2025 Legislative Session News
“An Extraordinarily Unproductive Session” – by Rep. Green and Rep. Necochea
As we face a global pandemic and the resulting economic fallout, Idahoans may have been hopeful about the legislature’s recent special session. Since the pandemonium at the Statehouse dominated the news, Idahoans may still be wondering what was actually accomplished....
Coronavirus Civil Liability Immunity Legislation Passes Idaho House
Idaho State Capitol – On Wednesday, the Idaho House passed House Bill 6, which would provide immunity from civil liability related to damages or injury from coronavirus, including for grossly negligent conduct. The legislation now awaits a hearing in the Senate...
Governor Announces In-Person Special Session Amid Global Pandemic
Idaho - On Wednesday, Governor Brad Little issued a proclamation with legislation that will be considered during the Idaho legislature’s special session beginning on August 24, 2020. Out of 6 proposed topics by House and Senate Leadership, Governor Little has...
“Celebrating 100 Years of Women’s Suffrage” – by Sen. Stennett, Rep. Toone, and Rep. Davis
A hundred years ago, in 1920, the United States came out of the First World War and celebrated a new decade and a changing world. The world was recovering from the Spanish flu pandemic, the automobile industry was beginning to take off, and Americans wrestled with...
Anti-Transgender Athlete Ban Enjoined by Federal Court
Idaho – A federal court has granted a preliminary injunction blocking enforcement of House Bill 500, the transgender athlete ban passed by a Republican supermajority during the 2020 session and signed into law by Governor Little. In doing so, the court found that the...
“One thing you can do right now to improve Idaho’s future” – by Sen. Stennett, Rep. Davis, and Rep. Toone
2020 is an unprecedented year. Although residents of South-Central Idaho continue to face hardships that defy imagination, our communities have proven their resolve through a heroic commitment to stand together in this time of need. 2020 will surely be seen as a major...
Anti-Transgender Birth Certificate Law Struck Down by Court
On Friday, the U.S. District Court of Idaho ruled against legislation passed by the Idaho Legislature barring Idahoans from changing their gender marker on their birth certificate. House Bill 509 was in violation of 2018 federal court ruling that decided Idaho’s...
“Don’t Fall for Name-Calling and Distortions. Democrats are Fighting for Idaho’s Future” – by Idaho House and Senate Democrats
Republican politicians have had supermajority control of the legislature and every statewide office for decades. Under their governance, Idaho has sunk to 51st place in education investment (and, remarkably, now they want to cut another $99 million from our education...
Democrats Propose Slate of Solutions for Idaho
On Monday, the Idaho Democratic leadership held a press conference to propose a slate of Democratic solutions that would address the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic and set the state on the path to a better future. Senate Democratic Leader Michelle...
“Idaho Parents Need Better Childcare Options” – by Dulce Kersting-Lark
Childcare is a non-negotiable part of parenthood. Every child will need some form of childcare whether they have a parent staying home, a relative willing to give full-time care, or a close-by daycare center. Idaho parents, unfortunately, face more barriers to...
Representative Gannon Urges Virtual Legislature Following Mississippi Coronavirus Outbreak
Boise, Idaho – Earlier this week, 36 people tested positive for coronavirus in Mississippi due to an outbreak at the State Capitol. The outbreak comes after legislators have been meeting in the Capitol for the last several weeks. Around one in six Mississippi...
Over 1300 Pet Friendly License Plates Sold in Idaho
Idaho - The Idaho Transportation office reported that they have officially about 1,300 Pet Friendly Licenses Plates through the end of June and continues to increase every day. In 2019, Representative Melissa Wintrow worked with former Representative Hy Kloc to pass...
“GOP Legislators deliver gut punch to Idaho businesses” – by Rep. Ilana Rubel
In the closing weeks of the 2020 legislative session, it was apparent we were heading into a crisis of unprecedented proportions that would impact not only Idahoans’ health but also our economy, jobs, education system and every other facet of our lives. Businesses had...
“Let Everyone Participate At Our Legislature” – by Rep. John Gannon
Voters rightly elect legislators to be present to debate and vote and Idahoans have a right to participate by viewing the proceedings, communicating their views and participating in public hearings. Citizen participation is expected by the people of Idaho and...
“Our Children Deserve Healthcare Access” – by Sen. David Nelson
When someone suspects that they may have coronavirus, we hope that they immediately take steps to get tested so they know if they should self-isolate. Unfortunately, a growing number of Idaho children have difficulty getting tested and treated for coronavirus because...
California Announces Publicly Funded Travel No Longer Allowed to Idaho
Idaho – On Monday, California announced that it is prohibiting taxpayer-funded travel to Idaho on account of Idaho’s recently passed anti-transgender laws. House Minority Leader Representative Ilana Rubel/(D-Boise) expressed her extreme disappointment in the Idaho...
“Educating Idaho Students After Coronavirus” – by Sen. Ward-Engelking & Rep. Toone
Idaho parents and grandparents like us have been heartbroken watching their children during coronavirus. We know it’s important to keep our students safe and healthy, and we appreciate how difficult it was for educators to revamp their instruction at the drop of a...
“It’s time to restore fairness to our property taxes” – by Rep. Jake Ellis
As an Idaho taxpayer and state representative, it is my priority to address the property tax problem that is crushing everyday Idahoans. Governor Little has proposed the use of pandemic relief funds for lowering property taxes related to emergency services. Let’s be...