Legislation

HB 440 attempts to roll-back key civil rights protections for protected classes in Idaho. The bill would prevent employers, educational institutions and contracts from providing “preferential treatment” based on sex, race, national origin, religion, age, and disability.

SB 1249 would create a state-sponsored anti-abortion specialty license plate, which would jeopardize key First Amendment principles because the proposal engages in viewpoint discrimination as the Idaho Legislature is not considering the adoption of a pro-abortion specialty license plate.

HB 458 creates a mental health exemption under I.C. 18-915C related to assault of healthcare workers.

HB 465 would deny transgender youth from being able to access gender affirming healthcare – including transition related care. It would also charge doctors and other medical practitioners with a felony if they were to be found providing gender affirming care to transgender youth.

Despite repeated calls to eliminate mandatory minimums and address the need to adjust overly-harsh and retributive punishments related to drug offenses, HB 469 adds new mandatory sentences related to possession and trafficking of fentanyl related drugs.

Fair chance employment legislation would ensure Idahoans returning to the workforce post-incarceration are able to access employment opportunities.

HB 319 would expand the number of cases that the State Appellate Public Defender’s Office would be required to provide legal representation.

HB 373 would allow Correctional Industries to contract with agricultural employers for the expanded use of prisoner labor in the production, harvesting and processing of agricultural goods in Idaho.