IdahoGOP

Bruce D. Skaug

This bill allows professional counselors and marriage and family therapists to opt out of counseling or serving a client "regarding goals, outcomes, or behaviors" due to "sincerely held principles." Support is the position of the Idaho GOP Platform under Article XIX (Religious Liberty) Paragraph 1 "we oppose any efforts, state or federal, legislative, executive, or judicial, to limit the “free exercise of religion” by its citizens at home, their place of employment, or venues otherwise publicly available". 

Protecting the Religious Liberties of Counselors and Therapists by Ensuring They Are Not Forced to Violate their Sincerely Held Principles.

This bill appropriates over $169 million and 385.02 full-time positions to the Department of Environmental Quality for 2024, which represents an increase of nearly double the amount prescribed for inflation and general growth. Oppose is the position of the Idaho GOP Platform under Article I (Responsibility in Government) Section 2 Fiscal Responsibility - B "We believe that tax reductions can be achieved by cutting spending on every level: federal, state, and local. We believe that lower taxes will result in increased revenue to the government as the private sector will thrive".

Fueling Out-of-Control Spending Through a $169 Million Appropriation  to the Department of Environmental Quality.

This bill prohibits children under 18 years of age from receiving sex-reassignment procedures or puberty blockers until they reach the age of consent. Support is the position of the Idaho GOP Platform under Article XIV (American Family) Section 4: Children "We strongly oppose any person, entity, or policy that attempts to confuse minors regarding their biological gender".

Protecting Children Under 18 from Sex-Reassignment Surgeries and Prescriptions with Irreversible Implications Until they are Old Enough to Consent.

This bill would allow the governor to develop and execute an interstate compact for border security among other states, fostering the sharing of law enforcement intelligence, sharing state and law enforcement resources, and permitting other actions deemed necessary to secure the border identified in the compact. Under the bill, the execution of the compact does not need legislative approval. Support is the position of the Idaho GOP Platform under Article XVII (National Defense) Section 4 Secure the Border "We believe that securing the national border must be a priority for our country. We support the construction of a border wall along the entire southern border of the United States."

Strengthening National Security by Permitting the Governor to Enter into an Interstate Border Security Compact.

This bill makes clarifications to various legal definitions, stipulating that "sex" and "gender" are synonymous with a definition of "an individual's biological sex, either male or female." The bill also creates definitions for boy, father, female, girl, male, and mother. Support is the position of the Idaho GOP Platform under Article XIV (American Family) Section 4: Children "We believe biological gender to be an essential characteristic of a child’s identity and purpose. We call upon parents, responsible citizens, and officers of government to promote measures that respect and protect the biological gender of children. We strongly oppose any person, entity, or policy that attempts to confuse minors regarding their biological gender".

Providing Greater Legal Clarity by Stipulating "Sex" and "Gender" Are Based on an Individual's Biological Sex.

This bill restricts the ability of liquor licensees from selling or transferring their license. Under the bill, licenses issued on or after July 1, 2023 may not be transferred and any licenses that are held before that date may only be transferred once. Idaho utilizes a quota system based on population to limit the number of liquor licenses issued, which has made the licenses very valuable considering it can take nearly a decade to receive one due to the waitlist. The licensing system is designed to limit liquor so that beer captures more of the market. Oppose is the position of the Idaho GOP Platform under Article XII (Economy) Section 2 Support for Small Business "We support a business environment that promotes development and expansion of businesses in Idaho and eliminates all onerous repressive government regulation". 

Worsening the State's Draconian Liquor License Regime by Imposing Additional Anti-Competitive Prohibitions on the Sale or Transfer of Licenses.

This bill requires public schools with a multi-person restroom or changing facility to designate separate facilities based on biological sex at birth or to provide one-person unisex facilities. Schools are required to provide a reasonable accommodation upon written request, but this does not include allowing access to a restroom or changing facility designated for the opposite sex while in use. Support is the position of the Idaho GOP Platform under Article XIV (American Family) Section 4: Children "We strongly oppose any person, entity, or policy that attempts to confuse minors regarding their biological gender". 

