ID Governor Newsroom

Coeur d'Alene Tribe and Idaho Complete Historic Water Rights Settlement

The Coeur d'Alene Tribe and the State of Idaho completed a historic water rights settlement after nearly two decades of negotiations and litigation that began in 2008. Governor Brad Little, Tribal Chairman Chief Allan, and Attorney General Raul Labrador signed the agreement in Boise, resolving the Tribe's federal reserved water rights while protecting water resources for all users across North Idaho.

Idaho Submits Response to DOE RFI for Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus

The State of Idaho submitted a response to the U.S. Department of Energy's Request for Information inviting states to express interest in hosting Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campuses. The submission was prepared by the Advanced Nuclear Energy Task Force, created by Executive Order in September 2025, and is supported by letters from private industry and federal, state, and local leaders. Idaho is seeking to position itself as the host for a nuclear innovation hub focused on modernizing the nation's nuclear fuel cycle.

Enduring Idaho Plan Clears Legislature

Governor Brad Little announced the adjournment of the 2026 Idaho legislative session following passage of the ENDURING IDAHO budget plan. The enacted budget maintains investments in public schools, water infrastructure, transportation, and public safety while continuing implementation of President Trump's Talent Strategy through the LAUNCH program. Idaho's economy was cited as the strongest in the nation under this fiscal framework.

Governor Brad Little Vetoes Five Bills Including Daycare, Budget, and Crypto Measures

Governor Brad Little vetoed five bills on April 9, 2026. House Bill 758a would have relaxed daycare licensing and fire inspection requirements; the Governor cited child safety concerns. House Bill 975 would have deposited $50-55 million into the Budget Stabilization Fund; the Governor argued reserves were already sufficient. House Bill 968 concerned state cash transfers from canceled building fund projects. Senate Bill 1359a addressed virtual currency kiosk fraud protections. House Bill 674 dealt with telecom service discontinuation authority.

Governor Veto Restores Funding for Graduate Medical Education

Governor Brad Little issued a line-item veto of House Bill 978 on April 10, 2026, restoring nearly $1 million in funding for graduate medical education that the Idaho Legislature had cut for eight medical residents mid-residency. The veto reinstates the ENDURING IDAHO plan commitment to growing Idaho's healthcare workforce and addresses the state's physician shortage.