Institute for Legislative Analysis

Douglas T. Pickett

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 Limited Government Position as this bill strengthens both property rights and individual liberties. While some may argue this bill undermines "local control", our founding fathers only recognized three entities within the U.S. Constitution - federal government, state government, and the individual. It is not the role for any level of government to unduly infringe the rights of individuals, therefore making preemption measures, such as this bill, necessary.

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

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 Limited Government Position as expanding school choice through charter school establishment is critical to creating a "market in education" which improves the educational outcomes for all students.

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 Limited Government Position as it is not the proper role of government to interfere in the private contracting agreements between businesses absent cases of fraud or criminal activity. This bill represents one of the worst examples of cronyism by utilizing the power of government to provide dealers with more favorable outcomes in their private contract negotiations with manufacturers, which ultimately leads to higher vehicle prices.

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

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 Limited Government Position as while there are still some remaining loopholes to the work requirements that should be closed, this bill serves as a strong step in the right direction of reducing government dependency and helping work-ready adults to become self-sufficient.

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 Limited Government Position as strong parental rights in their child's education is a critical element of a free society. This measure ensures children are not subjected to sensitive topics without the consent of parents.

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 prohibits departments of the state from donating or sponsoring any non-governmental events or organizations unless required by law or approved by the Governor. Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure aims to increase government integrity by preventing waste and misuse of public funds which cost taxpayers and erode public trust.

Protecting Taxpayers by Prohibiting State Government Departments from Sponsoring or Donating to Non-Governmental Events or Organizations.

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 Limited Government Position as this bill strengthens individual liberties and the ability of individuals to obtain and consume raw milk.

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

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 Limited Government Position as this bill merely further worsens the state's draconian liquor license system and prevents the market from effectively allocating the limited number of permits that have been issued. Lawmakers should eliminate all limits on liquor license issuance while figuring out a way to make amends with many of the holders of existing licenses who have paid exorbitant sums (around $350,000) to purchase the licenses on the market.

Worsening the State's Draconian Liquor License Regime by Imposing Additional Anti-Competitive Prohibitions on the Sale or Transfer of Licenses.

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 Limited Government Position as while this bill largely codifies best practices utilized by many school districts throughout the state, the bill nevertheless strengthens school choice by ensuring parents are able to select the best option for their child, regardless of where they reside.

Expanding School Choice by Ensuring School Districts Maintain Open Enrollment Policies Including In-District Student Transfers.

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. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as providing "broadband service" is not one of the core and essential duties of government. The private sector and the free market are best equipped to determine where broadband is most needed and which expansion projects are most economically viable. Additionally, significant advances in satellite technology may make most broadband expansion projects unnecessary.

Fueling Wasteful and Unnecessary Spending by Providing an Additional $124.1 Million to the Department of Commerce for Broadband Infrastructure Grants.

This bill appropriates over $27.2 million for various Health Education Programs. For example, the bill appropriates $7.2 million to the University of Washington School of Medicine's WWAMI program. The University of Washington, known as the "nation's largest fetal tissue bank," offers clinical clerkships with Planned Parenthood and was recently sued for conducting a fetal tissue trafficking operation with the organization. Additionally, the University provides numerous courses surrounding critical race theory, LGBTQ health disparities, and transgender healthcare clinical rotations. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as taxpayers should not be forced to fund the college and higher educational costs of individuals who choose to pursue such career paths. This bill is especially troublesome considering the usage of taxpayer funds surrounding abortion and politicized trainings.

Forcing Taxpayers to Fund Aborted Fetus Trafficking and LGBTQ and Transgender Medical Training through a $27 Million Appropriation for Health Education Programs.

This bill appropriates over $204 million to the Department of Commerce, an increase of over $100 million, or 103.2% over the previous fiscal year, driven largely by an appropriation of $100 million from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act for broadband infrastructure. This infrastructure is in addition to the $124 million in supplemental appropriations provided in S 1129. The remainder of the funding is to aid "in the creation of jobs, generating economic growth, creating economic opportunities, and advancing the well-being and prosperity of Idaho Citizens."Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the free market - not central planning by government bureaucrats within the Department of Commerce - is best equipped to drive economic growth. Furthermore, the state must pursue every available avenue to reign in its out-of-control spending, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Fueling Out-of-Control Spending through a $204 million Appropriation to the Department of Commerce for Unnecessary Initiatives.

