What to Watch: Week 2

20 Jan 2026, by Sara Westbrook Share :

Week 2 has begun slowly, mirroring the pace of the previous week. However, we anticipate increased activity as the week progresses. Currently, IAC is tracking five bills, four of which relate to public safety. For more information on each bill, please consult the IAC Bill Tracker.

The fifth bill, Senate Bill 1222, is a clean-up bill focused on domestic wells, specifically regarding subdivisions. It is sponsored by the Pro Tem of the Senate, Senator Kelly Anthon. The bill is meant to clarify further S1083a, which passed last year. It defines the term subdivision and clarifies that certain limitations on domestic use apply only to subdivisions.

While the number of bills formally introduced thus far may seem small, it is important to understand that the perceived quietness does not reflect a lack of activity or progress within the Capitol. Behind the scenes, the legislative process is very much underway, marked by significant strategic work and persistent engagement.

At this time, the Idaho Association of Counties (IAC) policy team is focused on reconnecting with legislators in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, sharing our priorities, and securing bill sponsors. This work involves detailed briefings, drafting bill language, and navigating the procedural requirements, securing legislative sponsors committed to championing each issue, and meeting with other stakeholders to build support for various policies. The collaborative nature of this engagement is crucial, as IAC works side-by-side with legislators to ensure that IAC remains the most trusted source for county government information.

For example, many of you will probably remember that last year, we were able to get a bill allowing for electronic publishing passed in the House. It was the first time in 20 years that a public notice modernization bill actually passed one of the legislative bodies, though numerous attempts have been made over the years. This occurred in large part thanks to IAC memberships active engagement on this issue. While we were not able to secure a hearing on the bill in the Senate last year, passing the House gave us momentum that we have not had in prior years.

This session, IAC members and the policy team began reaching out to senators early to capitalize on that momentum and find a path forward that the Senate would feel comfortable passing. We have started negotiations, moderated by Senator Jim Guthrie, the Chair of the Senate State Affairs Committee, with the Idaho Newspaper Association and the Association of Idaho Cities to find a compromise that provides a path forward to modernize public notice publishing.

This is just one example of many issues that IAC is working on behind the scenes. We are looking forward to the Midwinter Legislative Conference next week, when we will have our membership here to share how counties would benefit from IAC’s Legislative Priorities. If you have not already, please set up a meeting with your legislators while you are here. Take them out to eat, meet them for coffee, and offer your expertise and help on county issues that come their way.

When meeting with legislators, aim to discuss specific county challenges that align with IAC’s priorities: