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.
This bill (H 799) repeals three outdated Idaho Code sections related to alcohol sales: Section 23-103 (about prior offenses), Section 23-215 (price list requirements for sellers), and Section 23-216 (attorney/agent rules for sellers). It directly affects alcohol sellers by removing obsolete regulatory requirements they no longer need to follow. The repeal streamlines Idaho’s alcohol laws as part of a broader cleanup effort, effective July 1, 2026. The bill is procedural and does not change current alcohol sales rules or create new obligations.
H 793 revises Idaho's beer excise tax revenue distribution, affecting state funds and the beer industry. It increases the portion of low-alcohol beer tax revenue (≤5% ABV) going to the substance abuse treatment fund from 12% to 20%, while allocating 33% to the Idaho law enforcement fund (with 60% dedicated to the Project Choice program) and the remainder to the general fund. For high-alcohol beer (>5% ABV), it temporarily adjusts funding to hop growers and wine producers (1.5%/3.5% in 2022-2023, rising to 5%/1.5% permanently from 2024), with the rest going to the general fund. The bill removes obsolete language and takes effect July 1, 2026.
Idaho's H 667 eliminates the state's "nondomiciled CDL program," which previously allowed non-residents (people living outside Idaho) to obtain commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) or commercial learner's permits through Idaho. The bill removes specific definitions and provisions related to "nonresident" and "nondomiciled" CDLs from Idaho Code sections 49-115 and 49-306, and repeals the standalone section 49-336 governing nonresident commercial licenses. This change directly affects non-resident commercial drivers who could previously secure Idaho-issued CDLs without establishing residency. The law removes the legal framework enabling this program, requiring non-residents to obtain CDLs through their home states instead.
This bill allows certified interior designers in Idaho to legally sign and seal certain technical submissions for interior renovation projects, directly affecting licensed interior designers who previously couldn't submit such documents for building permits. It permits them to handle nonstructural interior work (like space planning, finishes, and non-load-bearing partitions) but explicitly excludes structural modifications, building envelopes, life safety systems, or engineering services. Certified interior designers must provide proof of professional liability insurance when submitting filings, and local governments must process these submissions identically to those from architects. The bill defines "nonstructural" work as interior elements not affecting a building's structural integrity or safety systems.
This bill requires Idaho public schools to address student online harassment targeting staff or others by creating a process for reporting, investigating, and disciplining students. It defines "inappropriate online behavior" as harassment, threats, or bullying via internet, mobile devices, or social media that harms school employees, students, parents, or volunteers. Schools must investigate reports, notify parents, and impose discipline like warnings, behavior programs, or suspension. The law does not block victims from pursuing other legal remedies.
This Idaho bill (H 637) updates legal tender provisions to clarify that gold and silver coins (and physical currency) can serve as legal tender within Idaho under federal constitutional limits. It explicitly states the state may use such coins in its own business operations and requires mutual agreement between parties before gold or silver can be used for transactions - no party can force acceptance. The bill does not create new currency or alter tax obligations, only reaffirming existing constitutional boundaries for using physical precious metals in payments. It takes effect July 1, 2026, as an emergency measure.
This Idaho bill (H 787) establishes a new licensing framework for podiatrists by creating Chapter 6 of Title 54 in the Idaho Code. It requires all podiatrists to hold a state license, mandating completion of a U.S./Canadian podiatry school, a 24-month residency (with 12 surgical months), passing national exams, and background checks. Practicing without a license becomes a felony, and the State Board of Medicine gains authority to oversee licensing, discipline violations (like criminal convictions or fraud), and enforce continuing education requirements (30 hours every two years). The law directly affects podiatrists seeking to practice in Idaho and ensures standardized qualifications for foot and leg care.
This bill approves and ratifies the Coeur d'Alene Tribe's 2026 water rights settlement agreement, which resolves a long-standing legal dispute over water rights in the Coeur d'Alene-Spokane river basin. It directly affects the Coeur d'Alene Tribe, as the agreement governs their federally reserved water rights, and potentially other water users who may lease these rights. The bill creates a "tribal water supply bank" managed by a local committee to lease the tribe's consumptive water rights (including surface and groundwater) to outside users for beneficial use, outside the tribal reservation. This mechanism allows the tribe to rent out portions of their water rights while maintaining their legal entitlements, with rules modeled after existing state water supply bank procedures.
Idaho's H 792 revises sales tax exemption rules for occasional sales and small sellers. It clarifies that home yard sales are exempt only if an individual sells under $5,000 total annually (up from no limit), and defines "small sellers" as Idaho residents with under $5,000 in annual sales who don’t collect state sales tax. The bill excludes sales of vehicles, alcohol, tobacco, boats, aircraft, and snowmobiles from these exemptions. It also updates technical references in tax code sections 63-3622K and 63-3622XX (formerly 63-3622YY) to align with current law. The bill affects individual sellers and small-scale vendors, not businesses.
This Idaho bill (H 494) establishes a new standardized system for background checks conducted by the Department of Health and Welfare. It requires fingerprint-based checks for specific groups working with vulnerable populations - including childcare workers, home health aides, mental health providers, foster care staff, and others with direct access to children or elderly individuals - to verify criminal history and disqualifying records. The bill defines key terms, sets confidentiality rules for check results, authorizes fees for applicants, and repeals outdated provisions. It directly affects applicants in over 25 specific categories of care and service roles under Idaho's health and welfare programs.
H 507 updates Idaho's military justice system by revising outdated terminology to be gender-neutral and clarifying procedures for handling misconduct. It modifies rules around restraining military personnel, adjusts disciplinary actions short of court-martial, and updates requirements for legal officers (judge advocates) serving in the state military. These changes directly affect Idaho National Guard members, state military personnel on active duty, and their legal advisors under Idaho law. The bill modernizes legal language and processes without altering core military justice outcomes.
