Idaho Bills

States findings of the Legislature and calls on the President of the United States and Congress to assist states in covering the costs of educating students residing in the United States regardless of immigration status.

RS33682 / HJM020 This monument memorializes that due to the U.S. Supreme Court decision, Plyler v. Doe (1982, 457 U.S. 202), Idaho is required to offer free public K-12 education to every student regardless of immigration status. However, it is not clear that the federal government fully reimburses Idaho to compensate for this requirement. Since immigration policy is set by the federal government, this monument calls on the U.S. Congress make Idaho whole for meeting this requirement.

States findings of the Legislature, supports federal efforts to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education, and urges Congress to fully cooperate with these efforts.

RS33683 / HJM019 This memorial expresses the position of the Idaho Legislature in support of President Trump’s desire to eliminate the United States Department of Education and to return primary authority over education policy to the states.

Amends existing law to provide for the expiration of temporary rules.

This legislation makes minor changes to Idaho Code Sections 67-5226 and 67-5291 of the Idaho Administrative Procedure Act. It provides clarity, continuity, and consistency regarding the expiration of certain temporary rules. Specifically, this legislation specifies that when a temporary rule is not approved by a concurrent resolution of the legislature the temporary rule shall expire by its own terms or on June 30 of the year following the temporary rule’s adoption. Currently, such temporary rules expire either by their own terms or upon adjournment sine die of the legislature, which has caused issues because pending rules approved by concurrent resolution do not become final rules and effective until July 1. Thus, current law creates a time gap between when temporary rules expire, and pending rules become final rules. This legislation would eliminate that gap.

States findings of the Legislature and reaffirms Idaho's rights under the Bear River Compact.

RS33678 / HCR034 This resolution asserts Idaho’s water rights under the Amended Bear River Compact, which was signed by Idaho, Utah, and Wyoming, and ratified by Congress in 1980. It directs Idaho’s Bear River Commissioners to strictly interpret and enforce the irrigation reserve water elevation statutes for Bear Lake, and urges Idaho to invest in the equipment necessary to measure and quantify Bear River water. It also directs the Idaho Water Resources Board to: 1.) 1.) Prepare two reports relating to current Bear River water development, water supplies, addressing state water needs, and prioritizing future Bear River water projects; 2.) Prioritize and develop feasibility studies for identified Bear River water projects for new surface storage sites, off-stream storage, and aquifer recharge, using Idaho’s Bear River Compact water allocation, and without harming Bear Lake; 3.) Allocate funds from the $30 million transfer to the Water Management Account to support implementation; and 4.) Confer with legislative leadership prior to entering into any agreement with any power utility or the states of Utah or Wyoming on the use or management of the Bear River or Bear Lake.

Amends existing law to provide for shooting of coyotes, wolves, and red foxes from aircraft.

This legislation would amend 22-102A, Idaho Code, which provides for the permitting of the use of aircraft in controlling unprotected or predatory animals. The amendments will account for the movement of current administrative rule language into the statute because it is beneficial to have all related requirements related to this matter in a single location in Idaho Code.

Amends existing law to revise a provision regarding the Project Choice program fee.

RS33676 / S1379 This proposal makes changes to Idaho Code 49-454 - PROJECT CHOICE and IC 67-2914 - Idaho Law Enforcement Fund Established. The Idaho State Police (ISP) has had difficulty recruiting and retaining commissioned peace officers, and one of the cited concerns for our troopers leaving has been pay. Almost 20 years ago, the legislature created the PROJECT CHOICE program fee of $3.00 on vehicle registration in Idaho Code 49-454. These funds are deposited into the Idaho Law Enforcement Fund, as outlined in Idaho Code Section 67-2914. It is proposed that the project choice program fee in IC 49-454 be increased from $3.00 to $8.00, allowing the ISP to fund adjustments to commissioned personnel salaries to remain competitive with law enforcement agencies that offer higher pay and attract/take our troopers. The PROJECT CHOICE FEE was created to assist ISP in recruiting and retaining staff.

States findings of the Legislature and supports curtailment of the pelican population.

RS33647 / SJM115 This joint memorial urges the United State Fish and Wildlife Service to curtail or allow curtailment of the number of pelicans within the State of Idaho. Pelicans were added to the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1913. Consequently, there has been remarkable success in their population growth, to the extent of overpopulation. This is negatively affecting Idaho’s abundant wetland refuge eco-system and the health of Idaho’s fish population. In particular, pelicans are detrimental to Idaho’s fish population in the Henry’s Fork River that flows through Harriman State Park, as well as other waterways in the State of Idaho. This increase in our pelican population has adversely affected the success of fishermen throughout the State and the nation.

Amends existing law to provide for Lewis-Clark State University.

This legislation changes Lewis-Clark State College’s name to Lewis-Clark State University throughout Idaho Code. The Idaho State Board of Education approved this legislation to move forward on April 16, 2025, because it will more accurately reflect the full range of degree programs offered (associate, baccalaureate and graduate degrees) at the institution. This change will facilitate student recruitment, retention, and two-year to four-year transfer pathways, all of which are critical to supporting Idaho’s workforce needs.