Idaho Bills
790 bills · 2025 Regular Session
Amends existing law to revise provisions regarding termination of parent and child relationships.
Under Title 16, Chapter 20, this would add to the list, circumstances upon which a parent’s rights can be terminated. Currently the court may grant an order terminating the relationship of the parent and child and may rebuttably presume that such termination of parental rights is in the best interests of the child. Currently language only includes in subsection (2) (b) (ii) “Sexual abuse against a child of the parent.” This would add language to include sexual abuse against any child as defined in current code, any conduct described in section 18-1506, 18-1506A, 18-1507, 18-1508, 18-1508A, 18-6101, or 18-6604, Idaho Code.
Tammy Nichols · SD-010
69 – 0
Relates to the appropriations from the Idaho Millennium Income Fund for fiscal years 2025 and 2026.
This is the FY 2026 appropriation bill for the Idaho Millennium Income Fund based on the recommendation of the Joint Legislative Millennium Fund Committee pursuant to Section 67-1806, Idaho Code. This bill also includes a FY 2025 supplemental appropriation. The Millennium Fund includes moneys received from tobacco companies as part of the Master Settlement Agreementthatrequirestobaccocompaniestopaystatesacalculatedamounteachyearinperpetuitytoaccount forliesmaderegardingthehealthissueswithtobaccouse. Eachyear, Idahoreceivesapproximately$24million from the settlement. Moneys are used pursuant to the appropriation with the stated intent of providing services for Idaho's youth for behavioral health programs. For FY 2025, onetime funding is provided to the Department of Juvenile Corrections for Youth Assessment Centers around the state. For FY 2026, funding is provided for Idaho State Police for their Fentanyl Awareness Campaign and to provide the appropriation necessary for accurate accounting with programs being conducted in partnership with the State Department of Education. Funding is provided for the State Department of Education for school resource officers and for eligible after-school programs. The bill adjusts the funding for Idaho Public Television by moving the appropriation from operating expenditures to personnel costs to align the appropriation with the intended amounts from the 2024 session. Finally, onetime funding is provided for the Department of Juvenile Corrections for youth assessment centers, with the intent that future funding be first considered by the Behavioral Health Council. This bill does not include funding for additional vape detectors, for a youth assessment survey, or for $6 million for several other programs brought before the Joint Millennium Fund Committee for funding consideration. DISCLAIMER: This statement of purpose and
Jim Woodward · SD-001
59 – 9
Amends existing law to establish requirements for commercial land use authorizations on state endowment land.
This legislation clarifies aspects of leases, permits, or other types of land use for commercial purposes. Going forward: • The State Land Board shall provide notice to county commissioners when an agreement is executed involving State land in their respective counties. • All leases, permits, and other types of land use authorizations for commercial purposes will now include a provision that requires compliance by the signatory with applicable county planning and zoning ordinances. • Revenues generated from these agreements for commercial purposes are not exempt from public disclosure.
Van Burtenshaw · SD-031
23 – 12
Amends existing law to revise provisions regarding the Idaho Launch Grant Program and the In-Demand Careers Fund.
This legislation makes several changes that provide improved accountability and focus for Idaho’s Launch program. These changes include: 1.) Focusing Launch monies on education and training programs of two years or less. 2.) Generally limiting money for 4-year baccalaureate programs to career fields in health care, engineering, and information technology. 3.) Putting oversight of Launch program policy, including the creation of the matrix of in-demand careers, under a nine-member advisory board consisting of consisting of three appointees each from the Governor, the Senate President Pro Tempore, and the Speaker of the House. 4.) If extra money is left over each year in the In-Demand Careers Fund, allows the money to go first to in-demand postbaccalaureate health care careers, the tuition of which is not already funded by the state, then up to $10 million for enhanced grant funding, no more than $5 million of which can be used by adult learners, then for opportunity scholarships for eligible students pursuing in-demand careers. 5.) Requiring most participating education and training institutions to adhere to all aspects, and all participating institutions to adhere to most aspects, of chapter 21, Title 33, Idaho Code, relating to dignity and nondiscrimation. Also requires all such participating institutions to adhere to Section 67-5909C, Idaho Code, relating to diversity statements.
Steve Miller · HD-024B
Amends existing law to eliminate renewal of instructional permits, to make certain permits valid for one year, and to remove the requirement that people surrendering an out-of-state driver's license take a knowledge test if they have previously held an Idaho driver's license.
