Idaho's H 376 amends Section 18-3302 of the Idaho Code to remove an existing restriction on carrying concealed weapons. The bill directly affects individuals who carry concealed weapons in Idaho by eliminating a specific provision that previously limited this activity. The key change modifies the legal framework governing concealed weapons, though the exact removed restriction is not specified in the provided text. This is a substantive policy change to the state's concealed carry law, not a procedural or commemorative measure. The bill passed the Idaho House with strong support (56-10-4) and is now moving toward becoming law.
This bill creates two new Idaho tax credits for developers of affordable housing: the Middle Income Property Development Tax Credit and the Middle Income Land Trust Tax Credit. It allows developers to claim a credit equal to the difference between a property's sale price and its appraised value at sale (verified by a third party), provided the property is sold as a "deed restricted" home to households earning at or below 120% of the area median income. These homes must remain affordable for 60 years, with resale prices restricted to inflation-based increases, 25% market appreciation, or a 5% annual cap, and require ongoing verification by a nonprofit manager. The credits apply to new residential properties developed after 2024 and are designed to support long-term affordability for middle-income homebuyers.
Idaho's S 1092 creates lifetime instructional and administrator certificates for teachers and school leaders who have accumulated at least 25 years of combined teaching or administrative experience in Idaho public schools, public charter schools, or equivalent systems. The bill allows these individuals to receive certificates at no cost, without requiring ongoing professional development, reporting, or renewal fees. The certificates remain valid for life unless the holder engages in professional misconduct that would trigger revocation under existing law. This change amends Idaho Code Section 33-1204 and takes effect on July 1, 2025.
Idaho's H 65 is a technical correction bill that moves the definition of "member of an employer’s family" from Section 72-212 to Section 72-102 of the worker’s compensation law. It removes the outdated definition from Section 72-212 and updates references in several other sections to correct code citations. This bill does not change eligibility or benefits but clarifies the legal framework for existing definitions. It affects how the term is applied in all worker’s compensation cases under Idaho law. The bill became effective July 1, 2025, after being signed by the Governor.
Idaho's H 107, the Occupational Licensing Reform Act, requires that new occupational licenses can only be created by law (not administrative rules) and mandates all license fees be set by statute or rule by July 2026. It establishes "universal occupational licensing practice authority," allowing licensed professionals to perform duties consistent with their education, training, and experience within accepted standards of care - without needing additional permission. Licensing boards must review and update their rules by 2026 to align with this standard, and submit compliance reports to the legislature by January 2026. The bill directly affects licensed professionals (e.g., nurses, contractors) and state licensing boards managing their oversight.
Idaho's H 133 amends tobacco and electronic smoking device laws to strengthen indoor air protections and prevent youth access. It updates definitions (like "bar" and "public place"), requires clear signage in smoking areas, and removes outdated permit and penalty rules for tobacco retailers. The bill repeals two administrative rules (IDAPA 16.07.25 and 16.02.23), making them void, and takes effect July 1, 2025. It directly affects businesses selling tobacco products, public venues (like schools, malls, and restaurants), and enforcement agencies.
This Idaho bill (H 71) updates regulations for insurance holding company systems, directly affecting insurers and their parent companies operating in Idaho. It revises definitions of key terms like "affiliate" and "control," adds new requirements for group capital calculations and liquidity stress testing (aligning with national NAIC standards), and creates new reporting rules for insurers under section 41-3809A. The bill mandates that insurance holding company systems conduct stress tests to ensure financial stability and report capital data, with these changes taking effect January 1, 2026. The amendments primarily target insurers within holding company systems, aiming to strengthen regulatory oversight and financial transparency.
Idaho's S 1103 allows state or federal credit unions to hold state funds by designating them as official state depositories, expanding options beyond traditional banks. Credit unions must annually submit an affidavit confirming they won’t boycott businesses in fossil fuels, firearms, or agriculture sectors, and provide collateral for funds exceeding insurance coverage. The law requires the state treasurer to verify compliance annually and revoke depository status for violations, with a 60-day notice period for credit unions to respond. It takes effect July 1, 2025, and applies directly to credit unions seeking to manage Idaho’s public funds.
Idaho's S 1043 reorganizes landlord-tenant laws while adding a key policy change: it prohibits local governments from enacting rent control ordinances. The bill redesignates multiple existing sections for clarity (e.g., moving sections 55-304-55-314) and removes outdated references to "coverture" (historical legal concepts about married women's property rights). Its most significant provision, new Section 55-306, explicitly states that local governments cannot mandate participation in federal housing programs or regulate rents for private residential property. This law directly affects local municipalities seeking to implement rent control and landlords operating in unregulated rental markets, effective July 1, 2025.
Idaho's H 231 increases the state's food tax credit for residents, raising the annual flat credit from $100 to $155 (effective 2025) and adding an alternative option to claim the actual sales tax paid on qualifying food purchases up to $250 per person. The bill affects Idaho residents filing income tax returns who purchase eligible food items, excluding candy, soda, restaurant meals, and pre-prepared foods. Taxpayers can choose between the increased flat credit or the actual sales tax refund, requiring submission of receipts for qualifying purchases. The changes apply retroactively to January 1, 2025, and were signed into law by the governor on March 13, 2025.
Idaho's S 1032 requires all public school districts and charter schools to adopt a "distraction-free learning" policy by December 31, 2025, governing student use of phones and tablets during school hours on school grounds. The policy must limit device use to reduce classroom distractions but cannot mandate a total ban - schools may choose to prohibit devices entirely or allow exceptions for individualized education plans (IEPs). Schools must publicly post their adopted policy on their website. The law takes effect July 1, 2025.
This bill updates Idaho's insurance guaranty association rules to clarify who receives coverage when insurers fail. It revises eligibility for nonresidents (requiring insurer domicile and similar state associations) and adds specific rules for structured settlement annuities. Coverage now excludes certain reinsurance, self-funded employer plans, and claims based on marketing materials or side agreements. The changes prevent duplicate coverage across states and take effect July 1, 2025.
