IdahoGOP

Todd M. Lakey

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 prohibits local governments across the state from imposing any ordinances which restrict the ability of consumers to access the energy source of their choice, including electric, natural gas, propane, and other sources. As a result, the bill would preempt local bans on natural gas hook-up and all-electric building codes. Support is the position of the Idaho GOP Platform under Article VII (Energy) Section 6 "We oppose any mandated deregulation that would negatively impact rate payers". 

Protecting Consumer Choice by Prohibiting Local Governments from Imposing All-Electric Building Codes and Anti-Natural Gas Ordinances.

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 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 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 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, the Bitcoin Protection Act, prohibits the state and local governments from imposing regulations that prevent the holding, mining, and use of Bitcoin. These regulations include special taxes or collections, regulating noise, zoning, and money transmission, and more.  Support is the position of the Idaho GOP Platform under Article I (Responsibility in Government) Section 4 Sound Currency "We recognize the failure of the Federal Reserve System to maintain a sound U.S. dollar and the danger of mercantile banks controlling the issuance of our currency.  We believe the Federal Reserve Bank should be abolished and the issuing power restored to the people with the stipulation that the U.S. dollar be backed by gold and silver."

Strengthening Property Rights by Protecting the Right of Individuals to Mine Digital Currency.

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 directs sales and use tax revenue to be withheld from any city or county which refuses to investigate or enforce any felony provision under state law. The bill is largely in response to localities across the nations whose prosecutors (typically receiving financial support from George Soros) refuse to enforce or prosecute certain crimes. Support is the position of the Idaho GOP Platform under Article XVI (Law and Order with Justice) "prosecutors should continue to recognize the substantial rights and interests of crime victims in the judicial process". 

Increasing Public Safety by Withholding Tax Revenue from Localities Which Fail to Prosecute Felony Crime.

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 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.

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 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 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 $68 million to the Department of Parks and Recreation, which represents a 52% increase within the past 3 years. 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 a $68 Million Appropriation to the Department of Parks and Recreation - a 52% Increase within the Past 3 Years.

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 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 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 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 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.

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 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 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 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 establishes Freedom in Education Savings Accounts for parents and students to use to pay for educational expenses such as tuition, fees, and textbooks at a public or private school. All students eligible to enroll in public kindergarten or K-12 schools would be eligible. 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. We support all educational environments desired by parents including public charter schools".

Improving Educational Outcomes by Expanding School Choice Through "Freedom in Education Savings Accounts".

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 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 prohibits abortion providers from supplying any materials or instruction relating to sex education curricula in public schools. 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 Students from Abortion Indoctrination by Preventing Abortion Providers from Supplying Sensitive Instructional Materials in Schools.

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 allows the state Treasurer to hold up to 7.5% in state funds in physical gold and silver, so long as the assets are maintained security in a depository specifically built for precious metals located in Idaho or in an Idaho-charted bank or credit union. Support is the position of the Idaho GOP Platform under Article I (Responsibility in Government) Section 4 Sound Currency "We recognize the failure of the Federal Reserve System to maintain a sound U.S. dollar and the danger of mercantile banks controlling the issuance of our currency.  We believe the Federal Reserve Bank should be abolished and the issuing power restored to the people with the stipulation that the U.S. dollar be backed by gold and silver."

Safeguarding Taxpayer Funds from Run-Away Inflation by Allowing the State Treasurer to Invest "Idle Money" in Gold and Silver.

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 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 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 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 enacts the Commercial Property Assessed Capital Expenditure (C-PACE) Act, which will provide financing to commercial property owners for certain government-approved improvements such as increased energy efficiency. Under the program localities may issue bonds (debt) to finance the improvements, which are then repaid through an additional assessment on their property. 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".

Competing With the Private Lending Industry and Placing Taxpayer Funds at Risk through the Establishment of a Commercial Property Assessed Capital Expenditure (C-PACE) Program.

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 $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, 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 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 appropriates over $2.9 million in taxpayer funds to Idaho Public Television (IPTV), an entity which has 14 full-time employees. IPTV has an extensive programming schedule with multiple channels. For example, on its Politically Speaking program guests utilize critical race theory to examine communities and education, while its PBS kids diversity programs "help children explore their emotions about news topics such as the pandemic, social unrest, and same-sex relationships." 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 Critical Race Theory and LGBTQ Programing for Children through a $2.9 Million Appropriation to Idaho Public Television.

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 prohibits any investigation under the Child Protective Act that is based on the immunization status of a child. Courts are also prohibited from terminating parental rights based on the immunization status of a child. 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 Parental Rights by Prohibiting Vaccination Status from Being Considered in Child Protection Cases.

Under current law, an individual owner of an electrical contracting business is required to employ a full-time journeyman or master electrician. This bill requires the journeyman to now have over two thousand hours of documented experience as a licensed journeyman electrician. The bill also no longer allows an owner to act as their own journeyman electrician unless they too meet the experience requirement. Oppose is the position of the Idaho GOP Platform under Article XII (Economy) Section 2 Support for Small Business - A "We recognize the important role of small businesses in Idaho’s economy and that we must maintain a regulatory environment where small business is allowed to thrive. Excessive regulatory requirements must be reduced and eliminated."

Restricting Competition Through an Overreaching New Mandate Which Forces Electrical Contracting Businesses to Employ an Electrician with a Greater Amount of Experience.

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 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, 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 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.

Year	American Family and Religious Liberties	Econ	Edu	Energy, Environment, and Agriculture	Health and Welfare	Law and Order with Justice	Property Rights	Responsibility in Government
2024	100	0	100	0	71.43	100	100	58.33
2023	83.33	50	85.71	100	50	100	0	26.67