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 Limited Government Position as providing funding for the arts is not a core nor necessary function of the government, rather a role of the private sector through foundations and philanthropy. The state must pursue every available avenue to reign in its out-of-control spending, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Growing Government Bureaucracy and Ballooning Spending for Unnecessary Initiatives within the Commission on the Arts.

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 Limited Government Position as the private sector is best equipped to own and properly manage land. The state must pursue every available avenue to reign in its out-of-control spending, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

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 appropriates over $500,000 to the Commission on Hispanic Affairs, which serves as a "liaison between the community and government entities." Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this entity serves as an unnecessary bureaucracy. It is the role and duty of government to treat individuals of every background equally, and taxpayers should not be forced to fund commissions for select interests. Additionally, the state must pursue every available avenue to reign in its out-of-control spending, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Fueling Out-of-Control Spending through and Unnecessary $500,000 Appropriation to the Commission on Hispanic Affairs.

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 Limited Government Position as this cronyism benefits a single government-favored company while shifting tax burdens onto other businesses and industries not favored by government. Instead of this cronyism, lawmakers should lower tax rates for all businesses and empower the free-market to expand economic growth.

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

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 Limited Government Position as this bill further grows out of control Medicaid spending and places the state at even greater dependency on federal funds - a significant liability if federal funding is cut. The state and federal government must work to shrink the Medicaid system. The out of control spending, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in existing federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

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 prohibits state and local governments from imposing any additional regulations on digital assets such as bitcoin, including taxes or restrictions on the holding or mining of digital currencies. Additionally, the bill bars the state from participating in the use, development, or testing of a central bank digital currency. Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill protects civil liberties by preventing creation of a government currency that allows government to track and monitor every consumer transaction. Bitcoin and other digital currencies also serve as a critical safeguard for the U.S. monetary system, especially considering the disastrous policies and actions being taken by the Federal Reserve.

Protecting Civil Liberties by Banning Central Bank Digital Currencies and Preventing Localities from Imposing Regulations on Bitcoins and Other Digital Assets.

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 Limited Government Position as the nation witnessed first-hand the disastrous consequences and cost of growing government regulatory power in healthcare (i.e. Obamacare). Instead of working to promote a freer market through regulatory reduction, lawmakers added a series of new layers of regulations through this measure, including utilizing government to provide local pharmacies with more favorable outcomes in their private contract negotiations with PBMs.

Growing Government Regulatory Power within the Pharmaceutical Industry by Imposing New Mandates on Pharmacy Benefit Managers to Benefit Local Pharmacies.

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. Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill serves as a step in the right direction to increasing government integrity and preventing waste and misuse of public funds which cost taxpayers and erode public trust. Lawmakers can strengthen these restrictions by removing the exceptions granted to schools and certain boards.

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 Limited Government Position as this bill is primarily designed to restrict competition by making it harder to start an electrical contracting business.

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

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 Limited Government Position as James Madison and our nation's other founding fathers understood that the right to keep and bear arms (including knives) is a crucial individual liberty and protects the citizenry against a tyrannical government. This measure also helps protect against undue local regulation of the knife industry.

Strengthening Individual Liberties by Preventing Localities from Infringing the Right to Own or Carry Knives.

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 Limited Government Position as this bill is an egregious example of government interference in the private contracting rights of the motor vehicle industry. This protectionism merely enriches dealerships (the middleman) while preventing the free market from expanding competition and lowering costs for consumers.

Increasing Government Interference in Private Contracting Agreements Between Automobile Manufacturers and Dealers and Imposing New Protectionist Mandates.

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 Limited Government Position as not only is it not the proper role of government to compete in the lending industry, but taxpayer funds are unnecessarily placed at risk in the event of a default. Furthermore, the C-PACE program creates additional complications in the mortgage industry concerning lien priority and debt recovery.

