Resources and Conservation

This bill removes an outdated section of Idaho law that governed membership on the Pacific Fisheries Legislative Task Force. It is part of a broader legislative cleanup effort aimed at updating state statutes to ensure they remain current and relevant. The repeal directly affects the legal framework for how members are appointed or selected for this specific advisory group. The law takes effect on July 1, 2026, and was signed into law by the Governor in April 2026.

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 Idaho bill restricts how data centers can use water for cooling purposes, specifically targeting facilities that begin construction on or after July 1, 2026. Under the new rules, data centers may only use water for cooling if it comes from a municipal water system, water district, or water and sewer district. The legislation aims to protect local water supplies and watersheds by preventing data centers from using water that would otherwise be available for other community needs. The law requires the state Department of Water Resources to consider these water conservation goals when reviewing water rights applications for data centers.

This bill amends Idaho's water skiing laws to allow boat operators to tow water skiers without a second person in the boat acting as an observer, provided the boat is equipped with a large rearview mirror at least four inches in size that gives the operator a clear view of the skier. The exemption applies when skiing within a legal slalom course or during specific early morning hours between May and September, while maintaining existing safety rules about towing times and operating speeds. The legislation also clarifies requirements for displaying warning flags when a skier is in the water and includes technical corrections to the current code. These changes directly affect recreational water skiing participants and boat operators in Idaho by modifying observer requirements under specific conditions.

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.