IdahoGOP

Heather Scott

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

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

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

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

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

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

This bill appropriates 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 enacts the "Protecting Campus Free Speech in Higher Education Act," which provides that public colleges and universities may not "abridge the protected expressive activity of any member of the campus community to speak on campus." Additionally, the bill requires public colleges and universities to "maintain a policy prohibiting student-on-student harassment." Finally, these institutions are prohibited from restricting First Amendment-protected speech to "free speech zones," and they may not charge "security fees" based on the content of a student or organization's speech, or that of an invited guest. Support is the position of the Idaho GOP Platform under Article III (Education) Section 1 B - Religious Freedom in Public Schools "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. We believe the legislature should end censorship of discussion of religion in our founding documents and encourage discussing those documents, including the Bible as their basis. Students and district personnel have the right to display religious items on school property."

Protecting Free Speech on Public College Campuses by Limiting Restrictions on Free Speech.

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.

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

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

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 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 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 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 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 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 requires most health insurance policies offered in the state to cover breast imaging, including an annual supplemental exam for individuals "believed to be at an increased risk of breast cancer." Each and every health insurance mandate prevents an individual from selecting a plan with just basic or customized coverages to fit their specific needs. As a result, health insurers are forced to only offer costly plans loaded with coverages that most individuals do not need. This can result in lower-income or younger individuals choosing to purchase no insurance plan at all due to the high cost. 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."

Hiking Health Insurance Premiums by Imposing New Coverage Mandates for Breast Cancer Screening.

This bill slightly reduces regulations on daycare providers by increasing the number of children a staff member may supervise. While the bill does add specificity to the definition of "supervision," this bill serves as a step in the right direction to reducing excessive regulations within the childcare industry. Lawmakers should build on this deregulatory approach to make childcare more affordable. 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".

Reducing Childcare Costs and Increasing Availability by Increasing the Number of Children Staff May Supervise.

This bill eliminates all Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) related programs, initiatives, offices, and employees across Idaho's state education system. The bill eliminates 51 FTEs who were tasked with advancing DEI and is estimated to save taxpayers $3.8 million. 
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".

Eliminating Politicized DEI Frameworks Across Taxpayer Funded Universities. 

This bill creates a new "state directed payment" program under the state's Medicaid welfare program which was expanded under Obamacare. The bill ultimately results in higher payments to hospitals and healthcare providers by gaming the federal Medicaid system. 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".

Growing Medicaid Spending Under Obamacare Through a New "State Directed Payment" Scheme to Hospitals which Games the System to Extract Additional Federal Funds.

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". 

Reforming the Tax Code within the Cigar Industry to End Excessive Taxation of Premium Cigars.

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 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 prohibits the state and local governments from requiring building plans to include electric vehicle charging stations, parking spaces designated for electric vehicles, or electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Importantly, the bill preempts any such local ordinances that do so. This bill helps protect against overreaching government regulations that drive-up building costs. 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 Charing Infrastructure in Building Plans.

This bill enacts the "Transparency in Financial Services Act," which prohibits financial institutions with assets of more than $100 billion from "utilizing a social credit score to directly or indirectly decline to provide full and equal enjoyment in the provision of financial services." The bill also applies to credit card companies and payment processors with over $100 billion in transactions processed in the past year. 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".

Infringing the Freedom of Private Business to Set their Own Policies through a Blanket Ban on "Social Credit Scores".

This bill eliminates the requirement that public comment at school board trustee meetings be "limited to items listed on the meeting agenda." As a result, parents and others may address the school board on other topics. Support is the position of the Idaho GOP Platform under Article III (Education) Section 10 "We believe that in order for public education to be successful, schools and families should work together with mutual respect and cooperation. We believe parental rights are paramount and that parents have the God given right to direct their child’s education. This includes the right to decide what their children are learning, the right to inspect any educational materials used in the education of their child. 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 and School Board Accountability by Reducing Restrictions on Public Comment at School Board Meetings.

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

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

This bill 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 $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 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, 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 requires public colleges and universities, jails, and domestic violence shelters with a multi-person restroom, changing facility, or sleeping areas to designate separate facilities based on biological sex at birth. Public colleges and universities are required to provide a reasonable accommodation upon written request, but this does not include allowing access to a multi-person restroom, changing facility, or sleeping area designated for the opposite sex while in use. This measure helps strengthen safety and privacy in restrooms and locker rooms at public colleges and universities, jails, and domestic violence shelters across the state. 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".

Strengthening Safety and Privacy in the Restrooms of Public Colleges and Universities and Other Locations 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 authorizes an additional 3 full-time equivalent positions and appropriates an additional $744,100 for the Idaho State Historical Society. Providing funding for a historical society 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".

Growing Government Bureaucracy and Ballooning Spending for Unnecessary Initiatives Within the State Historical Society.

