2022 Legislative Updates

2022 Legislative Reports

Legislative Update 3/18/2022

The Legislature entered its tenth week of the legislative session. Appropriation bills continue to make their way through the legislature signaling the end of the session is in sight. The legislative goal to adjourn is March 25^th.

Governor Little, along with Attorney General Wasden, filed a suit on Monday to end public camping at the Capitol Annex grounds citing health and safety violations. Read the Governor’s statement here.

Governor Little signed SB 1359 on Thursday which provides funds to complete one third of Idaho’s bridge maintenance backlog in addition to supplying money for pedestrian crossings, paying off Garvee debt, and building a road to the port of Lewiston. Read the Governor’s statement here.

Bills

HB 774 IDAHO PATIENT ACT AND EXTRAORDINARY COLLECTION ACTION

HB 774 amends current law stating that pursuing overdrawn checks is not an extraordinary collection action allowing for a adverse credit reporting to occur more quickly after forfeiting the pursuit of other extraordinary collection action. Read the bill here. Status – Printed and referred to House Business Committee.

HB 509 GROCERY TAX CREDIT INCREASE

HB 509 increase the Idaho grocery tax credit by $20 for all eligible Idaho residents. Read the bill here. Status – Passed House 40-27-3. Awaiting readings and voting on the Senate floor.

HB 579 EMPLOYEE MEDICAL INFORMATION

HB 579 adds to the current law and provides additional protections for employers and requirements for disclosing medical information. The bill also includes specific exemptions. Read the bill here. Status – Awaiting final reading and voting on House floor.

HB 756 CRISIS STANDARDS OF CARE ACT

This bill replaces HB 712 and grants authority to the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare to limit the duration and scope of operating in crisis standards of care and create long-term plans for future health care surges. Read the bill here. Status – Passed House 51-15-4. Transferred to Senate and referred to Health and Welfare Committee.

SB 1353 ESSENTIAL CAREGIVER VISITATION

This bill ensures that a resident in a health care facility has the right to visitation from an essential caregiver of their choice or the person designated as their medical power of attorney. Read the bill here. Status – Passed Senate 34-0-1. Passed House 69-0-1. Transferred to Governor’s Office.

SB 1381 CORONAVIRUS PAUSE ACT

This bill limits the ability of public and private entities to require an individual to receive the coronavirus vaccination. Read the bill here. Status – Passed Senate 24-11-0. Awaiting final readings and voting on House floor.

Legislative Update 2/25/2022

The Legislature entered its seventh week of the legislative session and has been reviewing and voting on bills at a quicker pace and higher volume than earlier in the session. JFAC started setting the State budget this week.

Governor Little signed HB 450 on 2/18 providing $64 million in unemployment insurance tax cuts over the next two years. Read the Governor’s press release on the signed legislation here.

New Bills

SB 1336 PATIENT ESSENTIAL CAREGIVER VISITATION

SB 1336 codifies visitation rights for patients in hospitals, nursing homes or other similar facilities by allowing visits of an essential caregiver of the patient’s choice or the individual who is their medical power of attorney. Read the bill here. Status – Printed and referred to Senate Health and Welfare Committee

SB 1346 MAXIMUM FEES FOR MEDICAL RECORDS

This bill amends current law and sets a maximum charge for medical records requested by a patient. Read the bill here. Status – Printed and referred to Senate Health and Welfare Committee

Bills

HB 444 CORONAVIRUS LIMITED IMMUNITY ACT

HB 444 extends business’ immunity from civil claims seeking damages for exposure to COVID-19. The bill extends the current law until July, 2023. Read the bill here. Status – Passed House 70-0. Passed House 32-1-2. Awaiting Governor’s signature

HB 446 LEGALIZE CERTAIN NABIXIMOLS FOR MS AND NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS

This bill allows for nabiximols, an oral spray that contains a combination of THC and CBD, to become legal for individuals with MS and other neurological disorders. Prescriptions for nabiximols could only become available if the FDA approves the drug. Read the bill text here. Status – Passed House 65-5. Awaiting final reading on Senate floor.