This legislation has two parts. Both parts seek to align existing concepts in statute currently. 1. It makes motorcycle endorsement permits (MIP) and class D instruction permits (IP) valid for one (1) year to align with one (1) year commercial learner’s permit. 2. It removes the requirement for customers surrendering a current/valid out-of-state driver’s license to take a knowledge test if they have previously held an Idaho driver’s license. They have previously demonstrated they understand the rules of the road in Idaho.
Charlie Shepherd · HD-007B
33 – 0
Amends existing law to require the State Tax Commission to provide certain notices to taxpayers regarding the substantiation of deductible expense.
H30inthe2023LegislativeSessionmadeacreditcardorbankstatementallowableevidenceforanexpenditure during a tax audit. This proposed legislation ensures that during an audit the tax commission notifies the taxpayer of this option.
Kevin Andrus · HD-035A
35 – 0
Repeals and adds to existing law to provide for certain reporting requirements to be made by state agencies that are licensing authorities.
This legislation will provide objective information to the legislature and to the public on the number of complaints and disciplinary actions taken by Idaho licensing agencies. Complaints and discipline serve proxies for Public Safety in published literature. Having this objective information reported to the Legislature will assist in our efforts to cut red tape in the area of Occupational Licensure reform.
Jaron Crane · HD-012B
34 – 0
Amends existing law to revise provisions regarding the extension of time for certain filing deadlines.
This legislation updates the process for filing income tax extensions. The income tax process is complicated and many taxpayers, particularly those with complicated returns, routinely need to file extensions. This legislation simplifies the Idaho extension process and accomplishes the following: Gives every Idaho taxpayer an automatic extension to file a return, but not an extension for the payment of taxes due. Eliminates the failure-to-file penalty for returns not filed when originally due. Reduces the failure-to-pay penalty from 2% per month to 1% per month. The Idaho extended due date is the 15th day of the seventh month following the close of the taxable year.
Jeff Ehlers · HD-021B
Adds to existing law to establish provisions regarding electronic payment transaction interchange fees.
This legislation relates to interchange fees (also called swipe fees) charged to merchants on credit and debit card transactions. It excludes state and local sales taxes and gratuities from the calculation of the amount on which an interchange fee is charged for an electronic payment transaction, such as the use of a debit or credit card. It requires a payment card network to either deduct the amount of any tax and/or gratuity imposed from the calculation of interchange fees on purchases, or rebate an amount of interchange fees imposed on the state or local tax portion or gratuities portion of purchases.
Mark Harris · SD-035
Amends and adds to existing law to provide for certain reporting of agreements entered into by state agencies.
The purpose of this legislation is to enhance government transparency and accountability in state government by requiring all state agencies to report agreements, including contracts, Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs), and Memorandums of Agreement (MOAs), to the State Controller in a standard method. The bill establishes clear reporting requirements, ensures the publication of a publicly accessible list of agreements, and mandates annual certification by agencies.
Heather Scott · HD-002A
33 – 0
Adds to existing law to provide for nurses to delegate tasks to non-nurses under certain conditions.
As healthcare delivery grows more complex, ensuring appropriate supervision of medical assistants is essential tomaintaininghighstandardsofpatientcareandworkforceefficiency. Historically, medicalassistantsoperated under physicians, guided by professional standards set by the American Association of Medical Assistants. However, with the expansion of advanced practice nursing and independent nurse-led clinics, a clear oversight framework is needed. This legislation formally codifies the authority of nurses to oversee medical assistants, recognizing their clinical training and expertise as the foundation for effective supervision. By establishing this oversight structure in statute, the state ensures that medical assistants operate within a clear and accountable framework—one that prioritizes patient safety, strengthens workforce capacity, and aligns with national best practices.
Dori Healey · HD-015B
Amends existing law to establish provisions regarding an order to prevent removal.
Idaho’s Child Protective Act contains several ineffective provisions regarding the issuance of protective orders topreventremovingachildfromhishomeincasesofallegedabuseorneglect. Duetotheunworkablenatureof these provisions, this bill seeks to strike these references to protective orders and relief. This bill also creates a straightforwardprocessforacourttoenteranordertopreventremovaltoaccomplishthesamegoal. Anorderto prevent removal is specifically defined as an order to allow a child to remain in the child’s present surroundings when there is reasonable cause to believe the child is safe in the sole care of a parent, legal guardian, or legal custodian and when there is alleged neglect or abuse by another parent, legal guardian, or legal custodian. A prosecutor or the attorney general may seek such an order by filing a motion that is accompanied by a sworn affidavit from a law enforcement officer or the department. The court in which the motion is filed may then issue an order to prevent removal if there is reasonable cause to believe the child would be safe in the child’s present surroundings. The order will exclude the alleged offender from the child’s residence, prohibit the alleged offender from communicating with the child, and restrain the alleged offender from coming within a certaindistanceofthechild. Ahearingonwhethertocontinuetheordermaybeheldandthecourtmaycontinue the order upon certain findings. Finally, this bill also establishes that a failure to abide by an order to prevent removal is punishable as misdemeanor criminal contempt.
