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.
H 778 revises Idaho's dual enrollment rules to allow students from nonpublic schools (including private and home schools) and public charter schools to participate in public school nonacademic activities, such as sports and clubs. It requires these students to meet academic eligibility standards - like achieving minimum scores on state tests or approved assessments - to join such activities, with their primary school (where they take most courses) responsible for overseeing these standards. The bill also clarifies that dually enrolled students in public charter schools do not count toward enrollment limits and permits joint enrollment in alternative programs or postsecondary institutions, with credits counting toward graduation. The law takes effect on July 1, 2026.
This Idaho bill (H 641) adds new rules for earned sick leave use in employment contracts. It prevents employers from disciplining workers for using sick leave as permitted under their written policy, and requires verification of need (e.g., work ability) without demanding medical diagnoses or health details. The bill clarifies that employers are not required to offer sick leave, and it does not mandate payment for unused sick leave upon separation. It takes effect July 1, 2026, and applies to all Idaho employers offering sick leave benefits.
Idaho bill H 756 establishes rules for new large electricity consumers (defined as those requiring 20+ megawatts of power within five years). It requires public utilities to obtain commission approval before serving these customers, mandating a "no-harm test" to ensure existing ratepayers won’t face higher bills. The law also requires large consumers to provide financial security (like cash deposits or letters of credit) to cover potential stranded costs if they reduce their power needs. These provisions apply to new connections or significant expansions of existing service entrances, with annual reviews to verify ongoing rate protection.
