2025 Legislative Session News
US Supreme Court Rules to Protect LGBTQ Individuals from Workplace Discrimination
Idaho – On Monday, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 makes it illegal to discriminate against employees based on sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity. The landmark decision means that LGBTQ individuals across the nation...
Financial help available for Idaho renters
Idaho renters affected by COVID-19 may be eligible for financial assistance through Idaho Housing and Finance Association’s Housing Preservation Program. The program, which is available only to renters, provides short-term rent and utility support for Idahoans...
Representative Sue Chew Helps Secure PPE for Idaho Health Centers
Idaho – On June 11th, Idaho’s Community Health Centers will receive a $200,000 grant from the Cambia Health Foundation and PPE donations from Taiwan through the Idaho Office of Emergency Management with facilitation from the United Way of Treasure Valley, in addition...
Senator Nelson to Attend The Palouse Demands Justice Vigil
Idaho State Capitol – On Wednesday, Senator David Nelson/(D-Moscow) announced he would be attending the Palouse Demands Justice Vigil on June 3, 2020. The vigil is being held in Friendship Square in Moscow, Idaho. Sen. Nelson expressed his appreciation for the vigil...
“Education Should Still Be A Priority” – by Rep. Chris Abernathy
Idaho teachers have had some of the toughest months of their entire career. In all corners of the state, our teachers are learning new skills and adapting their curriculum. Our teachers are committed to educating Idaho students, no matter the obstacles. As a reward,...
“Getting By With A Little Help From Your Legislator” – by Rep. Steve Berch
Most people understand that the role of a legislator is to help write the laws that govern us. That’s what we do from January through March when the state legislature is in session. However, there’s another part of the job that is seldom discussed – being a public...
“Unreliable Broadband is Hurting Idaho Students” – by Sen. David Nelson
At the drop of a hat, Idaho students and teachers have had to completely change their education plans for the school year. They are creating lessons in the virtual world while they are burdened by one of our state’s biggest problems: bad internet. Now, more than ever,...
Senator David Nelson Urges Protestors to Follow Stay-at-Home Order
Moscow, Idaho – On Monday, protestors gathered at Moscow City Council for the “Liberate Moscow” event. The protest was intended to pressure Governor Little to end the current stay-at-home order, which was recently extended to April 30, 2020. Senator David...
“Property Tax Hindsight is 20/20” – by Rep. Chris Abernathy
Coronavirus has made many of Idaho’s problems significantly worse. Property taxes are no exception. Before coronavirus, Idaho legislators were hearing from hundreds of constituents that property taxes are out of control. Our citizens were being priced out of their...
“Leaders Must Lead During Global Pandemic” – by Rep. Melissa Wintrow
It came as a huge relief when Governor Little announced that the stay-at-home order would continue and that upcoming decisions to “re-open” business should be done based on the best scientific information available. Our current health care systems have not been...
COVID Financial Advisory Committee Meets to Discuss Federal Funds
Idaho State Capitol – On Monday, the COVID Financial Advisory Committee (CFAC) met for the second time. The goal of the committee is to make recommendations to the Governor on how to distribute the $1.25 billion in federal funds to state and local governments during...
“Legislature’s Priorities Aren’t Serving Idahoans” – by Rep. Lauren Necochea
Idaho can have the brightest future possible when we are inclusive and ensure that everyone has opportunities to contribute to the success of their community. Unfortunately, our state is moving away from these ideals. It is a dark day when the governor signs three...
Governor Little Vetoes HB 340
Idaho State Capitol – On Tuesday, Governor Little vetoed HB 340, which would have allowed residential alcohol and substance abuse treatment programs for juveniles to operate without a license. All the House and Senate Democrats voted against the bill while it was...
Governor Little Signs Multiple Discrimination Bills Into Law
Idaho State Capitol – On Monday, Governor Little signed HB 440, 500, and 509 into law. House bill 440 will remove discrimination protections for hiring practices in public entities. House bill 500 will require high school girls to prove their gender to participate in...
Rep. Green’s Vaping Regulations Bill Signed by the Governor
Idaho State Capitol - On Friday, Governor Little signed into law a bill that will make electronic smoking devices less accessible to Idaho’s youth. House Bill 538 aims to create parity between traditional tobacco products and new, electronic smoking devices. This...
Senate State Affairs Prints Property Tax Legislation
Idaho State Capitol – On Friday, Senate State Affairs voted to print two property tax bills. The first would raise the homeowners exemption to $120,000 and restore indexing. The second would increase the Circuit Breaker property tax relief. Representative Lauren...
House Debates Property Tax Amendment
Idaho State Capitol – On Friday, the House debated amendments to Senate Bill 1277. The original legislation made changes to the application process for the Idaho homestead exemption. However, the legislation was sent to General Orders on Friday morning. “SB 1277 was...
Funding For Bridge Maintenance Passes Senate Floor
Idaho State Capitol - On Wednesday, a bill to create a fund for bridge maintenance and replacement passed the house floor. It previously passed the house 52-18. The bill allocates money to the transportation expansion and congestion mitigation program and establishes...