Barbara Ehardt · HD-033A
35 – 0
Adds to existing law to establish the Idaho parental choice tax credit and Idaho Parental Choice Tax Credit Advance Payment Fund.
The Idaho Parental Choice Tax Credit legislation provides for a refundable tax credit up to $5,000 for a parent, guardian or foster parent that incurs qualified education expenses for an eligible student. “Qualified expenses” include kindergarten through twelfth grade tuition and fees related to attending a nonpublic school, tutoring, taking assessments used to determine college admission, costs for textbooks, curriculum, and transportation costs for the purpose of receiving academic instruction. The refundable tax credit is increased up to $7,500 for special needs students that require ancillary personnel to assist in academic instruction. All families may apply for the refundable tax credit during the application timeframe, but families whose income is less than 300% of the federal poverty level receive the highest priority and can also elect to have a one-time advance tax credit payment in their first year of participation in the program. The Idaho State Tax Commission will administer the program and has the ability to audit records, receipts and documents similar to all tax filings to ensure accountability. The Idaho State Tax Commission may refer suspected cases of fraud to the Attorney Generalforinvestigationandprosecution. TheTaxCommissionwillberequiredtoreportannuallytotheIdaho Legislature on the number of tax credits applied for and the average tax credit issued, the types and amounts of qualified education expenses, the income of households applying for the credit, and the geographic area of the parents applying for the tax credit.
Wendy Horman · HD-032B
Adds to existing law to establish provisions regarding immunity of behavioral threat assessment and management teams in Idaho public schools.
The State Board of Education strives to prevent targeted violence against self or others in schools through the use of behavioral threat assessment and management teams in school districts and public charter schools. The proposed legislation would codify the establishment of Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management Teams (BTAM) in K-12 schools. This legislation would also establish model guidelines and provide training for local BTAM teams based on best practices. Finally, it would ensure that teams established, trained, and that acted in good faith and substantial conformance with the model guidelines and the legislation not be held liable for a failure to prevent an act of violence.
Marco Erickson · HD-033B
Proposes an amendment to the state constitution to provide that the legislature may authorize cities and counties to adopt certain sales and use taxes.
Thisjointresolutionproposesaconstitutionalamendmentthatcreatestheoptionforcountiesandmunicipalities to levy a local sales and use tax. Any proposed levy must include a detailed description of the products or servicessubjecttothetax,theintendedpurpose,andaterminationdateofnolongerthan4years. Themaximum levy rate is 2%.
Britt Raybould · HD-034B
Amends and adds to existing law to revise provisions regarding employment security laws and to provide for certain administrative rules to be null, void, and of no force and effect.
In 2024, the Idaho Legislature passed legislation that impacts the rules process. H 563, among other things, requires agencies to consider moving rules to statute if there is a benefit to having all related requirements in a single location and there are not frequent changes to the rules. In addition, H 626 changes how the courts shall interpret laws or rules by removing the deference to agency’s interpretation. The legislation responds to the law by moving significant parts of rule into statute. This legislation does not make any changes to the unemployment insurance program it simply moves existing rule into statute.
Lori McCann · HD-006A
34 – 0
Amends and adds to existing law to provide for the dissolution of urban renewal agencies and termination of urban renewal plans and to allow fire protection districts and ambulance service districts to opt out of certain urban renewal financing provisions.
This legislation amends the laws affecting Urban Renewal Districts (URD) in three ways. First, it provides a process for a city to dissolve a URD and an urban renewal revenue allocation area. Secondly, it allows a fire districtoranambulanceservicedistrictwithinaURDtooptoutofanexistingurbanrenewalrevenueallocation area, provided that there is no existing indebtedness or other financial obligation. A fire district or ambulance servicedistrictwouldalsohavetooptintoanewURD.Finally, thislegislationallowsforaURDtobeextended for a one-owner property of a manufacturing project.
