Legislative Updates - Week Eight

 The Idaho Senate started meeting twice a day this week to keep up with all the legislation flying out of our ten Senate committees. 

One of the bills we considered this week on the Senate Floor was Senate Bill 1331 (S1331).  S1331 passed the Senate on a razor thin vote of 18-17.  This legislation is called the “Idaho Rescissions Act” that reduces FY 2026 appropriations across several state agencies.  I voted “no” on this legislation because I do not agree with the way the cuts were implemented in the bill. A more balanced approach to implementing individual cuts could have been used instead of the across-the-board cuts in the bill.  An example of one of the cuts that I found concerning is a deduction of $73,000 that was taken from dedicated funds to the Idaho Brand Board. These dedicated funds are collected from livestock producers for the intended purpose of funding the Office of the Idaho State Brand Inspector.  S1331 holds these funds and prohibits their use. S1331 is now in the House waiting to be heard. We will soon see whether the legislation will make it the Governor’s desk.  

The Senate passed Senate Bill 1296 (S1296) this week. This is a piece of legislation that protects religious freedom by making it a misdemeanor of six months in jail if a person storms a church and disrupts services. This bill was brought after demonstrators crashed services at a church in Minnesota. We do not want that to happen and go unpunished in Idaho. This is a good bill that recognizes our “freedom of religion” as one of the special liberties that makes this nation great. I am a co-sponsor of this bill.

I presented Senate Bill 1355 (S1355) this week in the Senate Local Government and Taxation Committee. This bill creates a new exemption from Idaho’s subdivision requirements for land gifts or sales to immediate family members. It will allow landowners to gift or sell parcels no smaller than five acres to immediate family for housing, business, or agriculture needs without having to go through the subdivision process that can cost a family up to millions of dollars. There are some protective sideboards in this legislation that would prohibit the sale of this land for at least five years. This is a private property issue that will help families and their heirs to build and stay in the communities where they were raised. I think it is good legislation that deserves discussion. 

Finally, next week we should begin seeing maintenance budgets on the Senate Floor as the Joint Finance and Appropriations Committee (JFAC) begins to finish setting budgets in Committee.  

As I’ve stated in the past, I am sincerely grateful for your input and support that helps me represent you in the Idaho State Senate. It is a true honor for me to serve you! You can contact me by email at [email protected] or by phone at 208-332-1429.

Representative Josh Wheeler 

 As we wrap up week eight of the legislative session, the pace at the Capitol continues to pick up. Bills are steadily moving through committees and the House floor while budget discussions are beginning to take clearer shape through the appropriations process.

One of the highlights of this week was the chance to celebrate Idaho Day on March 4th, marking the anniversary of Idaho becoming the 43rd state in the Union. It was a meaningful moment to pause and reflect on the unique character of our state and the people who make it such a remarkable place to live, such as former Representative Linden Batement, who recently passed away and was responsible for establishing Idaho Day. I was especially impressed by a local elementary school choir that performed both the Star-Spangled Banner and “Here We Have Idaho.” Their performance was a wonderful reminder that our state’s future is in very good hands.

On the policy front, several healthcare-focused efforts continue to move forward. On Friday morning I introduced an updated version of HB611, which I believe meaningfully advances the conversation about creating a healthier environment for Idaho’s medical providers while continuing to protect patients and maintain appropriate accountability. Healthcare professionals across Idaho have made it clear that administrative burdens are one of the biggest barriers to patient care. The goal of this legislation is to improve transparency and reduce unnecessary obstacles so providers can focus more of their time where it belongs—with patients.

This work builds on other healthcare initiatives we’ve been advancing this session, including efforts to reform prior authorization processes and continue incentivizing medical preceptorships so Idaho can grow its own physician workforce. Ensuring that Idaho remains an attractive place for healthcare professionals to practice—particularly in rural communities—is one of the most important long-term challenges we face.

At the same time, many of the most significant conversations this year continue to revolve around the state budget. Appropriations are still moving through the JFAC process, and there is active debate about the best approach to managing current fiscal pressures. Some have advocated for broad, across-the-board reductions, while others—including myself—have emphasized the importance of precision. Idaho has built strong reserves through its budget stabilization funds, and thoughtful use of those tools can help us maintain critical services while still honoring our commitment to responsible spending.

One of the things I appreciate most about this job is hearing directly from constituents. Many of you have reached out recently to emphasize the importance of smart budgeting, maintaining critical services across the state, strengthening healthcare access, and protecting vulnerable children in foster care. Those conversations matter and help guide the work we do every day at the Capitol.

As always, I’m grateful for the opportunity to represent our district and will continue working to bring thoughtful, practical solutions forward as the session moves ahead.

—

Josh Wheeler

Idaho State Representative

Representative Mike Veile

 I would like to start by thanking my friends in Caribou and Bear Lake counties for their Lincoln Day events last Saturday. We were able to attend the Lincoln Day breakfast in Caribou County and then travel to Montpelier for the Lincoln Day lunch. The County Republican Committees did a great job hosting these events and celebrating our Republican values.

One value that has long been a hallmark of Republican governance is local control. This session I have voted against several bills because they stripped authority from local school boards, county governments, and even parents. In Idaho we strongly oppose when the federal government imposes mandates on our state without providing the necessary funding. We should honor that same principle when the state interacts with our local governments.

An example of this came up today with a bill that would mandate local law enforcement participation in the federal 287(g) program with ICE. Under this proposal, sheriffs in District 35 would likely be responsible for much of the cost of participation, including out-of-state training, travel, and per diem expenses. My “no” vote was based on the fact that the bill created a mandate on local law enforcement without providing corresponding funding. If the state truly wants to address illegal immigration through this program, the legislature should demonstrate that commitment by funding it rather than simply shifting the costs to local counties. I believe we could have done better.

In education, there was also a proposal to eliminate the Idaho Digital Learning Academy (IDLA). IDLA provides online public-school courses that are used extensively throughout our state, particularly in rural communities. These courses allow schools to offer classes that may otherwise be unavailable, such as foreign languages, physics, and advanced writing courses. This program helps ensure that rural students have access to the same opportunities as those in larger districts. I voted in committee to stop that proposal, and it did not advance.

However, immediately following that vote we heard another proposal that would dramatically reduce IDLA’s funding and course offerings. I again voted against the proposal, but it was approved for introduction and will receive a formal hearing. This bill would cut funding to IDLA by roughly two-thirds. Given how widely and successfully this program is used across Idaho, I believe it remains a critical tool for our schools.

There is certainly much more happening in the legislature than can be covered in a short update. Rest assured that my priorities will continue to focus on supporting and improving educational outcomes by adequately funding our schools and respecting the work of our professional teachers.

I remain guided by the principle of avoiding unfunded mandates. Fiscal responsibility and sound budgeting are not achieved by shifting costs onto local governments or property taxpayers.

We will have another busy week ahead at the Capitol, and I look forward to continuing to represent the interests and values of District 35.