HB 509 GROCERY TAX CREDIT INCREASE

HB 509 increase the Idaho grocery tax credit by $20 for all eligible Idaho residents. Read the bill here. Status – Passed House 40-27-3. Referred to Senate Local Government and Taxation Committee.

HB 562 PHARMACY REGISTRATION

HB 562 consolidates the pharmacy registration process. Read the bill here. Status – Passed House 69-0-1. Transferred to Senate and referred to Senate Health and Welfare Committee.

HB 579 EMPLOYEE MEDICAL INFORMATION

HB 581 EMPLOYEE INFORMATION PROTECTION ACT

This bill states that employers may not discriminate against employees due to their vaccination status. The bill applies to any emergency use authorized vaccine. Read the bill here. Status – Passed House 39-29-2. Transferred to Senate and referred to Commerce and Human Resources Committee.

HB 593 WORKERS COMPENSATION AND MANDATED VACCINES

This bill states that injuries occurring from mandated vaccinations will be compensable according to the workers compensation laws. Read the bill here. Status – Referred to House Commerce and Human Resources Committee.

HB 601 RESIDENTIAL AND ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY VISITATION

This bill provides requirements for in-person visitation in residential and assisted living facilities to include screening and protective equipment requirements. Read the bill here. Status – Passed House 49-17-4. Transferred to Senate Health and Welfare Committee.

HB 603 SALE OR LEASE OF HOSPITAL PROPERTY

HB 603 allows district hospitals to lease or sell property to a qualified non-profit to provide continuity of service. Read the bill here. Status – Passed House 69-0-1. Transferred to Senate and awaiting committee assignment.

HB 604 PROOF OF VACCINATION AND EXCEPTIONS

This bill codifies and expands Governor Little’s Executive Order 2021-04 which prohibits the State or a government venue from requiring proof of vaccination to receive services. Read the bill here. Status – Referred to House State Affairs Committee.

HB 631 MASK MANDATES

This bill replaces HB 514. HB 631 prohibits the State or an officer of the State from mandating face masks. Read the bill here. Status – Passed House 46-24-0. Transferred to Senate and referred to State Affairs Committee.

HB 632 MEDICAL SERVICES AND VACCINATION STATUS

HB 632 states a person cannot be denied access to medical services based on infection or vaccination status. Read the bill here. Status – Referred to House Health and Welfare Committee.

HB 668 PATIENT VISITATION RIGHTS ACT

This bill prohibits a care facility from imposing visitation restrictions based on a person’s vaccination status. It also codifies the requirement for care facility visitors to submit to health screenings and infection control procedures. Read the bill here. Status – Referred to House Health and Welfare Committee.

SB 1236 HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNTS

This bill provides clarifies the amount the State contributes in calculating deposits for State employee Health Savings Accounts. Read the bill here. Status – Passed House 34-0-1. Referred to House Commerce & Human Resources Committee awaiting changes.

SB 1246 CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES

SB 1246 copies the DEA’s controlled substance scheduling decision for 2021 making synthetic opioids in schedule I, and opiate in schedule II, various substances in schedule III, and an anticonvulsant in schedule IV. Read the bill here. Status – Passed Senate 32-0-3. Referred to House Health and Welfare Committee.

SB 1257 SOUTHWEST IDAHO TREATMENT CENTER DESCRIPTION CHANGE

This bill removes SWITC’s description as an intermediate care facility for those with developmental disabilities to allow for a change in services. The change will provide funding for new buildings to follow a new model of care. Read the bill here. Status – Passed Senate 28-6-1. Transferred to House.

SB 1260 INSURANCE AND PRESCRIBED CONTRACEPTIVES

This bill requires insurance plans issued or renewed after January 2023 to provide 6 months of prescribed contraceptives. Read the bill here. Status – Passed Senate 20-14-1. Transferred to House and referred to Health and Welfare Committee.