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 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 Limited Government Position as the private sector is the best equipped to advance wildlife conservation through charitable endeavors and private operations, and this measure unnecessarily grows the size of a state agency.

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 $2.2 million and establishes 10 full-time positions to the Commission on the Arts for 2025. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as providing funding for the arts is not a core nor necessary function of the government, rather a role of the private sector through foundations and philanthropy. The state must pursue every available avenue to rein in its out-of-control spending, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

This bill imposes new wage regulations on employers who hire prisoners, stipulating the prisoners employed with a private employer must receive the same salary range offered to other employees based on experience, education, and other qualifications. The bill also requires that the employed prisoner be given all benefits offered to other similarly situated employees. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill will likely reduce employment opportunities for incarcerated individuals - which may spike recidivism. Wage requirements - like all government price controls - price individuals out of the market whose skills or situation (criminal risk) do not match the state's lofty wage and other employee benefit mandates.

Reducing Employment Opportunities for Incarcerated Individuals by Imposing Wage Requirements onto Employers.

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 Limited Government Position as this bill prevents further growth of the government welfare state. Additionally, taxpayers - many of whom may have critical views of affirming "gender dysphoria" - should not be forced to pay for such services.

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

This bill provides 11 full-time positions and appropriates over $12.6 million to the Office of Energy and Mineral Resources for 2025, a budget increase from 2022 nearly four and a half times higher than what would be recommended by inflationary pressures and growth. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the free market - not government central planning - is the best mechanism to advance energy development. The state must pursue every available avenue to rein in its out-of-control spending, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Fueling Out-of-Control Spending Through an Over $12.6 Million Appropriation (Quadrupled since 2022) to the Office of Energy and Mineral Resources.

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 Limited Government Position as this bill reduces the shortage of mental and behavioral health providers and improves the ability of patients to receive attentive and timely treatment.

Expanding Competition and Availability of Mental Health Services by Allowing Providers in Other States to Provide Services Through Telehealth.

This bill provides the Director of the Department of Insurance new power to impose large penalties on pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) for any violation of regulations the state enacted in 2020. These regulations control prices and contract provisions negotiated between PBMs and local pharmacies. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the nation witnessed first-hand the disastrous consequences and cost of growing government regulatory power in healthcare (i.e., Obamacare). Instead of working to promote a freer market through regulatory reduction, lawmakers added a series of new mandates in 2020 which utilized government power to provide local pharmacies with more favorable outcomes in their private contract negotiations with PBMs. This bill merely further worsens the government overreach by subjecting PBMS to significant penalties for any violation.

Providing Government Bureaucrats New Powers to Enforce Overreaching Regulations Recently Imposed on Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMS).

This bill appropriates over $4.5 billion to fund the state's Medicaid system which was expanded under Obamacare. 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 Limited Government Position as this bill further grows government dependency under the state's Medicaid welfare program by growing benefits and failing to remove ineligible recipients. The state must pursue every available avenue to reign in its out-of-control spending, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country. Democratic lawmakers who voted against the bill due to the lower appropriation compared to HB 334 were recorded as opposing the limited government position.

Increasing Government Dependency and Fueling Out-Of-Control Spending through a $4.5 Billion Appropriation for the State Medicaid System Under Obamacare.

This bill prohibits election officials from distributing absentee ballots or ballot applications unless they are specifically requested by voters. The bill is in response to actions taken in some states where absentee ballots were distributed in masses, including to addresses where the voter was no longer residing. Support is the Limited Government Position as the unsolicited mass distribution of ballots creates countless avenues for vote fraud. Measures such as this protection are critical to ensuring free and fair elections, an essential component of democracy under our nation's constitutional republic.

Strengthening Election Integrity by Prohibiting the Unsolicited Mass Mailing of Absentee Ballots.

This bill clarifies that the residents of a city may utilize the citizen-led referendum or initiative processes to reduce the property tax base budget of their city, thus providing property tax relief. Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure serves as a critical tool for residents to shrink the size and scope of government and protect themselves from excessive taxation.

Advancing Property Tax Relief by Ensuring the Citizen-led Referendum Process May be Utilized at the Local Level to Reduce the Property Tax Base Budget of a City.

