This concurrent resolution urges Idaho voters to reject the Idaho Medical Cannabis Act if it appears on the November 2026 ballot. The bill does not change any laws or create new programs; instead, it serves as a formal statement from the legislature expressing opposition to medical marijuana legalization. The resolution cites concerns about potential health risks, environmental damage, increased crime, and significant state budget costs associated with implementing a medical cannabis program. It also notes that the proposed act would allow home delivery of marijuana and does not require a doctor's prescription, which the legislature argues could lead to widespread recreational use.
This Idaho bill creates the Virtual Currency Kiosk Fraud Prevention Act to regulate businesses that operate physical machines for buying or selling cryptocurrency. It requires kiosk operators to obtain a money transmitter license, submit quarterly and annual reports to the state Department of Finance, and provide transaction receipts to customers. The law also mandates specific disclosures for new customers, establishes procedures for handling refunds, and creates requirements for sharing information with law enforcement to investigate fraud and money laundering. Additionally, the bill defines terms related to virtual currency transactions and includes protections for potentially vulnerable older adults who may be at risk of financial exploitation.
This bill provides additional funding and staffing to Idaho's Office of the State Public Defender for fiscal year 2027. It allocates $505,100 total from state funds, including $250,900 for personnel costs and $250,500 for operating expenses, while also authorizing six additional full-time equivalent positions. The legislation includes an emergency declaration to take effect on July 1, 2026, ensuring the office has necessary resources to support public defense services during the fiscal year.
H 690 removes the Attorney General's requirement to establish a sobriety and drug monitoring program. It amends Idaho Code by deleting subsection (18) from Section 67-1401 (which directed the Attorney General to create this program) and repeals all related sections (67-1412 through 67-1416) that detailed the program's rules and fees. This bill directly affects the Attorney General's office by eliminating a specific duty to implement and manage this program. The change takes effect on July 1, 2026, with no new program or requirements replacing the repealed provisions.
This bill requires courts to mandate ignition interlock devices for certain DUI offenders in Idaho. Specifically, it orders convicted drivers (who had suspended sentences) to install state-approved devices on all their vehicles at their own expense, preventing cars from starting if alcohol is detected above a .025 BAC level. The device must be certified by the transportation department, and courts may help cover costs for those demonstrating financial hardship. The restriction lasts one year from when the device is proven installed, and fees collected fund a dedicated court device account.
This bill requires Idaho to suspend driver's licenses for individuals who are 60 days or more behind on unpaid fines for moving traffic violations. It creates a new legal provision that allows courts to notify the Department of Transportation when a driver fails to pay an infraction penalty, triggering an automatic suspension without a prior hearing. To restore driving privileges, drivers must pay all outstanding fines and fees, and the law includes an appeal process through district court as well as limited exceptions for medical emergencies and employment-related travel.
This bill changes how Idaho pays counties for housing state prisoners in county jails. Counties will now receive $80 per day for the first seven days of each inmate's stay (up from $55), then $75 daily thereafter. The state must also cover all medical/dental costs for these inmates, and counties must bill the state every 60 days with payment due within 60 days. The changes take effect July 1, 2026, as an emergency measure.
Idaho's S 1296 amends criminal trespass law to specifically address unauthorized entry into churches or houses of worship. The bill adds that entering such properties without permission, with the intent to intimidate, harass, disrupt services, or disturb religious gatherings, becomes a misdemeanor. Penalties include fines up to $1,000 or up to six months in jail for first offenses, with harsher penalties for repeat violations. This directly affects individuals who trespass on religious properties with malicious intent, expanding existing trespass statutes to protect places of worship.
This Idaho bill revises the law against disturbing the peace to specifically include intentional disruptions at religious gatherings, neighborhoods, families, or individuals through loud noise, fighting, or offensive language near children. It also adds a new provision making it a misdemeanor to disturb funerals, memorial services, or viewings of deceased persons. The law targets individuals who intentionally create such disturbances in these specific settings. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026, after passing the legislature with broad support.
This bill revises how Idaho distributes transportation funding from the Highway Distribution Account. It gradually increases the share going to local governments (from 38% to 40% by 2025) while increasing the state highway account share (from 57% to 60%), and eliminates the law enforcement account's allocation. Crucially, it removes a restriction preventing fuel tax revenues (including fees from electric/hybrid vehicles) from being used for highway funding. These changes adjust existing fund distribution formulas without creating new taxes or programs.