SB 1270 DOWN SYNDROME DIAGNOSIS

SB 1270 adds an annual review by medical experts and the Idaho Down Syndrome Council. The bill also requires an evidence-based support sheet be posted to the Council’s website and delivered to appropriate parents. Read the bill here. Status – Passed Senate 34-0-1. Transferred House and referred to House Health and Welfare Committee

SB 1300 PREDATORY PRICING – HEALTH CARE STAFF AND SERVICES

This bill prohibits predatory pricing of temporary health care services during an emergency that the government classifies as excessive. Read the bill here. Status – Printed and reported to Senate Commerce and Human Resources Committee

SB 1326 LICENSURE OF CERTAIN HEALTH CARE FACILITIES

SB 1326 transfers the regulator authority and management of certain health care facilities to the Division of Occupation and Professional Licenses. Certified Family Homes and Idaho’s certified nurse aid registry are included in the transition. Read the bill here. Status – Held in the Senate Health and Welfare Committee for review and may return at the call of the Chair.

SB 1327 CHANGE IN CIVIL COMMITMENT STATUTE

This bill amends the current civil commitment statute. The bill assigns financial responsibility for pre and post commitment, clarifies responsibility in the organization of designated examination and transportation, changes definitions for the criteria in a statute commitment, and broadens qualifications for designated examiners. Read the bill here. Status – Awaiting final reading and voting on Senate Floor.

SB 1328 TELE HEALTH SERVICES

SB 1328 clarifies current law related to services that qualify for Telehealth in establishing a prescriber relationship with a patient. Read the bill here. Status – Printed and referred to Senate Health and Welfare Committee

SB 1330 NATUROPATHIC DOCTOR LICENSURE

This bill creates the Idaho Board of Naturopathic Health Care in addition to a formulary committee. The board provides for voluntary licensure and serves other regulatory processes including requirements for licensure. Read the bill here. Status – Senate Health and Welfare Committee voted to amend bill. Bill will not advance until or if it is amended.

Bills Signed by Governor Little

HB 445 REPEALS LAW RELATED TO VACCINE STORAGE

HB445 repeals Idaho Code 39-1501 which relates to the storage of vaccines. Read the bill here. Status – Passed House 70-0-0. Passed Senate 34-0-1. Signed by Governor on 2/21/22

HB 450 UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE TAX RATES

HB 450 would create unemployment insurance tax rate stabilization and extends the 2021 unemployment insurance base tax rate. The bill would save Idaho business $64 over two years. Read the bill text here. Status – Passed House 69-0-1. Passed Senate 35-0-0. Signed by Governor on 2/18/22

Looking Ahead

– The Idaho Behavioral Health Council has a meeting on April 8th at 11 am.

Legislative Update 2/11/2022

The Legislature entered its fifth week of the legislative session. An influx of new legislation is expected in the next week as the Legislature approaches the deadline for new bill introductions.

Governor Little signed his bill known as “Leading Idaho” into law on February 8th. The bill provides better insurance benefits to Idaho’s teachers and increases the State’s contribution to each teacher’s premiums by $4,000. In addition, this bill provides a $1,000 bonus and a 10% increase in pay. Read the Governor’s press release here. Read the bill here.

Attorney General Wasden joined 15 other state attorney generals in an amended complaint to halt the President’s vaccine mandate for health care workers. Most states have a deadline to have health care facility employees fully vaccinated March 15th of this year. Read Wasden’s joint complaint here.

New Bills

HB 514 MASK MANDATES

This bill prohibits the State or an officer of the State from mandating face masks. Read the bill here. Status – Awaiting readings on the House Floor.

HB 562 PHARMACY REGISTRATION

HB 562 consolidates the pharmacy registration process. Read the bill here. Status – Printed and referred to House Health and Welfare Committee.

HB 461 RESIDENTIAL AND ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY VISITATION This bill provides requirements for in-person visitation in residential and assisted living facilities to include screening and protective equipment requirements. Read the bill here. Status – Printed and awaiting committee assignment.

HB 603 SALE OR LEASE OF HOSPITAL PROPERTY

HB 603 allows district hospitals to lease or sell property to a qualified non-profit to provide continuity of service. Read the bill here. Status – Printed and awaiting committee assignment.

HB 604 PROOF OF VACCINATION AND EXCEPTIONS

This bill codifies and expands Governor Little’s Executive Order 2021-04 which prohibits the State or a government venue from requiring proof of vaccination to receive services. Read the bill here. Status – Printed and awaiting committee assignment.

