The bill amends several sections of the Idaho Code to enhance and clarify the Idaho Administrative Procedure Act, particularly regarding contested case rules and disciplinary proceedings for licensed professionals. Key amendments include the introduction of new provisions that allow the board to issue subpoenas, administer oaths, and require agencies to index all effective declaratory orders. The bill also repeals an existing section on informal disposition and replaces it with updated provisions, while clarifying the procedures for judicial review of board decisions and enhancing the rules governing contested cases to align with broader administrative procedures.

Additionally, the bill updates terminology, replacing "hearing officer" with "law judge," and outlines the qualifications and responsibilities of the chief administrative law judge, who will be appointed by the governor and confirmed by the senate. It establishes that independent contractor hearing officers can be hired without restrictions on outside work, provided they disclose their engagements. The bill also mandates the creation of hearing records and the indexing of agency orders for public inspection, aiming to streamline administrative procedures and improve accountability within the regulatory framework governing professional licenses in Idaho. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, with a severability clause included.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 39-107, 54-314, 54-2412, 54-2819, 54-5315, 67-5201, 67-5206, 67-5232, 67-5241, 67-5242, 67-5244, 67-5245, 67-5247, 67-5249, 67-5250, 67-5251, 67-5252, 67-5281, 67-5282, 67-5283, 67-5284, 67-5286
Engrossment 1: 39-107, 54-314, 54-2412, 54-2819, 54-5315, 67-5201, 67-5206, 67-5232, 67-5241, 67-5242, 67-5244, 67-5245, 67-5247, 67-5249, 67-5250, 67-5251, 67-5252, 67-5281, 67-5282, 67-5283, 67-5284, 67-5286