Idaho Bills

This bill repeals Chapter 60, Title 67 of the Idaho Code, which established the Idaho Women’s Commission. It eliminates the legal authority and structure of the commission, directly affecting its operations and funding. The repeal takes effect on July 1, 2026, as declared an emergency. This is a procedural change with no new provisions or policy impacts.

H 522 establishes a "drone no-fly zone" around Idaho's correctional facilities, creating a 400-foot restricted airspace above prison grounds. It prohibits drones from operating in this zone for any illegal or dangerous purpose (like spying or smuggling), making violations a misdemeanor punishable by fines of $2,000-$5,000 or up to one year in jail. Correctional facilities and law enforcement may use legal methods - such as jamming or physical capture - to disrupt drones operating "in a nefarious manner" within this zone. The law requires drone operators to know these restrictions, with ignorance not excused as a defense.

Idaho's H 561 revises rules for displaying flags on government property. It specifies which flags governmental entities (like state agencies, counties, and cities) may display - such as the U.S. flag, Idaho flag, military flags, tribal flags, and flags for special occasions - while removing prior restrictions on other flags. Government entities that violate these rules face a $2,000 daily civil penalty. The Attorney General enforces the law, requiring 10 days for correction before penalties apply, and can pursue legal action for ongoing violations.

This Senate resolution formally confirms that the Senate Health and Welfare Committee has reviewed and approved temporary and pending rules from several state agencies, including the Commission on Aging, Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Department of Health and Welfare, and Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses. The resolution applies to rules submitted for review during the 2026 legislative session and establishes that these rules have passed committee review unless specifically excluded. Four specific rule sets were not approved and will expire when the legislative session ends, including regulations for daycare licensing, child care programs, drinking water professionals, and occupational therapy licensure. This procedural document does not change any laws or policies but serves as an official record of the committee's review actions for the upcoming session.

This Senate resolution confirms that the Senate Commerce and Human Resources Committee has reviewed and approved all temporary and pending rules from the Idaho Department of Insurance, Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses, and Department of Commerce for the 2026 legislative session. The only rule not approved is IDAPA 24.39.50 regarding Public Works Contractors License Board rules, which the committee did not hear and therefore did not approve. Additionally, the resolution declares that two specific pending rules will become effective when the legislative session ends, including health insurance coverage rules and public works contractor licensing rules. This procedural document formalizes the committee's oversight role under Idaho state law without creating new substantive policy changes.

This Senate resolution formally approves temporary and pending rules for the Idaho State Police, Division of Veterans Services, Sexual Offender Management Board, and Office of Administrative Hearings after committee review. The Senate Judiciary and Rules Committee examined these rules during the 2026 legislative session and approved them with one exception: a specific Sexual Offender Management Board rule that was not heard by the committee. The resolution also designates one pending Sexual Offender Management Board rule to take effect when the legislative session ends. This procedural measure allows the approved rules to proceed without further legislative action while ensuring the exception is noted for future consideration.

This bill formally approves temporary and pending rules from six Idaho state agencies, including the Department of Fish and Game, Department of Lands, and Department of Environmental Quality. The Senate Resources and Environment Committee reviewed these rules and approved most of them, while specifically excluding two sections related to park administration and groundwater quality regulations. Additionally, the bill allows one pending rule concerning public drinking water systems to take effect at the end of the current legislative session. This action follows state law requiring legislative committees to review administrative rules before they become permanent.

This bill strengthens Idaho's campaign finance laws by requiring political committees supporting ballot measures to certify that no foreign nationals funded their activities and that donors have not received over $10,000 from foreign sources in the prior four years. It mandates immediate online reporting of contributions of $1,000 or more within 48 hours and requires candidates and committees to certify they have not knowingly accepted foreign funds. The legislation also restricts the release of certain donor information and establishes penalties for violations, while defining "foreign national" in alignment with existing state law. These changes directly affect candidates, political committees, and donors involved in Idaho elections and ballot initiatives.

This bill eliminates the Commission on Hispanic Affairs from Idaho law and removes it from the list of organizations eligible for state income tax credits. The legislation repeals the existing chapter governing the commission and amends tax code sections to delete references to the commission in tobacco tax revenue allocations and charitable contribution tax credit provisions. While the bill removes the commission's legal status and funding sources, it does not address the underlying policy goals or community needs the commission previously served. The changes take effect on July 1, 2027, following a legislative intent to reduce government bureaucracy.

This bill would amend Idaho law to create an exception for licensed motor vehicle dealers when a manufacturer or distributor owns or operates a dealership. The key provision allows manufacturers or distributors to own or operate dealerships in Idaho without violating existing laws that currently restrict such ownership. This change directly affects vehicle manufacturers, distributors, and licensed dealers in the state by modifying the legal framework around dealership ownership and operations. The bill focuses on updating the Idaho Code to permit this specific business arrangement while maintaining other consumer protection and dealer conduct requirements.

This bill amends Idaho law to update the powers and duties of the Office of Information Technology Services, giving it greater authority to control and coordinate IT equipment purchases across state government departments. The legislation requires the office to conduct technical and financial analyses before approving IT acquisitions, allows for third-party broker assistance under specific ethical guidelines, and exempts smaller purchases under $15,000 from certain procurement rules. Key provisions include mandatory cybersecurity measures like multi-factor authentication for all state systems, requirements for criminal background checks on IT staff in specific roles, and directives to implement cybersecurity training and best practices across all state agencies. The bill also establishes the office's role in overseeing cybersecurity policies, managing federal IT funds, and coordinating public outreach efforts to protect personal information from cyber threats.

This bill is a concurrent resolution that asks the Citizens' Committee on Legislative Compensation to lower pay and expense allowances for Idaho legislators in the upcoming 69th Legislature. The resolution is based on the legislature's finding that state budget cuts and salary freezes for employees are creating financial burdens for citizens and workers. It directs the committee to consider reducing legislative compensation so lawmakers share in the state's fiscal challenges. The bill does not change any laws but serves as a formal recommendation to the compensation committee.