Idaho Bills

This bill establishes a new chapter in Idaho law to address alleged violations of legal prohibitions by public officers and employees. It allows certain government leaders to refer potential violations to the attorney general, who must notify the accused party and give them 14 days to either admit and fix the violation or deny it. If the violation is not resolved, the attorney general may file a court action to enforce compliance or seek to disqualify the individual from public office for up to five years. The bill applies to state agencies, schools, political subdivisions, and other public entities, excluding legislative and judicial branches.

This bill updates Idaho state procurement rules to allow agencies to join cooperative purchasing groups, sponsor joint buying agreements with other public agencies, or use existing contracts from other state agencies when they meet competitive bidding standards. The legislation requires these arrangements to be documented in written agreements and ensures participation fees are applied fairly across all members of any purchasing organization. It also permits contract modifications if the state administrator determines they serve the state's best interests, while maintaining records of these agreements with relevant state divisions. The bill aims to reduce administrative burdens and potentially lower costs by streamlining how the state acquires goods and services through shared purchasing power.

This bill would amend Idaho law to create an exception for licensed motor vehicle dealers when a manufacturer or distributor owns or operates a dealership. The key provision allows manufacturers or distributors to own or operate dealerships in Idaho without violating existing laws that currently restrict such ownership. This change directly affects vehicle manufacturers, distributors, and licensed dealers in the state by modifying the legal framework around dealership ownership and operations. The bill focuses on updating the Idaho Code to permit this specific business arrangement while maintaining other consumer protection and dealer conduct requirements.

This bill appropriates $35.7 million to Idaho's Department of Health and Welfare for public health services in fiscal year 2027, while reducing the budget for laboratory services by $78,400 and cutting three full-time equivalent positions. The funding covers physical health services, immunization programs, and disease prevention efforts including suicide prevention, HIV surveillance, and hepatitis monitoring. The legislation requires the department to submit annual reports by December 31, 2026, detailing outcomes and return on investment for these programs. The bill also mandates a specific report on vaccine utilization rates and cost savings from the Immunization Assessment Fund.

Idaho's H 750 defines "programmable money" (a digital asset that can be programmed for specific uses) and explicitly excludes it from the legal definition of "money." The bill establishes new rules limiting its use, provides legal remedies for violations, and creates criminal penalties for unauthorized or harmful transactions involving programmable money. It directly affects businesses, financial institutions, and individuals using or issuing programmable money within Idaho. The law aims to clarify legal boundaries and protections for this emerging financial tool while addressing potential risks.

This bill establishes the Idaho Kratom Consumer Protection and Safety Act to regulate the sale of kratom products in the state. It prohibits businesses from selling adulterated kratom that contains synthetic compounds, excessive levels of 7-hydroxymitragynine, or harmful contaminants, while allowing natural kratom products to remain legal for adults. The law requires processors to follow federal safety standards, mandates clear labeling with ingredient lists and usage warnings, and sets an age restriction requiring proof of age for anyone purchasing kratom. Additionally, the bill prevents local governments from creating stricter regulations than those set by the state and limits fees and licensing requirements for kratom businesses.

This bill amends Idaho law to clarify when wastewater corporations are classified as public utilities subject to state regulation. It defines key terms like wastewater system, service connection, and wastewater corporation, and establishes that corporations serving fewer than 100 active connections or standby capacity reservations are exempt from public utility regulation. The bill also authorizes the public utilities commission to charge reasonable oversight fees to regulated wastewater corporations and declares the law effective July 1, 2026.

This bill appropriates $980,000 from the Consumer Protection Fund to the Idaho Office of the Attorney General for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. The funds are designated for two specific programs: $910,000 for State Legal Services and $70,000 for Internet Crimes Against Children initiatives. The legislation directs that these monies be used for personnel costs related to the Attorney General's duties under Idaho law. An emergency clause is included to allow immediate implementation of the funding for fiscal year 2026 upon passage.

This bill creates the Idaho Child Care Program to help low-income families in Idaho afford child care for their children under 13, or older children with disabilities, while parents work, attend school, or participate in training. The program requires parents to meet specific work or education hour thresholds, such as at least 30 hours per week for one parent in a two-parent household, and sets income limits based on federal poverty guidelines and state median income estimates. It establishes rules for provider qualifications, program oversight, and eligibility redetermination every 12 months, while also defining intentional program violations and creating a waiting list system. The bill includes provisions for using federal and state funds to improve child care quality and capacity building, with an emergency declaration to expedite implementation.

Idaho's H 630 amends state law to allow permits for shooting coyotes, wolves, and red foxes from aircraft to protect livestock, crops, or land. Landowners must provide written permission for operations on their property, and permit holders must submit quarterly reports to the agriculture department. The bill specifies that red fox control is permitted year-round in designated hunting areas or where predation is causing problems outside those areas. It also eliminates existing administrative rules about this practice, effective July 2026.

Idaho's H 760 revises property tax exemptions for low-income housing owned by nonprofit organizations. It requires qualifying nonprofits to meet specific criteria, including federal 501(c)(3) status and ensuring no private benefit from tax exemptions. The bill mandates that 55% of units must rent to residents earning ≤60% of local median income, 20% to those earning ≤50%, and 25% to those earning ≤30%, with annual compliance reports to counties. It also adds protections preventing evictions for three months after certified medical emergencies and prohibits the exemption for properties with financing closed by July 1, 2026, unless undergoing rehabilitation.

This bill appropriates approximately $25.9 million to Idaho's Department of Fish and Game for fiscal year 2027, covering administration, enforcement, fisheries, wildlife, and communications programs. The funding comes from state, federal, and other dedicated funds, with specific amounts allocated to personnel costs, operating expenditures, and capital outlays. The legislation also allows the department to use any unspent money from fiscal year 2026 for nonrecurring expenses in the following year. An emergency provision sets the effective date as July 1, 2026.