Strengthening Safety and Privacy in the Restrooms of Schools by Requiring Usage to be Based on Biological Sex (Male or Female) at Birth.

This bill prohibits state agencies and departments from donating to nongovernmental organizations or sponsoring their events without written permission from the director of such department. However, the bill does provide certain exceptions. Oppose is the position of the Idaho GOP Platform under Article I (Responsibility in Government) Section 1 Fiscal Responsibility - A "The Idaho Republican Party recognizes that all government is financed by taxing its citizens. We believe the size and cost of government, as well as the national debt, must be reduced".

Protecting Taxpayers by Prohibiting State Government Departments from Sponsoring or Donating to Non-Governmental Events or Organizations.

This bill appropriates over $4.7 billion to the Department of Health and Welfare for the state's Medicaid system which it expanded under Obamacare. Spending has grown by over 33.8% in the last three years, and this bill would authorize the creation of 24.5 additional full-time positions to expand administrative overhead within the department. Oppose is the position of the Idaho GOP Platform under Article XIII (Health and Welfare) Section 2 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act "We support the repeal of the Patient Protection and Affordable Healthcare Act in its entirety".

Increasing Government Dependency and Fueling Out-of-Control Spending Through an Over $4.7 Billion Appropriation for the State's Expanded Medicaid System under Obamacare.

This bill prohibits localities from requiring the installation of an electric vehicle circuit as part of any new home construction. Support is the position of the Idaho GOP Platform under Article XII (Economy) Section 2 Support for Small Business "We support a business environment that promotes development and expansion of businesses in Idaho and eliminates all onerous repressive government regulation".

Combatting Local Government Overreach by Preventing Localities from Mandating Installation of Electric Vehicle Circuits in New Construction.

This bill permits an employee of a school or school district with an enhanced license to carry concealed weapons while on school property, provided that certain conditions are met. The bill also protects the employee's carry permit and information from public records requests. Support is the position of the Idaho GOP Platform under Article XVI (Law and Order with Justice) Section 1 Gun Rights "We commend efforts of organizations to preserve and foster the right of individuals to keep and bear arms, including Right-to-Carry laws."

Strengthening School Safety by Allowing Employees to Conceal Carry on School Property.

This appropriations bill includes multiple end-of-year fund transfers but most notably provides $15 million to the Idaho Workforce Development Council for "semiconductor workforce grants." This funding is directed to Micron Technology to support their new semiconductor manufacturing facility in Treasure Valley. Oppose is the position of the Idaho GOP Platform under Article I (Responsibility in Government) Section 2 Taxation - C "We believe Idaho’s tax structure should be predictable, fair, and balanced; and that the combination of our income, sales, and property taxes will continue to provide a stable, dependable source of income for governmental needs".

Expanding Cronyism by Channeling $15 Million in Taxpayer Funds to Enrich Semiconductor Manufacturer Micron Technology through "Semiconductor Workforce Grants".

This bill appropriates $204 million to the Department of Commerce, driven largely by an appropriation of $100 million from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act for broadband infrastructure. The bill also provides funding to aid "in the creation of jobs, generating economic growth, creating economic opportunities, and advancing the well-being and prosperity of Idaho Citizens." Support is the position of the Idaho GOP Platform under Article XII (Economy) Section 1: Commerce and Industry "We endorse economic development and expansion in Idaho and pledge to make every effort to provide a business climate that will attract such growth". 

Fueling Out-of-Control Spending through a $204 million Appropriation to the Department of Commerce for Unnecessary Initiatives.

This bill appropriates over $87 million and over 190 full-time positions to the Department of Park and Recreation for 2025, an increase more than two and a half times from 2022 when accounting for inflation. The bill also creates seven new full-time positions. Oppose is the position of the Idaho GOP Platform under Article I (Responsibility in Government) Section 2 Fiscal Responsibility - B "We believe that tax reductions can be achieved by cutting spending on every level: federal, state, and local. We believe that lower taxes will result in increased revenue to the government as the private sector will thrive".

Fueling Out-of-Control Spending Through an Over $87.9 Million Appropriation (250% increase since 2022) to the Department of Parks and Recreation.