This bill prevents state employees and officers from downloading or accessing TikTok on state devices or networks. Support is the Limited Government Position as the installation of such systems poses a significant and unnecessary threat to state and federal networks. Additionally, state employees should not be utilizing government equipment to access entertainment apps such as TikTok.

Strengthening National Security by Banning TikTok from Being Accessed on State-Issued Devices or Networks.

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 Limited Government Position as Idaho Public Television is an unnecessary entity which merely competes with the private sector, while also promoting a politicized social agenda. The state must pursue every available avenue to reign in its out-of-control spending, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Funding Critical Race Theory and LGBTQ Programing for Children through a $2.9 Million Appropriation to Idaho Public Television.

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 Limited Government Position as the private sector is much better equipped to manage property and provide recreational services. The state should work to shrink its land holdings and reign in its out-of-control spending, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

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 limits the ability of the legislature to intervene in a court case challenging the constitutionality of a state law by giving the Senate President Pro-Tempore and the Speaker of the House of Representatives the sole discretion to decide whether their respective chambers will intervene to defend the law. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill weakens government integrity by providing just two individuals with the authority to make critical determinations surrounding the defense of state law. The bill is especially troubling given the poor track records of the individuals in House and Senate leadership roles over the past decade when it has come to upholding limited government principles.

Restricting the Ability of the Legislature to Defend Laws in Court Cases by Providing the House and Senate Leaders the Sole Discretion to Intervene.

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 Limited Government Position as while Meta (or any individual company) should not be provided any tax exemption or subsidy, this bill at least limits the extent of the cronyism. All state and local tax codes should be constructed in a broadly applied manner with the lowest rates possible for everyone. Instead of attempting to centrally plan the economy, lawmakers should cut taxes across all industries, which will allow the free market to provide far greater job and business growth.

Providing Property Tax Relief to Homeowners by Blocking Crony Subsidies to Meta (Facebook) and Other Woke Corporations.

This bill appropriates nearly $50 million to the Workforce Development Council, which provides multiple grants to employers and industries. A significant amount of this funding is from the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and is to be utilized to provide grants to large businesses for the development of childcare facilities. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the Workforce Development Council is an unnecessary government entity as it is not the proper role of government to attempt to centrally plan the workforce or engage in this type of interference within the private sector. Additionally, no taxpayer (at any level of government) should be forced to pay for the childcare services of private business employees. The state must pursue every available avenue to reign in its out-of-control spending, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Fueling Wasteful Spending and Further Subsidizing the Childcare Industry through a Nearly $50 Million Appropriation to the Workforce Development Council.

This bill provides a $28 million supplemental appropriation to the Department of Health and Welfare for the Department of Labor to provide childcare grants. The funds may be provided to eligible childcare providers and utilized for wage enhancements, as well as granted to eligible community partner providers. The funds are appropriated from the Federal Cooperative Welfare Fund. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this measure further grows government dependency. Instead of forcing taxpayers to pay for the childcare costs of other individuals, government should work to reduce regulatory burdens and other unnecessary barriers to make childcare truly affordable. The state must pursue every available avenue to reign in its out-of-control spending, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Growing Government Dependency and Out-of-Control Spending through a $28 Million Supplemental Appropriation for Childcare Grants.

This bill criminalizes ballot harvesting, defined as "the practice of third party individuals and groups… 'harvesting' absentee or mail ballots from voters and then delivering them to election officials for processing and counting." A violation of this law would be a misdemeanor, unless the violator was paid by anyone other than the voter to collect the voter's ballot, which would make the violation a felony. Exceptions are provided under the bill. Support is the Limited Government Position as maintaining strong safeguards against voter fraud are critical aspects of ensuring free and fair elections, an essential component of democracy under our nation's constitutional republic.

Strengthening Election Integrity by Criminalizing the Practice of "Ballot Harvesting".

This bill largely prohibits the use of public funds or resources on behalf of or to benefit a teachers' union. Some key provisions include ensuring paid leave is not utilized for union activities, that pay raises are not designed to cover union dues, and that public money is not spent on behalf of a teachers union Support is the Limited Government Position as 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.

