2025 Legislative Session News
A message from Senate Assistant Minority Leader Cherie Buckner-Webb
“Wouldn’t take nothing for my journey now.” That quote from Maya Angelou perfectly captures my feelings as I announce the end of my legislative tenure. I will not run for reelection in 2020. It has been an honor to serve the state of Idaho and its citizens during my...
Paid Sick Leave Legislation Sent to House Floor
Idaho State Capitol – On Monday, a bill sponsored by Rep. Brooke Green/(D-Boise) was sent to the amending order by the House Business committee. This legislation would protect employees from being penalized for taking earned sick leave. Employers would be required to...
Circuit Breaker Legislation Introduced
Idaho State Capitol – On Friday, Senator Grant Burgoyne/(D-Boise), Senator Kelly Anthon/(R-Burley) and Senator Dave Lent/(R-Idaho Falls) released their jointly drafted Circuit Breaker legislation. The current draft legislation would increase Idaho’s Property Tax...
Property Tax Freeze Legislation Headed to House Floor
Idaho State Capitol – On Thursday, the House Revenue and Taxation Committee sent H409 to the House floor with a do pass recommendation. The legislation would freeze the property tax portion of a taxing district’s budget for one year with the exception of school taxing...
Opioid Overdose Memorial Printed in House
Idaho State Capitol – On Wednesday, House Health and Welfare printed a joint memorial sponsored by Representative Jake Ellis/(D-Boise). The memorial calls on Idaho’s congressional delegation to “take action necessary to make Suboxone more accessible to Idaho families...
Conversion Therapy Ban Legislation Printed
Idaho State Capitol -On Monday, critical legislation was introduced in the House Health and Welfare Committee by Rep. John McCrostie/(D-Boise) to protect LGBTQ young people from the dangerous practice of conversion therapy. “Conversion therapy has been discredited by...
Sen. Buckner-Webb’s Fair Chance Employment Bill Printed
Idaho State Capitol – On Monday, Senate Judiciary and Rules printed Senator Cherie Buckner-Webb’s/(D-Boise) Fair Chance Employment legislation. The bill, sometimes called Ban the Box, would ask employers to eliminate the box on job applications that asks, “Have you...
“A Big Step for Early Childhood Education” – by Sen. Ward-Engelking & Sen. Buckner-Webb
Early childhood education is the key to giving Idaho’s youth a running start in school. If we want to have an educated workforce and a successful economy in the future, we have to start by investing in early childhood education. Luckily, Idaho just made a step in the...
Paid Sick Leave Legislation Set to Have Full Hearing in Committee
Idaho State Capitol – On Friday, the House Business Committee printed Representative Brooke Green’s/(D-Boise) Honoring Paid Sick Leave legislation. The legislation requires employers who offer paid sick leave to their employees to honor their own policies. Rep. Green...
Senator Nelson’s Right to Repair Legislation Printed
Idaho State Capitol - On Thursday, a bill sponsored by Senator David Nelson/(D-Moscow) was printed in Senate Commerce and Human Resources. The legislation would allow farmers and ranchers to save money on repairs for their high-tech farm equipment and citizens to get...
House State Affairs Prints Legislation Locking Legislative Districts
Idaho State Capitol – On Thursday, House Speaker Scott Bedke/(R-Oakley) brought legislation to House State Affairs that would lock the number of legislative districts at 35. The legislation is a constitutional amendment because it is the first step to changing the...
Idaho Content Standards Rejected in House Education
Idaho State Capitol – On Tuesday, the House Education Committee voted to reject the Idaho Content Standards for Math, Science, and English Language Arts. The committee heard testimony over 3 days to cover language arts, math, and science. Although there was testimony...
Rep. Ellis Emergency Immunity Legislation Printed
Idaho State Capitol – On Wednesday, House Commerce and Human Resources printed legislation sponsored by Representative Jake Ellis/(D-Boise). The purpose of the legislation is to ensure that architects and engineers who are asked to volunteer during an emergency are...
“Keepin’ It Local” – by Rep. Chris Abernathy
Idaho is home to a budding industry of local businesses that are crucial to our economic success. Small businesses help to expand Idaho’s job markets and promote local growth and opportunity. As of 2018, the Small Business Association estimates that there are 158,426...
“The Legislature is Leaving Idaho Children Behind” – by Rep. Sally Toone & Rep. Muffy Davis
Idaho’s children are the state’s most valuable asset. The future of our state will be defined by the successes and failures of our youth. The legislature can set up obstacles or ease the path for Idaho children. Your representatives have a hand in deciding how much...
“Time to Invest in Our Future” – by Sen. Nye, Sen. Ward-Engelking, Rep. Toone, & Rep. Wintrow
As members of JFAC (Joint Finance and Appropriations Committee), we set all budgets and approve all appropriations for the State. We were delighted when Governor Little made education his top priority in his State of the State address. However, we became concerned...
Idaho Legislators Create Farm, Ranch, and Timber Caucus
Idaho State Capitol – A bipartisan, bicameral organization, the Farm, Ranch and Timber Issues Caucus will address issues of the citizens, communities and counties who rely on them, and the affiliated industries. The caucus will explore ways to act together to ensure...
“Idahoans deserve real solutions for property taxes” – by Rep. Lauren Necochea
Idahoans rely on effective local governments. First responders and law enforcement keep our communities healthy and safe. Adequate roads allow residents to arrive at their destinations without harm. Libraries provide opportunities for enrichment and job training. And...