SB 1290 UNDERSERVED EDUCATOR INCENTIVE PROGRAM

SB 1290 creates an incentive program for educators who work in high-need or rural school districts. Read the bill here. Status – Printed and awaiting committee assignment.

HB 571 SCHOOL BUS TRAVEL

This bill allows a school bus to travel up to 70 miles an hour on the interstate. Read the bill here. Status – Printed and referred to House Transportation and Defense Committee.

HB 579 EMPLOYEE MEDICAL INFORMATION

HB 581 EMPLOYEE INFORMATION PROTECTION ACT

This bill states that employers may not discriminate against employees due to their vaccination status. The bill applies to any emergency use authorized vaccine. Read the bill here. Status – Printed and awaiting committee assignment

SB 1270 DOWN SYNDROME DIAGNOSIS

SB 1270 adds an annual review by medical experts and the Idaho Down Syndrome Council. The bill also requires an evidence-based support sheet be posted to the Council’s website and delivered to appropriate parents. Read the bill here. Status – Printed and referred to Senate Health and Welfare Committee

SB 1280 DYSLEXIA SCHOOL PROGRAMS

This bill defines dyslexia, expands dyslexia awareness and includes required screening for dyslexia in elementary school. Read the bill here. Status – Printed and referred to the Senate Education Committee.

HB 593 WORKERS COMPENSATION AND MANDATED VACCINES This bill states that injuries occurring from mandated vaccinations will be compensable according to the workers compensation laws. Read the bill here. Status – Referred for printing and awaiting committee assignment.

Bills

SB 1257 SOUTHWEST IDAHO TREATMENT CENTER DESCRIPTION CHANGE This bill removes SWITC’s description as an intermediate care facility for those with developmental disabilities to allow for a change in services. The change will provide funding for new buildings to follow a new model of care. Read the bill here. Status – Awaiting final reading on Senate Floor

HB 509 GROCERY TAX CREDIT INCREASE

HB 509 increase the Idaho grocery tax credit by $20 for all eligible Idaho residents. Read the bill here. Status – Passed House 40-27-3. Transferred to Senate.

SB 1246 CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES

SB 1246 copies the DEA’s controlled substance scheduling decision for 2021 making synthetic opioids in schedule I, and opiate in schedule II, various substances in schedule III, and an anticonvulsant in schedule IV. Read the bill here. Status – Passed Senate 32-0-3. Referred to House Health and Welfare Committee.

SB 1238 SELF DIRECTED LEARNER DESIGNATION

This bill provides schools the ability to designate students as a self-directed learner and allowing schools to count those students in their attendance numbers. Read the bill here. Status – Passed Senate 32-0-3. Referred to to House Education Committee.

HB 446 LEGALIZE CERTAIN NABIXIMOLS FOR MS AND NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS

This bill allows for nabiximols, an oral spray that contains a combination of THC and CBD, to become legal for individuals with MS and other neurological disorders. Prescriptions for nabiximols could only become available if the FDA approves the drug. Read the bill text here. Status – Passed House 65-5. Referred to Senate State Affairs Committee.

HB 444 CORONAVIRUS LIMITED IMMUNITY ACT

HB 450 UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE TAX RATES

HB 450 would create unemployment insurance tax rate stabilization and extends the 2021 unemployment insurance base tax rate. The bill would save Idaho business $64 million dollars over two years. Read the bill text here. Status – Passed House 69-0-1. Awaiting final reading and voting on Senate Floor.

HB 445 REPEALS LAW RELATED TO VACCINE STORAGE

HB445 repeals Idaho Code 39-1501 which relates to the storage of vaccines. Read the bill here. Status – Passed House 70-0-0. Awaiting final reading and voting on Senate Floor.

HB 450 UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE TAX RATES

HB 450 would create unemployment insurance tax rate stabilization and extends the 2021 unemployment insurance base tax rate. The bill would save Idaho business $64 over two years. Read the bill text here. Status – Passed House 69-0-1. Awaiting final reading and voting on Senate Floor.

