This bill updates Idaho's milk and cream testing regulations. It requires all milk and cream sold in Idaho to be tested using methods approved by the Idaho Department of Agriculture, affecting dairy farmers, processors, and buyers. Key changes include mandating samples be taken by authorized haulers with accurate temperature control (33-45°F), kept in tamper-proof containers, and allowing the Department to audit payments for compliance. The bill also clarifies definitions of "Department" and "Director" in administrative rules. It takes effect July 1, 2026.
H 733 revises Idaho's tax code for partnerships and S corporations (now called "affected business entities") by requiring these entities to pay tax on behalf of non-resident members instead of individual members filing returns. The bill adds new rules for calculating tax based on Idaho-sourced income, sets deadlines for annual elections to qualify as an affected business entity, and creates a new section (63-3070) to handle partnership income and federal adjustments. Non-resident members of such entities will not need to file individual tax returns if the entity pays the tax and reports it. The bill also updates technical provisions for tax notices, deadlines, and credit adjustments. These changes streamline tax collection for businesses with non-resident owners while maintaining Idaho's corporate tax rate for entity-level payments.
Idaho's H 777 updates the state's controlled substances laws by adding specific fentanyl variants (like acetyl fentanyl, beta-methyl fentanyl, and 3-methylthiofentanyl) to Schedule I, the highest control category. It also broadens the definition of "fentanyl-related substances" to include any structurally similar compounds, covering new analogs not explicitly listed. This directly affects pharmacies, hospitals, and law enforcement by requiring stricter handling, registration, and record-keeping for these substances. The bill also makes technical corrections to provisions on drug prescriptions, storage, and disciplinary actions related to controlled substances.
Idaho's H 521 amends laws to create a standardized process for background checks on individuals working with vulnerable populations. It directly affects private organizations (like childcare centers or elder care facilities) that serve children, the elderly, or people with disabilities, requiring them to submit fingerprints through the state bureau - not directly to the FBI - for criminal history screening. Key provisions include mandating the bureau as the sole state point of contact for FBI checks, granting applicants the right to view their background report and challenge inaccuracies, and specifying that organizations - not the state - decide fitness for roles involving vulnerable individuals. The bill also establishes fees for screenings and requires organizations to maintain documentation for audits.
S 1240 establishes Idaho's version of the Uniform Guardianship, Conservatorship, and Other Protective Arrangements Act. It replaces Idaho Code Chapter 5 (which covered protection for persons under disability) with a new, comprehensive framework organized into seven parts. The bill directly affects Idaho courts, families, and individuals needing legal arrangements for minors (through guardianship), adults with disabilities (through guardianship or conservatorship), and those requiring financial management (conservatorship), by standardizing procedures, defining key terms like "conservator" and "de facto custodian," and creating clear rules for court appointments.
This bill (H 568) repeals outdated Idaho Code sections related to floating timber (38-802 through 38-807), log scaling (38-1210), and town site claims (Chapter 8, Title 58). It removes specific provisions identified as obsolete during a legislative code cleanup effort. The bill does not create new policies or directly affect any individuals or entities - it simply eliminates outdated legal language from state law. The repeal takes effect July 1, 2026.
This bill (H 566) removes outdated or unnecessary provisions from Idaho's laws related to a State Trust for Outdoor Recreation Enhancement. It repeals specific sections of Idaho Code (67-4245 through 67-4249) that defined the trust's purpose, administration, and funding rules, and amends another section (67-4223) to remove references to the trust fund. The bill does not create new programs or change funding mechanisms; it solely streamlines existing law by eliminating obsolete language. The legislative intent states this cleanup ensures Idaho's statutes are "streamlined, up-to-date, and essential for the citizens."
H 581 amends Idaho law to give the state legislature the authority to review specific Idaho Supreme Court rules when they conflict with state law or potentially change legal rights. It directly affects the Idaho Supreme Court, which creates court rules, and the legislature, which can now formally notify the court of conflicts via resolution. The bill covers rules related to family law, court administration, and juvenile proceedings, requiring the legislature to advise the court of any conflicts found. The law takes effect on July 1, 2026, establishing a formal process for legislative oversight of court rulemaking.
H 686 amends Idaho Code § 18-1359 to revise restrictions on hiring relatives of public officials and add new exemptions. It removes the general ban on appointing relatives within the second degree to public positions paid by public funds, but requires cities with under 10,000 residents to follow strict procedures: publicly posting vacancies for 45 days, documenting outreach, maintaining written records of hiring decisions, and disclosing family relationships. The bill also allows employees already working for a local government before a related official's election to retain their positions and receive standard raises or promotions. This directly affects local government employees, officials, and hiring practices in small Idaho cities.
This bill establishes the Public School Digital Content and Curriculum Fund in Idaho's state treasury, administered by the Idaho Department of Education. It provides state funding for public school districts (including specialized programs like the Idaho Bureau of Educational Services for the Deaf and Blind) to purchase digital content, curriculum, and academic text support systems that directly improve student achievement in areas like reading, math, career readiness, and college preparation. School districts must demonstrate how requested funds (capped at $50,000 per request) will help meet measurable student performance targets outlined in their continuous improvement plans, with funding distributed first-come, first-served based on needs-based criteria. The bill also specifies that funds are continuously appropriated and interest earned must be returned to the fund.
Idaho bill H 623 requires all public schools in the state to provide a daily 60-second moment of silence at the start of each school day for all students in every grade. During this time, students may silently reflect, meditate, pray, or engage in other quiet activities without distracting others, but teachers cannot instruct students on what to do during this period. Schools must also notify parents about the policy and encourage parental guidance on student participation. The law applies to all Idaho public schools and takes effect on July 1, 2026.
Idaho House Bill H 652 formally designates hunting as the state sport of Idaho through a new law (Section 67-4517, Idaho Code). The bill cites the Legislature’s finding that hunting is historically and culturally significant to Idaho, reflecting constitutional rights to hunt, fish, and trap. This is a symbolic designation with no impact on hunting regulations, rights, or fees - only changing the state’s official recognition. The law takes effect on July 1, 2026.