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

This bill ends judicial deference to agency interpretations of statutes or rules, instead requiring courts to interpret the relevant questions of law themselves. Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure serves as a critical tool to combatting the regulatory overreach of unaccountable bureaucrats within government by helping restore the proper separation of powers. Similar actions should be taken at the federal level considering the disastrous decision made by the Supreme Court in the infamous Chevron deference case.

Combatting the Regulatory Overreach of Unaccountable Bureaucrats by Ending Judicial Deference to Agency Interpretations of Statutes.

This bill extends the duration of postpartum coverage provided Medicaid (government-provided healthcare) from 60 days to 1 year. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill further grows government dependency under the state's Medicaid welfare program. The state must pursue every available avenue to rein in its out-of-control spending, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Increasing Government Dependency and Ballooning Medicaid Welfare Spending by Hiking Postpartum Coverage from 60 Days to 12 Months.

This bill increases and clarifies work search requirements for those receiving unemployment insurance benefits. Under the bill, those receiving benefits must conduct at least five "work search actions per week," these actions include job searches, completing a resume, attending a job fair, and more. The bill clarifies what constitutes a failure to apply for suitable work and what the appropriate exceptions are (illness, injury, or immediate family emergency). Lastly, the bill requires the Idaho Department of Labor to establish an email address and web portal allowing employers to report suspected violations of the law. Support is the Limited Government Position as combatting fraud within the state's unemployment insurance system is critical to maintaining low payroll taxes for businesses which are forced to pay into the system. While unemployment insurance should not be carried out by government - rather, a system should be established whereby individuals and companies can purchase into a program on the private marketplace - lawmakers have a duty to maintain the integrity of the system.

Strengthening the Integrity of the Unemployment Insurance System Through Increased Work Search Requirements.

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. Support is the Limited Government Position as landlords should not be forced to participate in federal welfare programs such as Section 8, which oftentimes places landlords at greater risk for property damage and uncollected rent.

Strengthening Property Rights and Combatting Local Government Overreach by Prohibiting Localities from Forcing Property Owners to Participate in Federal Housing Assistance Programs.

This bill is designed to reduce the regulatory authority of government employees by narrowing the scope of the extremely broad language pertaining to "temporary rules" within the Idaho Administrative Procedures Act. Additionally, the bill contains provisions which increase transparency requirements for any incorporated materials. Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill helps protect against overreaching  regulations by strengthening transparency and limiting the authority of unelected government bureaucrats.

Combatting Overreaching Regulations by Limiting the Use of Temporary Agency Rules and Increasing Transparency.

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 Limited Government Position as guaranteed income programs increase government dependency and wealth redistribution and run contrary to the limited government principles of the U.S. Constitution. While some may argue this bill undermines "local control", our founding fathers only recognized three entities within the U.S. Constitution - federal government, state government, and the individual. It is not the role for any level of government to unduly infringe the rights of individuals, therefore making preemption measures, such as this bill, necessary.

Preventing Wealth Redistribution by Prohibiting Localities from Establishing "Guaranteed Income Programs."

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 Limited Government Position as this measure strengthens the First Amendment rights of individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs across the public education system.

Strengthening Religious Liberties at Public Schools and State Institutions of Higher Education by Ensuring Employees are Permitted to Pray During Free Time.

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 Limited Government Position as the passage of H 433 last session already provided state employees with very generous benefits. Government schools already consume the lion's share of tax revenue in Idaho, and the state must pursue every available avenue to reign in its out-of-control spending, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

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 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 Limited Government Position as this bill helps combat regulatory overreach and provides greater oversight of the government bureaucrats who establish the rules but are unaccountable to voters.

Combatting Regulatory Overreach by Requiring All Administrative Rules to Undergo Review and Reauthorization Every 8 Years.

This bill requires all highway-user fee revenue and highway and bridge ad valorum taxes be used on projects such as construction and maintenance of bridges and highways "that benefit primarily motor vehicles." This prevents the use of these funds for other purposes, such as building sidewalks and bike lanes. Support is the Limited Government Position as the user fees and taxes specifically associated with highways and bridges should be limited to constructing and maintaining that infrastructure, not for other side projects such as sidewalks and bike lanes. This measure helps ensure roads and bridges are properly upkept while also helping combat wasteful and unnecessary expenditures.

