Legislative Updates - Week Five
Senator Mark Harris, LD35
The Budget process in the Joint Finance and Appropriation Committee (JFAC) seems to be advancing in good time. There are disagreements between some members of the committee on the number of cuts that should be made. The co-chairs of the committee, Senator Scott Grow (14) and Representative Josh Tanner (14) have proposed another 2 percent cut in the overall budget over and beyond the 3 percent the Governor has already proposed. These cuts together amount to a 5 percent cut overall which is digging into some budget items that are vital to some areas of the state.
One example of these proposed cuts involves the total elimination of the Idaho share of the Bear Lake Regional Commission. This funding is in the budget of the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). The loss of this funding is troublesome as this commission does a lot of work in the Bear Lake area for economic development and they also help with management of the quagga mussel check station in Logan Canyon among other things. I have asked several members of JFAC and the Governor’s office to replace this funding. I learned recently that the Governor has requested the funding be restored along with several other areas of critical funding. We will see what JFAC does with this request.
Another example of critical areas being cut is the funding for local transportation budgets. Counties, cities and highway districts have been notified that they will have to endure a 25 percent cut in the funds they get from the state. This cut is formulated in the way the budget was calculated from the total transportation budget. This number is around $110 million. This is going to affect how local government maintains their road infrastructure as they rely on this money for repairing potholes and snow removal.
The budgets have not been set yet and there is growing opposition to some of these cuts including cuts in Medicaid and possibly some in education. We will find out more as the main budgets are voted on in JFAC next week and are sent to both Chambers for a vote.
Another concern that has risen is how short-term rentals (STR) are regulated. This is an issue that has come up every year for the last several years. There has been some disagreement between counties, resort cities and people who own STR’s. Some claim cities and counties are overregulated, and others say some are not regulated enough. The House has introduced a bill, House Bill 583 (H583). In a nutshell, this bill prohibits any requirements for operating licenses and prohibits registration fees, permits and inspections for those who own STR’s. Another bill, one introduced in the Senate, Senate Bill 1263 (S1263) allows license requirements for STR’s that consist of four houses or more, and those that make over $10,000 in revenue. These facilities would be required to be licensed. S1263 would exempt small “mom and pop” type STR’s from these requirements. Both bills require some safety measures. My hope is that the two groups of stakeholders can get together to find some common ground and consolidate their efforts into agreeing on one cohesive bill.
The work in the legislature is gearing up, and it is sure to be busy from now until the end of the session.
Rep. Josh Wheeler
As we close out week five of the legislative session, the pace continues to accelerate. Several of my bills moved through committee this week, including legislation focused on prior authorization reform and continued efforts to strengthen and incentivize medical preceptorships in Idaho.
On prior authorization, the goal is simple: reduce unnecessary administrative burdens on providers and patients while maintaining appropriate accountability and quality standards. We’ve spent significant time refining the approach to ensure it is both provider-friendly and fiscally responsible. If we are going to modernize the system, we need reforms that streamline approvals for high-performing providers while still protecting against waste and ensuring medical necessity standards are met. That balance matters.
Likewise, strengthening medical preceptorship pathways remains one of the most important long-term workforce investments we can make. Idaho needs more physicians—especially in rural communities—and incentivizing experienced providers to mentor medical students and residents is a practical, market-based way to build that pipeline.
More broadly, I’ve been encouraged by the serious work happening behind the scenes to restore and maintain critical healthcare services across the state. As budget conversations intensify, many of us are focused on protecting essential services while still honoring the priorities I continue to hear from constituents: smart budgeting, right-sizing government, and maintaining core services without unnecessary expansion. The thoughtful feedback many of you have shared has directly informed those discussions.
I was also deeply moved this week watching deaf students in the gallery sign the Pledge of Allegiance. Seeing the pledge expressed visually through sign language was a powerful reminder that patriotism and civic participation take many forms. It was one of those quiet Capitol moments that reinforces why public service matters.
Next week, I’ll be introducing a bill aimed at helping attract more tradesmen to Idaho through strategic regulatory relief. Our state has a real workforce gap in the skilled trades, and we need policies that make it easier—not harder—for qualified individuals to work here. This proposal focuses on targeted deregulation where appropriate, without sacrificing safety or quality standards.
Looking ahead, next week’s floor calendar is shaping up to include more controversial debates, including bills dealing with flags, bathrooms, and the budget itself as appropriations begin moving to the floor. These issues tend to generate strong opinions, and I want to thank the many constituents who have taken the time to reach out and clearly articulate their priorities. Hearing directly from you helps ground these debates in real-world impact rather than political noise.
As always, I remain focused on practical solutions that strengthen Idaho’s economy, protect essential services, and maintain our long-standing commitment to fiscal responsibility.
I appreciate the opportunity to serve and will continue to keep you updated as the session progresses.
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Josh Wheeler
Idaho State Representative
Representative Mike Veile
So, it was a late, cold evening, and Shelly and I were walking to the parking garage after an event. Well, I decided to drive my 2015 Silverado that day... and of course, my battery was dead. The garage was nearly empty, and we felt like we would be there for a while.
Then a set of headlights appeared in the distance. Representative Church (D, District 19- Boise area) pulled in, driving her trusty Prius and immediately offered to help.
If you ever tried to access a battery on a Prius, it’s not that simple. So she called in reinforcements and Representative Egbert (D, District 17) left her home and came to the lot with a Honda that I could actually access the battery and eventually breathed life back into the old Silverado.
On that cold, dark and lonely night , what stood out wasn’t party affiliation. It was the willingness to show up for someone else. In a building where we debate tough issues every day, moments like that are reminders that we are all neighbors first.
However, after that, I had an AFM lifter fail so the truck has been in the shop here in Boise anyway. I did not know what an AFM lifter was either until I watched a few you tubes. So, if your 100K+ mile chevy starts ticking, get your wallet out. I will be bringing my other truck back up when I get home.
I will keep looking after Education. I am looking at some bills that were introduced this week that include additional requirements of teachers and administrators. I will oppose saddling public education with increased requirements particularly when the additional requirements are unrelated to educating children.
Idaho has the highest level of parental choice and freedom of any state. You can choose to educate your child in any manner you choose. I respect and honor that freedom.
I also am committed to properly funding public education and providing the best public education possible. I fully supported Representative Fuhrman’s HJM 11 that calls on the Federal Government to fulfill their obligation in funding special education
I supported and voted for bill 542 that allows for action against social media companies for addictive algorithms. I believe that there is harm these companies’ products are doing to our children.
I appreciate your support and input as I strive to best represent the needs of District 35. I appreciate and consider the input I have been provided by my District.
