IdahoGOP

Scott Herndon

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 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 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 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 stipulates that any state education entity that discusses or provides contraception or discusses sexually transmitted diseases/infections or provides testing "shall provide information explaining current adoption practices and where to find resources and support in the state". Support is the position of the Idaho GOP Platform under Article XIV (American Family) Section 3: Right to Live - A "We affirm that abortion is murder from the moment of fertilization. All children should be protected regardless of the circumstances of conception, including persons conceived in rape and incest".

Protecting Life by Requiring Schools to Include Information on Adoption Resources When Certain Sex Education Topics are Discussed.

This bill 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, 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 use of taxpayer funds to pay for any surgical operation or medical intervention that seeks "to affirm the individual's perception of the individual's sex in a way that is inconsistent with the individual's biological sex." 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 characteris c 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".

Protecting Taxpayers from Being Forced to Fund Surgeries and Prescriptions for Gender Dysphoria.

This bill increases the program maintenance budget for the Commission on Hispanic Affairs to an amount 54% higher than what would be appropriate taking inflation into account. Oppose is the position of the Idaho GOP Platform under Article I (Responsibility in Government) Section 1 Fiscal Responsibility - D "We endorse the review of all government programs and encourage their assumption by private enterprise or local government where appropriate and workable. Programs which are not cost effective or have outlived their usefulness should be terminated".

Promoting Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Policies Through the Funding of the Commission on Hispanic Affairs.

This bill appropriates over $86 million to the Department of Lands, an increase of nearly $5 million over the previous fiscal year, and a 30% increase over the previous 3 years. The appropriation includes providing the agency an additional 10 full-time employees.  Oppose is the position of the Idaho GOP Platform under Article I (Responsibility in Government) Section 1 Fiscal Responsibility - A "The Idaho Republican Party recognizes that all government is financed by taxing its citizens.  We believe the size and cost of government, as well as the national debt, must be reduced".

Fueling Out-of-Control Spending and Growing Government Bureaucracy through an $86 Million Appropriation to the Department of Lands - a 30% Hike Over the Past 3 Years.

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 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, 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 appropriates over $149 million for the Department of Health and Welfare, behavioral health services, representing a 21% increase over the past three years. Part of the funding ($3 million) may be used for implementation of "Adverse Childhood Events" training to teach parents how to parent their children, which has been used as a vehicle for Critical Race Theory (CRT). 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 $149 Million Appropriation to the Department of Health and Welfare Behavioral Health Services - a 21% Hike over the Past 3 Years.

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 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.

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, 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 appropriates over $36 million and 267.20 full-time positions to the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses for 2025, funding a number of runaway expenditures. Oppose is the position of the Idaho GOP Platform under Article I (Responsibility in Government) Section 1 Fiscal Responsibility - D "We endorse the review of all government programs and encourage their assumption by private enterprise or local government where appropriate and workable. Programs which are not cost effective or have outlived their usefulness should be terminated".

Fueling Out-of-Control Spending and Regulatory Overreach Through an Over $36 Million Appropriation to the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses.

This bill prohibits 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 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 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 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 prohibits localities from regulating the possession, sale, transfer, and manufacture of knives. Exceptions are provided under the bill that would allow schools, court houses, law enforcement and involuntary confinement facilities, and political subdivisions that regulate child care to regulate knives. 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 Individual Liberties by Preventing Localities from Infringing the Right to Own or Carry Knives.

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 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 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 prohibits instruction on human sexuality, sexual orientation, or gender identity prior to fifth grade. 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 Integrity of the Education System by Prohibiting Discussion of Sensitive Issues Surrounding Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity in K-4 Classrooms.

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 $19 million and 16 full-time positions to the Office of Species Conservation for 2025, growing the budget by over 34% in the last three years and adding one new full-time position. Additionally, the budget includes over $18 million in federal grants, subjecting the agency to additional federal control and regulation. 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 by Expanding the Office of Species Conservation Through a Bloated Budget and Expansion of Government Bureaucracy.

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 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 asserts that parents are the "primary stakeholders" in education and establishes a framework which provides parents certain rights. Under the bill, parental consent is required for a student to take any noncurricular-related student survey, well-being questionnaire, or health screenings. Additionally, public schools are forbidden from enacting any policies which prohibit school personnel from notifying parents of a student's mental, emotional, or physical health or well-being, among other protections. 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 the Integrity of the Public Education System by Asserting Parents are the "Primary Stakeholders" in Education and Providing Parents a Series of Rights.

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 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 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 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 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 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 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 $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 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 expands the ability of cow, sheep, or goat share owners to consume "raw milk" through a herd share agreement. The bill removes the limit on the number of animals allowed in a herd share and also eliminates a number of other regulations surrounding milk quality tests. Support is the position of the Idaho GOP Platform under Article IV (Agriculture) Section 4 "We endorse the preservation and strengthening of the family farm unit as the foundation of agriculture and one of the basic strengths of this nation". 

Strengthening Individual Liberties and "Food Freedom" by Reducing Restrictions on Personal Raw Milk Consumption through Herd Shares.

This bill 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.

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 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 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 prohibits children under 18 years of age from receiving sex-reassignment procedures or puberty blockers until they reach the age of consent. Support is the position of the Idaho GOP Platform under Article XIV (American Family) Section 4: Children "We strongly oppose any person, entity, or policy that attempts to confuse minors regarding their biological gender".

Protecting Children Under 18 from Sex-Reassignment Surgeries and Prescriptions with Irreversible Implications Until they are Old Enough to Consent.

This bill appropriates over $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". 

Year	Score	Role	Party	Dist.
2024	100.00	Sen	R	1
2023	97.50	Sen	R	1

Year
2024	100.00	100.00	100.00	—	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00
2023	100.00	75.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00

Scott Herndon

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