Idaho bill H 691 amends the legal definition of "neglected" in child protection law to clarify that "chronic neglect" involves abuse or neglect that is "extreme or repetitious" enough to indicate returning a child to the home would pose "unacceptable risk" to their health or welfare. This change directly affects child protective services cases in Idaho courts, providing a clearer standard for determining when neglect is severe enough to justify court intervention or removal of a child from their home. The bill revises Section 16-1602 of the Idaho Code to explicitly define "chronic neglect" within the "aggravated circumstances" section, which impacts how neglect cases are evaluated during legal proceedings. It does not create new programs or funding but refines the legal criteria used by courts and child welfare agencies.
This bill requires health insurers in Idaho to count all copays, deductibles, and coinsurance paid by or on behalf of plan members when calculating their total out-of-pocket costs for covered health services. It applies to all health benefit plans issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2027, directly affecting insurers and enrollees. Key provisions include excluding prescription drugs from the rule if a medically appropriate generic is available and prescribed, and giving Idaho's Department of Insurance authority to create implementing rules. The law takes effect July 1, 2026, with full application starting in 2027.
HCR 26 is a concurrent resolution expressing the Idaho Legislature's support for wildlife crossings. It states that wildlife-vehicle collisions endanger public safety and cause significant property damage, while noting that infrastructure like overpasses and underpasses can reduce collisions by over 80% and protect migration corridors for species like mule deer and elk. The resolution encourages state and local governments to collaborate on identifying priority sites for such crossings and to adopt policies preserving migration corridors. It does not create new laws or funding but formally supports existing efforts to enhance public safety and wildlife conservation.
This Idaho bill bans all cloud seeding and weather modification activities within the state. It repeals previous laws and establishes that any cloud seeding or weather modification is prohibited, with violations punishable by up to five years in prison and a $100,000 fine per offense. The law applies to all individuals, government entities, and private organizations conducting such activities in Idaho. The legislature cited a lack of proven effectiveness (referencing a 2024 government report) and constitutional concerns as the basis for the ban.
S 1287 revises Idaho's laws governing public highway rights-of-way, primarily affecting county and highway district officials who manage road systems. It requires commissioners to confirm no prior legal abandonment occurred before adding new rights-of-way to official maps, mandates public hearings for changes, and clarifies that creating a right-of-way doesn't automatically require highway construction or maintenance. The bill also specifies that public use alone doesn't open a right-of-way for travel, and landowners must receive advance notice before new rights-of-way are mapped. These changes aim to standardize procedures for designating, abandoning, and validating public highway corridors.
This Idaho bill (S 1289) sets limits on scholarships for non-U.S. citizen student athletes at public colleges. It requires public institutions to prioritize Idaho residents for scholarships and restricts non-citizen athletes to: no more than 10% of scholarships (excluding football), 5% for football, and no team exceeding 50% non-citizen scholarship recipients. Existing non-citizen athletes enrolled before the law's effective date (July 1, 2026) are exempt from these caps for up to four years. The law directly affects student athletes and public universities' financial aid policies, with implementation overseen by the Idaho State Board of Education.
This bill establishes a "social access pass" program for homeschool students in grades 8-12 in Idaho, allowing them to attend public school social events like dances, cultural activities, and career fairs at one local public school within their attendance area. Homeschool students must apply voluntarily, provide proof of residency, and pay a $25 fee (to cover program costs), but they won’t be charged extra for individual events beyond what enrolled students pay. The pass does not create enrollment in the public school system, so it won’t affect school funding, attendance records, or parental educational choices. The program begins in the 2026-2027 school year.
Idaho's S 1284 would allow the state to join the Dietitian Licensure Compact, enabling dietitians licensed in Idaho to practice in other participating states without obtaining separate licenses in each. The compact establishes a "compact privilege" that is equivalent to a license in other member states, requiring dietitians to meet uniform standards for practice. It includes provisions for sharing disciplinary information among states to protect public health and specifically supports military members and their spouses who relocate across state lines. This bill would update Idaho's licensing law to implement the compact's framework for interstate practice.
Idaho's S 1295 amends state law to clarify when defensive firearm displays are legally justified during potential threats. The bill specifically defines "defensive display or declaration of a firearm" to include verbally stating you have a firearm or placing a hand on a firearm while holstered, as long as a reasonable person would interpret this as protective. It confirms that such displays are not required before using force to prevent harm, and clarifies that intentionally provoking a threat invalidates this protection. The law directly affects Idaho residents using force in self-defense scenarios and will take effect on July 1, 2026.
This bill establishes Idaho's Kratom Consumer Protection and Safety Act to regulate kratom products while preserving adult access to natural kratom. It bans the sale of adulterated products containing synthetic 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), heavy metals, or harmful contaminants, and prohibits sales to anyone under 18 (requiring age verification via ID). Kratom processors must test products for safety, maintain records, and comply with federal guidelines, while retailers must label products with clear disclaimers about FDA status and age restrictions. Violations carry civil penalties up to $2,500 per incident, and the law preempts local regulations to ensure statewide consistency.
SJM 107 is a joint memorial (not a law) expressing the Idaho Legislature's support for Integra Resources' DeLamar mining project in Owyhee County. It states the Legislature's findings that the project would create high-paying jobs, generate over $570 million in tax revenue, and support rural economic stability, while noting Integra's commitments to environmental reclamation, tribal partnerships, and community investment. The memorial urges federal agencies (like the Bureau of Land Management and EPA) to expedite permitting for the project through timely and cost-effective review. It does not change laws but formally requests federal action to advance the project.
This bill repeals three Idaho laws: the Anti-Camcorder Piracy Act, Tape Piracy Act, and Motion Picture Fair Bidding Act. It removes outdated legal provisions related to media piracy enforcement that no longer serve their intended purpose. The repeal directly affects Idaho's legal framework for addressing media piracy, eliminating redundant statutes. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2026, as specified in the legislation.
