Idaho Bills
718 bills · 2024 Regular Session
Relates to the appropriation to the Department of Administration for the Division of Public Works for fiscal year 2025.
This is the FY 2025 original appropriation bill for the Permanent Building Fund. It appropriates a total of $174,908,300 to the Department of Administration for the Division of Public Works. The bill includes ten line items, including: construction of a secure mental health facility; utilities connections for the National Guard's Orchard Readiness Center; facility expansion for Idaho State University's physician assistant program; safety upgrades to the Mechanical-Technical Building and Wittman Complex at Lewis-Clark State College; construction of additional residential cottages at the School for the Deaf and Blind; and an insulated bus storage barn at the School for the Deaf and Blind. Four of the ten line items provide additional funding for existing projects, including: a 848-bed female prison; the new Science and Research Building at Boise State University; the Meat Science and Innovation Center at the University of Idaho; and the MOSS Campus at the University of Idaho. The bill also includes $87,448,300 for building maintenance projects to provide alterations and repairs projects for state agencies and institutions; asbestos abatement; facilities maintenance for the Capitol Mall and Chinden Campus; and statewide Americans with Disabilities Act compliance. The bill also includes a transfer from the General Fund. The bill repurposes appropriations from prior Department of Correction capital projects to purchase and remodel the Department of Correction Training and Development Center that is currently under a lease agreement. The bill also repurposes contingency appropriation for previously authorized deferred maintenance projects to provide funding for a 100-bed minimum security dorm at the Idaho Correctional Institition in Orofino and additional funding for Idaho State University's physician assistant facilities expansion. Interest accrued in FY 2024 will be used to restore this funding for deferred maintenance.
51 – 17
Relates to the appropriation to the Public Schools Educational Support Program's Division of Student Support for fiscal years 2024 and 2025.
This bill provides an appropriation to the new Student Support Division as part of the Public School Support Program. This division includes funding for Administrators, Operations, and Children's Programs. This appropriation provides enhancements to the FY 2025 maintenance budget with adjustments to nondiscretionary funding as a result of 696 fewer estimated support units for fiscal year 2025. This bill increases the discretionary funds distribution by 20.1%, and provides an additional 2% CEC for the administrative and classified positions. This bill also changes three sections of language that were approved in House Bill 460. For FY 2024, the bill provides a supplemental appropriation of $105,000,000 for discretionary funds. This supplemental is the result of fewer calculated support units as a result of the state returning to average daily attendance (ADA) for student count funding purposes. This supplemental relies on existing appropriation and therefore has no impact to the General Fund.
Janie Ward-Engelking · SD-018
25 – 9
States findings of the Legislature and approves pending rules of the Department of Juvenile Corrections, the Idaho State Police, the Commission of Pardons and Parole, and the Office of Administrative Hearings reviewed by the House Judiciary, Rules and Administration Committee and the Senate Judiciary and Rules Committee.
This Concurrent Resolution shows the House Judiciary, Rules and Administration Committee and the Senate Judiciary and Rules Committee reviewed and approved pending rules of the Department of Juvenile Corrections, the Idaho State Police, the Commission of Pardons and Parole, and the Office of Administrative Hearings.
70 – 0
States findings of the Legislature and adopts pending rules of the Department of Finance, the Department of Insurance, and the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses reviewed by the House Business Committee and the Senate Commerce and Human Resources Committee.
This Concurrent Resolution shows the findings of the legislature and approving pending rules of the Department of Finance, the Department of Insurance, and the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses reviewed by the House Business Committee and the Senate Commerce and Human Resources Committee with exceptions.
69 – 0
Adds to existing law to prohibit institutions of higher education from requiring diversity statements as a condition of employment or admissions.
This bill will make clear Idaho's state policy that hiring, and admissions decisions must be made on merit. This bill will also guarantee that hiring and admissions decisions made by state agencies, including public colleges and universities, are not "conditioned on a requirement that applicants submit or ascribe to a diversity statement."
States findings of the Legislature and approves pending rules of the Idaho State Racing Commission, the Idaho State Liquor Division, the Idaho Public Utilities Commission, and the Endowment Fund Investment Board reviewed by the House State Affairs Committee and the Senate State Affairs Committee, with an exception.
This resolution states the legislative findings and approves the pending rules of the Idaho State Racing Commission, the Idaho Public Utilities Commission, and the Endowment Fund Investment Board. It approves the rules of the Idaho State Liquor Division rejecting certain sections which were not consistent with legislative intent. These rules were reviewed by the Senate and House State Affairs Committees.
67 – 0
States findings of the Legislature and expresses concern over the influence of the United Nations and the World Economic Forum in this state.
