Idaho Bills

in committee · Idaho · House Jan 22, 2026

H 509: IDAHO TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT – Amends existing law to provide that certain vehicles shall not be subject to more than one inspection within a seventy-two-hour period.

H 509 limits repeated inspections for certain commercial trucks in Idaho. It amends state law to ensure vehicles weighing over 26,001 pounds (excluding those carrying hazardous materials) cannot be inspected more than once within a 72-hour period after an initial inspection at state checkpoints. The Idaho Transportation Department must implement technology to allow these vehicles to bypass redundant inspections during that window. This directly affects commercial truck drivers and operators hauling goods within Idaho, reducing unnecessary stops and delays. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Transportation

in committee · Idaho · House Jan 22, 2026

H 510: GOVERNMENT TRANSPARENCY AND ETHICS – Amends and adds to existing law to establish provisions to protect public employees from certain adverse actions, to provide certain remedies for violations, and to provide special procedures for public record requests by the Legislature and legislative staff.

H 510 strengthens government transparency in Idaho by protecting public employees who communicate with legislators. It adds Section 6-2110 to shield employees from retaliation for sharing information, data, or expertise with lawmakers in good faith - prohibiting employers from banning such communication or requiring prior approval. The bill also creates Section 74-127, requiring state agencies to respond to legislative record requests within 15 working days (with possible 15-day extensions for delays). These changes directly affect Idaho state employees and agencies, aiming to prevent retaliation for whistleblowing and streamline legislative access to public records.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

in committee · Idaho · Senate Jan 22, 2026

SJR 102: LANDS – Proposes an amendment to the state constitution to establish provisions for the management of certain lands granted or acquired from the federal government.

This proposed constitutional amendment would require Idaho to place certain lands granted or acquired from the federal government into a permanent public trust. It prohibits selling these lands (except for land exchanges approved by two-thirds of the legislature) and mandates management focused on conservation, public access, and long-term resource protection. Revenue from leases on these lands would fund a new "public lands trust fund," used for land maintenance, county compensation, public access improvements, and support for public schools. The amendment must be approved by Idaho voters to take effect.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Environment

in committee · Idaho · House Jan 21, 2026

H 506: SALES AND USE TAX – Amends existing law to revise provisions regarding a sales and use tax rebate to certain developers of certain retail complexes.

This bill allows developers of qualifying retail complexes in Idaho to receive a 60% rebate on sales taxes collected by qualified retailers within their complex. To qualify, the retail complex must have $4 million in developer spending, and the rebate is tied to approved transportation improvements costing $6 million+ (for interchanges) or $10 million+ (for other highways), as verified by the Idaho Transportation Department. The state tax commission administers the rebate through a dedicated fund, with payments made within 60 days of funds becoming available. The rebate is capped at $35 million per transportation project, and developers must claim it within two years of completing the qualifying transportation work.

Topics ✗ Budget & Taxes

in committee · Idaho · House Jan 21, 2026

HR 19: POLITICAL VIOLENCE AND CRIMES AGAINST THE STATE – States findings of the House of Representatives and condemns political violence and crimes against the state that occurred in 2025, honors the lives of those killed or injured, and calls on all Idahoans to reject all forms of such violence.

This resolution (HR 19) is a symbolic statement by the Idaho House of Representatives condemning political violence and crimes against the state that occurred in 2025. It honors victims like law enforcement, public servants, and activists killed or injured during that period, including references to specific incidents in Idaho and other states. The resolution calls on all Idahoans, regardless of political affiliation, to reject such violence and uphold respectful civic engagement. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws or policies but serves as a formal expression of legislative concern.

in committee · Idaho · House Jan 21, 2026

H 505: OCCUPATIONAL AND PROFESSIONAL LICENSING – Amends, repeals, and adds to existing law to revise provisions regarding the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses.

H 505 amends and repeals numerous sections of Idaho law governing occupational and professional licensing boards. It updates procedures for boards like architects, chiropractors, engineers, and medical professionals by revising their powers, disciplinary processes, and administrative duties, while removing outdated or redundant provisions. The bill directly affects licensing boards and professionals seeking or maintaining licenses in these fields by streamlining administrative requirements.

in committee · Idaho · House Jan 21, 2026

H 499: UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS – Adds to existing law to establish provisions regarding unmanned aircraft systems near Department of Correction facilities.

