Idaho Bills
3 bills · 2025 Regular Session
Amends existing law to limit the topics subject to collective bargaining by firefighters.
This legislation amends Idaho Code § 44-1802 to remove the provision allowing firefighters to collectively bargain over "all other terms and conditions of employment." The goal is to empower local fire stations to make autonomous decisions regarding specific employment conditions.
Brian Lenney · SD-013
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
Adds to existing law to establish the Idaho Guest Worker Program.
This legislation creates a state-based, year-round agricultural guest worker program. The federal government's failure to find a resolution to this issue requires that states seek state-based solutions. The Department of Labor is assigned responsibility for implementing and administering a guest-worker program to provide year-round agricultural labor. Defined agricultural work includes farming, ranching, dairy operations, and processing of agricultural products. Eligible individuals must reside in Idaho, have never been refused admission to the country or deported previously, complete a background check and submit fingerprints, and verify no prior felony convictions. Employers must also register with the department to employ guest workers. Permitted workers must maintain employment or demonstrate the intention of an employer to hire by a certain date. They are not allowed to drive a motor vehicle on any public roadways. In addition, workers must also pay state and federal income taxes. If a worker is convicted of or pleads guilty to a felony, they will lose their right to work under this program. This bill does not change federal immigration status, entitle citizenship, provide immunity from federal law, provide driving or voting privileges, or secure access to unemployment compensation.
Jaron Crane · HD-012B