The memorial legislation of the Second Regular Session of the Sixty-seventh Idaho Legislature, comprising of the House of Representatives and the Senate, expresses deep concerns about the increasing influence of international organizations, such as the United Nations and World Economic Forum, in the State of Idaho. Notably, the people of Idaho are alarmed by proposals related to insect-based foods, ESG requirements on businesses, social credit systems, censorship advocacy, global medical mandates, digital identification, potential mass surveillance technologies, burdens on farmers, opposition to private property rights, and central bank digital currencies. The memorial affirms Idaho's dedication to sovereignty and self-determination, voices concerns about international organizations undermining core values, calls for a comprehensive review of agreements, and emphasizes commitment to international cooperation while safeguarding citizens' rights. The resolution will be forwarded to the Governor, the President of the United States, and the congressional delegation representing Idaho.
States findings of the Legislature and formally declares the State of Idaho's commitment to the principles of wildlife management that prioritize human safety, economic stability, and the preservation of the state's natural heritage.
This joint memorial articulates the Idaho Legislature's opposition to proposals for the active reintroduction particularly translocation - of grizzly bears within the sate, the establishment of new experimental populations, and efforts to enhance connectivity among existing grizzly bear populations. It emphasizes the Legislature's commitment to maintaing public safety, protecting private property, and preserving Idaho's natural heritage and economic interests, particularly in relation to agriculture and outdoor recreation.
Amends existing law to establish requirements regarding the vacation of public rights-of-way that furnish access to state or federal public lands or waters.
This legislation amends section 40-203 of Idaho Code regarding the abandonment of roads and public rights-of-way. Abandonment involves a lengthy process for the county or the highway district in which a public road is being abandoned. For the cases where the public road accesses public lands or waters, this legislation adds to the process so that evidence of such access can be presented. Then, for those public roads that do access public lands and waters, the amendment to 40-203 requires that a replacement public access be provided, even if that public access is provided at private expense, before the abandonment can be completed.
Adds to existing law to provide that health benefit plans and student health benefit plans covering prescription contraception must provide reimbursement for a six-month supply except under certain circumstances.
This legislation allows enrollees to receive up to a six (6) month supply of prescribed contraceptives if they so choose or if they are on an established prescription already. Currently, many insurance plans reimburse for only a one (1) to three (3) month supply of contraceptive supplies. This legislation will require any health benefit plan issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2025, which covers contraceptives approved by the Federal Food and Drug Administration, to provide reimbursement for up to a six (6) month refill supply obtained at one time by the enrollee. The exception is if the enrollee has never been prescribed prescription contraception; then the provider shall provide a smaller supply.
Jim Guthrie · SD-028
35 – 34
Amends existing law to revise provisions regarding bingo and raffles.
The Bingo Raffle Advisory Board recommended to the Idaho State Lottery Commission a proposed revision to multiple statutes in the Bingo and Raffles Act, primarily for clarification purposes to make charitable gaming laws and requirements easier to find and understand. The statutes are disorganized in some areas and not always intuitively ordered. There are also certain substantive changes, including eliminating the Bingo Raffle Advisory Board. These changes do not alter the minimum amounts that must be generated for charitable purposes. The changes do modify administrative expense for bingo from a maximum of 18% to 25% increases the maximum number of bingo cards available per bingo game from 54 to 108 and raises the value of the maximum cash prize that can be won at a raffle from $1000 to a maximum of $5000. Changes also clarify the information required to be provided in annual reports for the operation of bingo games and raffles.
32 – 2
Adds to existing law to establish the Defend the Guard Act.
This legislation embodies the intent of our founding fathers and follows the principles and provisions contained in the United States Constitution, specifically Article 1, Section 8. Congress has the exclusive power to declare war under our United States Constitution. The federal executive branch has exceeded its constitutional authority by calling up the state components of the National Guard in what are really warfighting operations, without a congressional declaration of war. The men and women in the Idaho National Guard must not be called into active duty combat operations on foreign soil unless there has been a congressional declaration of war. This legislation does not impact the Governor's ability to mobilize the Idaho Guard as outlined in article 4, section 4 of the Idaho Constitution. It also does not limit the United States ability to call up the Idaho National Guard for training missions as provided in Title 10, United States Code. This legislation prohibits mobilization of the Idaho National Guard for combat actions unless there has been a corresponding congressional declaration of war.
27 – 8
Adds to existing law to establish March 26 as Firefighter's Day in Idaho.