Protecting Taxpayers from Wasteful and Unnecessary Infrastructure Spending by Restricting the Use of Highway and Bridge Revenue.

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 Limited Government Position as this bill serves as a step in the right direction. Tobacco usage is an individual liberty, and products should only be subject to the standard sales tax rate. Users should not be punished through a 40% "sin tax".

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

This bill appropriates over $37 million to the University of Idaho Agriculture Research and Extension Services to fund over 340 full time positions. The staff "conduct research on a range of topics related to food systems, health and community development, water resources, plant science, climate change and much more." Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the vast majority of this funding is for politicized and completely unnecessary research initiatives. The private sector (private companies, philanthropy and foundations) is the best institution to determine the need and fund such research initiatives. The state must pursue every available avenue to reign in its out-of-control spending, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

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 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 Limited Government Position as this bill contains multiple provisions (such as teaching parents how to parent their children) which expand the size and role of government beyond its core and necessary duties. The state must pursue every available avenue to reign in its out-of-control spending, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

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 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 Limited Government Position as the free market - not central planning by government bureaucrats - is the best mechanism to determine the need and distribution of nurses across the state. Taxpayers in urban areas should not be forced to subsidize the amenities of individuals who choose to locate in rural or other portions of the state where nurses may not be as accessible.

Growing Government Central Planning by Forcing Taxpayers to Pay Off the Student Loan Debt of Nurses in Rural Areas.

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 Limited Government Position as this division is almost entirely unnecessary since the private sector - not government - is best equipped to operate liquor stores. The state must pursue every available avenue to reign in its out-of-control spending, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

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 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 Limited Government Position as strong parental rights is a critical element of a free society. It is the role of parents - not government bureaucrats - to evaluate the risks and benefits of providing their child a vaccination.

Strengthening Parental Rights by Prohibiting Vaccination Status from Being Considered in Child Protection Cases.

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 Limited Government Position as the free market - not government central planning - is the best equipped to sell liquor, and this measure unnecessarily grows the size of a state agency. The state must pursue every available avenue to rein in its out-of-control spending, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Fueling Out-of-Control Spending Through an Over $30 Million Appropriation (64% Higher than 2022) to the Liquor Division.

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 Limited Government Position as the vast majority of this funding is for politicized and completely unnecessary research initiatives. The private sector (private companies, philanthropy and foundations) is the best institution to determine the need and fund such research initiatives. The state must pursue every available avenue to rein in its out-of-control spending, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

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 localities from requiring the installation of an electric vehicle circuit as part of any new home construction. Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill helps protect against overreaching local regulations that drive-up building costs. Homebuyers - not politicians - are best equipped to determine whether they should equip their private homes with charging infrastructure.

Combatting Local Government Overreach by Preventing Localities from Mandating Installation of Electric Vehicle Circuits in New Construction.

This bill, based on a similar bill enacted in Texas, makes it a state crime for illegal immigrants to enter Idaho directly from a foreign country outside of an official port of entry. To enforce the new law, the bill allows local law enforcement officers to check the immigration status of individuals and permits a magistrate judge to order people who violate the law to return to their country of origin. Support is the Limited Government Position as ensuring public safety and national defense is arguably the most important role of government. Failure to enforce our nation's immigration laws not only has catastrophic implications on the ability to maintain law and order, but also creates countless other issues ranging from welfare to the education system.

Strengthening National Security by Prohibiting Illegal Immigrants from Entering the State.

This bill establishes a new health insurance mandate which requires most healthcare policies offered in the state that cover prescription contraceptive drugs to cover a 6-month supply of the drugs. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as each and every health insurance mandate or price control on co-payments prevents an individual or business 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.

Hiking Health Insurance Premiums by Mandating Health Insurance Companies Cover a 6-Month Supply of Contraceptive Drugs.

