This bill adjusts funding and staffing levels for two Idaho state agencies for fiscal year 2027. It increases money and authorized positions for the Office of Species, Minerals, and Energy Coordination while reducing both funding and staff positions for the Idaho State Historical Society by the same amount. The legislation also allows the Office of Species, Minerals, and Energy Coordination to move money between different budget categories without restrictions. These changes take effect on July 1, 2026, and the bill was signed into law by the Governor.
This bill (S 1303) renames the "Renewable Energy Resources Fund" to the "Energy Resources Fund" and updates the definition of "renewable energy resources" to specifically include geothermal, wind, and solar power. It does not change how funds are distributed - 10% of federal renewable energy revenue still goes to counties for roads/schools, while 90% continues to flow into the fund. The change is purely technical, clarifying which energy sources qualify under the fund's definition. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026.
This bill appropriates $35,400 from the Public Utilities Commission Fund to provide additional funding for the Public Utilities Commission's capital outlay expenses during fiscal year 2027. The money is designated for the period from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, and is intended to support the commission's infrastructure and operational investments. The legislation includes an emergency declaration to ensure the funds take effect immediately on July 1, 2026. This measure directly affects the Public Utilities Commission by increasing its available budget for capital projects during the specified fiscal year.
H 734 revises how Idaho allocates tax revenue from renewable energy producers (wind, solar, and geothermal). It requires these producers to file annual earnings statements with the State Tax Commission, which then calculates each county's share based on the proportion of the producer's property cost located within that county. The Commission further apportions the tax among local taxing units (like school districts) using a weighted formula based on property value and prior year tax rates. This bill directly affects renewable energy companies and local governments receiving tax funds, with retroactive application starting January 1, 2026.
H 676 amends Idaho water law to explicitly allow municipalities to secure rights for geothermal water used in heating and cooling systems. It requires municipal applicants to provide detailed documentation on where and how low-temperature geothermal water will be injected back into the ground after use. This update revises application rules and definitions to accommodate geothermal projects while ensuring environmental compliance. The bill passed the Idaho House of Representatives in February 2026 with strong bipartisan support.
This bill is a joint memorial from the Idaho Legislature requesting that the U.S. Congress pass laws to regulate solar geoengineering activities. It specifically asks for federal legislation to prohibit the intentional release of substances into the atmosphere for solar geoengineering without explicit approval from the State of Idaho. The memorial urges banning unmarked aircraft and drones used for such activities over Idaho airspace and recommends making unauthorized actions a felony offense with criminal penalties. The document also calls for cooperation between federal law enforcement and Idaho state agencies to enforce these regulations and demands full disclosure and public consent for any solar geoengineering programs conducted over Idaho.