Idaho's H 499 prohibits drones within two nautical miles of correctional facility boundaries, defining this area as "restricted airspace." The law allows correctional facilities and law enforcement to use countermeasures like jamming or physical capture to disable drones operating illegally near prisons, and requires drone operators to know these restrictions. Violators face fines of $2,000-$5,000 or up to one year in jail, plus forfeiture of the drone. The bill directly affects drone operators near prisons and grants authorities clear legal tools to address security threats.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

in committee · Idaho · House Jan 20, 2026

H 497: UNIFORM CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES – Amends existing law to revise provisions regarding controlled substances.

This bill (H 497) amends Idaho's controlled substances laws to update the list of Schedule I substances and clarify regulatory requirements. It specifically adds numerous fentanyl analogs (like acetyl fentanyl and beta-methyl fentanyl) to Schedule I and defines "fentanyl-related substances" based on chemical structural modifications. The changes affect medical practitioners, pharmacies, and law enforcement by revising registration rules, prescription database requirements, and disciplinary procedures for handling these substances. The bill makes technical corrections to multiple sections of Idaho Code without introducing new penalties or broad policy shifts.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice

in committee · Idaho · House Jan 20, 2026

HCR 21: SEMIQUINCENTENNIAL – States findings of the Legislature and encourages the celebration of America250 in Idaho.

HCR 21 is a concurrent resolution designating 2026 as Idaho's "Year of Volunteerism" and the "America250 in Idaho Service Challenge." It encourages all Idahoans to participate in celebrating America's 250th birthday by signing a replica Declaration of Independence displayed in the state capitol, using the theme song "Forever Idaho," and joining the Liberty Groves initiative where the Idaho Department of Lands plants trees to honor the occasion. The resolution has no binding effect but promotes symbolic community engagement through existing programs like the Revolutionary Spuds mascot and the America250 in Idaho ambassadors.

in committee · Idaho · House Jan 20, 2026

H 496: PODIATRY – Amends, repeals, and adds to existing law to provide for the Podiatric Medical Practice Act.

This Idaho bill replaces outdated podiatry regulations with a new licensing framework. It requires all podiatrists to hold a license, complete an accredited residency, and pass competency exams before practicing. The law defines podiatry as treating only foot and leg conditions (excluding knee surgery or amputations) and makes unlicensed practice a felony. The State Board of Medicine gains authority to set licensing standards, conduct disciplinary actions, and oversee renewals.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

in committee · Idaho · House Jan 19, 2026

H 490: RECKLESS DRIVING – Amends existing law to revise a provision regarding reckless driving.

Idaho bill H 490 revises the state's reckless driving law (Idaho Code §49-1401). It adds a specific prohibition against passing when a lane line indicates a sight distance restriction and clarifies that driving 20+ mph over the speed limit in school or construction zones constitutes reckless driving. The bill creates a new "inattentive driving" offense for less severe cases (e.g., minor carelessness), punishable by up to 90 days in jail or a $300 fine, while maintaining tiered penalties for reckless driving: first-time offenders face up to 6 months jail or $1,000 fine, and repeat offenders within 5 years face up to 1 year jail or $2,000 fine plus automatic license suspension. This law directly affects drivers convicted of these traffic violations, with changes taking effect July 1, 2026.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice ✓ Transportation

passed both · Idaho · House Jan 19, 2026

HCR 20: GOVERNOR’S ADDRESS – States findings of the Legislature and provides for a joint session of the House and Senate to hear a message from the Governor.

HCR 20 is a procedural resolution scheduling a joint session of Idaho's House and Senate for January 12, 2026, at 1 p.m. in the House chamber to hear the Governor's message. It directly affects the Idaho Legislature by setting a specific time and place for the Governor to address both chambers. The resolution has no policy provisions - it solely establishes the logistical details for this formal legislative event. The bill was finalized and delivered to the Secretary of State on January 16, 2026.

Bill results