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 Limited Government Position as this measure helps protect free speech as well as taxpayer funds from being utilized to promote politicized DEI efforts which sow division amongst Americans and are intended to further grow the role of government.

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.

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 Limited Government Position as James Madison and our nation's other founding fathers understood that the right to keep and bear arms is a crucial individual liberty and protects the citizenry against a tyrannical government. This measure helps protect employers from civil liability for supporting their employees' Second Amendment rights and ability to defend themselves.

Strengthening Second Amendment Rights by Providing Immunity to Employers Who Allow Employee Concealed Carry.

This bill, commonly referred to as "Clean Slate" allows convicted criminals to have their offense expunged from their record and shielded from public disclosure after 5 years. The bill applies to criminals who committed a misdemeanor crime including burglary, theft, certain gun or gang-related crimes, or any number of other crimes (except "violent" crimes) which may have resulted in up to a year of incarceration. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as safeguarding communities and ensuring public safety is one of the most important roles of government. This bill prevents businesses and families from protecting themselves from dangerous convicted criminals and unknowingly sharing housing or providing employment in key financial roles - critical information considering the national 44% recidivism rate. Unfortunately, this bill is one of many so-called criminal justice "reforms" which have led to skyrocketing crime rates and are being advanced in state legislatures by radical-left billionaires through their funding of advocacy organizations on both sides of the political aisle.

Weakening Public Safety through a Dangerous "Criminal Justice "Reform" Which Prevents Communities from Protecting Themselves Against Convicted Criminals through Record Expungement.

This bill ensures individuals do not have to receive a COVID-19 vaccine or provide a "vaccine passport" in order to receive state and local services, enter a government building, or be employed by the state. The bill also applies to other vaccines that are available under emergency use authorization and have not yet received full FDA approval. Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure helps protect individual liberties by ensuring it is individuals - not government - making the medical decision on whether or not to receive a vaccination against COVID-19 or other diseases. Unfortunately, this bill includes a number of exemptions such as schools, day care facilities, healthcare facilities, and federal requirements.

Protecting Individual Liberties by Prohibiting Government-Imposed "Vaccine Passport" Mandates.

This bill clarifies that any policy statements or guidance documents issued by a state agency is not "the law" and has no legal force or effect. Support is the Limited Government Position as the power to establish law should be reserved to the legislature - not unaccountable bureaucrats within state agencies. This bill helps ensure that mere policy statements and guidance documents issued by bureaucrats which have not undergone public scrutiny or through the rule making process, are not legally binding on Idahoans.

Strengthening Government Integrity by Clarifying State Agency Policy Statements and Guidance Are Not State Law.

This bill prohibits the consideration of ESG (environmental, social, and governance) in decisions relating to state contracting or procurement. The consideration of ESG oftentimes leads to higher taxpayer costs. Support is the Limited Government Position as all public procurement actions should be based on producing the maximum return and value for taxpayers, not advancing political or social agendas.

Protecting Taxpayers by Prohibiting ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) Considerations in State Contracts.

This bill adds an additional provision into law to clarify that only U.S. Citizens may vote to elect or nominate a candidate to office. Support is the Limited Government Position as only U.S. Citizens - not foreign nationals - should be the ones deciding who to have govern them. Unfortunately, the bill only serves as a step in the right direction as the language fails to also apply the provision to other voting applications like bond levies and ballot measures.

Strengthening Election Integrity by Ensuring that Only U.S. Citizens May Vote.

This bill provides outdoor recreation outfitters and guides with legal immunity from any harm or injury a participant may sustain due to the inherent risk of outdoor recreational activities. The protection does not apply to "negligent, reckless, or intentional conduct of the outfitter or guide." Support is the Limited Government Position as protecting business operators from frivolous litigation due to factors outside of their control is critical to ensuring their operation and maintaining low consumer costs.

Year	Score	Role	Party	Dist.
2024	63.44	Rep	R	27
2023	52.29	Rep	R	27

Year
2024	100.00	0.00	83.33	60.00	100.00	73.08	50.00	0.00	52.17	50.00
2023	100.00	100.00	81.82	50.00	100.00	50.00	75.00	50.00	26.79	100.00

Douglas T. Pickett

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