This bill prohibits public institutions of higher education (colleges and universities) from asking prospective job or student applicants to provide a diversity statement. Support is the position of the Idaho GOP Platform under Article III (Education) Section 8 "We are strongly opposed to any social justice indoctrination that may occur at any level of Idaho’s education system and support policy and financial measures to prohibit universities, colleges or public schools from incorporating social justice indoctrination theories (i.e. critical race theory, transformative social emotional learning, diversity, equity and inclusion, replacement theory, queer theory, etc.) into their policies, curriculum and/or course materials."

Protecting Students and Staff at Public Colleges and Universities from being Forced to Provide Diversity Statements in the Application Process or as a Condition of Employment.

This bill appropriates over $27.2 million for various Health Education Programs. For example, the bill appropriates $7.2 million to the University of Washington School of Medicine's WWAMI program. The University of Washington, known as the "nation's largest fetal tissue bank," offers clinical clerkships with Planned Parenthood and was recently sued for conducting a fetal tissue trafficking operation with the organization. Additionally, the University provides numerous courses surrounding critical race theory, LGBTQ health disparities, and transgender healthcare clinical rotations. Oppose is the position of the Idaho GOP Platform under Article XIV (American Family) Section 3: Right to Life "We oppose the expenditure of any Idaho taxpayer funds by any unit of government, including federal, state, county, and municipal government, to any provider of abortion and strongly support legislation to enact the same". 

Forcing Taxpayers to Fund Aborted Fetus Trafficking and LGBTQ and Transgender Medical Training through a $27 Million Appropriation for Health Education Programs.

This bill, based on a similar bill enacted in Texas, makes it a state crime for illegal immigrants to enter Idaho directly from a foreign country outside of an official port of entry. To enforce the new law, the bill allows local law enforcement officers to check the immigration status of individuals and permits a magistrate judge to order people who violate the law to return to their country of origin. Support is the position of the Idaho GOP Platform under Article XVII (National Defense) Section 4 Secure the Border "We believe that securing the national border must be a priority for our country. We support the construction of a border wall along the entire southern border of the United States."

Strengthening National Security by Prohibiting Illegal Immigrants from Entering the State.

This bill requires public schools and libraries to establish a process whereby books with obscene materials are moved to an adult only section. Specifically, this bill requires libraries to have a form available that anyone may use to request that a material be moved to an adults-only section if they think it includes sexual content that is "harmful to minors." Support is the position of the Idaho GOP Platform under Article III (Education) Section 8 "We are strongly opposed to any social justice indoctrination that may occur at any level of Idaho’s education system and support policy and financial measures to prohibit universities, colleges or public schools from incorporating social justice indoctrination theories (i.e. critical race theory, transformative social emotional learning, diversity, equity and inclusion, replacement theory, queer theory, etc.) into their policies, curriculum and/or course materials."

Protecting Children from Obscene and Pornographic Material by Requiring Libraries to Move Material "Harmful to Minors" to an Adult-Only Section.

This bill appropriates over $29 million to the State Liquor Division, which represents an increase of over $1.8 million from the prior year. The appropriation provides funding for 261 full time employees as well as the relocation and remodeling of two government-run liquor stores. Oppose is the position of the Idaho GOP Platform under Article I (Responsibility in Government) Section 1 Fiscal Responsibility - D "We believe the unnecessary growth of government has a negative impact on both the conduct of business and our individual lives. We endorse the review of all government programs and encourage their assumption by private enterprise or local government where appropriate and workable". 

Growing Unnecessary Government Bureaucracy and Spending through a $29 Million Appropriation for the State Liquor Division Including Funding to Renovate Government-Run Liquor Stores.

This bill places all administrative rules on a staggered, eight-year review cycle for reauthorization as well as requires legislative approval of all new rules via concurrent resolution. Additionally, the bill requires agencies to accept testimony on proposed rules via video or telephone (currently only oral or written). Support is the position of the Idaho GOP Platform under Article XII (Economy) Section 2 Support for Small Business "We support a business environment that promotes development and expansion of businesses in Idaho and eliminates all onerous repressive government regulation". 