Relating to Firefighter Appreciation Day; providing legislative intent; and amending Chapter 1, Title 73 Idaho Code, by the addition of a new section 73-108E, Idaho Code to provide for an annual Peace Officer Appreciation Day. Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Idaho: Section 1. That Chapter 1, Title 73, Idaho Code, be, and the same is hereby amended by the edition thereto of a NEW SECTION, to be known and designated as Section 73-108E, Idaho Code, and to read as follows: 73-108E. FIREFIGHTER'S DAY. March 26 shall be designated as Firefighter's Day. This day shall honor the danger the men and women firefighters of Idaho put themselves into for the communities they serve. It is a day to celebrate and appreciate the vital role they have in protecting life and property. Section 2. An emergency existing therefor, which is hereby declared to exist, this act shall be in full force and effect upon signature of the Governor.
Adds to existing law to establish provisions regarding state employee telework.
This legislation establishes a teleworking policy for state employees in all three branches of government, including institutions of higher education. If an agency, department, or other state office wishes to offer telework arrangements, a state employee must sign and comply with a telework agreement. On any given day of scheduled work, no more than 15% of in-office employees within an agency, department, or other state office may work outside the office under a telework agreement. In-office employees with job responsibilities that require direct contact with the public are not eligible for telework. A requirement also exists for annual reporting related to telework agreements for state entities offering telework. Field employees with day-to-day responsibilities outside of the office or in the field are exempt from the telework policy.
19 – 16
Relates to the maintenance appropriations to the executive offices of the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, State Controller, Secretary of State, and State Treasurer for fiscal year 2025.
This is the FY 2025 Maintenance Appropriation for the Constitutional Officers. This bill includes appropriations to the Executive Office of the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor, the Attorney General, the State Controller, the Secretary of State, and the State Treasurer. The appropriation includes standard adjustments for benefit costs, inflationary adjustments, statewide cost allocation, and change in employee compensation.
Scott Herndon · SD-001
58 – 11
Amends and adds to existing law to require the Secretary of State to prepare voter guides to be distributed to every household in the state no later than 30 days before an election.
This legislation requires the Secretary of State’s Office to prepare a comprehensive voters’ guide for primary and general elections, to be distributed to every household in Idaho. Currently, the Secretary of State’s Office produces and distributes a voters’ pamphlet when a ballot contains a constitutional amendment pursuant to Idaho Code Section 67-453, or an initiative or referendum measure pursuant to Idaho Code Section 34-1812C. This legislation expands this resource by also including information about candidates for federal, state and county offices and other election information, including voter registration and voting requirements, important dates, and county clerk contact information.
22 – 13
Amends existing law to revise a provision regarding an ignition interlock system.
This bill seeks to remedy a defect in the law identified by the Supreme Court in its annual report to the Governor required by article V, section 25 of the Idaho Constitution. Idaho Code § 18-8005(1) sets forth the penalties for first time driving under the influence offenses. Specifically, I.C. § 18-8005(1)(d) requires the court to suspend an offender’s driving privileges for thirty (30) days and prohibits the granting of driving privileges of any kind during this period of absolute suspension. This subsection also mandates that, at the conclusion of the thirty (30) day period of absolute suspension, the court must suspend the offender’s driving privileges for an additional sixty (60) to one hundred fifty (150) days and allows the court to grant restricted driving privileges during this additional period of suspension. I.C. § 18-8005(1)(e) then requires the offender to have an ignition interlock system installed on all vehicles operated by him within ten (10) days following the end of the “mandatory” suspension. Since this statute mandates both an absolute thirty (30) day suspension and an additional sixty (60) to one hundred fifty (150) day suspension, the ignition interlock requirement is interpreted and applied differently throughout the state. Accordingly, this bill clarifies that the Legislature intends for the ignition interlock requirement to begin within ten (10) days following the end of the initial thirty (30) day period of absolute suspension.
70 – 0
Adds to existing law to establish standards for library materials and to establish procedures for the review and removal of materials, procedures for appeals, and penalties for violations.
The Children's School and Library Protection Act requires public schools and community libraries to take reasonable steps in restricting children's access to obscene or harmful material as defined by Idaho Code § 18-1514. Public School and Community Libraries will be required to establish a Material Review Committee to review requests for relocation. Public School and Community Libraries will have relocation forms available for Parents to fill out referencing Idaho Code § 18-1514 . Public School and Community Libraries must hold a public hearing when a Relocation Form is submitted and publish notice in the local newspaper. The Materials Review Committee must render a decision at the Public Hearing. If a parent or guardian of a minor child is not satisfied with the Review Committee’s Decision, they can file for Judicial Review. If they are still not satisfied after Judicial Review, they would be entitled to bring a civil action against the school or library for damages and injunctive relief.
17 – 18
Adds to existing law to establish parent-as-teacher microschools sponsored by public school districts.
This bill codifies and explicitly provides legislative support and funding for an existing education practice in the Idaho public school system for grades kindergarten through 8th grade. A school district may assign a teacher to work with parents in a parents-as-teacher model where instruction is provided largely in the home by the parents. The school district has accountability measures such as requirements to take the state tests. The parents have access to funds to pay for eligible expenses. The funds are generated from the current funding formula. One of the main goals of this bill is to avoid creeping regulation that may stifle innovation.
