Idaho Bills

H 29 amends Idaho's controlled substances laws to add numerous specific synthetic opioids to Schedule I (the most restrictive category) and creates a broad definition covering future fentanyl-related substances. The bill directly affects law enforcement, healthcare providers, and individuals in Idaho by prohibiting possession of these newly listed compounds, including 90+ specific fentanyl analogs like "ortho-fluorofentanyl" and "methoxyacetyl fentanyl," plus any structurally similar substances. Key mechanisms include updating the Schedule I list with detailed chemical names and establishing a catch-all definition for "fentanyl-related substances" based on structural modifications. This bill becomes effective July 1, 2025, and does not change existing penalties or medical exemptions.

This bill (S 1104) requires adoption agencies and prospective adoptive parents in Idaho to notify birth parents about their right to free legal advice and counseling services. Specifically, it mandates that birth parents be informed they can receive up to three pre-placement counseling sessions and six post-placement counseling sessions from licensed providers. The law also requires courts to review financial assistance plans exceeding $2,000 for birth parents, ensuring expenses cover housing, medical needs, and living costs during pregnancy and up to six weeks postpartum. These changes directly affect birth parents in adoption cases by expanding access to support services and clarifying financial assistance procedures.

H 300 revises Idaho's "Dig Once Policy" to streamline broadband infrastructure installation along highways. It requires the Idaho Transportation Department and county highway districts to maintain a registry of broadband providers and notify them 30 days in advance of compatible construction projects (like roadwork or underground utility installation) where broadband can be added simultaneously. This aims to reduce repeated digging by coordinating installations during existing projects, directly affecting broadband providers, transportation agencies, and highway construction contractors. The bill defines key terms like "broadband" (100 Mbps download speed) and "Dig Once Policy" to standardize implementation.

Idaho's S 1094 revises rules for local property taxes school districts can levy to fund operations beyond state funding. It requires districts to hold voter elections for new supplemental levies (limited to 2-6 years) and sets a January 1, 2025, deadline for approving indefinite levies. Districts with 7+ years of annual levies at or above 20% of their operating funds can seek voter approval for indefinite levies before that date. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025, directly affecting Idaho school districts and their taxpayers.

Idaho's H 335 prohibits organizations from concealing, harboring, or shielding aliens unlawfully present in the U.S., including providing shelter, financial support, or legal assistance when they know or should know the alien entered illegally. Organizations violating these rules face misdemeanor charges for aiding one alien or felony charges for five or more, with courts ordering one-year business license suspensions for first offenses and permanent revocation for repeat violations. Exceptions apply to law enforcement agencies transporting aliens for custody or first responders providing emergency services. The law requires verification of immigration status through federal records and aligns with federal immigration statutes (8 U.S.C. 1324).

This Idaho bill revises the career ladder system for public school staff, directly affecting teachers and support personnel in Idaho's public schools. It establishes clearer salary progression based on years of experience, professional endorsements, and performance criteria - requiring staff to meet specific performance benchmarks for 3 of the last 5 years to advance tiers. The bill also adds a $3,000 annual allocation for career technical education staff with occupational specialist certificates and provides adjusted placement for teachers with prior experience or industry background. School districts receive funding aligned with these revised tier placements, with performance criteria tied to salary increases.

This bill creates a new liquor license specifically for "established caterers" in Idaho. An established caterer must operate for at least five years and host 25+ events annually. The license allows caterers to serve liquor at their events without being restricted by population-based license limits, but requires liquor service to stop when food services end and prohibits promoting events as bars. The annual fee is $150 for registration plus $50 per event license, effective July 1, 2025.

This Idaho bill creates a refundable tax credit allowing parents to offset education expenses for children in nonpublic schools (including private schools, microschools, and learning pods). It provides up to $5,000 per eligible student annually ($7,500 for students with disabilities) for qualified costs like tuition, textbooks, and transportation, with an advance payment option for families earning under 300% of the federal poverty level. Parents must apply through the state tax commission, with priority given to low-income families and returning applicants. The credit applies retroactively to January 2025 and covers kindergarten through grade 12 education for Idaho residents aged 5-18 (or up to 21 for students with disabilities).

This bill (S 1135) amends Idaho law to clarify that certain coroner records are exempt from public disclosure while ensuring next-of-kin (immediate family) can access specific coroner reports. It updates Section 74-105 to add coroner records to the list of exempt documents and revises Section 74-113 to guarantee next-of-kin access to reports prepared by coroners. The changes focus on balancing public safety concerns with family access to information following a death. These are technical adjustments to existing disclosure rules, not new policy initiatives.

H 324 revises Idaho law to clarify how vacancies in the U.S. Senate seat are filled. If a vacancy occurs within 30 days of a general election, the governor must appoint a temporary replacement to serve until the next general election, without holding a special election. The bill also updates election law to specify that U.S. Senate vacancy elections follow the governor’s proclamation. This change directly affects Idaho’s process for filling Senate vacancies, particularly when they arise near election timing.

SCR 107 is a non-binding concurrent resolution recognizing Idaho cities as vital to the state's population (76.3%), economy (71% of businesses), and infrastructure (64.8% of roads). It states the Legislature's findings that cities provide essential services like public safety (employing 2,716 officers) and infrastructure maintenance, and urges state agencies to consult cities when creating policies affecting local communities. The resolution supports prioritizing local control over state mandates for issues like housing and public safety, but does not create new laws or alter funding. It has no legal effect and serves only to affirm the Legislature's position on municipal governance.

SCR 106 is a ceremonial resolution designating January 16 as "Religious Freedom Day" in Idaho each year. It recognizes the anniversary of the 1786 Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom and encourages Idaho citizens to observe the day through educational activities and ceremonies promoting religious liberty. The resolution does not create new laws or affect specific groups; it is purely symbolic, affirming religious freedom as a core value. The Idaho Legislature passed this resolution to commemorate the historical foundation of religious liberty protections in the U.S. Constitution.