2026 Legislative Session Video Shorts
Recent News and Press Releases
“We represent Idaho, not the IFF” – by Rep. James Ruchti and Sen. David Nelson
The 2021 session was disappointing for a number of reasons, but the legislature rejecting a $6 million grant to develop early-learning initiatives for children might have been the lowest point. That money would have helped communities build and fund preschool programs...
Idaho House Passes Bipartisan Joint Memorial Condemning Russian Invasion of Ukraine
On Wednesday, the Idaho House of Representatives unanimously passed a bipartisan joint memorial condemning Russia for its military invasion of Ukraine, which began last Thursday. House Joint Memorial 6, sponsored by Reps. Matt Bundy (R-Mountain Home) and Colin Nash...
Bill to Help Educators in High-need, Rural Areas with Education Costs Passes Senate
On Friday, the Senate passed a bill to help educators in high-need and rural areas with various educational costs. Senate Bill 1290, sponsored by Sen. Janie Ward-Engelking (D-Boise) and Rep. Sally Toone (D-Gooding), establishes a rural educator incentive program for...
Bill to Allow Schools to Use Federal Funds to Buy Low, Zero Emission Buses Passes Senate
On Friday, a bill enabling Idaho school districts to access federal funding to purchase low or zero emission school buses unanimously passed the Senate. Senate Bill 1319, sponsored by Sen. David Nelson (D-Moscow), fixes a flaw in state code that was a barrier for...
Bill to Provide Property Tax Relief for In-home Caregivers Passes the Senate
On Tuesday, a bill to provide in-home caregivers property tax relief passed the Senate in a 29-5 vote. Senate Bill 1259, sponsored by Sen. Melissa Wintrow (D-Boise), would allow a person who is the owner of a certified family home to qualify for the state’s property...
Concurrent Resolution to Combat Childhood Trauma Passes Both Chambers
On Friday, the Senate adopted a concurrent resolution aimed at combating childhood trauma. House Concurrent 29, sponsored by Rep. Brooke Green (D-Boise) and Sen. David Nelson (D-Moscow), passed the full House earlier this month, and encourages state officers,...
“All Idaho Children Deserve Safe, Well-funded School Facilities” – by Sen. David Nelson
Idaho public schools are the backbone of our local communities. But for many districts, facilities are crumbling due to age and a lack of resources needed to make repairs. This issue is further compounded by Idaho’s extreme population growth in recent years, leading...
House Dems Back Motion to Amend Bill to Increase Grocery Tax Credit
Idaho House Democrats supported a motion to send House Bill 509 to general orders, where legislation can be amended. The motion failed on a 26-41vote. The bill, which later passed the House, increases the grocery tax credit by $20 per person starting in the 2023 tax...
“Be a statesman, not a politician” – by Rep. Steve Berch
I’ve knocked on nearly 30,000 doors and spoke with thousands of people from across the political spectrum in my district. This experience has taught me that good ideas and good people come from all directions. It has also helped me define the difference between a...