Idaho Legislative Events

Public Schools Educational Support Program Appropriation for Fiscal Year 2027

Idaho enacted S1362, providing appropriations for the Public Schools Educational Support Program for fiscal year 2027. The bill was signed by Governor on April 2, 2026, following Senate passage 21-13-1 and House passage 53-14. The legislation establishes state funding levels for Idaho's public K-12 schools.

Merit-Based Health Care Act

Idaho Governor signed H0928 into law on April 2, 2026, establishing the Merit-Based Health Care Act. The bill passed the House 56-14 and the Senate 29-6 after multiple amendments. The act adds to existing state law to create merit-based requirements for health care coverage in Idaho.

Health Education Programs Appropriation

Idaho H0920 was signed into law, making an appropriation to the State Board of Education and the Board of Regents of the University of Idaho for Health Education Programs for fiscal year 2027. The bill passed the House 47-22 and the Senate 22-11-2, with an effective date of March 27, 2026.

School District Earned Spending Autonomy Act

Idaho enacted H0883, allowing school districts and public charter schools to earn increased autonomy over spending decisions. The bill passed the House 60-7 and Senate 33-0, receiving bipartisan support. Schools meeting performance criteria established by the State Board of Education may gain greater flexibility in budget allocation and expenditure decisions.

Child Safety Checks for Infants Under One Year

Idaho Governor signed H0776 into law on April 2, 2026, effective April 1, 2026. The bill adds provisions to existing child protection law requiring safety checks for children under one year of age. The legislation passed the House 49-18 and the Senate 27-8.

Stop Harms from Addictive Social Media Act

Idaho enacted H0542, the Stop Harms from Addictive Social Media Act, signed by Governor Brad Little on April 2, 2026. The law adds to existing Idaho code to regulate social media platforms deemed to have addictive features, targeting harms to users including minors. Passed House 62-7 and Senate 21-14 after amendments.

Idaho S1396 repeals obsolete Pacific Fisheries Task Force

Idaho S1396 repeals obsolete Pacific Fisheries Task Force

Appropriations for Educational Services for the Deaf and the Blind

Idaho Governor signed S1408 into law, authorizing appropriations to the Public Schools Educational Support Program's Division of Educational Services for the Deaf and the Blind for fiscal year 2027. The bill passed the Senate 21-14 and the House 49-18. This is a state-level appropriations bill establishing funding for specialized educational services serving deaf and blind students.

Medicaid Encounter Rate State Plan Amendment Authorization

Idaho Senate Bill S1410 was enacted on April 1, 2026, granting legislative approval for the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare to submit a state plan amendment modifying Medicaid encounter rates due to changes in scope of services. The bill passed the Senate 33-0-2 and the House 67-0 before being signed into law.

Firearms Preemption - Penalty and Cause of Action

Idaho enacted S1430, amending existing firearms preemption law to add new penalty provisions and create a civil cause of action. The bill passed the Senate 31-3-1 and the House 60-8 before being signed by the Governor. Local governments that enact firearms regulations conflicting with state law now face potential civil liability under the new cause of action.