H 395 requires public utilities in Idaho to allow competitive bidding for new large electricity customers (defined as those needing 30+ megawatts of power) instead of using the utility's existing resources. It mandates that utilities make their transmission and distribution infrastructure available at cost to facilitate competition, and prohibits utilities from shifting costs for these new large loads to other electricity customers. The law also prevents ratepayers from being unfairly burdened by requiring cost recovery only from the specific large customer, not the general public. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2025.
Idaho's H 462 expands the state's tax deduction for adoption-related expenses to include legal fees and medical costs associated with the acquisition and transfer of a donated embryo that results in a live birth. The bill allows adoptive parents to deduct these expenses (capped at $10,000 total) in the tax year of the live birth, plus costs from the three prior years related to the embryo process. It applies specifically to families using donated embryos for assisted reproduction leading to childbirth, mirroring existing adoption deduction rules. The change takes effect retroactively from January 1, 2025, and requires the embryo procedure to result in a live birth to qualify for the deduction.
HCR 6 is a non-binding Idaho legislative resolution expressing support for the state's economic partnership with Taiwan. It cites Taiwan as Idaho's second-largest trade partner ($1.33 billion in 2023) and formally affirms Idaho's backing for U.S.-Taiwan trade relations, including support for a bilateral trade agreement and Taiwan's participation in international organizations. The resolution does not create new laws but publicly recognizes existing ties, such as Idaho's sister-state relationship with Taiwan since 1984 and ongoing trade in agricultural and manufactured goods.
HJR 6 proposes adding a constitutional amendment to Idaho's constitution stating English as the official state language. The amendment requires English to be used in all public proceedings, documents, instruction, and public acts by state institutions, except where federal law mandates otherwise. This directly affects state government operations, public schools, and any public services provided by Idaho institutions. The bill must now be submitted to voters in the next general election for approval.
Idaho's Joint Memorial HJM 5 expresses the state legislature's opposition to the Lava Ridge wind energy project, which proposes 231 turbines on public land in Jerome, Lincoln, and Minidoka Counties. The memorial cites concerns including impacts on cultural sites (like Minidoka National Historic Site), wildlife habitats, the Snake River Aquifer, local housing shortages, and agricultural land use. It requests federal intervention to halt the project, noting Idaho would derive little benefit while the energy would primarily serve Nevada and California. As a non-binding memorial, it does not alter laws but formally urges federal action to oppose the project.
Idaho's HCR 8 is a formal legislative resolution expressing opposition to the Lava Ridge wind energy project, which the Bureau of Land Management approved for public lands in Jerome, Lincoln, and Minidoka Counties. The resolution cites concerns about impacts to the Snake River Aquifer, wildlife habitats, cultural sites like Minidoka National Historic Site, local agriculture, and the Magic Valley's strained housing and construction capacity. It directs state agencies to cooperate in potential federal reviews, requests the Governor and Attorney General to formally protest the project, and supports a "no-build" outcome. The resolution does not alter laws but formally records the Legislature's position opposing the project's approval.
Idaho's S 1087 requires health care providers to provide one free copy of a patient's medical records (including mental health records) to the patient, their authorized representative, or attorney when needed for a Social Security benefits claim or appeal. Providers must deliver the copy within 30 days, preferably in electronic format if available. Small independent providers with fewer than 50 employees are exempt from this requirement. The bill applies specifically to medical records requested for Social Security benefit processes, not general patient access.
S 1188 revises Idaho's laws for virtual education programs in public school districts and virtual public charter schools. It prohibits school districts from enrolling new students outside their district boundaries in virtual programs starting July 2025, requires school boards to approve contracts with educational services providers, and mandates that virtual schools can only be authorized by the Public Charter School Commission starting July 2026. School districts must also report virtual program enrollment and financial data to the legislature by January 2026. These changes directly affect public school districts, virtual charter schools, and educational services providers.
This joint memorial (SJM 104) requests two actions from federal agencies: (1) expedited permitting to clean Camas Creek (which is obstructed by sediment and willows, disrupting water delivery to agricultural users), and (2) transfer of Camas National Wildlife Refuge ownership to Idaho’s Department of Fish and Game for integration with the adjacent Mud Lake Wildlife Management Area. It directly affects Idaho water right holders dependent on Camas Creek water for farming and aims to streamline management of the 11,000-acre refuge and 11,500-acre Mud Lake area. The memorial cites that Idaho’s state permitting process is faster and equally protective as federal procedures, and that Idaho Fish and Game has managed similar areas effectively for decades. As a procedural request to Congress and federal agencies, it does not create new law but seeks to resolve operational delays.
Idaho's H 270 amends the state's indecent exposure law (Idaho Code §18-4116) to clarify and expand what constitutes a violation. The bill specifically adds new categories to the definition, including exposing "developed female breasts," "adult male breasts medically altered to appear like female breasts," or "artificial breasts intended to resemble female breasts," alongside existing provisions about genital exposure. It also increases penalties: a second or third offense within five years becomes a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison, while breastfeeding remains exempt from the law. The bill took effect March 26, 2025, after being signed by the governor.
This bill changes Idaho's tax rules for electric and gas utility companies. It removes some existing property tax exemptions for these companies, adds a new tax on rate-regulated electric and gas utility companies, and creates a specific exemption for electricity used in irrigation. The tax revenue will be distributed to local governments based on 2025 property tax data from those utilities. These changes apply directly to utility companies and affect how local governments receive tax revenue from them.
H 312 revises Idaho's daycare licensing rules to update definitions, fees, safety standards, and training requirements. It clarifies terms like "daycare facility" (7+ children) and "daycare center" (13+ children), adjusts license fees based on facility size ($100-$325), and adds new safety rules for pools and firearms. The bill also introduces behavior management standards (new Section 39-1110A) and requires updated criminal history checks for staff. These changes directly affect daycare providers, owners, and operators statewide, with the law taking effect July 1, 2025.
