christy Zito · SD-008
Amends existing law to revise the surcharge associated with improved forest land.
This legislation revises Section 38-111, Idaho Code to increase the structure surcharge levied on improved private forest land parcels from a maximum of $40 to a maximum of $100. This is a dedicated fund to support wildland fire preparedness. The intent of the structure surcharge is to defray the cost of fire suppression on forest land caused by the existence of the improvements. The current annual rate established by the Land Board is sixty cents ($0.60) per acre and a $40 structure surcharge per improved lot. While the effective rate is set by the Land Board, the statutory maximum for the assessment is set in Idaho Code. The structure surcharge was last increased in 2009. The current rate is not sufficient to support the fire protection program fund. Fund expenditures exceed revenues and will lead to a fire preparedness funding shortfall in about 2031. Structures in the forest complicate and increase wildfire suppression efforts and costs. Idaho has seen a 54% increase in population since 2000, and now more than 2 million people reside in Idaho. Over the past 10 years, the extent of the wildland urban interface (WUI) has expanded in Idaho, and the Idaho Department of Lands is now protecting more timberland acres in the rapidly expanding WUI. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), 30.1-40% of houses in Idaho are in the WUI. This has also resulted in more human-caused fire starts and acres burned in the WUI. Preparedness costs have increased due to the complications presented by the WUI. Due to the increased values at risk (human life and structures) in the WUI, fires in these areas generally require additional ground and aerial resources, which increases firefighting costs and diverts limited resources away from wildland fires. This legislation is needed to ensure funding into the future for the State’s wildland fire protection program.
26 – 9
Amends existing law to remove obsolete provisions.
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 or updates two sections of Idaho Code pertaining to State Controller and LUMA. The bill repeals Section 67-1021C that established the Business Information Infrastructure Fund that was used for the implementation of LUMA. The bill updates Section 67-1021A that established the revenue source for the Business Information Infrastructure Fund, which sunset on June 30, 2023.
Camille Blaylock · SD-011
65 – 0
Amends and adds to existing law to provide for a licensed midwife to obtain and administer medication indicated for maternal care or neonatal care if a midwife possesses requisite education, training, and experience.
This legislation will improve the practice of midwifery in the state of Idaho by removing unnecessary barriers and by deleting obsolete language regarding the formulary for licensed midwives.
Jordan Redman · HD-003B
35 – 0
Repeals existing law relating to the Yellow Dot Motor Vehicle Medical Information Act.
This proposed language would remove a chapter of code establishing and implementing the Yellow Dot Program.
Heather Scott · HD-002A
Amends and repeals existing law to revise provisions regarding the Board of Health and Welfare, substate administrative regions, and regional behavioral health boards.
This legislation removes obsolete language in Idaho Code 56-1002 referencing substate administrative regions and directors of those regions. These positions have been vacant for a number of years. With increased legislative oversight of the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare the Board of Health and Welfare will be eliminated. Additionally, this legislation addresses duplication of duties by repealing regional behavioral health boards. Powers and duties of these regional behavioral health boards will become the responsibility of the regional health boards.
Camille Blaylock · SD-011
61 – 9
Adds to existing law to require certain governmental entities in Idaho to divest from investments in foreign adversaries.
The Foreign Adversary Divestment Act will ensure that the State of Idaho’s public investment dollars are not put at risk in adversary countries so not to fund the development of military technologies and surveillance tools of foreign adversaries that impede the State of Idaho’s interests and the interests of the United States, by requiring the divestment of public pension dollars and university endowment funds from countries of concern. All state managed funds shall immediately and in good faith begin divesting of any prohibited holdings.
Ted Hill · HD-014A
Amends existing law to authorize water districts to charge certain fees.
This amendment addresses a change with water administration that arises when water right ownership records have not been updated by landowners. In such circumstances, the water district may accrue expenses related to title research and water ownership processes. This amendment authorizes members of a water district to adopt a resolution allowing the watermaster to pass these property-specific charges on to the landowner benefiting from the research.
Amends existing law to revise provisions regarding student enrollment counts.
This bill clarifies and codifies that public school districts and charter schools cannot enroll a child without the permission of that child’s parent or guardian. This bill is necessary to make sure school district administrators collect and report accurate student data for the purposes of funding, as well as state and federal reporting requirements. This also codifies the importance of parental rights when making educational decisions.
Barbara Ehardt · HD-033A
Amends and adds to existing law to provide for suspension of driver's licenses when a person is 60 days or more delinquent in paying the penalty for a moving traffic infraction.
RS33736 / H0927 In 2018, the Idaho Legislature changed the enforcement procedures for unpaid traffic citations and for unpaid misdemeanor/felony traffic related incidents. The practice of suspending driving privileges for unpaid fines was eliminated. The courts were empowered to collect the unpaid fines through civil procedures. Since the implementation of this change, drivers have learned their unsafe driving practices had fewer consequences. Additionally, the amount of unpaid traffic fines increased from approximately $1 million to $24 million ($3 million /year). The Idaho courts estimate there are over 125,000 drivers with unpaid traffic fines. This legislation will empower the courts and the Idaho DMV to suspend driving privileges when traffic related fines are not paid after appropriate notice.
Stephanie Mickelsen · HD-032A
56 – 14
Adds to existing law to provide that certain rats are invasive species.
RS33834 / S1445 Rats have multiplied and become an infestation in part of the Treasure Valley. This legislation authorizes local governments to take reasonable actions to control and contain the increasing rat population. The legislation does not mandate that any local government act, it just empowers them to do so. Local government is broadly defined to include cities, counties, and political subdivisions in the State of Idaho. Norway rats, roof rats, and wild rats are defined as an invasive species in order to facilitate control measures. No local government may enter private property in connection with this authority unless the local government has the written permission of the owner.
Tammy Nichols · SD-010
31 – 2
Amends, repeals, and adds to existing law to revise provisions regarding the election of commissioners in certain single countywide highway districts.
This legislation changes the process by which highway district commissioners are elected in a countywide highway district to match the process by which county officials are elected, effective for the 2028 election cycle. Specifically, it would match the process by which county commissioners are elected. Like county commissioners, countywide highway district commissioners will need to reside within the district they represent and will be elected countywide. Also, like county commissioners, they will file for nomination in the even-year May primary, and then the primary winners will run for election in the even-year general election. The process by which county commissioners are elected is well-understood and ensures that countywide commissioners are elected on the broadest possible basis. The legislation also allows for a candidate for the 2026 election to declare their party affiliation and to have that information available on the general election ballot.
Lori Den Hartog · SD-022