This law establishes a new Idaho Rural Health Transformation Fund to manage federal grant money aimed at improving healthcare access in rural areas. It creates a nine-member committee to oversee how these funds are spent, ensuring projects meet specific goals and produce long-term sustainability plans. The bill also directs the Department of Health and Welfare to hire additional staff and provides nearly $300 million in funding for the 2027 fiscal year to support indirect support services. Additionally, it requires the state to report on efforts to expand the job scope for physician assistants and dental hygienists as part of the broader rural health strategy.
This bill directs the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare to receive additional funding for its Early Learning and Development, Youth Safety and Permanency, and Family and Community Partnerships divisions for the 2026 and 2027 fiscal years. The legislation allocates specific dollar amounts to support personnel, operating expenses, and grants, while also authorizing three new full-time equivalent positions within the Early Learning and Development division. Furthermore, the law requires the department to submit a report on the outcomes and financial return of the Idaho Home Visiting Program by the end of 2026. Finally, it grants the department flexibility to transfer funds between certain programs and exempt specific divisions from usual spending restrictions to better manage their budgets.
This bill appropriates state funds for the Idaho Digital Learning Academy for the 2027 fiscal year, directly affecting public school districts and charter schools in Idaho. The legislation sets a maximum tuition rate of $40 per student enrollment and mandates that the academy provide remedial coursework for students who are not proficient in state standards. Additionally, the bill requires the academy to offer advanced learning opportunities, such as dual credit courses, in accordance with state education rules. The law becomes effective on July 1, 2026, and was signed into law by the Governor.
This joint memorial from the Idaho Legislature asks the U.S. federal government to help states pay for the costs of educating students regardless of their immigration status. It requests that Congress create a new federal funding program to supplement existing education grants and conduct a study on the financial impact of educating these students. The bill does not change Idaho's laws or funding directly but serves as a formal request to the federal government for financial assistance. It is based on the legal requirement that states must provide public education to all students within their borders.
This bill reaffirms Idaho's water rights under the Bear River Compact and directs state agencies to actively develop and protect Idaho's allocated water supply. It requires the Idaho Water Resource Board to prepare reports on water development opportunities and prioritize feasibility studies for new storage projects, while directing funds from a 2027 transfer to support these efforts. The resolution also instructs state officials to strictly enforce irrigation reserve rules for Bear Lake and to consult with legislative leaders before negotiating agreements with other states or utilities regarding Bear River water management.
This bill is a joint memorial from the Idaho Legislature that formally requests federal support and encourages state and local agencies to approve the re-opening of American Tungsten's IMA mining project in Lemhi County. The document highlights tungsten as a critical mineral essential for national defense and argues that developing a domestic supply chain reduces reliance on foreign imports, particularly from China. It urges the U.S. Department of War to provide grant funding for the project and asks state and local governments to process necessary permits in a timely manner, noting the mine is on private land and does not require federal authorization. The memorial also emphasizes the project's potential economic benefits for Idaho communities, including job creation and infrastructure improvements like a new fire station for the city of Challis.
This bill requires legislative approval for the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare to adjust Medicaid payment rates for Federally Qualified Health Centers and Rural Health Clinics when their scope of services changes. It establishes a process where clinics must notify the department 60 days before implementing service changes and submit a rate adjustment application after six months of full implementation, requiring a minimum 4.5% cost increase to qualify. The legislation sets specific timelines for department review and allows clinics to appeal final rate decisions, while also repealing certain existing administrative rules effective October 1, 2026.
This bill modifies Idaho state laws to establish clearer rules for how the governor fills vacant state office positions and how the Senate reviews those appointments. It directly affects state officials, the governor, and the Senate by setting specific timelines for making appointments and defining consequences when the Senate rejects a nominee. The key provisions require the governor to fill certain vacancies within 12 months of a term ending and make appointments while the Senate is in session immediately. Additionally, if the Senate expressly rejects a gubernatorial appointee, that person cannot be reappointed to the same position for one year. The bill also includes technical corrections to existing statutes and declares an emergency to allow immediate implementation.
This bill is a concurrent resolution that formally recognizes community schools as an effective method for improving student outcomes and strengthening communities in Idaho. It encourages ongoing cooperation between schools, families, and local organizations to grow and maintain these programs across the state. The resolution highlights that community schools operate as neighborhood hubs offering integrated health services and expanded learning opportunities through four key areas: student support, extended learning time, family involvement, and collaborative leadership. While it does not change laws or allocate funding, it serves as an official legislative endorsement of the current community school model already in use at 65 schools throughout Idaho.
This bill allocates $472,700 in state funds to Idaho's Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses for fiscal year 2027, covering the period from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027. The money is divided between operating expenses totaling $162,700 and capital outlay of $310,000, with specific amounts designated for building construction and real estate, occupational licenses, and health professions programs. The legislation declares an emergency to allow the funding to take effect immediately on July 1, 2026, rather than waiting for the regular budget cycle. This appropriation directly supports the agency responsible for regulating professional licenses and occupational certifications across the state.
This bill updates Idaho hunting laws to clarify restrictions on using motorized vehicles and aircraft, including drones, for hunting purposes. It prohibits hunting from moving vehicles and using aircraft to locate or communicate with game, while allowing exceptions for physically disabled hunters who may apply for a free special permit to hunt from stationary motorized vehicles. The legislation also maintains bans on using artificial lights for hunting game animals and regulates the use of dogs for pursuing big game. These rules apply to all hunters and wildlife management activities within the state, with specific exemptions for controlling predatory animals and hunting on private property for livestock protection.
This bill is a concurrent resolution that formally recognizes Idaho athletes who participated in the 2026 Winter Olympics held in Italy. It specifically names seven athletes and highlights the medal achievements of three of them, including gold and silver medalists. The resolution serves as an official statement of appreciation from the Idaho Legislature for the athletes' accomplishments and sacrifices. It does not create new laws or change policies but rather acknowledges past athletic achievements.