Combatting Regulatory Overreach by Requiring All Administrative Rules to Undergo Review and Reauthorization Every 8 Years.

This bill requires all highway-user fee revenue and highway and bridge ad valorum taxes be used on projects such as construction and maintenance of bridges and highways "that benefit primarily motor vehicles." This prevents the use of these funds for other purposes, such as building sidewalks and bike lanes. Support is the position of the Idaho GOP Platform under Article I (Responsibility in Government) Section 5 - State Legislature "We support the current move to zero-based budgeting or other appropriate budgeting techniques. We believe growth can be attained in a sound, responsible manner by holding taxes down, granting business incentives, and refusing to grant excessive demands for increased spending". 

Protecting Taxpayers from Wasteful and Unnecessary Infrastructure Spending by Restricting the Use of Highway and Bridge Revenue.

This bill strengthens school choice by ensuring all school districts maintain an open enrollment policy which allows students to transfer both in-district and out-of-district. The bill also ensures that schools cannot discriminate against applicants based on their residential location or socioeconomic status. Support is the position of the Idaho GOP Platform under Article III (Education) Section 3 "We believe in improving the quality of education for every child by maximizing parental choice. This will be accomplished through money following students to their parent’s school of choice". 

Expanding School Choice by Ensuring School Districts Maintain Open Enrollment Policies Including In-District Student Transfers.

This bill increases the program maintenance budget for the Commission on Hispanic Affairs to an amount 54% higher than what would be appropriate taking inflation into account. Oppose is the position of the Idaho GOP Platform under Article I (Responsibility in Government) Section 1 Fiscal Responsibility - D "We endorse the review of all government programs and encourage their assumption by private enterprise or local government where appropriate and workable. Programs which are not cost effective or have outlived their usefulness should be terminated".

Promoting Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Policies Through the Funding of the Commission on Hispanic Affairs.

This bill provides the Director of the Department of Insurance new power to impose large penalties on pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) for any violation of regulations the state enacted in 2020. These regulations control prices and contract provisions negotiated between PBMs and local pharmacies. Oppose is the position of the Idaho GOP Platform under Article XIII (Health and Welfare) Section 1 Private Enterprise Healthcare Delivery "We support a private enterprise health care delivery system that provides cost-effective, quality health care with minimal government regulation". 

Providing Government Bureaucrats New Powers to Enforce Overreaching Regulations Recently Imposed on Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMS).

This bill prohibits the use of taxpayer funds to pay for any surgical operation or medical intervention that seeks "to affirm the individual's perception of the individual's sex in a way that is inconsistent with the individual's biological sex." Support is the position of the Idaho GOP Platform under Article XIV (American Family) Section 4: Children "We believe biological gender to be an essential characteris c of a child’s identity and purpose. We call upon parents, responsible citizens, and officers of government to promote measures that respect and protect the biological gender of children. We strongly oppose any person, entity, or policy that attempts to confuse minors regarding their biological gender".

Protecting Taxpayers from Being Forced to Fund Surgeries and Prescriptions for Gender Dysphoria.

This bill clarifies that the residents of a city may utilize the citizen-led referendum or initiative processes to reduce the property tax base budget of their city, thus providing property tax relief. Support is the position of the Idaho GOP Platform under Article I (Responsibility in Government) Section 2 Taxation - B - "We believe that tax reductions can be achieved by cutting spending on every level: federal, state, and local.  We believe that lower taxes will result in increased revenue to the government as the private sector will thrive". 

Advancing Property Tax Relief by Ensuring the Citizen-led Referendum Process May be Utilized at the Local Level to Reduce the Property Tax Base Budget of a City.

This bill appropriates over $2.3 million to the Commission on the Arts. The appropriation is for 10 full time employees as well as grant issuance to "the arts to all Idahoans." Oppose is the position of the Idaho GOP Platform under Article I (Responsibility in Government) Section 1 Fiscal Responsibility - D "We endorse the review of all government programs and encourage their assumption by private enterprise or local government where appropriate and workable. Programs which are not cost effective or have outlived their usefulness should be terminated". 

