This Idaho bill (H 186) revises the state's indecent exposure law to clarify prohibited conduct. It specifically prohibits exposing developed female breasts (including nipple area), medically/hormonally altered male breasts appearing female, artificial breasts resembling female breasts, or displaying genital-like toys/products in public where others may be offended. Repeat offenses within five years become a felony punishable by up to five years in prison. The law explicitly excludes breastfeeding or expressing breast milk for feeding a child from coverage. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025.
This bill (S 1078) revises appointment rules for directors of several Idaho state agencies. It establishes four-year terms for directors of the Idaho Department of Correction, Fish and Game, Transportation, Lands, and Parks and Recreation, requiring the governor to appoint them (with Senate advice and consent). Previously, some directors served "at the pleasure of the governor" without fixed terms. The bill also updates vacancy procedures for state offices in Section 59-904, clarifying that appointments must be submitted to the Senate for confirmation within specific deadlines. These changes apply to the listed departments and any successor offices.
This bill would temporarily ban hunting female mule deer in 22 specific Idaho hunting areas (units 19-57, including 52A and 53-57) for five years (2025-2030), due to declining deer populations. Exceptions allow hunting if chronic wasting disease is confirmed in a unit. The ban automatically ends on July 1, 2030, with no further action required.
This bill requires Idaho's Water Resource Board to divert all available water for aquifer recharge in the Eastern Snake Plain aquifer until either 350,000 acre-feet of water is recharged (or a higher goal set by the state water plan), or the Department of Water Resources declares the aquifer stable. It directly affects water management practices for replenishing the underground water supply in this specific region. The key mechanism mandates mandatory water diversion by the Water Resource Board using existing recharge water rights. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025, to address declining aquifer levels.
This bill (H 191) changes term limits for members of the Idaho Water Resource Board. It adds a two-term limit for future appointments to the board's eight-member structure, requiring all new appointments to serve four-year terms with a maximum of two terms. The bill also includes minor technical corrections to the existing law and declares an emergency, making it effective July 1, 2025. This directly affects the governor, who appoints board members, and future appointees to the board.
This Idaho bill (H 195) modifies wildlife relocation rules for bighorn sheep and requires disease testing for certain animals. It directly affects county commissioners (who must approve relocations if hearings are requested), landowners, and livestock operations near proposed relocations. Key provisions require the Fish and Game department to notify counties and landowners 10 days before relocations, hold a hearing within 30 days if concerns are raised, and obtain written agreements acknowledging livestock operation risks. Additionally, the bill mandates disease testing for animals imported, transported, or used for tracking. These changes aim to balance wildlife management with local community and livestock concerns.
Idaho's H 182 creates new rules to protect vulnerable adults from financial exploitation. It requires financial institutions, broker-dealers, and investment advisers (called "reporting persons") to report suspected exploitation to Idaho's Commission on Aging or Department of Finance. These professionals can also temporarily block suspicious transactions for up to 30 days while notifying authorized parties, with strict confidentiality rules. The law applies to adults 65+ or those with mental/physical impairments affecting their financial decision-making. It shields good-faith reporters from legal liability, except in cases of proven malicious intent.
H 201 amends Idaho's Medicaid law to establish minimum financial risk-sharing requirements for value care organizations participating in Medicaid's value-based payment programs. It directly affects Medicaid providers who enter into these value-based agreements with the state. The bill mandates that these organizations must share increasing financial risk over time: starting at 40% for 2026, rising to 50% in 2027, 60% in 2028, and 70% beginning in 2029 and each subsequent year. The changes, effective July 1, 2025, aim to transition Medicaid payments toward quality-based models while requiring cost-neutral or cost-saving arrangements.
This Idaho bill (H 184) creates a new criminal offense for "domestic terrorism" within the state. It defines domestic terrorism as violent acts or threats intended to harm people, intimidate communities, or influence government policy - while cooperating with foreign terrorist organizations or using weapons of mass destruction. The law applies to individuals who commit such acts, conspire to commit them, or provide material support for them. Violations carry penalties of up to life in prison or fines up to $50,000, depending on the offense. The bill explicitly states it does not interfere with constitutional rights like peaceful assembly or free speech.
Idaho's H 178, the "Protecting Campus Free Speech in Higher Education Act," requires public colleges and universities to protect students' free speech rights. It bans "free speech zones" that restrict where students can express themselves outdoors, prohibits schools from charging security fees based on speech content, and mandates clear harassment policies defining harassment as severe, pervasive, and offensive conduct that blocks educational access. The law also requires institutions to educate students on free speech policies through handbooks, websites, and orientation, and to report compliance details by December 2025. This directly affects all public higher education institutions in Idaho and their enrolled students.
Idaho's S 1081 amends state law to require public agencies and political subdivisions (like cities, counties, and state departments) to consider contractor fees when selecting firms for professional services contracts exceeding $50,000. The bill mandates that agencies include fee schedules in their evaluation, allowing fees to count toward up to 25% of the total scoring for selection, alongside qualifications and past performance. Agencies must publish scoring criteria, ranked lists of qualified firms, and the rationale for selections to ensure transparency. This applies specifically to engineering, architecture, construction management, and land surveying services, while smaller projects under $50,000 remain exempt from these fee considerations.
H 193 requires Idaho's Water Resource Board to set a specific annual goal of at least 350,000 acre-feet for replenishing the Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer through managed recharge in the state's water plan. This policy change directly affects state water planning processes and the board's responsibilities, aiming to address long-term aquifer sustainability. The bill establishes a concrete, measurable target for water management rather than altering water rights or regulations for individuals or businesses. It becomes effective on July 1, 2025, following its introduction in February 2025.
