States

Idaho Bill Tracking And State Guide

Everything you need to know to engage with the Senate and House
How does a bill become law in Idaho?
1. Introduction - A bill can be introduced by a member, a group of members, or a standing committee. - After specific days in the legislative session, only certain committees can introduce new bills. 2. First Reading - A bill is read for the first time and referred for printing. - After printing, it is then sent to a standing committee for review. 3. Reports of Standing Committees - Committees study the bill and may report it out with various recommendations. - If reported out without amendments, the bill moves to the Second Reading Calendar. 4. Second Reading - The bill is read again and automatically moves to the Third Reading Calendar. 5. Third Reading - The entire bill is read section by section, and final debate occurs. - A majority vote is needed to pass the bill. 6. Transmitting between Houses - If passed, the bill goes to the other house and undergoes a similar process. - Passed bills are reviewed for accuracy and signed before being sent to the Governor. 7. Governor’s Action - The Governor can approve, veto, or allow the bill to become law without a signature within specified timeframes. - If approved or allowed to become law, it is assigned a chapter number and added to the Idaho Code. 8. Effective Date - Most laws take effect on July 1, unless specified otherwise.
How can a member of the public get involved in the legislative process in Idaho?
A member of the public can get involved in the legislative process in Idaho by taking several actions: 1. Contacting Legislators: Individuals can reach out to their elected representatives in the House or Senate to express their opinions on proposed bills, suggest new legislation, or provide expert testimony and information relevant to pending legislation. 2. Attending Committee Hearings: Members of the public can attend hearings held by the standing committees on various bills. This allows them to observe the legislative process and, in some cases, provide testimony or submit written comments regarding specific legislation. 3. Participating in Public Meetings: Many committees and legislative bodies hold public meetings where citizens can voice their opinions, ask questions, or participate in discussions about upcoming bills. 4. Following Legislative Sessions: By keeping track of legislative sessions, citizens can stay informed about the bills being introduced, discussed, and voted upon. 5. Advocating for Issues: Citizens can join or support advocacy groups that align with their interests. These groups often work with legislators to promote specific legislation or issues, thereby enhancing the involvement of the public in the legislative process. 6. Writing Letters or Emails: Sending letters or emails to legislators about specific bills or legislative issues can influence decision-making. Personal stories and constituents' perspectives can make a significant impact on a legislator's stance. 7. Testifying Before the Legislature: When specific bills are being discussed, individuals can request to testify before legislative committees to present their views and expertise.
How can FastDemocracy help me with that?
Tracking bills is hard, especially if you rely on state legislature websites, which are often hard to navigate. Thousands of bills get filed in Idaho every year (and about 180,000 bills nationwide). If you want to be an effective advocate, you need to know where legislation of interest stands, and act quickly.
FastDemocracy's free version allows you to track an unlimited number of bills - no strings attached. We'll send you a daily or weekly email on your priority bills and give you tools to research bills and legislators.
FastDemocracy Professional is for anyone who tracks bills in a professional capacity. It features
  • real-time bill, amendment and hearing alerts
  • automated reporting
  • team collaboration
  • bill tagging for clients and stakeholders
  • bill similarity detection
  • ...and much more
How do I track bills in Idaho?
1. Sign up here for a free FastDemocracy account.
2. Head to Tracked Topics to select issue areas you care about.
3. Use the search bar on top if you're looking for something specific.
4. Click "Track Bill" for any legislation you'd like to monitor a bit closer. That's how you add it to your Tracked Bills. You can also click on a bill to learn more, see the bill summary, most recent actions, votes, news and tweets. You can also contact legislators or share your bills on social media.
5. You can track an unlimited number of bills for free and we'll send you a daily or weekly email if your tracked legislation moves.
6. Do you need real-time alerts, outreach tools, bill lists, and professional functions? Then FastDemocracy Professional is the right fit for you.
7. Track bills on your smartphone using our free mobile app.
How do I find my local Idaho Senator and Representative?
You can use the Find Your Legislators tool to find them, see their voting records, and contact them.
Most tracked bills in Idaho, 68th Legislature, 1st Regular Session (2025)
BOISE STATE VOLLEYBALL – States findings of the Legislature and provides for commendation of the Boise State University women’s volleyball team.
Last Action
Title apvd - to Senate
Senate • Jan 14, 2025
Latest Version
EDUCATION – Adds to existing law to allow public schools to display only certain flags and banners on school property and to prohibit schools from displaying certain flags and banners.
Last Action
Introduced, read first time, referred to JRA for Printing
House • Jan 14, 2025
Latest Version
IMMIGRATION – Adds to existing law to provide for crimes regarding illegal entry into this state, to provide for an order to return to a foreign nation, and to provide for civil immunity for and indemnification of local government and state officials, employees, and contractors regarding immigration.
Last Action
Introduced, read first time, referred to JRA for Printing
House • Jan 14, 2025
Latest Version
SCHOOL SAFETY – Adds to existing law to establish provisions regarding immunity of behavioral threat assessment and management teams in Idaho public schools.
Last Action
Reported Printed and Referred to Judiciary, Rules & Administration
House • Jan 13, 2025
Latest Version
Bill up for consideration House Judiciary, Rules & Administration
Jan 15, 2025 01:30pm
Room EW42
UNIFORM CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES – Amends existing law to provide a penalty for possession of less than three ounces of marijuana.
Last Action
Reported Printed and Referred to Judiciary, Rules & Administration
House • Jan 13, 2025
Latest Version
Bill up for consideration House Judiciary, Rules & Administration
Jan 15, 2025 01:30pm
Room EW42
CITY AND COUNTY OFFICERS – Adds to and amends existing law to remove a provision regarding violations of the open meetings law by county officers, to authorize investigations and actions against city officers by the attorney general, and to provide for duties of the attorney general.
Last Action
Reported Printed and Referred to Judiciary, Rules & Administration
House • Jan 13, 2025
Latest Version
Bill up for consideration House Judiciary, Rules & Administration
Jan 15, 2025 01:30pm
Room EW42
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES – Amends and adds to existing law to require the implementation of cybersecurity best practices and the use of multifactor identification in Idaho state government.
Last Action
Reported Printed and Referred to Commerce & Human Resources
House • Jan 10, 2025
Latest Version
TAXATION – Adds to existing law to establish the Idaho Parental Choice Tax Credit.
Last Action
Reported Printed; Filed in the Office of the Chief Clerk
House • Jan 09, 2025
Latest Version
ELECTIONS – Amends existing law to increase the vote threshold for statewide initiative petitions and to remove obsolete language.
Last Action
Reported Printed and Referred to State Affairs
House • Jan 09, 2025
Latest Version
MARRIAGE – States findings of the Legislature and calls upon the Supreme Court of the United States to reverse the decision in Obergefell v. Hodges and restore the natural definition of marriage, a union of one man and one woman.
Last Action
Reported Printed and Referred to State Affairs
House • Jan 08, 2025
Latest Version
All Legislators in Idaho (Senator and Representative)