This bill repeals Idaho's Local Innovation School Act and creates a new framework for "Districts of Innovation." It allows eligible school districts to apply for designation by submitting a detailed local innovation plan outlining specific changes to improve student outcomes, such as modified schedules, curriculum, or governance. Districts approved as "Districts of Innovation" gain exemptions from certain state laws, rules, and policies (but not federal requirements, graduation standards, or open enrollment rules), subject to biennial review by the state board of education. The plan must include community support, fiscal resources, and measurable goals like reducing achievement gaps or increasing college/career readiness.
This bill exempts small commercial sales of merchandise by political committees and candidates from detailed campaign finance reporting requirements. Specifically, it removes the need to report individual transactions under $200 if the items are sold as standard retail to the general public (excluding limited-quantity items like 5 or fewer of a specific item). Political committees must still report total sales revenue and cost of goods sold to the secretary of state. The change applies to in-person events and online sales, simplifying recordkeeping for routine merchandise sales while maintaining aggregate reporting. It takes effect July 1, 2025.
This bill allows Idaho counties to implement a 3% tax on short-term lodging (including hotels, motels, vacation rentals, and campgrounds) with voter approval. Counties must hold a special election to adopt the tax, and at least 50% of the revenue must directly reduce homeowners' property tax bills. The remaining funds can cover public safety services like police, fire, and emergency medical services. It affects counties that choose to adopt the tax, lodging businesses that collect it, and homeowners benefiting from property tax relief.
Idaho's H 298 establishes state minimum high school graduation requirements for all public high schools. It requires students to earn 46 total credits (including 29 in core subjects like language arts, math, science, and social studies) and complete a senior project demonstrating college or career readiness. The bill specifies detailed credit allocations - such as 9 language arts credits, 6 math credits (with algebra/geometry requirements), and 6 science credits (including 2 lab-based) - while allowing local districts to set higher standards. Students may also earn credits through demonstrated mastery of Idaho content standards, and districts can request waivers for the 60-hour-per-credit rule with state approval.
This bill revises Idaho's literacy education laws to improve reading instruction and support for students in kindergarten through grade 3. It requires school districts to provide evidence-based reading interventions aligned with the "science of reading" (avoiding the "three-cueing system") for students identified with reading deficiencies or dyslexia, and mandates individual reading improvement plans within 30 days of identification. The state board must develop a comprehensive literacy plan every five years, incorporating stakeholder input and evidence-based practices to ensure students reach grade-level reading proficiency by the end of third grade. These changes directly affect K-3 students, school districts, teachers, and the state education board.
Idaho bill S 1163, titled the "Short-term Rental and Vacation Rental Tourism Revenue Protection Act," prevents cities and counties from banning short-term rentals (like Airbnb) or imposing different rules than those for standard homes. It requires local governments to allow these rentals unless necessary for public health/safety, mandates safety disclosures (smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, first aid kits), and establishes a simple $50 annual permit system with limited revocation grounds. The bill repeals existing restrictions on short-term rental regulations and aims to protect tourism revenue by limiting local regulatory authority. It takes effect July 1, 2025.
H 382 requires Idaho public schools (K-12) and accredited colleges/universities to record the immigration status and nationality of every enrolled student. It mandates that these institutions publish aggregated demographic data (showing overall student numbers by immigration category) annually and report it to the state education department, which will post the information online. The law defines immigration status to include categories such as U.S. citizens, permanent residents, temporary visa holders, undocumented individuals, and refugees. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2025.
Idaho's H 385 establishes rules for pharmaceutical manufacturers regarding the federal 340B drug pricing program. It prohibits manufacturers from interfering with covered entities (like hospitals) or contract pharmacies receiving or dispensing 340B drugs, including restricting access, limiting pharmacy contracts, or demanding unnecessary data as a condition for drug sales. The law aligns with federal 340B requirements but clarifies that manufacturers cannot impose extra restrictions beyond federal rules. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025, and automatically expires if the federal 340B program ends.
Idaho bill H 384 establishes the Idaho Wildfire Risk Mitigation Fund within the state treasury to reduce wildfire risks for homeowners and improve property insurance access. The fund, created under Section 41-2403, is financed through specific portions of property insurance premium taxes (as amended in Section 41-406), excess stamping fees, and external grants. It will provide grants, matching programs, and educational resources to communities and homeowners for wildfire prevention and property protection, administered by the Department of Insurance under Section 41-2404. The legislation aims to lower insurance costs and stabilize the property insurance market in wildfire-prone areas.
This bill appropriates specific funds for six Idaho state agencies for fiscal year 2026 (July 2025-June 2026). It provides $28,900 for the Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired (capital outlay), $32,600 for the Lieutenant Governor's Office (capital outlay), $176,700 for the Idaho State Lottery (capital outlay), $289,200 for the Brand Inspection Division (split between operating and capital), $12,600 for the Commission of Pardons and Parole (operating), and $114,100 for the Public Utilities Commission (split between operating and capital). The funding is drawn from designated state funds and is effective July 1, 2025, following an emergency declaration. It directly affects these agencies' budgets for capital projects and operations.
This non-binding resolution calls on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to approve Idaho’s pending Medicaid waivers. It specifically requests approval of four waiver requests submitted in 2019, which would allow Idaho to implement restrictions on Medicaid expansion - including limits on family planning coverage, substance treatment access, work requirements, and preferences for applying through state insurance exchanges. The resolution notes Idaho submitted these waivers but has received no federal response since 2019. It aims to expedite the approval process for these waivers to align with Idaho’s 2019 legislative restrictions on Medicaid eligibility.
H 369 requires Idaho taxing districts to hold public hearings and provide specific notices to property owners before increasing their property tax revenue budget above the previous year's amount, unless the district's budget is under $1 million or the increase comes from new construction/annexation. Taxing districts must publish a notice in a local newspaper (with specific formatting: 18-point font, 1/4-page size) and mail it to all property owners 4 weeks before the budget hearing, detailing the proposed tax rate changes and annual revenue impact. The notice must include clear calculations showing how much taxes would rise per $100,000 of property value for different property types (residential, commercial, etc.). This applies to all taxing districts planning a property tax revenue increase exceeding the prior year's amount, excluding certain revenue sources like new development. The bill aims to ensure transparency and public input before tax hikes.
