2026 Legislative Session Winding Down

23 Mar 2026, by Chase Christensen Share :

The 2026 Legislative Session is likely nearing its end, potentially wrapping up by Friday, March 27th. Both chambers are advancing required appropriation bills, and the Governor signed the 2026 Rescission Act, cutting the state budget by $192.7 million. With few other key bills remaining, adjournment is on the horizon. Here is what you need to know for the week of March 23rd:

While most agency maintenance budgets are progressing, the Department of Health and Welfare budget remains stalled after the Senate rejected the initial 2027 Health and Human Services appropriation. A revised budget is expected this week and should pass both chambers quickly if it addresses previous concerns. The Legislature will also consider enhancement budgets, some of which restore prior budget cuts.

As of today, the Idaho Transportation Department’s (ITD) enhancement budget has not been introduced This budget is crucial for counties as it may include funding for Strategic Initiatives Local (SIL). Local governments currently receive over $100 million in annual SIL general funding through the Highway Distribution Account (HDA). Although this year’s SIL enhancement appropriation will be smaller than in the past, IAC expects some funding for local highway jurisdictions, which is vital for maintaining the flow of state general funds to county road and bridge operations.

In a significant win for counties, the House voted down House Bill 842 on a 28-41-1 vote. If passed, H0842 would have subjected annual county property tax budgets to citizen initiatives and referendums. Those voting yes on H0842 were Alfieri, Barbieri, Burgoyne, Cornilles, Crane (12), Crane (13), Dygert, Ehardt, Ehlers, Erickson, Gannon, Healey, Hill, Holtzclaw, Miller, Mitchell, Monks, Moyle, Palmer, Pickett, Price, Redman, Sauter, Shepherd, Skaug, Tanner (13), and Tanner (14). Those voting no on H0842 were Beiswenger, Birch, Bingham, Boyle, Bruce, Cayler, Cheathum, Church, Egbert, Fuhriman, Furniss, Garner, Green, Hall, Handy, Harris, Hawkins, Haws, Hostetler, Leavitt, Manwaring, Marmon, Mathias, McCann, Mendive, Mickelsen, Nelson, Petzke, Pohanka, Rasor, Raybould, Raymond, Rubel, Scott, Shirts, Thompson, Vander Woude, Veil, Weber, Wheeler, Wisniewski. This was a significant win for counties. Thanks to all those who reached out to your representatives and encouraged them to vote no.

Stay tuned to your email this week for IAC Legislative Action Alerts as there are still a number of IAC supported bills awaiting action including:

- House Bill 556 increasing reimbursement to counties for state inmates in county jails has passed the House and Senate but has yet to be signed into law by the Governor

- House Bill 626 requiring cities to collect county impact fees for courthouses and jails is awaiting a hearing in the Senate Local Government and Taxation Committee

- House Bill 717 requiring new residents to register their vehicles within 30 days has passed the House and is awaiting a hearing in the Senate Transportation Committee