Jason Monks · HD-022B
28 – 7
Amends, repeals, and adds to existing law to transfer emergency medical services responsibilites to the Idaho Military Division.
This bill moves the Emergency Medical Services Bureau (EMS) from the Department of Health and Welfare (DHW) and relocates it into the Idaho Military Division (IMD), which already coordinates emergency management with state and local government through the Office of Emergency Management. All existing EMS programs at DHW (except the Public Health Preparedness and Response Program) will be moved effective July 1, 2025. The DHW Director and the Adjutant General at the Military Division will work together to coordinate the transfer of EMS services. The law sunsets the EMS program’s rulemaking authority on and after July 1, 2027, and expresses the intent of the legislature that the EMS program propose the codification of any necessary EMS rules in the chapter created in this bill before the adjournment sine die of the first regular session of the 69th Idaho Legislature.
Mark Sauter · HD-001A
31 – 3
Amends existing law to revise provisions regarding emergency communications fees and to provide for certain fees to be placed in the Idaho emergency communications funds.
This legislation simplifies the payment process from telecommunications carriers to counties and the state. It also expands the permitted uses of the county fee, offering slightly broader flexibility.
Josh Wheeler · HD-035B
Amends existing law to revise provisions regarding water districts, assessments, and measuring devices.
This legislation amends Idaho's water code to (1) authorize ground water districts to create additional divisions when annexing new lands into the district; (2) change ground water district assessment lien and delinquency entry deadlines from January to February; and (3) authorizing water districts to install and maintain water telemetry systems.
Stephanie Mickelsen · HD-032A
Amends existing law to revise provisions regarding the budget of the Idaho Bureau of Educational Services for the Deaf and the Blind.
This bill requires the Idaho Educational Services for the Deaf and the Blind (IESDB) to submit their annual budget request to the Legislature and the Governor as it was approved by their Board. Current law requires IESDB to go through a public process of budget hearings and public testimony, but then requires IESDB to submit to the State Superintendent of Public Instruction by August 1 for the Superintendent’s review and approval. This bill removes that second step and requires IESDB to submit their budget request consistent with other state agencies. This legislation aligns Idaho Code with the current process of how IESDB submits its budget.
Wendy Horman · HD-032B
35 – 0
Adds to existing law to establish the Electronic Monitoring Devices in Long-Term Care Facilities Act.
Elder abuse in nursing homes is a growing concern that threatens the safety and well-being of Idaho’s senior residents. To combat this issue and enhance transparency, this legislation empowers nursing home residents and their families by allowing the installation of monitoring devices in residents’ rooms. Under this law, residents or their designated representatives have the right to authorize and install electronic monitoring devices in their living spaces. By providing this option, families can ensure their loved ones receive proper care while also deterring potential neglect or abuse. This legislation prioritizes both resident safety and privacy, establishing clear guidelines to protect all parties involved. Itservesasaproactivemeasuretoincreaseaccountability, improvecarestandards, andprovidepeace of mind to families who entrust nursing facilities with their loved ones. This statute is a common-sense solution that strengthens protections for elderly Idahoans while respecting their rights and dignity.
Dori Healey · HD-015B
Amends, repeals, and adds to existing law to establish provisions regarding laboratories.
This bill moves IDAPA 16.02.06 relating to Quality Assurance for Clinical Laboratories, 16.02.13 relating to State of Idaho Drinking Water Laboratory Certification Program, 16.02.24 relating to Clandestine Drug Laboratory Cleanup, and 16.02.25 relating to State Laboratory Fees, four long-standing regulations that have been approved by the legislature for many years into code.
David Leavitt · HD-025B
32 – 2
Proposes an amendment to House Rule 70 to add certain restrictions regarding admittance to the floor of the House.
The purpose of this rule change to Rule 70 is to stop allowing any prior house member to be on the floor while the house is transacting business. Rule 70 as currently written allows prior house members to be on the floor at any time without any approval. This rule could be problematic if a prior house member becomes a lobbyist or is running for office trying to make a political statement.
Stephanie Mickelsen · HD-032A
Relates to the maintenance appropriation to the Legislative Branch for fiscal year 2026.
This is the FY 2026 maintenance appropriation for the Legislative Branch which includes the Legislative Services Office, and the Office of Performance Evaluations. It includes standard adjustments for personnel benefit costs, statewide cost allocation, and change in employee compensation.
Steve Miller · HD-024B
33 – 0