Idaho Bills
790 bills · 2025 Regular Session
States findings of the Legislature and encourages local governments to support youth entrepreneurship.
This concurrent resolution encourages cities, counties, and other local governing bodies to support young entrepreneurs by reducing regulatory barriers that may discourage minors from starting small businesses. The resolution recognizes that youth-run businesses - such as lemonade stands, lawn care services, and craft sales - teach valuable real-world skills, instill a strong work ethic, and foster community engagement. By simplifying processesandeliminatingpermittingandlicensurefeesforthesesmallventures,localgovernmentscanpromote entrepreneurship, innovation, and economic participation among young Idahoans. The resolution further emphasizes that hard working and enterprise are foundational to the American dream and that empowering youth to start businesses contributes to the long-term prosperity of communities. It calls on local governments to adopt policies that encourage youth entrepreneurship while maintaining appropriate public health and safety standards. Additionally, it suggests that cities and counties provide opportunities for youth entrepreneurs to showcase their products and services through community events, fairs, and markets.
Josh Wheeler · HD-035B
Adds to existing law to provide for the Adult Alternative Instructional Diploma Program and the Adult Alternative Instructional Diploma Program Grant Fund.
This legislation establishes a pilot program for the creation of an accredited high school diploma for those aged twenty-one and older. This pay for performance program will be administered by the Idaho State Board of Education. The performance-based model allows providers to offer outcome-based instruction and curriculum including employability skills, career pathways, and certifications intended to prepare adult learners for employment. These tier 1 regionally accredited diplomas will be recognized by higher education institutions and the U.S. Military.
Lori Den Hartog · SD-022
14 – 21
States findings of the Legislature and provides that all temporary and pending rules of the State Board of Education and the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation have been reviewed and approved by the Senate Education Committee, with exceptions.
This is the Senate Education's findings on the Administrative Rules pertaining to the Idaho State Board of Education, the Idaho State Department of Education, and the Idaho Division of Vocational Rehabilitation.
Dave Lent · SD-033
Amends existing law to define a term and to revise provisions regarding violations and enforcement.
This legislation defines two existing phrases used in Idaho Code: “benefit primarily motor vehicles” and “primary benefit of motor vehicles.”
Mark Harris · SD-035
59 – 9
Amends, repeals, and adds to existing law to establish provisions governing lobbying and lobbyists.
Idaho’slobbyinglaws,alsoknownasthesunshinelaws,wereoriginallyenactedin1974byacitizeninitiativeto increase transparency regarding money spent by lobbyists and on political campaigns. This legislation updates these laws by separating lobbying reporting from campaign finance reporting and increases the frequency of reporting by registered lobbyists during and outside legislative sessions. In addition, this legislation updates the definition of lobbying to indicate clearly that both direct and indirect efforts to influence policymaking are considered lobbying. The legislation reorganizes the lobbying laws by moving the lobbying provisions within Title 67, Chapter 66, State Government and State Affairs, to Title 74, Chapter 7, Transparent and Ethical Government.
Brent Crane · HD-013A
Amends existing law to provide that the director of the Department of Administration may provide certain services to cities.
Providing health insurance at an affordable rate for employees and employers is a key part of recruiting and retaining employees. Many cities across Idaho find health insurance costs are rising at dramatic rates for a variety of reasons, among them is a relatively small number of employees in the insured pool. The intent of this bill is to allow cities to join the health insurance pool administered by the Office of Government Insurance and thus spread the insurance risk across a much larger group, reduce the cost to cities and lower the cost of city operations to citizens. There is no requirement for cities to enroll in the state plan if they desire not to do so. Rules for implementation will need to be created by the Office of Government Insurance similar to those in place for allowing school districts to enroll in the state insurance plan, specifying enrollment procedures, dates, and premium payments.
Richard Cheatum · HD-028A
Amends existing law to revise provisions regarding self-service storage facilities.
This bill updates and amends Idaho Code § 55–2301 and makes technical corrections amending Section 55–2306 regarding enforcement of a lien in amending Section 55-2308 regarding Lessees in default and removal of vehicles or trailers.
Jim Woodward · SD-001
29 – 3
Amends existing law to revise provisions regarding library directors.
Current Idaho law forces cities that run their own libraries to hire and fire the city's Library Director through a Library Commission. This legislation provides such cities with the option of making this personnel decision directly, through the city council. No city with a municipal library is required to change to this model. Instead, this legislation leaves this as a matter of local control.
