Idaho Bills

This bill removes a licensing requirement for businesses that offer makeup application or hair styling as part of photography services (e.g., bridal studios or portrait photographers providing light makeup during sessions). It repeals Section 54-5814, which previously required "makeover or glamour photography businesses" to hold a specific facility license, and amends the definitions section to remove the reference to these businesses. The change directly affects photography businesses that previously needed this separate license, eliminating a regulatory burden for them. The law takes effect July 1, 2025, after being signed by the governor on March 12, 2025.

This Idaho bill (H 21) revises two key vehicle registration provisions. It extends the validity of license plates for state vehicles and taxing district vehicles from annual to 10 years, requiring new designators (e.g., "ISP" for Idaho State Police) to identify agencies. For temporary permits, it adjusts fees (e.g., $50 for 120-hour weight permits) and limits permits to three per vehicle annually, with specific exemptions for transporters. Vehicles not displaying required designators after July 1, 2025, must pay a $12.50 fee to reregister within 60 days. The changes directly affect state agencies, taxing districts, and commercial vehicle operators needing temporary registration.

H 86 prohibits Idaho state and local governments from requiring electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, designated EV parking spaces, or upgraded electrical infrastructure for EVs in building plans. It specifically bans these requirements for new construction and renovations, overriding any existing local laws that might have mandated such infrastructure. The bill applies statewide, preventing cities or counties from setting their own EV charging requirements for buildings. This law directly affects developers, builders, and local governments by eliminating mandatory EV infrastructure in building codes.

H 251 is a funding bill that allocates $3.27 billion from various sources to Idaho's Public Schools Educational Support Program for fiscal year 2026 (July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026). It directs specific amounts to key divisions, including $1.36 billion for Teacher Support, $1.67 billion for Student Support, $22 million for the Idaho Digital Learning Academy, and $195 million for Facilities. The bill mandates that $13.75 million from the Public School Income Fund must fund teacher professional development focused on measurable student learning outcomes, and adds $6,359 per staff cell for instructional and pupil service compensation. These allocations and requirements directly affect public school districts, teachers, and students across Idaho by directing how state education funds are distributed and used.

H 23 changes Idaho driver's license rules by making class D instructional permits valid for one year (previously 180 days) with no renewal option. It removes the requirement for people moving to Idaho from another state to take a knowledge test if they previously held an Idaho driver's license. The bill affects new license applicants and out-of-state transferees, streamlining the process for those with prior Idaho driving history. These changes take effect July 1, 2025.

H 97 allows Idaho residents to legally choose not to evacuate during a disaster even if ordered to do so by authorities. The bill requires anyone who ignores evacuation orders to accept all personal risks (like injury or death) and potentially reimburse government or nonprofit rescue costs if a rescue is needed. It directly affects individuals who decide to stay in a disaster zone despite official evacuation directives. The law takes effect on July 1, 2025, and does not change existing emergency powers for officials.

H 202 amends multiple Idaho Code sections to remove outdated provisions related to the Department of Health and Welfare and transfer those responsibilities to other state agencies. For example, it shifts food safety inspection duties from the Department of Health and Welfare to the Department of Agriculture and revises procedures for handling unsafe food products. The bill also repeals obsolete sections, such as one about transferring employees, and makes technical corrections to align laws with current agency structures. These changes primarily affect state agencies by clarifying administrative responsibilities without altering public services or creating new requirements.

This bill (H 36) amends Idaho’s Administrative Procedure Act to add clear rules for issuing subpoenas in administrative hearings. It allows presiding officers to issue subpoenas for witnesses and evidence in contested cases when the request shows general relevance and reasonable scope, and requires subpoenas to follow standard civil court service rules. The party requesting the subpoena must pay witness fees as in civil cases, and district courts can enforce or modify subpoenas to ensure they’re reasonable. The law applies directly to administrative hearings before Idaho state agencies and takes effect July 1, 2025.

H 341 is an appropriations bill that allocates funding for Idaho's education system during fiscal year 2026 (July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026). It directly affects the State Board of Education, Idaho's public universities (including Boise State, Idaho State, and University of Idaho), community colleges, agricultural research, and health education programs by specifying exact funding amounts for their operations. Key provisions include exempting certain programs from budget transfer restrictions, allowing adjustments to student tuition fees, and requiring accountability reports for fund usage. The bill does not create new policy but formalizes funding levels and administrative requirements for existing education programs.

Idaho's S 1040 amends Section 43-320 of the Idaho Code to allow irrigation district directors or officers to have a financial interest in groundwater recharge contracts, provided they do not personally profit from them. This specifically affects district officials who previously faced restrictions on participating in such contracts under the prior law. The bill creates a clear exception for recharge projects while maintaining penalties for violations, including misdemeanor charges, loss of office, and fines up to $500 or six months in jail. The law takes effect on July 1, 2025, and applies only to contracts for groundwater recharge, not general irrigation district contracts.

This Idaho bill requires public schools to teach cursive handwriting starting in third grade, with students needing to write legibly in cursive by the end of fifth grade. It mandates the state board to set benchmarks, provide teaching resources, and guide assessments for teachers. Schools must comply by the start of the 2025-2026 school year, with students who haven’t achieved proficiency receiving additional instruction. The law takes effect July 1, 2025, directly affecting all Idaho public school students in grades 3-5.

This bill creates the Idaho Depredating Wildlife Appeals Board to allow ranchers and farmers to appeal denials of compensation for livestock or property damage caused by wildlife (such as bears, wolves, or mountain lions) after initial investigations. The board, composed of three members (from agriculture, fish and game, and a vet appointed by the governor), reviews evidence like witness testimony, photos, telemetry data, and past incidents to potentially overturn initial denials. If the board confirms depredation, its ruling becomes final for compensation claims. The board is exempt from Idaho's public meeting requirements under Section 74-203.