Growing Government Bureaucracy and Ballooning Spending for Unnecessary Initiatives within the Commission on the Arts.

This bill appropriates over $2.2 million and establishes 10 full-time positions to the Commission on the Arts for 2025. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as providing funding for the arts is not a core nor necessary function of the government, rather a role of the private sector through foundations and philanthropy. Oppose is the position of the Idaho GOP Platform under Article I (Responsibility in Government) Section 1 Fiscal Responsibility - D "We endorse the review of all government programs and encourage their assumption by private enterprise or local government where appropriate and workable. Programs which are not cost effective or have outlived their usefulness should be terminated".

This bill asserts that parents are the "primary stakeholders" in education and establishes a framework which provides parents certain rights. Under the bill, parental consent is required for a student to take any noncurricular-related student survey, well-being questionnaire, or health screenings. Additionally, public schools are forbidden from enacting any policies which prohibit school personnel from notifying parents of a student's mental, emotional, or physical health or well-being, among other protections. Support is the position of the Idaho GOP Platform under Article III (Education) Section 10 "The right to determine their child’s health, safety, and medical treatment including masks and vaccinations, and the right to visit their child’s classroom with limited restrictions. These rights should be enumerated in Idaho Code".

Strengthening the Integrity of the Public Education System by Asserting Parents are the "Primary Stakeholders" in Education and Providing Parents a Series of Rights.

This bill prohibits state officials and employees from expending public funds on membership fees or dues to any outside organization unless required by law. Exemptions are made for purposes relating to employment or professional licensure. Currently government agencies, commissions, and the legislature spend millions of dollars annually on membership and association dues. Support is the position of the Idaho GOP Platform under Article I (Responsibility in Government) Section 1 Fiscal Responsibility - D "We endorse the review of all government programs and encourage their assumption by private enterprise or local government where appropriate and workable. Programs which are not cost effective or have outlived their usefulness should be terminated". 

Protecting Taxpayers by Prohibiting State Employees from Expending Public Funds on Membership Fees or Dues of Outside Organizations.

This bill expands the existing prohibition against local rent-control ordinances by now barring localities from forcing property owners from being forced to participate in any federal housing assistance program. The bill largely pertains to the federal Section 8 Housing Voucher program. Oppose is the position of the Idaho GOP Platform under Article IX (Property Rights) Paragraph 1 "The Republican Party believes in the Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution: "No person shall be ... deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law. We oppose any federal, state or local regula on that would diminish a property owner's right to develop his property."

Strengthening Property Rights and Combatting Local Government Overreach by Prohibiting Localities from Forcing Property Owners to Participate in Federal Housing Assistance Programs.

This bill appropriates over $149 million for the Department of Health and Welfare, behavioral health services, representing a 21% increase over the past three years. Part of the funding ($3 million) may be used for implementation of "Adverse Childhood Events" training to teach parents how to parent their children, which has been used as a vehicle for Critical Race Theory (CRT). Oppose is the position of the Idaho GOP Platform under Article I (Responsibility in Government) Section 2 Fiscal Responsibility - B "We believe that tax reductions can be achieved by cutting spending on every level: federal, state, and local. We believe that lower taxes will result in increased revenue to the government as the private sector will thrive". 

Fueling Out-of-Control Spending through a $149 Million Appropriation to the Department of Health and Welfare Behavioral Health Services - a 21% Hike over the Past 3 Years.

This bill, Coach Kennedy's Law, guarantees the right of public college, school district, and charter school employees to pray during free time. This bill follows the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Kennedy v. Bremerton School District, involving a high school football coach praying after football games in neighboring Washington. Support is the position of the Idaho GOP Platform under Article III (Education) Section 1 B - Religious Freedom in Public Education "We believe that school administrators and officials should not infringe on Idaho school students’ and staff’s 1st Amendment rights to pray and engage in religious speech, individually or in groups, on school property without government interference". 

Strengthening Religious Liberties at Public Schools and State Institutions of Higher Education by Ensuring Employees are Permitted to Pray During Free Time.