Amends and repeals existing law to revise provisions regarding credit unions.
This bill is a routine industry bill that provides updates and modernizes the Idaho Credit Union Act, providing flexibility and modern provisions to allow Idaho state-chartered credit unions to better serve their members. The proposed updates in the Act include: 1) Providing additional definitions which will help provide better clarity during routine credit union examinations with Idaho state-chartered credit unions. 2) Updates general governance provisions in the Act that will help streamline day-to-day operations for Idaho credit unions. This includes removing mandated fiscal years, removing the requirement to provide documents in triplicate, and the ability to email authority and other requests to the Idaho Department of Finance. 3) Provide opportunities and flexibility for Idaho credit unions to serve underserved areas throughout Idaho that are lacking traditional financial service opportunities. 4) Provides credit unions more access to emerging financial tools and services that will better serve their members directly through improved and expanded service offerings and ensure greater protection and security for consumers.
70 – 0
Amends existing law to provide that certain maintenance of a public right-of-way shall not constitute upkeep or maintenance as a highway.
This legislation would grant highway districts flexibility to serve their public and promote safety. Current law discourages highway districts from assisting first responders by clearing snow from roads that are not in their systems, and from doing requested repairs on those roads, as these actions can lead to a legal obligation to fully maintain them in perpetuity. This bill brings the letter of the law in accordance with the spirit of the law by providing a common-sense exception regarding timetables of allowable repairs and maintenance done to assist first responders.
34 – 0
Amends existing law to revise provisions regarding irrigation district lands.
Current Idaho law mandates that an irrigation district take a tax deed to property when assessments are 3 years delinquent. This legislation addresses two issues relating to delinquent irrigation district assessments: 1. This legislation provides a process for handling surplus proceeds. Under current law, property acquired through tax deed may be sold to satisfy the delinquency. There are no provisions for handling the surplus proceeds. A recent United States Supreme Court decision held that taking and selling a property to satisfy a debt to the government, and keeping the surplus as a windfall, violates the Takings Clause unless there is a process, including notice, to claim any surplus/excess funds. 2. The legislation provides options for irrigation districts. Under current law, an irrigation district must take a tax deed to resolve delinquencies. These amendments provide options for irrigation districts in the recovery of delinquent assessments, including (i) taking a tax deed; (ii) continuing to assess the property; or (iii) removing the water from land.
67 – 1
Amends and adds to existing law to revise a provision regarding a false report of explosives and to provide for the crime of false reports of violence or emergency in public or private places.
This legislation amends Section 18-333 of Idaho Code, to give legislative intent, to declare the dangers of “swatting” to both the public and private sectors, to revise a provision regarding false police reports by adding a new section to provide for the crime of false reports of violence or emergencies in public or private places, and to make technical corrections, define terms and include penalties.
Amends existing law to establish provisions regarding collection of debts owed to a court.
A review of outstanding unpaid fines in Idaho shows a need to address this growing problem.This bill requires the court to review debts owed to the court by a defendant or juvenile offender every 90 days. It also requires the person owing the fines to appear before the court to explain why payments are not made and to establish a meaningful payment plan. Since fines and fees ordered by the court are often used in lieu of jail time, a review of compliance of the court order is appropriate. In addition, these fines are often difficult to collect for counties, whereas an assessment of these delinquencies could improve compliance with the court orders by ensuring the review takes place in court. Fiscal Note Any additional cost to the court to review these fines should be limited.
35 – 0
Amends, repeals, and adds to existing law to establish the Uniform Guardianship, Conservatorship, and Other Protective Arrangements Act.
This bill is the result of four years of intense study by legal experts, community groups, and others of the existing Idaho Conservatorship/Guardianship Probate Code. This bill adds more protections for those involved in the process on multiple levels. It provides clarity in areas where questions have arisen in the current Code. It provides multiple detailed alternatives to formal Conservatorship/Guardianship court proceedings, including Protective Arrangements and Supported Decision Making. It retains multiple Idaho procedures that are working well. It requires detailed information at the beginning of a process under the Code. It protects the constitutional rights of persons subject to the Code or those affected by proceedings under the Code, including through more stringent notice provisions, required written statements of rights both at service of the petition and before hearings. It sets higher standards of evidence (usually ‟clear and convincing”). It also moves the Conservatorship/Guardianship provisions for persons with a developmental disability into the Probate Code. This gives the additional protections in the Probate Code while retaining all the existing protections in the developmental disability code. The bill also organizes the Code into a more logical set of Chapters. It also contains model forms and model statements of rights.