Jeff Cornilles · HD-012A
Adds to existing law to provide for the Idaho personnel reduction act, to provide for the reporting of state employee travel expenses, and to provide for reporting of paid travel by state officials and a penalty.
Thisdealswithstatebudgetissuesrelatingtounfilledstateemployeepositionsandtransparencyontravelcosts. First, it makes state government more efficient by requiring state agencies to identify all employee positions that have been vacant for at least 180 days, and then eliminating each such position that has been vacant for 365 days or more and reducing the agency budget request accordingly. For positions vacant for 180 to 364 days, agencies must either eliminate the position and reduce the agency budget request accordingly, or fund and fill the position using existing funds. In doing so, this will reduce the size of government agencies to a level at which they have already demonstrated the ability to operate. Second, it requires state agencies to report on employee travel for the previous fiscal year when each state agency submits its annual budget request the Governor and Legislature. Third, it requires those individuals holding or running for statewide offices, or who have been elected to statewide office, to report to the Secretary of State on any out-of-state travel relating to any governmental purpose, excluding any travel paid by campaign funds, which is already reported to the Secretary of State.
Mike Moyle · HD-010A
Relates to the appropriation to the Division of Career Technical Education for fiscal year 2026.
This appropriation to the Division of Career Technical Education provides enhancements to the FY 2026 maintenance budget that includes spending authority for federal grants, support for adult education and literacy, and capacity building at the state's six technical colleges. This bill also provides direction regarding the expenditure of appropriated funds, and requires a report from the Division regarding expenditures over the past five fiscal years on the outcomes of adult education and literacy investments. This appropriation does not include expansion of at-capacity programs or the Business/Industry Engagement Manager enhancements which were requested by the agency and recommended by the Governor on lines 1 and 3.
Steve Miller · HD-024B
27 – 7
Amends existing law to require the disclosure of political affiliation in certain election communications.
The integrity of our elections is the cornerstone of a free and fair democratic process. Voters deserve clear, accurate,andtransparentinformationtomakeinformeddecisions. However,misleadingoranonymouspolitical messaging can create confusion, undermine trust, and threaten election security. To address this issue, this legislation requires the disclosure of party affiliation on all election-related communications. By clearly identifying the political affiliation behind a message, this reform enhances voter awareness, reduces misinformation, and prevents deceptive practices designed to mislead the public. Securing elections requires accountability. This legislation ensures that candidates, campaigns, and organizations are held to a higher standard of honesty and transparency. By making political affiliations explicit, voters can better assess the motivations and credibility of those seeking to influence their choices. Importantly, this proposal does not restrict free speech or limit political participation. Political candidates already declare their party affiliation when filing for candidacy, and this common-sense reform simply extends that requirement to campaign communications. By providing voters with essential context, this legislation strengthens election integrity and security therefor upholding the trust Idahoans place in the elections process.
Dori Healey · HD-015B
39 – 31
Amends existing law to provide that subscribing to the oath of office for certain elective offices shall create a vacancy in certain other offices.
This legislation adds to the circumstances under which elected local offices would be considered vacant, to include when the local government office holder becomes a federal, statewide, or state legislative office holder. It would not apply to those who hold state legislative office as a temporary or emergency successor. Thislegislationalsomakesallowanceforduelofficeholdingsinthosefromsmallercommunities,wherefinding someone to serve may be more difficult. Such exemptions would be: 1) City with population of less than 1000; 2) School districts with less than 500 enrolled students; 3) Counties with a population of less than 10,000. This change will ensure that a federal, statewide, or state legislative office holder’s full attention and focus is given to the high office to which they have been elected, and their interest in the well-being of the citizens of their state or district is neither divided nor weighted. In addition, it prevents the concentration of power and allows more voices to be heard and represented in all facets of our government.
Barbara Ehardt · HD-033A
43 – 27
Amends, repeals, and adds to existing law to provide for the electronic publication of public notices on the state controller's website and certain abbreviated newspaper publications by governmental entities and to revise provisions regarding publication by first class mail.
This proposed legislation allows for electronic publication on the state controller’s website for public notices (including public works projects) and other publications required by law. It directs the state controller to facilitate electronic publications in a staggered implementation schedule. It also staggers the rollout, with only stage agencies initially using the website for electronic notices. Beginning in 2027, local governments and all other entities and individuals may use the website for electronic notices. In the interim, local governments may use a condensed notice with a link to their website for the full notice. This proposed legislation also directs the state controller to create the ability for users to subscribe and receive push notifications – including those filtered to a geographic location. Finally, it clarifies that notices sent through mail may be included in a regular mailing such as a utility billing.