This bill establishes mandatory minimum sentences for trafficking Fentanyl. Under the bill, an individual trafficking between 4 and 14 grams of fentanyl would be subject to a 3 year mandatory minimum, 14 to 28 grams a five year minimum, and 28 grams or more a 10 year minimum. Support is the position of the Idaho GOP Platform under Article XVI (Law and Order with Justice) Section 3 Drug Use "We recognize the dreadful consequences of drug and substance abuse in our society, and we call upon our national, state and local leaders to refocus efforts to discourage drug use and rehabilitate drug users. We encourage all Idaho citizens, and their religious, civic, and community organizations, to be actively engaged in this effort."

Strengthening Public Safety and Combatting the Drug Epidemic by Imposing Mandatory Minimums on Fentanyl Trafficking.

This bill appropriates over $500,000 to the Commission on Hispanic Affairs, which serves as a "liaison between the community and government entities." Oppose is the position of the Idaho GOP Platform under Article I (Responsibility in Government) Section 1 Fiscal Responsibility - D "We endorse the review of all government programs and encourage their assumption by private enterprise or local government where appropriate and workable. Programs which are not cost effective or have outlived their usefulness should be terminated".

Fueling Out-of-Control Spending through and Unnecessary $500,000 Appropriation to the Commission on Hispanic Affairs.

This bill prohibits the Department of Health and Welfare from seeking or implementing new Medicaid (government-provided healthcare) state plan amendments or waivers that would expand coverage or increase any cost to the state without explicit legislative authority. Support is the position of the Idaho GOP Platform under Article XIII (Health and Welfare) Section 2 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act "We support the repeal of the Patient Protection and Affordable Healthcare Act in its entirety".

Protecting Taxpayers from Ballooning Medicaid Welfare Spending by Requiring Legislative Approval for Expansion.

This bill prohibits the state and local governments from requiring the use of face masks or other face coverings to prevent or slow the spread of disease, with exceptions, such as hospitals and health care facilities. Support is the position of the Idaho GOP Platform under Article III (Education) Section 10 "We believe in the right for parents to determine their child’s health, safety, and medical treatment including masks and vaccinations, and the right to visit their child’s classroom with limited restrictions."

Protecting Individual Liberties by Prohibiting Government-Imposed Mask Mandates.

This bill allows local school districts to authorize virtual charter schools. Additionally, the permits charter school to consider the "at-risk makeup" of students at a public charter school during the certification, accountability, and renewal process. This ensures that the charter schools who face greater challenges surrounding unaccompanied youth, high absenteeism, etc. are not unfairly penalized. Support is the position of the Idaho GOP Platform under Article III (Education) Section 3 "We support all educational environments desired by parents including public charter schools, public virtual charter schools". 

Improving Educational Outcomes for Students by Allowing School Districts to Authorize Virtual Charter Schools.

This bill enacts a series of new regulations on the franchise agreements between automobile manufacturers and dealers. The regulations primarily benefit dealers and surround the termination procedures of the agreements and how the mediation process must be conducted. Oppose is the position of the Idaho GOP Platform under Article XII (Economy) Paragraph 1 "A competitive market, free of undue governmental competition, restriction, coercion, or interference, is critical to Idaho’s economic well-being". 

Hiking New Vehicle Prices through Additional Government Mandates on Private Contracting Agreements Which Benefit Automotive Dealers at the Expense of Manufacturers.

This bill creates the crime of "abortion trafficking," which makes it illegal to obtain an abortion for a minor with the intent to conceal the abortion from the minor's parents "by recruiting, harboring, or transporting" the minor. The bill also allows the state attorney general to prosecute violations if the local prosecutor refuses to enforce the law. Support is the position of the Idaho GOP Platform under Article XIV (American Family) Section 3: Right to Live - A "We affirm that abortion is murder from the moment of fertilization. All children should be protected regardless of the circumstances of conception, including persons conceived in rape and incest". 

Protecting Life by Criminalizing "Abortion Trafficking" or Obtaining an Abortion for a Minor Which is Concealed from their Parents.

