Idaho Bills

S 1268 revises Idaho's alcohol beverage permit and license fee structure. It establishes a new $50 fee for permits allowing the sale of sealed, unopened liquor at charitable events (under Section 23-509B), and adjusts annual license fees for various businesses like bars, restaurants, golf courses, and transportation services (under Sections 23-904, 23-1315, etc.). These fee changes include specific increases effective July 1, 2027, and 2028, based on business type and location population. The bill directly affects alcohol license holders and organizations hosting charitable events involving alcohol sales.

Idaho's S 1263 prevents counties and cities from banning short-term rentals (like Airbnb) or vacation rentals outright. It allows local governments to enforce only specific safety regulations - such as requiring smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and emergency contact information - while prohibiting restrictions on the rental marketplace itself. The bill imposes licensing requirements only on property owners with four or more units or $10,000+ annual rental revenue, and mandates that all safety rules for short-term rentals must align with those for long-term rentals. This directly affects short-term rental property owners and local governments' regulatory authority over this housing type.

Idaho's H 604 amends laws governing sexual offender registration by changing requirements for psychosexual evaluations. It states that a defendant's failure to provide a completed evaluation may lead to a harsher sentence, and clarifies that convicted offenders must pay for evaluations unless they prove financial hardship (in which case the county pays but requires repayment). The bill also specifies that if government funds cover an evaluation, the defendant must repay the government through standard restitution procedures. These changes apply to individuals convicted of offenses listed under Idaho Code §18-8304 who are ordered to undergo such evaluations.

Idaho bill H 605 increases tax credits for seniors and adds deductions for certain income. It raises the annual food tax credit for Idaho residents from $100 (2022) to $155 (2025 onward), with an additional $50 credit for seniors aged 65+ who file taxes. The bill also creates a temporary deduction (2026-2028) for qualified tips and premium overtime pay, reducing taxable income. These changes directly affect Idaho residents filing state taxes, particularly seniors and workers earning tips or overtime. The credit is refundable if taxes owed are less than the credit amount.

H 600 amends Idaho's Public Records Act to create a clearer process for individuals denied access to public records. It requires people denied records to file a court complaint within 90 days, including the original request and response, and pay a $100 fee. The public agency must respond within 10 days, and courts must rule within 10 working days - without discovery or witness testimony. The bill also extends the time to file a petition for disclosure to 180 days and clarifies that trade secrets may be withheld under specific conditions.

This Idaho bill (H 601) prohibits public employers from using taxpayer funds to support government unions. It bans payroll deductions for union dues, public funding of union activities (like events or communications), and paid time off for union work, except as explicitly allowed. The law directly affects public employees (including teachers and school staff) and their unions across state and local governments, such as school districts. Key provisions define "government unions" broadly to include organizations handling public employee contracts and restrict how public funds can be used for union-related activities. The bill amends existing laws to enforce these restrictions, including penalties for violations.

Idaho's HCR 25 is a legislative resolution requesting Congress to call an Article V constitutional convention to propose a specific amendment. The amendment would require the federal government to balance its annual budget (spending not exceeding revenue) in non-emergency years, with exceptions for national emergencies. This resolution is Idaho's formal application under Article V of the U.S. Constitution, seeking to join other states in pressuring Congress to propose this amendment. It does not change current law but initiates a process requiring 34 states to trigger a convention for this specific proposal.

Idaho's H 552 amends traffic law to streamline consequences for drivers who refuse alcohol/drug tests or fail to appear for hearings. It specifies that missing a 7-business-day deadline to request a hearing after refusing a test automatically results in a $250 fine, a 1- to 2-year driver's license suspension (depending on prior offenses), and mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device on all vehicles. The bill directly affects drivers who refuse testing or skip required hearings, making non-attendance or non-requested hearings equivalent to a default judgment. Key changes include clarifying "business days" for hearing requests and ensuring automatic penalties if drivers don't formally contest the refusal. These amendments apply to all drivers in Idaho facing such violations under current traffic laws.

SR 113 is a symbolic Senate resolution, not a law, that condemns all forms of political violence and honors victims. It specifically calls on all Idahoans - regardless of political affiliation or background - to reject political violence and uphold respectful discourse. The resolution states the Senate's findings on the threat of political violence to public safety and elected officials, referencing recent incidents in other states. It does not create new legal requirements or funding but serves as a formal statement of the Senate's position.

S 1259 allows Idaho juvenile probation officers to arrest a juvenile probationer without a warrant when they personally witness a probation violation (e.g., breaking rules set by the court). This changes current law, which typically requires a warrant for such arrests, by granting officers immediate authority for observed violations. The bill specifies this applies only to violations seen in person and does not alter other arrest procedures or juvenile detention rules. It takes effect on July 1, 2026.

Idaho's H 595 requires all public schools and charter schools to develop cardiac emergency response plans (CERPs) by the 2026-2027 school year. These plans must ensure AEDs are accessible within three minutes of a cardiac arrest, include staff training in CPR/AED use following American Heart Association guidelines, and integrate with existing emergency policies. Schools with athletic programs must also maintain AEDs at all sports venues and require coaches to be certified in CPR/AED use. The law takes effect July 1, 2026, and provides legal immunity for those following its requirements.

H 597 revises Idaho Code to update the powers and duties of the Office of Information Technology Services (OITS), strengthening state IT management and cybersecurity oversight. The bill grants OITS authority to control IT purchases across most state agencies (with exceptions for higher education, legislative/judicial branches, and public safety equipment) and requires agencies to implement cybersecurity training, multifactor authentication for system access, and criminal background checks for IT staff in specific roles like network engineering and security. It also updates OITS's responsibilities to oversee cybersecurity policies, vulnerability testing, and statewide cybersecurity best practices. These changes directly affect all state government departments, institutions, and IT personnel involved in state systems.