HB 446 LEGALIZE CERTAIN NABIXIMOLS FOR MS AND NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS

This bill allows for nabiximols, an oral spray that contains a combination of THC and CBD, to become legal for individuals with MS and other neurological disorders. Prescriptions for nabiximols could only become available if the FDA approves the drug. Read the bill text here. Status – Passed House 65-5-0. Referred to Senate State Affairs Committee.

HB 444 CORONAVIRUS LIMITED IMMUNITY ACT

HB 444 extends business’ immunity from civil claims seeking damages for exposure to COVID-19. The bill extends the current law until July, 2023. Read the bill here. Status – Passed House 70-0-0. Awaiting final reading and voting on Senate Floor.

Looking Ahead

JFAC will conclude state agency budget presentations and begin setting the State budget • The Idaho Board of Education holds a meeting on 2/17 at 8am at BSU
The Healthcare Transformation Council of Idaho holds a meeting on 2/17 from 3pm-5pm. Watch the meeting via Webex here

Legislative Update 2/4/2022

The Legislature entered its fourth week of the legislative session. The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare began budget presentations to JFAC this week.

Governor Little signed House Bill 436 on 2/4 providing historic one-time and ongoing income tax relief. Read his press release here. Read the bill here.

Governor Little activated 75 Idaho National Guardsmen to help Primary Health and the Department of Corrections to alleviate staffing shortage due toe COVID-19. In addition, the Governor reported he has secured 503 personnel to help Idaho’s hospitals. Read the Governor’s press release here.

New Bills

HB 502 IMMUNIZATION OPT-IN REGISTRY

This bill changes the current registration from an “opt-out” standard to an “opt-in” standard. Read the bill here. Status – Reported to Ways and Means and unlikely to advance

HB 509 GROCERY TAX CREDIT INCREASE

HB 509 increase the Idaho grocery tax credit by $20 for all eligible Idaho residents. Read the bill here. Status – Referred to House Revenue and Taxation Committee.

HB 464 WORKERS COMPENSATION AND MANDATED VACCINES This bill states that injuries occurring from mandated vaccinations will be compensable according to the workers compensation laws. Read the bill here. Status – Awaiting vote from House.

SB 1260 INSURANCE AND PRESCRIBED CONTRACEPTIVES

This bill requires insurance plans issued or renewed after January 2023 to provide 6 months of prescribed contraceptives. Read the bill here. Status – Referred to Senate Commerce and Human Resources.

SB 1246 CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES

SB 1246 copies the DEA’s controlled substance scheduling decision for 2021 making synthetic opioids in schedule I, and opiate in schedule II, various substances in schedule III, and an anticonvulsant in schedule IV. Read the bill here. Status – Awaiting readings and voting on Senate floor.

SB 1238 SELF DIRECTED LEARNER DESIGNATION

Bills

HB 436 INCOME TAX AND CORPORATE TAX RATE REDUCTION HB 436 is making history as Idaho’s largest ever tax relief bill. The bill is the Governor’s initiative and reduces the corporate income tax rate to 6% and consolidates income tax into four brackets at 1%, 3%, 4.5% and 6%. The bill also provides rebates for 2020 state income taxes at 12% or $75, whichever is higher. Read the bill here. Status – Passed House 57-13-0. Passed Senate 27-7-0. GOVERNOR SIGNED ON 2/4

HB 446 LEGALIZE CERTAIN NABIXIMOLS FOR MS AND NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS

This bill allows for nabiximols, an oral spray that contains a combination of THC and CBD, to become legal for individuals with MS and other neurological disorders. Prescriptions for nabiximols could only become available if the FDA approves the drug. Read the bill text here. Status – Passed House 65-5. Referred to Senate State Affairs Committee.

HB 444 CORONAVIRUS LIMITED IMMUNITY ACT

HB 450 UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE TAX RATES

HB 450 would create unemployment insurance tax rate stabilization and extends the 2021 unemployment insurance base tax rate. The bill would save Idaho business $64 million dollars over two years. Read the bill text here. Status – Passed House 69-0-1. Referred to Senate Commerce and Human Resources Committee.