This bill appropriates $500,000 to the Rural Nursing Loan Repayment Fund. This program provides taxpayer-funded loan repayment to nurses working in regions with populations below 20,000. Oppose is the position of the Idaho GOP Platform under Article I (Responsibility in Government) Section 2 Taxation - C "We believe Idaho’s tax structure should be predictable, fair, and balanced; and that the combination of our income, sales, and property taxes will continue to provide a stable, dependable source of income for governmental needs".

Growing Government Central Planning by Forcing Taxpayers to Pay Off the Student Loan Debt of Nurses in Rural Areas.

This bill defines "abstinence" for purposes of sex education in schools as "the absence of any sexual activity prior to marriage." This prevents schools from teaching other definitions of "abstinence" such as risk reduction, which are often developed by outside groups to advance a politicized social agenda. Support is the position of the Idaho GOP Platform under Article III (Education) Section 8 "We are strongly opposed to any social justice indoctrination that may occur at any level of Idaho’s education system". 

Protecting Children from Leftist Social Agendas in Public Schools by Adopting a Traditional Definition of Abstinence for Purposes of Sex Education.

Under current law, the state tracks the immunization of children through an immunization registry. This bill would change the registry from an opt-out system to an opt-in system where parents must affirmatively agree to have their child's records tracked. Support is the position of the Idaho GOP Platform under Article XIII (Health and Welfare) Section 3 General Principles for Healthcare - D "We support as supreme the authority of parents in all medical decisions for their children, including providers and treatments."

Strengthening the Medical Privacy of Children by Changing the Immunization Registry System from Opt-Out to Opt-In.

This bill imposes new wage regulations on employers who hire prisoners, stipulating the prisoners employed with a private employer must receive the same salary range offered to other employees based on experience, education, and other qualifications. The bill also requires that the employed prisoner be given all benefits offered to other similarly situated employees. Oppose is the position of the Idaho GOP Platform under Article XII (Economy) Section 2 Support for Small Business "We support a business environment that promotes development and expansion of businesses in Idaho and eliminates all onerous repressive government regulation".

Reducing Employment Opportunities for Incarcerated Individuals by Imposing Wage Requirements onto Employers.

This bill expands the ability of cow, sheep, or goat share owners to consume "raw milk" through a herd share agreement. The bill removes the limit on the number of animals allowed in a herd share and also eliminates a number of other regulations surrounding milk quality tests. Support is the position of the Idaho GOP Platform under Article IV (Agriculture) Section 4 "We endorse the preservation and strengthening of the family farm unit as the foundation of agriculture and one of the basic strengths of this nation". 

Strengthening Individual Liberties and "Food Freedom" by Reducing Restrictions on Personal Raw Milk Consumption through Herd Shares.

This bill appropriates over $4.5 billion to fund the state's Medicaid system which was expanded under Obamacare (Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act). This appropriation represents an over 58% increase in spending within the past 3 years and includes additional covered services for recipients and higher reimbursement rates for providers under the welfare program. While this appropriation is $150 million less than another Medicaid budget proposed this session (H 334), it is still $829 million higher than other proposals which account for the removal of 75,000 individuals who are receiving benefits but are not eligible for the program. According to the Federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Idaho has one of the highest rates of improper Medicaid payment in the nation - a staggering 39.8% in 2019. Oppose is the position of the Idaho GOP Platform under Article XIII (Health and Welfare) Section 2 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act "We support the repeal of the Patient Protection and Affordable Healthcare Act in its entirety". 

Increasing Government Dependency and Fueling Out-Of-Control Spending through a $4.5 Billion Appropriation for the State Medicaid System Under Obamacare.

This bill prohibits shows and exhibitions which feature "sexual conduct" from being performed on public property or with public funds. Additionally, the bill requires any person or location that hosts such an exhibition (including drag shows) make reasonable efforts to ensure minors are not allowed access. Support is the position of the Idaho GOP Platform under Article XIV (American Family) Section 4: Children "We strongly oppose any person, entity, or policy that attempts to confuse minors regarding their biological gender". 

Protecting Minors from Sexual Content by Ensuring Adult Entertainment is Not Performed on Public Property and that Minor Access is Restricted.

