This bill prohibits Idaho courts from applying foreign laws that would violate fundamental rights protected by the U.S. or Idaho constitutions, such as due process, free speech, religious freedom, or marriage rights. It makes rulings, contracts, or jurisdiction clauses based on such foreign laws unenforceable, including in cases where foreign law would deny these rights. However, it explicitly excludes religious organizations from court interference in internal matters (like clergy appointments) and does not affect pre-existing contracts or entities voluntarily subject to foreign law. The law applies to all Idaho courts and parties in disputes involving foreign legal systems.
This bill replaces Idaho's existing administrative rules (IDAPA 02.01.05) governing "Certificates of Free Sale" with new provisions in Idaho Code. It requires the Department of Agriculture to issue these certificates to exporters, certifying Idaho-grown products meet state health and sanitary standards, with a $100 application fee. The old IDAPA rules will become void after July 1, 2026, and the new system will govern how exporters obtain these documents for international trade. The bill directly affects Idaho agricultural exporters and the Department of Agriculture's certification process.
This Idaho bill (H 689) revises rules for administrative subpoenas targeting electronic communication service providers (like internet or email companies). It requires these providers to disclose basic account details - such as subscriber names, billing information, service types, and connection records - to prosecutors or the attorney general within 14 days, but only for investigations related to specific criminal violations listed in the bill. The law explicitly prohibits demanding the content of communications (e.g., emails, visited websites) or detailed browsing history, and protects providers from lawsuits when complying with valid subpoenas. It also allows providers to challenge overly burdensome requests in court.
H 690 removes the Attorney General's requirement to establish a sobriety and drug monitoring program. It amends Idaho Code by deleting subsection (18) from Section 67-1401 (which directed the Attorney General to create this program) and repeals all related sections (67-1412 through 67-1416) that detailed the program's rules and fees. This bill directly affects the Attorney General's office by eliminating a specific duty to implement and manage this program. The change takes effect on July 1, 2026, with no new program or requirements replacing the repealed provisions.
Idaho's S 1339 requires all public school districts and public charter schools to create annual strategic performance plans focused on improving student outcomes. These plans must set measurable goals for academic proficiency, growth, college/career readiness, and support for at-risk students, using evidence-based strategies and data. Starting in 2027-2028, schools must submit these four-year plans with annual progress reports to the state education department, which will evaluate performance using a state-developed matrix and recognize top-performing schools. The bill replaces previous continuous improvement requirements and mandates regular board reviews of progress toward these goals.
SJM 112 is a joint memorial from Idaho's legislature calling on Congress to propose a constitutional amendment requiring a balanced federal budget. It directly addresses U.S. Senators Mike Crapo, Jim Risch, and Representatives Mike Simpson and Russ Fulcher (Idaho's congressional delegation) to lead efforts in Congress. The memorial cites Idaho's concerns about the $38 trillion national debt and references Article V of the Constitution as the proper process for such an amendment. It does not create new law but formally requests federal action to address budget deficits.
H 766 amends Idaho Code to revise the definition of "governmental entity" in development impact fee law. The bill explicitly specifies that cities, counties, single countywide highway districts, fire protection districts, and ambulance service districts are authorized to adopt development impact fee ordinances. This change directly affects these local government units by clarifying their authority to impose fees on developers to fund public infrastructure. The bill does not alter fee calculation methods, project requirements, or infrastructure types covered - only the list of entities permitted to implement the fee system.
This bill consolidates Idaho's STEM education programs under the Workforce Development Council by repealing the separate Idaho STEM Action Center structure. It transfers responsibilities like computer science education initiatives, STEM funding oversight, and program coordination to the Council. The key change revises references from "STEM Action Center" to "Workforce Development Council" in all relevant laws, streamlining oversight of K-12 computer science programs and STEM education funding.
H 665 revises Idaho's Appaloosa license plate program by adjusting fees and directing funds. It requires a $35 initial fee and $25 annual renewal fee for these special plates, with $10 from each fee going to the state highway account and $25 (initial) or $15 (renewal) transferred to the Appaloosa horse club foundation. The funds must exclusively support youth horse programs and horse-related education in Idaho. This bill affects vehicle owners who choose Appaloosa plates, which are available for most registered vehicles (excluding heavy trucks over 26,000 pounds). The changes take effect July 1, 2026.
Idaho's H 683 modifies residency restrictions for registered sex offenders near schools and daycares. It requires offenders to live at least 500 feet from school or daycare property lines (measured from the dwelling's exterior wall to the property boundary), with an exception for homes established before July 1, 2006, for schools or July 1, 2020, for daycares. This directly affects individuals required to register under Idaho's sex offender laws who reside near educational facilities. The bill updates existing law to clarify these distance requirements while preserving grandfathered residences. The amendment passed unanimously in the Idaho House on February 26, 2026.
This bill repeals Idaho Code section 67-1210B, which contained outdated provisions about the state treasurer's ability to continue investing through securities lending agreements. It directly affects the Idaho State Treasurer's office by removing obsolete legal language from state code. The key mechanism is a straightforward repeal of the specific code section identified as unnecessary during a legislative review. The law will take effect on July 1, 2026, as part of a broader effort to streamline Idaho's statutes. This is a procedural cleanup with no new policy changes for state investments.
This bill revises Idaho's election laws to standardize ballot formats and content. It requires the Secretary of State to prescribe uniform ballot forms for all elections, including specific rules for listing candidates and issues statewide versus locally. Key provisions mandate rotating candidate name order based on voter counts (25,000+ voters for some offices, 100,000+ for others) and using alphabetical randomization for other elections. The bill directly affects election officials who prepare ballots and ensures consistent voter experience across the state. It takes effect July 1, 2026.
