Environment

passed both · Idaho · Senate Apr 2, 2026

SCR 128: ADMINISTRATIVE RULES – States findings of the Legislature and approves all temporary and pending rules submitted to the Legislature for review during the 2026 legislative session, with exceptions.

This bill approves most temporary and pending administrative rules submitted by Idaho state agencies for review during the 2026 legislative session, while rejecting specific rules from agencies including agriculture, environmental quality, health and welfare, and occupational licensing. The resolution allows agencies to continue their proposed regulations unless the Legislature explicitly disapproves them, with rejected rules becoming void at the end of the session. It lists 17 specific rule dockets that are not approved, covering areas such as seed production, fishing licenses, daycare licensing, water quality, and occupational therapy standards. State agencies and the public are directly affected as this determines which proposed regulations will remain in effect or expire.

Topics ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentBill rejects specific rules from environmental quality agency, weakening environmental protections by limiting agency regulatory authority during 2026 session.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Water Quality

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passed both · Idaho · House Apr 2, 2026

HJM 22: PREDATORY BIRDS – States findings of the Legislature and supports curtailment of the pelican population.

This bill is a joint memorial from the Idaho Legislature that formally requests the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to reduce the number of pelicans in Idaho. It argues that the pelican population has grown too large and is negatively impacting local fish populations and fishing-related businesses. The document asks the federal government to allow measures to control the bird population and to provide financial compensation to the state for resource losses. This is a non-binding resolution intended to communicate Idaho's concerns to federal officials rather than create new laws.

Topics ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentBill seeks to reduce pelican population, which could weaken wildlife conservation and environmental protections by targeting a protected species.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Wildlife

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passed · Idaho · Senate Mar 26, 2026

SJM 115: PREDATORY BIRDS – States findings of the Legislature and supports curtailment of the pelican population.

This bill is a joint memorial from the Idaho Legislature requesting federal action to reduce the pelican population in the state. It asks the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to allow measures that would curtail the number of pelicans, which the bill claims are overpopulated and consuming more fish than human anglers. The resolution also urges the federal government to compensate Idaho for resource losses attributed to the birds. The document does not create new laws but instead formally requests federal agencies to address what the legislature views as an ecological imbalance.

Topics ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentBill seeks to reduce pelican population and claims they overconsume fish, which could weaken wildlife conservation and environmental protection efforts.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Wildlife

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in committee · Idaho · House Mar 25, 2026

H 943: TAXATION – Adds to existing law to provide certain tax and other incentives to entities that build new pipelines in Idaho.

This bill creates a new tax incentive program to encourage companies to build new oil and gas pipelines into Idaho, aiming to improve the state's energy supply security. It defines "strategic pipeline infrastructure projects" as new pipelines crossing from another state or nation into Idaho with at least $50 million in investment, excluding replacements of existing lines. Developers qualifying for the program would receive a 35% income tax credit on revenue generated by the pipeline, along with exemptions from property taxes and sales taxes on equipment used in construction. The bill also provides regulatory relief by exempting these projects from additional state permitting requirements and requiring state agencies to expedite federal review processes where applicable. These incentives are set to take effect on January 1, 2027, and apply only to projects that deliver crude oil or refined petroleum products to Idaho customers.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill provides tax incentives and credits to encourage pipeline development, reducing tax burden for qualifying entities and promoting energy infrastructure investment.85% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill provides tax incentives for new pipeline infrastructure to improve energy supply security and attract investment in energy development.85% confidence ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentBill incentivizes new oil and gas pipelines, which typically increase fossil fuel extraction and associated environmental impacts like pollution and habitat disruption.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Income Tax Tax Credits Tax Incentives Oil & Gas Pipeline Infrastructure

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signed · Idaho · Senate Apr 1, 2026

S 1416: APPROPRIATIONS – SMEC – Relates to the appropriation to the Office of Species, Minerals, and Energy Coordination for fiscal year 2027.

This bill allocates $46.1 million to Idaho's Office of Species, Minerals, and Energy Coordination for fiscal year 2027 while simultaneously reducing funding and staffing for two related offices. It sets a maximum of 23 full-time positions for the main office, cuts 11 positions from the Office of Energy and Mineral Resources, and reduces 16 positions from the Office of Species Conservation. The legislation also lowers operating budgets for the energy and minerals office and the species conservation office, while maintaining or increasing funding for the main coordination office from various state and federal sources.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill allocates $46.1M to state agency while restructuring related offices, demonstrating fiscal management and budget allocation for government operations85% confidence ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyBill reduces funding and staffing for energy-related offices, cutting 11 positions and lowering operating budgets for energy and minerals office.75% confidence ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentBill reduces funding and staffing for Office of Species Conservation, cutting 16 positions and lowering operating budgets, which weakens environmental protection capabilities.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations Conservation Wildlife

in committee · Idaho · House Mar 4, 2026

H 812: PLASTIC BAGS – Repeals existing law preempting local regulation of auxiliary containers, including plastic bags.