Jeff Ehlers · HD-021B
36 – 32
Amends existing law to require a person to apply for a driver's license, register vehicles, and obtain a certificate of vehicle title within thirty days of becoming an Idaho resident.
This legislation requires a person to apply for an Idaho driver's license and register vehicles within 30 days of becoming an Idaho resident.
Joe Palmer · HD-020A
49 – 21
Amends existing law to revise a provision regarding the salary of the justices of the supreme court.
Judicial Salaries are established by the Legislature in section 59-502, Idaho Code, which also indexes such salaries to a Supreme Court Justice’s salary to avoid salary compression between the four types of judgeships. Judicial salaries in Idaho have simply not kept pace with market changes. In six (6) of the last sixteen (16) years no increase to judicial salaries has been provided via amendment to § 59-502. At the same time, salaries for experienced attorneys have increased. The resulting lag of judicial compensation behind the market salaries for other experienced attorney positions creates serious hurdles to recruiting and retaining experienced, qualified attorneys to serve as Idaho’s judges. Five (5) years ago District Judge openings resulted in an average of eleven (11) applicants per position. By this past fiscal year, that number had plummeted to 4.6 candidates per opening, and several recent District Judge openings only received applications from the bare minimum of three (3) candidates. Judges are also leaving the bench to return to other work. While no judges left the bench to return to other work in fiscal year 2023, three (3) judges did in fiscal year 2024, and four (4) judges have done so thus far in fiscal year 2025. Adequate judicial compensation is routinely cited as a primary reason experienced Idaho attorneys do not pursue or continue a judicial career. This bill seeks to establish judicial salaries that are more competitive with the compensation for other public and private sector experienced attorney positions in Idaho and the judicial compensation rates paid by the states surrounding Idaho. Specifically, this bill will increase the salary for each judicial position by $17,000. As a result, the annual salaries of Idaho’s judicial officers will be: (1) $186,508 for a Justice of the Supreme Court (which is a 10% increase of their current salary), (2) $178,508 for a Court of Appeals Judge (which is a 10.5% increase of their current salary), (3) $17
Bruce Skaug · HD-010B
26 – 8
Amends and adds to existing law to revise provisions regarding criminal history checks for school district employees and to establish provisions regarding a school chaplain policy.
With the reality of our nation’s mental health epidemic, we all stand to benefit from more peacemakers, motivators, and community builders. This is especially true in schools, which can be difficult, high-pressure environments for students and teachers alike. From legislators to first responders, a variety of public servants have access to chaplains, yet teachers do not. This legislation honors the demanding work of education by making it possible for vetted professionals to serve our school communities. School districts and charter schools will be allowed to accept a school chaplain as an employee or volunteer, to serve students, staff, and parents. Whether to adopt such a policy and which types of services a chaplain would provide will be at the discretion of the school district or charter school.
Ben Toews · SD-004
52 – 18
States findings of the Legislature and establishes provisions regarding Commissioners representing the State of Idaho at an Article V Convention of the States.
This concurrent resolution creates the framework for selecting commissioners who will comprise the Idaho delegation at an Article V convention of states, should one be successfully called. It also sets forth the scope of the authority for commissioners, and provides a remedy for removing, recalling, or suspending commissioners who exceed the scope of their authority. It also creates an advisory committee which would monitor the activities of the commissioners and may recommend removal of any commissioner who exceeds the scope of his or her authority.
Jordan Redman · HD-003B
27 – 42
Amends and adds to existing law to provide penalties for certain complaints filed against agricultural operations.
Idaho Right to Farm Act protects agriculture as one of the foundations of our economy and the Idaho way of life. TheActprotectslawfullyconductedagriculturaloperationsbutlacksthepracticalprotectionsformeritless lawsuits or complaints. This legislation provides that if a lawsuit alleging nuisance is filed against a lawfully conducted agricultural operation and the agriculture operator prevails, then they are entitled to recover their attorney's fees. It also provides fines and penalties for filing multiple meritless complaints with applicable state and local agencies.
Todd Lakey · SD-023
64 – 2
Relates to the appropriation to the Department of Fish and Game for fiscal years 2025 and 2026.
