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.
This Idaho bill (H 633) exempts most food items for human consumption from sales tax (excluding restaurant meals, pre-prepared foods, and items sold with utensils), aligning with federal SNAP eligibility. It repeals the grocery tax credit program and adjusts how sales tax revenue is distributed to local governments. Specifically, it increases annual funding to counties by shifting from fixed amounts to a population-based formula adjusted annually for inflation, ensuring at least $4.1 million total for county election costs. These changes directly affect grocery shoppers, retailers, and local government budgets.
This bill requires Idaho fire insurers to disclose more transparent information about how they calculate premiums and wildfire risk scores. Specifically, insurers must submit complete rate filings 60 days before use, including details about any wildfire risk models they use, and post discount information for property mitigation actions on their public websites. Insurers must also send annual written notices to policyholders explaining their wildfire risk score in plain language, including how it was calculated and how mitigation actions could lower it. These requirements directly affect fire insurers operating in Idaho and their policyholders, aiming to improve clarity around premium pricing and risk assessment. The bill also mandates that the state insurance department collect annual data on fire insurance and publish anonymized consumer education resources by 2027.
H 612 exempts small portable solar generators (under 1,200 watts) from utility regulations in Idaho. Homeowners using these devices won’t need utility approval, pay fees for grid connection, or install extra equipment. The law defines portable solar as certified devices connected via standard outlets to offset household electricity use. It explicitly removes such devices from the definition of "public utility" under Idaho law and clarifies they’re excluded from related rules. The changes take effect July 1, 2026.
Idaho's H 617 establishes a regulatory framework for "programmable money" (digital money that can be programmed to spend under specific conditions). The bill amends existing law to define terms, explicitly exclude programmable money from the legal definition of "money," and adds a new Chapter 54 to the Idaho Code. Key provisions include limiting the use of programmable money, creating remedies for violations, and imposing criminal penalties for certain offenses. This bill directly affects financial institutions, technology providers, and users handling programmable money within Idaho.