HB 445 REPEALS LAW RELATED TO VACCINE STORAGE

HB445 repeals Idaho Code 39-1501 which relates to the storage of vaccines. Read the bill here. Status – Passed House 70-0-0

HB 483 CHILDREN’S MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES AND CONVERSION THERAPY This bill prohibits licensed mental health professionals from engaging in conversion therapy for minors. Read the bill here. Status – Referred to Health and Welfare Committee

Looking Ahead

The Legislature is hosting a Child Protection Legislative Oversight Committee on 2/7 at 2:30 pm at the Capitol
The Idaho Board of Medicine holds its quarterly meeting on 2/10 from 12pm – 5 pm • The Idaho Board of Education holds a meeting on 2/17 at 8am at BSU

Legislative Update 1/28/2022

The Legislature entered its third week of the legislative session. Higher education institutions began making budget presentations to JFAC.

The Idaho Department of Labor released the latest jobs report detailing a historic low of 2.4% in December. The labor force slightly decreased to 62.2% while Idahoans who were employed or seeking work grew by .1%. Read the report here. Read Governor Little’s response to the job report here.

Governor Little responded to a delay the Washington State Legislature approved that would have implemented a payroll tax on Idahoans working in Washington for programs they would not be eligible to participate in. Read the Governor’s response here.

Bills

HB 491 PROTECTION OF PERSONAL MEDICAL INFORMATION HB 491 establishes provisions about mandates for vaccines, inoculation and genetic modulation. The bill states that medical information cannot be used in employment except for drug testing. Read the bill here. Status – Introduced and referred for printing.

HB 486 REPEALS LAW ON MINOR’S CONSENT TO TREATMENT HB 486 restores the parental consent requirement for minors 14 and older for some medical treatment to include infections, contagious or communicable disease. Read the bill here. Status – Introduced and referred for printing.

HB 444 CORONAVIRUS LIMITED IMMUNITY ACT

HB 444 extends business’ immunity from civil claims seeking damages for exposure to COVID-19. The bill extends the current law until July, 2023. Read the bill here. Status – awaiting 3rd reading on the House floor.

HB 446 LEGALIZE CERTAIN NABIXIMOLS FOR MS AND NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS

This bill allows for nabiximols, an oral spray that contains a combination of THC and CBD, to become legal for individuals with MS and other neurological disorders. Prescriptions for

nabiximols could only become available if the FDA approves the drug. Read the bill text here. Status – awaiting 3rd reading on the House floor.

HB 460 ABORTION

HB 460 would make all abortions illegal in Idaho and repeals the current law that prohibits prosecution of abortion as murder. Read the the bill here. Status- referred to the House Ways & Means Committee.

HB 447 PAID FAMILY LEAVE

This bill would provide paid family leave for all public and private employees in Idaho. The bill would be funded by a 2% payroll tax split between employee and employer. Read the bill text here. Status – referred to the House Ways & Means Committee on 1/20 and unlikely to advance.

HB 450 UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE TAX RATES

HB 450 would create unemployment insurance tax rate stabilization and extends the 2021 unemployment insurance base tax rate. The bill would save Idaho business $64 over two years. Read the bill text here. Status – awaiting 2nd reading on the House floor.

SB 1229 MINIMUM WAGE INCREASE

This bill seeks to increase minimum wage from $7.25 to $15 an hour and would adjust the minimum wage each year according to the Consumer Price Index. Read the bill here. Status – referred to the Senate State Affairs Committee and unlikely to advance.

HB 441 NURSING CARE FACILITY ABSENTEE BALLOT ASSISTANCE This bill offers absentee ballot assistance to individuals in nursing care facilities, assisted living centers or similar residential facilities and designates three sources of voter assistance. Read the bill here. Status – refereed to the House State Affair Committee

HB 445 REPEALS LAW RELATED TO VACCINE STORAGE

HB445 repeals Idaho Code 39-1501 which relates to the storage of vaccines. Read the bill here. Status – awaiting 3rd reading on the House floor.

