IdahoGOP

Jeff J. Cornilles

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 prohibits the state from discriminating against adoption agencies or adoptive parents due to "a sincerely held religious belief." As a result, parents may raise their adopted child in the religious practices and beliefs in which the parent adheres to. Support is the position of the Idaho GOP Platform under Article XIX (Religious Liberty) "The Idaho Republican Party believes religious freedom is a fundamental human right and essential for any society or community to flourish, 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.  

Strengthening Religious Liberties by Prohibiting Discrimination Against Adoptive Agencies and Parents for Religious Reasons.

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 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 protects public school employees from any adverse employment actions in the event an employee fails to address a student using a name other than the student's legal name or their preferred pronoun if the pronoun is not consistent with the student's biological sex. The bill also prohibits schools from using fictional names or biologically incorrect pronouns without parental consent. 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 Teachers from Punishment for Refusing to Use a Student's "Preferred Pronoun".

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.

This bill imposes a litany of new regulations on pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) which are largely designed to benefit local pharmacies. For example, PBMs must now use "pass-through pricing" instead of "spread pricing" systems, pass along 100% of any drug manufacture rebate, and limit patient steering among other provisions. Oppose is the position of the Idaho GOP Platform under Article XIII (Health and Welfare) Section 1 Private Enterprise Health Care Delivery System "We support a private enterprise health care delivery system that provides cost-effective, quality health care with minimal government regulation."

Growing Government Regulatory Power within the Pharmaceutical Industry by Imposing New Mandates on Pharmacy Benefit Managers to Benefit Local Pharmacies.

This bill contains a long list of new regulations on automobile manufacturers and on contract agreements with their dealerships. Most notably, the bill prohibits an automobile manufacturer from selling or leasing a vehicle directly to a consumer or performing warranty repair work. 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".

Increasing Government Interference in Private Contracting Agreements Between Automobile Manufacturers and Dealers and Imposing New Protectionist 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 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 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 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 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 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, called the Parental Rights in Medical Decision-Making, protects a parents' right to make health care decisions for their children and guarantee access to their children's medical records. Specifically, the bill prohibits an individual - unless provided by court order - to furnish a health care service or solicit to furnish a health care service to a minor child without obtaining the prior consent of the minor's parent, with exceptions during medical emergencies. The bill also prohibits a health care provider or government entity form denying a minor's parent access to health information that is requested by the parent. Those subject to violations of these provisions make seek relief through a private right of action. 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 Parental Rights by Preventing Minor Medical Care without Parental Consent and Ensuring Parent Access to Child's Medical Records.

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 prohibits localities in the state from adopting or enforcing any guaranteed income program, unless authorized by state statute. Under the bill, a guaranteed income program is defined as "a plan funded or administered by the government under which an individual is provided with regular, unconditional cash payments to be used for any purpose by the individual." Support is the position of the Idaho GOP Platform under Article XIII (Health and Welfare) Section 4 - C "We believe health and welfare programs should be administered with a minimum of bureaucracy and the goal of helping all recipients return to a selfsustaining and productive life".

Preventing Wealth Redistribution by Prohibiting Localities from Establishing "Guaranteed Income Programs."

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 is designed to prevent large data centers from "double dipping" by receiving two separate economic development incentives for the same project. While the bill applies to all data centers, it primarily impacts Meta (Facebook) and its project in the City of Kuna. Due to the fact Meta is already eligible for a sales tax exemption, this bill prevents the company from also receiving property tax exemptions under the urban renewal district designation. As a result, property owners in Kuna will not be forced to subsidize the infrastructure costs of Meta, and instead receive tax relief due to the tax assessment on the Meta facility. Support 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".

Providing Property Tax Relief to Homeowners by Blocking Crony Subsidies to Meta (Facebook) and Other Woke Corporations.

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 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 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.

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 allows professional counselors and marriage and family therapists to opt-out of "counseling in support of goals, outcomes, or behaviors" due to "sincerely held religious, moral, or ethical principles." Support is the position of the Idaho GOP Platform under Article XIX (Religious Liberty) "The Idaho Republican Party believes religious freedom is a fundamental human right and essential for any society or community to flourish, 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 $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 $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 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". 

