Idaho's H 223 amends the state's Administrative Procedure Act to remove specific provisions about legislative review of agency rules while revising other aspects of the review process. The bill eliminates language requiring committees to review rules for consistency with legislative intent and modifies how the legislature can approve or reject rules through concurrent resolutions. It also updates effective dates, stating that approved rules will take effect on July 1 of the legislative session year (starting January 1, 2024), unless otherwise specified. This change primarily affects state agencies creating rules and the legislature's role in reviewing those rules. The bill does not alter the core process where the legislature can reject rules deemed inconsistent with enabling statutes.
This Idaho bill (H 230) creates a civil lawsuit option for individuals harmed by indecent sexual exhibitions - public displays of sexual activity - when minors are reasonably at risk of exposure. It allows victims to seek damages from people or entities that engage in such exhibitions, based on court precedents that limit First Amendment protection for indecent conduct near children. The law establishes a legal remedy (not criminal penalties) for these incidents, focusing on protecting minors from exposure to patently offensive sexual displays. It aligns with Idaho's existing laws against sexually explicit material harmful to minors.
S 1062 amends Idaho law to establish new requirements for commercial leases on state endowment trust lands. The bill requires commercial lessees (such as businesses, developers, or renewable energy projects) to comply with local zoning and planning ordinances, and mandates that the state land board consult with county commissioners and hold public hearings before approving leases over 20 years. It defines "commercial purposes" to include activities like retail, offices, or renewable energy facilities (excluding farming, grazing, or residential leases) and requires lessees to disclose certain information. The law also sets maximum lease terms (up to 49 years for commercial use) and ensures lease revenues are subject to public disclosure. These changes directly affect commercial land users, county governments, and the state land board's leasing process.
Idaho's H 88 bill changes the law to make soliciting commercial sexual activity a felony for second or subsequent offenses. It directly affects individuals who pay for or arrange sexual acts for payment, upgrading penalties from a misdemeanor (with a 5-day jail minimum) to a felony. The bill specifies that offering money for sexual contact or arranging such acts for payment will now carry felony charges upon repeat violations. It includes a technical correction to the existing law and takes effect on July 1, 2025.
Idaho's H 166 allows governmental entities (like cities, counties, school districts, and state agencies) to publish required public notices electronically on the state controller’s website instead of in print newspapers. It also permits abbreviated newspaper notices containing a web link to the full notice, with the same legal effect as traditional print publications. The bill requires notices to meet the same timing and content standards as print notices and mandates that the state controller’s website provide free public access to all electronic notices by 2027, including subscription options for meeting notices. Implementation phases begin in 2026 for basic access and fully operational by 2027. This change aims to modernize public notice systems while maintaining legal validity and accessibility.
Idaho's S 1042 limits rental application fees to protect applicants. Property owners cannot charge fees for more than two applicant households per rental unit at the same time, must disclose screening criteria (like credit or criminal history requirements) before accepting applications, and can only charge fees covering actual background check and processing costs. The law applies only when fees are charged, requiring transparency about screening standards and cost justification. It does not affect properties that don’t charge application fees. The bill passed unanimously in the House and takes effect July 1, 2025.
This Senate Resolution (SR 105) formally approves most temporary and pending rules from six Idaho state agencies - Idaho State Police, Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses, Idaho Public Utilities Commission, Idaho Secretary of State, Department of Administration, and Idaho State Lottery - following required legislative review. It specifically excludes one section (IDAPA 31.41.01, Section 205, Subsection 02) of the Telephone Customer Relations Rules from approval. The resolution confirms compliance with Idaho Code requirements for committee review of agency rules.
H 138 requires Idaho to meet specific conditions to maintain its Medicaid expansion program for low-income adults under 65 (with modified adjusted gross income at or below 133% of the federal poverty level). Key provisions include implementing work requirements for able-bodied adults, capping enrollment at 50,000 people, maintaining a 5% improper payment rate, and prohibiting Medicaid funds for gender reassignment procedures for adults 18+ or for any provider contracts involving prohibited services. If all conditions aren't met by July 1, 2026, the state must terminate the expansion by October 1, 2026. The bill also mandates federal waiver approval for these changes and requires legislative notification on waiver status.
This Idaho bill (H 125) amends the state's riot law to add a specific felony penalty for riots causing physical injury to a person. It makes such riots punishable by up to five years in prison or a $10,000 fine, in addition to existing felony classifications for riots at prisons/hostages or property damage exceeding $500. The bill directly affects individuals participating in riots that result in bodily harm to others. It does not change misdemeanor penalties for other riot circumstances or alter the law's application to property damage or facility-related incidents. The amendment is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.
SCR 102 is a legislative resolution authorizing Idaho's Legislative Council to form a committee to study the state's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The committee will examine whether state actions during the pandemic - such as emergency declarations, business closures, and mask mandates - violated constitutional rights or state laws. It does not change existing laws but directs a formal review of government conduct. The committee must report its findings to the next legislative session by February 2026. This resolution affects how Idaho's government will assess its past pandemic policies, not the policies themselves.
HCR 2 is a concurrent resolution commending the Boise State University women's volleyball team for forfeiting two matches against San Jose State University in 2024 due to the inclusion of a biological male on their roster. The resolution honors the team's decision to uphold "women's sports for women only," aligning with Idaho's Fairness in Women's Sports Act and Governor Little's executive order. It calls on the Mountain West Conference to correct athletic records to reflect forfeits as "no contests" and urges the NCAA to revoke its transgender athlete participation policy. As a symbolic resolution, it does not create new laws or alter existing policies.
H 106 changes how county fair boards operate in Idaho. It repeals the current rule making fair boards advisory to county commissioners and replaces it with new provisions. Fair boards can now choose to stay advisory or petition to become a separate board operating under this law. To make this change, a majority of board members must petition, the county commission must hold a public hearing, and both the commission (majority vote) and board members (75% vote) must approve. The law takes effect July 1, 2025, directly affecting county fair boards and county commissioners.
