This Idaho bill (H 651) revises rules for paying landowners who suffer damage to crops or property from big game animals like deer, elk, and pronghorn. It establishes a nonexpendable fund ($2.25 million) and an expendable fund that receives annual $200,000 transfers from the fish and game account. Key changes include requiring a $750 deductible per claim (waived for repeated crop damage in the same location), capping total annual payments at $125,000 per landowner, and adding rules for distributing funds when claims exceed available money. The bill directly affects ranchers and landowners seeking compensation for wildlife-related property damage.
This bill amends Idaho law to change how wildlife relocation projects, particularly for bighorn sheep, are handled. It requires the Director of Fish and Game to provide 30 days' notice to county commissions and landowners within 5 miles of proposed relocation sites, and to submit annual relocation plans to legislative leaders. County boards must hold public hearings within 30 days if landowners request one, and can approve or reject relocation plans. The changes aim to increase local input before moving wildlife, directly affecting the Department of Fish and Game, county officials, and landowners near proposed relocation areas.
Idaho's H 640 requires all state-managed funds - including public pensions, university endowments, and government investment accounts - to immediately sell investments in entities tied to designated "foreign adversaries." These include countries like China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea, as defined by federal regulations (15 CFR 791.4). The law prohibits new investments in such entities and mandates divestment of existing holdings by July 1, 2026. It explicitly states this does not override fiduciary duties or federal law. The bill affects all Idaho governmental entities managing public funds, including universities and retirement systems.
This Idaho bill (H 525) changes execution procedures for the death penalty. It establishes firing squad as the default method (replacing lethal injection) unless the director certifies lethal injection is available, and explicitly states that execution procedures cannot be challenged through rulemaking, judicial review, or other legal processes. The bill also adds confidentiality protections for individuals involved in executions and exempts execution participants from medical licensing rules and liability claims. These changes apply to all future executions, regardless of when the death sentence was issued.
H 547 amends Idaho's cosmetology licensure requirements to reduce the training hours needed for new practitioners. It requires cosmetologists to complete either 1,600 hours in a state-approved cosmetology school or 3,200 hours as an apprentice (down from previous requirements). This change directly affects individuals seeking cosmetology licenses in Idaho, making it slightly easier to qualify through education or apprenticeship. The bill takes effect January 1, 2027.
This Idaho bill (H 634) requires school districts and public charter schools to use state education funds only for the specific purposes they were designated for - such as textbooks or instructional programs - rather than diverting them to other uses. If funds are misused, the school must pay back the state, and if they fail to reimburse, the state will deduct the amount from their next state payment. The bill directly affects schools receiving state education funds by creating a clear accountability system for fund usage. It amends Idaho law to enforce proper fund allocation without adding new programs or changing existing funding levels.
S 1278 (Local Land Use Planning Act) requires Idaho cities and counties to permit multifamily (3+ dwelling units) and mixed-use (65% residential) development on religious land without special approvals like zoning changes or variances. It prohibits local governments from imposing restrictions on building height (below 40 feet), setbacks, parking requirements, or density limits beyond standard rules, while allowing supportive housing and group homes. The bill explicitly excludes homeless shelters from its provisions and applies to applications received on or after July 1, 2026. It establishes a legal process for religious organizations or housing groups to seek court enforcement if local governments violate these rules.
This Idaho bill (H 625) amends the Public Records Act to create a clearer process for people denied access to public records. It allows individuals to file a formal complaint in magistrate court within 90 days of a denial, requiring them to submit all related documents and pay a $100 filing fee. The bill also extends the deadline for filing a lawsuit in district court from 90 to 180 days after a denial, and clarifies that entities providing records claimed as trade secrets can legally challenge disclosure requests. These changes directly affect Idaho residents seeking public records and state agencies responding to such requests.
S 1279 prohibits restrictive covenants (like neighborhood rules in homeowner agreements) that block "starter home subdivisions" - defined as new single-family home developments on at least 4-acre lots - starting July 1, 2026. It requires local governments to allow these subdivisions in residential zones and sets specific limits: minimum lot sizes under 1,000 sq ft, small setbacks (15 ft front/rear, 5 ft sides), and density of at least 12 homes per acre. The bill also bans local governments from charging higher fees for these subdivisions compared to standard single-family developments. It does not override safety/environmental laws or affect rules in place before 2026.
This bill (S 1277) prohibits homeowner associations and restrictive covenants from banning accessory dwelling units (ADUs) - secondary housing units like in-law suites or backyard cottages - starting July 1, 2026. It requires local governments to allow up to two ADUs on residential lots (one for properties ≤1 acre, two for larger lots) and bans restrictions on parking, fees, size (minimum 1,000 sq ft), setbacks, and height. The law also mandates that ADU projects be approved administratively without discretionary review and allows affected parties to sue for violations. It directly affects homeowners, associations, and local zoning authorities by standardizing ADU rules statewide.
This bill increases Idaho's Parental Choice Tax Credit for 2026 and 2027, allowing eligible parents to claim up to $5,000 per child for education expenses. It directly affects Idaho parents of students aged 5-18 (or 5-21 for children with disabilities), covering costs like private school tuition, tutoring, textbooks, and transportation. Parents with income under 300% of the federal poverty level get priority, and families with children requiring disability services qualify for a higher $7,500 credit. To claim the credit, parents must apply annually, document expenses, and verify eligibility through the state tax commission.
Idaho's S 1280 prohibits restrictive covenants that ban duplexes or "twin homes" (two separate living units sharing a wall on single-family lots) and requires local governments to allow these housing types in areas zoned for single-family homes. The bill voids existing covenants that restrict such developments and mandates local zoning changes to permit twin homes/duplexes without unreasonable lot size, parking, or fee requirements. It also requires local approvals for these projects to be automatic (like single-family homes) without discretionary delays. The law applies statewide except in historic districts and takes effect July 1, 2026.