Looking Ahead

Governor Little is holding a telephone town hall meeting and answering questions from Idahoans on Tuesday February 1 at 12 p.m. about the legislative session. For more information about registration or attendance click here.
IDHW begins presenting its budget to JFAC starting on 1/31
The Idaho Board of Medicine holds its quarterly meeting on 2/10 from 12pm – 5 pm • The Idaho Board of Education holds a meeting on 2/17 at 8am at BSU

Legislative Update 1/21/2022

The Legislature started its second week of the legislative session. Committees are slowly beginning to fill their agendas. An uptick in committee hearings and bills will begin soon.

HB 436 INCOME TAX AND CORPORATE TAX RATE REDUCTION

HB436 was approved by the House and is moving to the Senate. The bill is making history as Idaho’s largest ever tax relief bill. The bill is the Governor’s initiative and reduces the corporate income tax rate to 6% and consolidates income tax into four brackets at 1%, 3%, 4.5% and 6%. The bill also provides rebates for 2020 state income taxes at 12% or $75, whichever is higher. Read the bill here. Status – Passed House 57-13-0. Referred to Senate Local Government and Taxation Committee.

HB 441 NURSING CARE FACILITY ABSENTEE BALLOT ASSISTANCE

This bill offers absentee ballot assistance to individuals in nursing care facilities, assisted living centers or similar residential facilities and designates three sources of voter assistance. The bill has been printed and referred to the House State Affairs Committee for debate and voting. Read the bill here.

HB445 REPEALS LAW RELATED TO VACCINE STORAGE

HB445 repeals Idaho Code 39-1501 which relates to the storage of vaccines. The bill has been printed and reported to the House Health and Welfare Committee for debate and voting. Read the bill here.

The US Supreme Court blocked the President’s vaccine and testing mandate for large employers while upholding the President’s vaccine mandate for healthcare workers.

Read the Governor and Attorney General’s response to the court decision here.

The Idaho Behavioral Health Council met on January 14th where the council voted to endorse the proposed civil commitment legislation.

Looking Ahead

Education week for budget presentations begin on 1/24
IDHW begins presenting its budget to JFAC starting on 1/31
The Idaho Board of Medicine holds its quarterly meeting on 2/10 from 12pm – 5 pm
The Idaho Board of Education holds a meeting on 2/17 at 8am at BSU

Legislative Update 1/14/2021

The legislative session commenced on Monday bringing legislators back in person to the Capitol building. The Governor presented his State of the State Below are some highlights from his speech.

Behavioral Health – Governor Little’s plan invests $50 million in initiatives advanced by the Behavioral Health Council, including support for new community behavioral health clinics, psychiatric residential treatment facilities, and youth crisis centers. The Governor’s budget also converts the state’s suicide prevention line to the national mental health crisis line ($4.4 million) and continues support ($600k) to the state’s recovery centers.

Healthcare – Adds $729k in 14 new medical residents to address the shortage of physicians in the state and continue implementation of the 10-year Graduate Medical Education plan.

o Expands the capacity of health profession programs at BSU ($1.5 million) and the nursing program at ISU ($773k).

o Invests $10 million in the health professions building at the CWI which will increase the healthcare program’s new student capacity by 64% for nursing, occupational therapy, and medical assistants, among other health professions.

READ or WATCH the Governor’s State of the State address.

JFAC, the legislative joint budget committee, started meeting and budget hearings will begin next week. Each State agency head will present their budget to the committee along with the Governor’s recommended budget.

H 436 – Legislators introduced a tax relief bill that Governor Little discussed in his State of the State address and it was introduced in the House Revenue & Tax Committee. The bill provides rebates for 2020 state income taxes at 12% or $75, whichever is higher. It also permanently reduces tax rates. The bill was approved for printing and will receive a full hearing sometime in the future.

An unofficial panel discussion to amend the “faith healing exemption” took place on 1/12 at the Capitol. The group discussed the idea of changing the protection for parents to deny life-saving measures to minors due to religious beliefs. No bills were presented or considered as it was not an official legislative committee hearing.

Looking Ahead

The Division of Occupational Licenses presents its budget to JFAC on 1/20
Education week for budget presentations begin on 1/24
IDHW begins presenting its budget to JFAC starting on 1/31