This bill updates Idaho's election laws to require state legislative candidates to maintain a fixed residence within their district for at least 120 nights during the year before filing for office. The law applies to all candidates running for state representative or senator positions and includes an exemption for those serving in active military duty. Candidates must also meet existing requirements such as being at least 21 years old, a U.S. citizen, and a registered voter in the district for one year. The changes take effect on January 1, 2027, and do not alter other existing qualifications for state legislators.
Idaho's H 545 amends licensing rules to allow military chaplains who served honorably in the U.S. military to become licensed counselors without taking the standard exam or paying fees. Specifically, it creates a pathway for Idaho residents with military discharge papers (DD-214) showing honorable service, four units of clinical pastoral education, and documented counseling experience (1,000 hours for standard licensure or 2,000 hours for clinical licensure under military supervision). The bill directly affects veterans who served as chaplains and wish to practice counseling in Idaho. It streamlines their licensure by waiving typical requirements while maintaining background checks and residency rules. The law takes effect July 1, 2026.