This bill prevents state government employees and localities from imposing mask mandates unless authorized through a vote of the state legislature. The bill applies to face masks for purposes of preventing or slowing the spread of a contagious or infectious disease.
Support is the position of the Idaho GOP Platform under Article III (Education) Section 8: We believe parental rights are paramount and that parents have the God given right to direct their child’s education. This includes 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. 

Protecting Individual Liberties by Prohibiting Government-Imposed Mask Mandates.

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 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 slightly restricts the existing property tax exemption for hospitals by excluding "acute care, outreach, satellite, outpatient, ancillary or support facilities." All state and local tax codes should be constructed in a broadly applied manner with as low of rates as possible for everyone. This and other tax cronyism schemes merely dilute the tax base which results in higher taxes on all other individuals and products to make up for the lost revenue. While this tax cronyism should be repealed entirely, this bill is a step in the right direction. 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".

Slightly Reducing Cronyism by Reducing the Scope of the Hospital Property Tax Exemption.

This bill largely prohibits the use of public funds or resources on behalf of or to benefit a teachers' union. Some key provisions include prohibiting deducting dues from a paycheck, as well as ensuring pay raises are not designed to cover union dues and that public money is not contributed to a teachers' union. This bill helps protect taxpayer funds from abuse and combats teachers' unions, who often put their own interests above providing the best education possible for students. Support is the position of the Idaho GOP Platform under Article III (Education) Section 9 "We are proud of our many dedicated, professional teachers and educators who have committed their lives to educating Idaho's children. We value the contribution our teachers make to our society. We support the efforts to reward great teachers for their hard work. We support incentives for teachers, so that our best educators are willing to remain in the classroom and work with our children. We believe that teachers should be treated like professionals and compensated at a level commensurate with their abilities and in a manner that rewards quality instruction, not time in the profession or amount of education". 

Protecting Taxpayer Funds and Resources from being Funneled to Teachers Unions.

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 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.

Beginning July 1, 2026, this bill imposes conditions on the state's Medicaid expansion, which was approved by voters in 2018. Among others, these conditions include the Department of Health and Welfare implementing work requirements for able-bodied adults, an enrollment cap of 50,000, a 36-month cap on lifetime benefits, and a requirement that no funds be "used to fulfill any gender reassignment procedures." Additionally, the department must have "a medicaid improper payment rate of five percent (5%) or less." If any of the conditions are not met, the state may not continue with expanded Medicaid. This bill helps reduce government dependency and protect taxpayers from runaway spending under the state's Medicaid welfare program. 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 Placing Conditions on Medicaid Expansion.

This bill authorizes an additional 5 full-time equivalent positions and appropriates over $8 million in net additional funding for the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation. While the bill does contain a reduction in spending of over $22 million, the bill adds over $30 million in new spending. The private sector is much better equipped to manage property and provide recreational services. 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 Parks and Recreation Department.

This bill increases the bonding capacity for school districts, thus paying the way for additional spending and higher levels of property taxation. Specifically, the bill increases bonding capacity from 5% to 8%, thereby allowing up to a 60% increase in the amount of debt a school district could assume.
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 Higher Property Taxation by Hiking School District Debt Levels

This bill allows individual life insurance policy holders with a policy of more than $50,000 to "request that a lapse or termination notice be sent by United States postal service certified mail, return receipt requested." Additionally, the bill mandates that the "notice shall be sent at the insurer's expense at least ten (10) days prior to the effective date of the lapse or termination." Existing law already requires a notice be sent via first-class mail "at least fourteen (14) days prior to the effective date of the lapse or termination." 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".

Imposing an Excessive New Mandate on Life Insurance Policy Notices.

This bill appropriates over $236 million in net additional funding to the Idaho Transportation Department. The base spending of the department has grown by 50 percent over the last three years and this bill contains a number of runaway spending intiatives surrounding public transit and renovations to the HQ. 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 Additional $236 Million Appropriation to the Transportation Department.

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

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

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 requires verification of lawful presence in the United States for certain welfare programs, such as immunization assistance, prenatal and postnatal care, and food assistance for minors. Lawmakers must eliminate all incentives that may encourage illegal immigration, including taxpayer-funded benefits surrounding housing, education, and other welfare programs. Support is the position of the Idaho GOP Platform under Article XVII (National Defense) Section 5 Securing the Border "We oppose supporting illegal aliens by way of free access to housing, healthcare, technology, voting rights, or an unearned path to amnesty and citizenship as a reward for entering the United States illegally".

Year
2025	100.00	72.73	100.00	100.00	—	75.00	100.00	100.00	100.00
2024	100.00	100.00	100.00	—	—	87.50	100.00	100.00	91.67
2023	100.00	75.00	100.00	—	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00

Year	Score	Role	Party	Dist.
2025	90.48	Rep	R	2
2024	95.24	Rep	R	2
2023	97.67	Rep	R	2

Heather Scott

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