Idaho's S 1344 requires the Department of Health and Welfare to discontinue all programs not explicitly authorized by Idaho Code by July 1, 2028, and mandates annual monitoring to ensure compliance. The bill requires the department to submit a comprehensive report listing all programs and their legal authority to legislative committees by December 1, 2026. It also creates financial consequences for unauthorized spending, including reverting unspent funds to their original source and reducing future appropriations. This bill directly affects the state's health and welfare department and all programs it administers, ensuring legislative authorization for all services and funding.
H 784 requires Idaho public schools to provide daily outdoor recess of at least 20 minutes for students in kindergarten through fifth grade, with indoor alternatives (like gymnasiums) permitted when weather prevents outdoor time. It also encourages schools to offer unstructured activity breaks for students in grades six through eight. The law would take effect on July 1, 2026, applying to all public school districts and charter schools in Idaho. This directly affects K-5 students through mandated recess time and K-6-8 students through the encouragement of unstructured breaks.
This concurrent resolution (SCR 115) expresses the Idaho Legislature's support for consolidating the Soil and Water Conservation Commission (SWCC) into the Idaho Department of Water Resources (IDWR). It does not create new law but affirms the legislature's findings that merging these entities aligns with efficiency goals, as recommended by Governor Little's Executive Order 2026-01 and the DOGE task force. The resolution specifically urges that any consolidation preserves SWCC’s core mission of supporting voluntary, locally led conservation through conservation districts. It applies directly to Idaho’s soil and water conservation districts, the SWCC, and IDWR.
This Idaho bill (H 769) requires auto insurers to include a policy provision allowing policyholders to request an independent appraisal if they disagree with the insurer's valuation of a car claim (e.g., repair costs or total loss value) or settlement offer for third-party claims. It establishes a two-step process: first, each party selects their own disinterested appraiser within 20 days; if appraisers disagree, they then select a neutral umpire who must resolve the dispute within 20 business days by adopting one appraisal. The law directly affects Idaho car insurance policyholders and insurers, ensuring a structured process for resolving valuation disagreements without court involvement. Failure to follow these steps is a violation of insurance regulations.
H 768 (Contractor Registration Act) updates Idaho's requirements for contractors seeking or renewing registration. It mandates applicants to submit detailed information including business ownership details, proof of worker's compensation and $300,000 general liability insurance, and a designated compliance officer. The bill also strengthens the Board's authority to investigate complaints, request relevant documents (while protecting trade secrets), and issue penalties up to $1,000 per violation for non-compliance. These changes directly affect all contractors applying for or maintaining registration in Idaho.
This bill amends Idaho Code sections 49-117 and 49-1229 to increase the minimum required property damage liability insurance coverage for motor vehicles. It directly affects all Idaho drivers who purchase auto insurance, as it raises the legal minimum for coverage of damage to others' property in the event of an accident. The bill revises the specific dollar amounts required for this coverage under state law, though the exact new figures are not specified in the provided text. This change aims to update insurance requirements to reflect current economic conditions and property damage costs. The legislation is classified as an emergency measure with an immediate effective date.
This Idaho bill (H 780) updates rules for students enrolled in nonpublic schools (private or homeschool) who participate in public school activities. It requires these students to meet the same academic proficiency standards as public school students - demonstrated through state tests or approved assessments - to join nonacademic activities like sports or clubs. The bill clarifies that dually enrolled students do not count toward public charter school enrollment limits, establishes fees for nonpublic students joining activities, and allows credits from postsecondary institutions to count toward high school graduation. It directly affects nonpublic school students, public schools, and charter schools in Idaho. The changes take effect July 1, 2026.
Idaho's H 764 establishes new state law prohibiting organizations (and their officers or agents) from concealing, harboring, or shielding undocumented immigrants within Idaho. It specifically bans actions like providing shelter, financial support, transportation, or legal assistance to immigrants who entered or remain in the U.S. unlawfully, if the organization knows or recklessly disregards this fact. Violations carry penalties including misdemeanor or felony charges (depending on the number of immigrants involved), fines up to $3,000 per offense per immigrant, and potential revocation of business licenses. Exceptions cover law enforcement, medical personnel providing emergency care, and state courts performing official duties.
H 771 regulates the retail sale of industrial hemp products in Idaho. It requires all stores selling hemp products to obtain a $600 annual license from the Idaho Department of Agriculture (with $25 per additional location), while banning all cannabinoids except naturally derived CBD in consumable or personal products. The law allows department inspections, random product sampling, and retesting requests, with violations subject to civil penalties up to $10,000 per offense. It does not restrict law enforcement authority under existing Idaho laws and takes effect July 1, 2026.
Idaho's S 1341 updates campaign finance rules to increase transparency. The bill requires candidates, political action committees (PACs), and political parties to disclose all funding sources, including contributions and independent expenditures, with reports certified by the Secretary of State. It prohibits foreign contributions, mandates clear identification of who pays for polls or electioneering communications, and establishes strict reporting deadlines and penalties for noncompliance. These changes apply to all state and local elections in Idaho, aiming to make campaign funding more visible to the public.
This bill revises Idaho's rules for counting students in public schools and charter schools to determine funding and reporting. It sets specific limits: kindergarten students count as no more than half a full-time equivalent (FTE), summer/night school students max at one-fourth FTE, and students with 11+ unexcused absences before a count date cannot be included. Schools must count enrollment four times yearly (October, December, February, April) and require parental consent for enrollment. These changes directly affect school districts and charter schools in how they calculate student numbers for state funding.
This Idaho bill (H 739) requires schools and healthcare providers to notify parents within 72 hours if a minor expresses interest in social gender transition steps (like changing names/pronouns, bathroom use, or sports teams). It prohibits covered entities (schools, childcare, healthcare) from hiding such requests or facilitating medical gender transition procedures without parental consent. Parents can sue for violations and seek damages, while the state attorney general may impose civil fines up to $100,000 per violation. The bill directly affects minors under 18, their parents/guardians, and educational/medical institutions serving them.
