H 297 establishes Idaho's state-level Guest Worker Program, allowing year-round agricultural employers (like dairy farms) to hire undocumented workers through a state-administered permit system. The bill requires applicants to be 18+, reside in Idaho, have no felony convictions, and pay state/federal taxes, while prohibiting driving on public roads. Employers must apply for "permitted employer" status, and the Idaho Department of Labor administers the program, including background checks and permit renewals. The program aims to address labor shortages in sectors not covered by federal H-2A visas, with provisions effective January 2026.
Idaho's H 287, the "Electronic Monitoring Devices in Long-Term Care Facilities Act," allows residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities to authorize installation of cameras or audio devices in their private rooms. Residents or their designated health care agents must complete facility forms, pay all costs (excluding electricity), and ensure the room is unshared. The law requires facilities to protect privacy by covering sensitive body areas during monitoring and prohibits staff or others from accessing recordings without authorization. Violations by facilities can result in civil penalties up to $500 per offense, while unauthorized access to recordings is a misdemeanor punishable by fines up to $1,000 or jail time. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025.
Idaho's H 281, the "Bolter-Stall Defend the Defender Act," increases penalties for crimes against peace officers, including police, sheriffs, and other law enforcement personnel. It mandates a 15-year minimum prison term (with possible life) for assault or battery against peace officers, doubles penalties for other crimes against them, and requires a minimum 35-year sentence without parole eligibility for murder of a peace officer. The bill applies specifically to incidents where the perpetrator knew the victim was a peace officer while they were on duty or due to their official status. It becomes effective July 1, 2025.
This Idaho bill (H 292) strengthens parental rights in public schools by requiring schools to create policies that: (1) let parents review learning materials and withdraw children from content conflicting with their beliefs; (2) mandate school notification about student health changes; (3) prohibit classroom instruction on sexual orientation/gender identity in kindergarten through grade 3; and (4) require parental consent for certain health surveys. It directly affects Idaho public school districts, parents/guardians, and school staff. Key mechanisms include mandated parent access to educational/health records within 5 school days, written notification of health services, and complaint procedures for violations. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025.
H 279 revises Idaho's education funding system to shift toward a per-student model based on current enrollment numbers, moving away from previous funding methods. It establishes a weighted formula that allocates additional state funds for students with specific needs, such as those from low-income households (economically disadvantaged) or English language learners. These changes apply directly to public school districts and charter schools receiving state education funds from the Public School Income Fund. The bill modifies existing code to implement these adjustments to how funding is distributed, though it does not fully replace the current system.
H 284 amends Idaho Code to require the governor to deliver the executive budget document to the legislature no later than December 1st each year, or within five days of the start of the regular legislative session, whichever comes first. This directly affects the governor's office (responsible for preparing the budget) and the legislature (which needs the budget to begin its fiscal planning). The key provision clarifies the deadline for the budget submission, ensuring it's delivered before the legislative session begins. The bill does not change budget content or funding levels, only the timing of its delivery. It takes effect July 1, 2025.
Idaho's H 293 revises school transportation funding rules to increase state support for public school districts. It raises the state's share of eligible transportation costs from 50% to 85% (excluding certain costs like bus depreciation), establishes new "hardship bus run" criteria for districts exceeding the 103% reimbursement cap, and adds requirements for non-school-bus vehicles used to transport students. The bill also removes outdated school bus regulations, updates vehicle inspection rules, and creates new provisions for virtual schools seeking reimbursement for internet and equipment costs related to student transportation. These changes directly affect school districts managing student transportation services across Idaho.
This bill (H 288) allows licensed nurses in Idaho to delegate certain tasks to non-nurse healthcare staff, provided the tasks do not require independent medical judgment. It requires nurses to supervise the delegation, confirm the non-nurse has proper training and national certification for the task, and maintain responsibility for the work. The law directly affects nurses and non-nurse healthcare workers in settings like hospitals or clinics. It takes effect on July 1, 2025, and amends Idaho’s nursing code to clarify delegation standards.
This Idaho bill (H 285) defines "domestic terrorism" as violent acts or threats intended to harm people or property, intimidate others, or influence government policy within Idaho. It creates new felony charges for committing such acts, with penalties ranging from up to 10 years in prison for some offenses to life imprisonment for others. The law specifically targets individuals who engage in training, planning, or carrying out violent acts that disrupt lawful activities or threaten public safety. It directly affects anyone in Idaho who commits acts meeting this definition, including those using weapons of mass destruction or targeting government policy through violence. The bill also adds provisions for punishing those who provide material support to domestic terrorists.
H 225 creates the School Mobile Device Policy Fund to help Idaho K-12 public school districts and charter schools implement "bell-to-bell" mobile device restrictions (prohibiting student phone use during school hours except for educational or health reasons). The fund provides need-based grants to cover costs for equipment like phone storage containers and related services. To qualify, schools must adopt a bell-to-bell policy and demonstrate financial need through a detailed application process. The state board of education manages the fund and requires grantees to track student outcomes like suspensions and test scores for annual reporting to lawmakers.
Idaho's S 1119 establishes the "Idaho Earned Wage Access Services Act," creating a licensing system for companies that provide workers access to earned but unpaid wages before payday. The bill directly affects providers (like fintech apps) by requiring them to obtain a license from the Idaho Department of Finance, defining key terms (such as "earned but unpaid income" and "provider"), and setting rules for fees, reporting, and compliance. It exempts banks and credit unions, clarifies that these services are not loans or money transmission, and ensures this law overrides conflicting state laws. The act aims to regulate this growing service industry while protecting consumers through standardized licensing and oversight.
H 250 is a funding bill that allocates approximately $736 million for Idaho's public education system during fiscal year 2026 (July 2025-June 2026). It directly affects the State Board of Education, public colleges and universities (including Boise State, Idaho State, and community colleges), agricultural research, career technical education, and Idaho Public Television. Key provisions include setting specific funding levels for personnel, operations, and capital projects; exempting certain programs from budget transfer restrictions; directing tuition adjustments for colleges; and providing continuous funding for Idaho Public Television. The bill does not create new policies but ensures stable funding for existing educational programs and services.