This appropriation to the Department of Fish and Game provides enhancements to the FY 2026 maintenance budget that includes funding for an a license sales system contract increase, the final year of the Albeni Falls projects; funding for recreational access leases; phase two of the agency's website overhaul; support for seasonal employees who will work to restore habitat as part of mitigation stewardship; hatchery fish trailer tanks; region 7 office renovations; support for operational increases at regional offices; funding a lease at the McCall regional office; improvements to regional offices in Coeur d'Alene and Jerome; hatchery improvements; software licenses; fire rehabilitation funds pursuant to a settlement with the Idaho Power Company; funding to align the budget with federal grant revenues; support for remote connectivity; replacement items; and IT hardware. This appropriation also includes a FY 2025 supplemental for the costs incurred by the agency to purchase and plant grass/forb seed and apply herbicide via aerial application in Ada County to mitigate damage caused by the Valley Fire.
Dustin Manwaring · HD-029A
16 – 19
Amends existing law to revise provisions regarding the Second Amendment Financial Privacy Act.
This bill will enhance the current legislation language to add the prohibition of financial institutions and not just payment networks that facilitate credit card processing assigning unique credit card codes to firearms retailers that sell weapons and ammunition in Idaho. The tracking of these codes will allow unprecedented surveillance of 2nd Amendment activity by the sharing with the government.
Ted Hill · HD-014A
Amends existing law to revise provisions regarding the requirement for safe public school facilities.
Amending Idaho Code 33-1613 to create requirements for safe public school facilities, provide fines for violation, ensuring protections for Idaho’s children and those who care for them every day. Idaho's children must learn in a safe, healthy school environment. Some of our public school facilities currently face serious safety and health concerns that put students and staff at risk. This legislation strengthens existing school safety requirements by mandating rigorous facility inspections, requiring prompt abatement of unsafe conditions related to lead and mold, and prompt mitigation of high levels of radon, and establishing clear accountability measures including mandatory reporting to parents. By implementing these enhanced safety protocols and protections, Idaho reaffirms its commitment to our communities and parents that Idaho’s public school children are learning in school facilities that meet basic safety and health standards.
Monica Church · HD-019A
Relates to the appropriation to the Public Schools Educational Support Program's Division of the Idaho Digital Learning Academy for fiscal year 2026.
This appropriation to the Public School Support Program's Idaho Digital Learning Academy (IDLA) provides enhancements to the FY 2026 program maintenance budget with the addition of funding related to estimated course enrollments for FY 2026. Course enrollments are estimated to increase from 52,000 in FY 2025 to 58,000 in FY 2026.
James Petzke · HD-021A
27 – 8
Amends existing law to revise provisions regarding the Child Tax Credit to apply to preborn children.
The Preborn Child Tax Credit extends the existing Child Tax Credit in Idaho to pregnant mothers. This upholds the sanctity of human life, as well as honoring courageous mothers who hold the next generation within them. Idaho recognizes the costs involved in pregnancy alongside those of raising children who are born.
Ben Toews · SD-004
Relates to the appropriation to the Department of Labor for fiscal year 2026.
This appropriation to the Department of Labor provides enhancements to the FY 2026 maintenance budget. This bill includes a cash transfer of $4,868,600 from the Employment Security Administration and Reimbursement Fund to the Employment Security Fund to correct an accounting error, a $5,000,000 shift from federal funds to dedicated funds and a reduction of 15.58 FTP for unemployment insurance (UI) operations, and $161,000 for IT hardware. This bill also includes four sections approving accounting entries to correct fiscal year 2024 ending fund balances, and three sections requiring reports. The first report is on department's current authorized positions, filled positions, active positions, length of vacancy for unfilled positions, and salary savings for fiscal year 2025. The second report is a cost benefit analysis on using E-Verify and directing the department to conduct a study on the impact of illegal immigration. The third report directs the department to conduct a study on the costs of administering disability determinations services at the state and federal level. This bill does not include the $7,330,000 requested by the department for unemployment insurance operations.
Sonia Galaviz · HD-016A
34 – 0
Relates to the appropriation to the State Board of Education for community colleges for fiscal year 2026.
This appropriation to Community Colleges provides enhancements to the FY 2026 maintenance budget. Thisappropriationprovidesanadditional$1,679,800tothemaintenanceappropriationprovidedtoCommunity Colleges found in House Bill 341 that includes additional funding for the enrollment workload adjustment and requires the Office of the State Board of Education to develop an outcomes based funding model for the Community Colleges. Table 1 shows incremental adjustments to the budget found in the bill, of which the ongoing increase is $1,679,800. Table 2 shows the adjustments leading to the FY 2026 Total. The total budget for the Community Colleges is $69,219,700 and provides support to the College of Eastern Idaho, College of Southern Idaho, College of Western Idaho, and North Idaho College.
James Petzke · HD-021A
30 – 5