Rep. Ilana Rubel

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Idaho's child care assistance program by expanding income eligibility for families. It allows households with a countable income at or below 175% of the federal poverty level to qualify for child care support through the state program. The change applies to families applying for assistance and is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes a state law restriction that currently prevents cities and other local governments in Idaho from setting minimum wages higher than the state's minimum wage. The change would allow local political subdivisions to enact their own minimum wage ordinances that exceed the statewide rate of $7.25 per hour. The bill also includes technical corrections to the existing minimum wage statute and sets an effective date of July 1, 2026. This legislation directly affects local governments in Idaho that may wish to establish higher wage floors for employers within their jurisdictions.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Motor Voter Act, would automatically register eligible voters when they visit Idaho driver's licensing offices to get a driver's license or identification card. Under the new system, the Division of Motor Vehicles would complete voter registration applications for people who apply for these documents, then forward those applications to county clerks on a weekly basis. The bill includes an opt-out provision, allowing individuals to choose not to be registered to vote during this process, and it would take effect on July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes a state law that previously prevented local governments in Idaho from regulating auxiliary containers, such as plastic bags. By repealing Section 67-2340 of the Idaho Code, the legislation allows cities and counties to create their own rules about plastic bag usage and disposal within their jurisdictions. The measure directly affects local governments that may wish to implement bag bans or fees, as well as businesses that sell or distribute plastic bags. The bill includes an emergency declaration to ensure the changes take effect immediately upon passage and approval.

Maddy summaryIdaho's H 782 bill revises income tax rates for individuals and corporations, lowering the top individual rate to 5.325% by 2026 and gradually reducing corporate tax rates from 7.6% to 5.325% over time. It extends the child tax credit indefinitely - allowing $205 per qualifying child annually for families filing Idaho taxes - and permanently repeals the Parental Choice Tax Credit (which provided education-related tax breaks) and its advance payment fund. The bill directly affects Idaho residents (through individual tax changes), businesses (via corporate tax adjustments), and families with qualifying children (through the extended credit). Key mechanisms include automatic inflation adjustments for tax thresholds and the elimination of the Parental Choice program, effective immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryHCR 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.

Maddy summaryThis bill would legalize medical cannabis use in Idaho for patients with qualifying conditions, allowing possession, transportation, and use of cannabis products under strict state regulations. It establishes a state-issued card system for patients and caregivers, requires electronic verification for purchases, and limits products to 100ml of liquid or 10 tablets/capsules per package. The bill reclassifies cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule II controlled substances under Idaho law and clarifies that insurers are not required to cover medical cannabis. It also defines specific medical uses, prohibits public consumption, and sets up a regulatory framework for pharmacies and healthcare providers.

Maddy summaryThis Idaho bill (H 360) removes existing abortion restrictions from state law. It repeals specific provisions including the "Defense of Life Act" (Section 18-622), "Abortion Trafficking" law (Section 18-623), and the "Fetal Heartbeat Protection Act" (Chapter 88). The bill also amends several other sections to eliminate abortion-related language, such as restrictions on public funding for abortion (Section 18-8705) and prohibitions on abortion services in school health clinics (Section 18-8707). These changes take effect July 1, 2025, and directly affect healthcare providers, patients seeking abortion services, and public institutions operating under Idaho law.

Maddy summaryHJR 2 proposes repealing Idaho's constitutional ban on same-sex marriage (Section 28, Article III) by submitting the change to voters. If approved, it would remove the prohibition, allowing same-sex couples to marry in Idaho. The bill directs the Secretary of State to publish the amendment and arguments for voter consideration at the next general election. This procedural resolution has been introduced but not yet voted on by the legislature.

Maddy summaryH 68 removes a prohibition in Idaho law that previously prevented cities, counties, and other local governments (political subdivisions) from setting minimum wages higher than the state's $7.25 hourly rate. The bill amends Section 44-1502 of the Idaho Code by deleting subsection (4), which blocked local minimum wage ordinances. This change would allow municipalities or counties to establish higher minimum wages for workers within their jurisdictions. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2025, after being introduced in January 2025.