This bill removes a state law that previously prevented local governments in Idaho from regulating auxiliary containers, such as plastic bags. By repealing Section 67-2340 of the Idaho Code, the legislation allows cities and counties to create their own rules about plastic bag usage and disposal within their jurisdictions. The measure directly affects local governments that may wish to implement bag bans or fees, as well as businesses that sell or distribute plastic bags. The bill includes an emergency declaration to ensure the changes take effect immediately upon passage and approval.

Topics ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentBill removes state preemption allowing local plastic bag regulations, weakening environmental protections and reducing ability to limit single-use plastic pollution.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Natural Disasters

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in committee · Idaho · House Feb 19, 2026

HJR 10: PUBLIC LANDS – Proposes an amendment to the state constitution regarding state-owned lands.

HJR 10 proposes a constitutional amendment to Idaho's Article IX, Section 8, changing how state-owned lands must be managed. It would require the state board of land commissioners to prioritize revenue-generating activities (like timber sales, mining, and grazing) over public access for recreation, hunting, fishing, and trapping, as long as access doesn't interfere with revenue operations. The amendment also sets specific limits: no land sales below appraised value, maximum annual sales of 100 sections (640 acres each), and no single buyer can purchase more than 320 acres at a time. This is a procedural proposal requiring voter approval at the next general election.

Topics ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentPrioritizes revenue-generating land uses (timber, mining, grazing) over public access for recreation/hunting/fishing, weakening conservation protections per bill summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Forestry Public Lands

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signed · Idaho · House Mar 20, 2026

H 737: NATURAL RESOURCES – Amends, repeals, and adds to existing law to merge the Office of Species Conservation and the Office of Energy and Mineral Resources.

H 737 merges Idaho's Office of Species Conservation and Office of Energy and Mineral Resources into a single "Office of Species, Minerals, and Energy Coordination" to streamline natural resource management. The new office, led by a governor-appointed administrator, will coordinate state and federal permitting for projects involving species conservation, energy development, and mineral resources, aiming to reduce regulatory burden and improve decision-making timelines. The bill updates multiple Idaho Code sections to establish this office, define key terms like "species" and "mineral," and clarify its role as the state's primary liaison to federal agencies. This consolidation does not create new regulations or approval layers but integrates existing state functions under one administrative structure.

Topics ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentMerges conservation and energy offices to reduce regulatory burden and streamline permitting, prioritizing industry efficiency over environmental oversight.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Wildlife

failed · Idaho · House Mar 25, 2026

H 630: AIRBORNE CONTROL OF PREDATORY ANIMALS – Amends existing law to provide for shooting of coyotes, wolves, and red foxes from aircraft.

Idaho's H 630 amends state law to allow permits for shooting coyotes, wolves, and red foxes from aircraft to protect livestock, crops, or land. Landowners must provide written permission for operations on their property, and permit holders must submit quarterly reports to the agriculture department. The bill specifies that red fox control is permitted year-round in designated hunting areas or where predation is causing problems outside those areas. It also eliminates existing administrative rules about this practice, effective July 2026.

Topics ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentBill enables aerial predator culling (coyotes, wolves) for livestock protection, weakening wildlife conservation efforts central to environmental protection.92% confidence

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in committee · Idaho · House Feb 5, 2026

HJR 8: PUBLIC LANDS – Proposes an amendment to the state constitution regarding state-owned lands.

This proposed constitutional amendment would change how Idaho manages state-owned lands by prioritizing revenue-generating activities (like leasing or timber sales) before public access for recreation, hunting, and fishing. It requires that any state land sale must meet or exceed appraised value, limits annual land sales to 100 parcels (each max 320 acres), and creates a dedicated fund to maintain public lands using revenue from these activities. The amendment affects state land management practices, public access rights, and future land transactions. It requires voter approval at the next general election to take effect.

Topics ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentPrioritizes revenue-generating activities (timber/leasing) over public access for recreation/hunting/fishing, undermining conservation-focused land management.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Forestry Public Lands

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