This bill further builds upon legislation passed last year (H 433) which established a "public school health insurance participation fund." This fund helped subsidize the cost of transitioning government school employees onto the state's medical and dental insurance plan (which represented a significant benefit increase for employees at a cost to taxpayers of $1.26 billion over the next decade). This bill (H 203) removes the $4,500 cap per support unit for the transition, resulting in taxpayers subsidizing a greater amount of the expanded benefits for state employees. Oppose is the position of the Idaho GOP Platform under Article I (Responsibility in Government) Section 1 Fiscal Responsibility - D "We believe the unnecessary growth of government has a negative impact on both the conduct of business and our individual lives". 

Fueling Out-of-Control Spending by Removing the $4,500 Cap on Subsidies Provided to School Employees Who Transition to the State's Healthcare Plan.

Under current law, employers are protected from civil liability when allowing or not prohibiting the lawful storage of firearms by employees in their personal motor vehicles on the employer's business premises. This bill would expand those protections to include employers who allow or don't prohibit the lawful carrying of a firearm on an employee's person. Support is the position of the Idaho GOP Platform under Article XVI (Law and Order with Justice) Section 1 Gun Rights "We commend efforts of organizations to preserve and foster the right of individuals to keep and bear arms, including Right-to-Carry laws."

Strengthening Second Amendment Rights by Providing Immunity to Employers Who Allow Employee Concealed Carry.

This bill allows government contractors who are working on projects solely funded by state or local governments to disregard an executive order issued by President Obama which forbids contractors from segregating their restrooms or changing facilities on the basis of biological sex. Contractors who are working on projects that are federally funded are still required to comply with the order. Support is the position of the Idaho GOP Platform under Article XIV (American Family) Section 4: Children "We strongly oppose any person, entity, or policy that attempts to confuse minors regarding their biological gender". 

Strengthening Privacy by Authorizing Contractors Paid by State or Local Governments to Restrict their Restroom and Changing Facility Usage on the Basis of Biological Sex.

This bill provides 11 full-time positions and appropriates over $12.6 million to the Office of Energy and Mineral Resources for 2025, a budget increase from 2022 nearly four and a half times higher than what would be recommended by inflationary pressures and growth. Oppose is the position of the Idaho GOP Platform under Article I (Responsibility in Government) Section 1 Fiscal Responsibility - A "The Idaho Republican Party recognizes that all government is financed by taxing its citizens. We believe the size and cost of government, as well as the national debt, must be reduced".

Fueling Out-of-Control Spending Through an Over $12.6 Million Appropriation (Quadrupled since 2022) to the Office of Energy and Mineral Resources.

This bill appropriates over $37 million to the University of Idaho Agriculture Research and Extension Services to fund over 340 full time positions. The appropriation covers much more than just agriculture, but also on other topics related to health and community development and climate change. Oppose is the position of the Idaho GOP Platform under Article I (Responsibility in Government) Section 1 Fiscal Responsibility - A "The Idaho Republican Party recognizes that all government is financed by taxing its citizens. We believe the size and cost of government, as well as the national debt, must be reduced". 

Funding Politicized Research on Climate Change, Community Development and Other Wasteful Initiatives by Appropriating $37 Million to the University of Idaho Agricultural Research Program.

This bill appropriates over $19 million and 16 full-time positions to the Office of Species Conservation for 2025, growing the budget by over 34% in the last three years and adding one new full-time position. Additionally, the budget includes over $18 million in federal grants, subjecting the agency to additional federal control and regulation. Oppose is the position of the Idaho GOP Platform under Article I (Responsibility in Government) Section 1 Fiscal Responsibility - D "We endorse the review of all government programs and encourage their assumption by private enterprise or local government where appropriate and workable. Programs which are not cost effective or have outlived their usefulness should be terminated".

Year	American Family and Religious Liberties	Culture	Econ	Edu	Energy, Environment, and Agriculture	Health and Welfare	Law and Order with Justice	Property Rights	Responsibility in Government
2024	100	0	60	100	0	85.71	100	100	90.91
2023	100	100	25	100	100	66.67	100	100	77.78