This bill makes it easier for counties to satisfy notice requirements to destroy noxious weeds, on private property, "including necessary destruction of crops," at the expense of the landowner. Currently, a property owner has five working days from the time of receipt of a notice to begin addressing weeds. This bill provides that when the property owner is "not known or readily available," service is considered satisfied eight days after the notice is postmarked or certified registered receipt at the address. 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". 

Weakening Property Rights by Providing Government Officials Overreaching Powers to Trespass onto Private Property and Destroy Crops in Order to Control "Noxious Weeds".

This bill appropriates over $38 million and 341.33 full-time positions to the University of Idaho Agricultural Research and Extension Services for 2025, a program "conducting research on a range of topics related to food systems, health and community development, water resources, plant science, climate change and much more." The bill creates two new full-time faculty positions that specialize in either irrigation or forestry research and a janitorial position. 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".

Funding Politicized Research on Climate Change, Community Development and Other Wasteful Initiatives by Appropriating $38.4 Million to the University of Idaho Agricultural Research Program.

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 allows mental and behavioral health providers who are licensed in other states to provide services in Idaho through "telehealth" (utilizing the internet or video call to provide diagnoses and prescribe medication). Support is the position of the Idaho GOP Platform under Article XIII (Health and Welfare) "Regulations that forbid Idahoans from buying insurance across state lines should be eliminated". 

Expanding Competition and Availability of Mental Health Services by Allowing Providers in Other States to Provide Services Through Telehealth.

This bill implements a few reforms to tighten work requirements under the supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP). As a result, there are less ways for recipients age 18-59 to avoid compliance with the employment and training requirements in order to receive benefits under the welfare program. Support is the position of the Idaho GOP Platform under Article XIII (Health and Welfare) Section 4 - C "We believe health and welfare programs should be administered with a minimum of bureaucracy and the goal of helping all recipients return to a selfsustaining and productive life". 

Promoting Self-Sufficiency by Closing Some of the Work Requirement Loopholes Within the SNAP Welfare Program.

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 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 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 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 prohibits departments of the state from donating or sponsoring any non-governmental events or organizations unless required by law or approved by the Governor. 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". 

This bill appropriates over $30 million and 257.25 full-time positions to the Liquor Division, the budget 64% higher from 2022 than what is needed for inflationary growth. The bill adds three new full-time positions, which includes a new program systems specialist. 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 $30 Million Appropriation (64% Higher than 2022) to the Liquor Division.

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 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 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 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 stipulates that any state education entity that discusses or provides contraception or discusses sexually transmitted diseases/infections or provides testing "shall provide information explaining current adoption practices and where to find resources and support in the state". 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 Requiring Schools to Include Information on Adoption Resources When Certain Sex Education Topics are Discussed.

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 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 appropriates over $36 million and 267.20 full-time positions to the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses for 2025, funding a number of runaway expenditures. 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 and Regulatory Overreach Through an Over $36 Million Appropriation to the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses.

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 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, 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 appropriates $124.1 million to the Department of Commerce for broadband infrastructure, using funds from the federal American Rescue Plan Act Capital Projects Fund. This is a supplemental appropriation which is on top of over $100 million in funding for broadband infrastructure expected to be provided in S 1159. This bill is expected to provide significant additional revenue to companies that provide these services such as Comcast. 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 Wasteful and Unnecessary Spending by Providing an Additional $124.1 Million to the Department of Commerce for Broadband Infrastructure Grants.

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 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 establishes a maximum tax of 50 cents per cigar. Under existing law, tobacco products including cigars are subject to a 40% wholesale tax. This bill is designed to provide a more equitable taxation structure as retailers and consumers of premium cigars are subject to much higher levels of taxation. Support 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". 

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	20	100	0	50	100	100	8.33
2023	83.33	100	50	100	100	50	100	0	44.44