Brad Little

Idaho Attorney General Labrador announced that the state's transgender bathroom ban in K-12 public schools is fully in effect after a lawsuit challenging the law was dismissed. The lawsuit, brought by students at Boise High School, was dropped following the death of a transgender student involved in the case and the withdrawal of another student from the school. Labrador stated in a Thursday announcement that Idaho had successfully defended the law through district court and the Ninth Circuit appeals process.

Tennessee called off the scheduled lethal injection execution of Tony Carruthers on May 21, 2026, after executioners were unable to establish an intravenous line required by lethal injection protocol despite attempting for over an hour. Carruthers had been convicted of kidnapping and murdering three people in 1994. Governor Bill Lee announced that the state would not attempt the execution again for at least one year.

Little announced "Operation No Return," an initiative through his administration that removed 30 undocumented immigrants from Idaho in May 2026, bringing the total removals under the program to 83 individuals since its launch in October 2025. The operation targets individuals convicted of crimes who are incarcerated in Idaho, and upon completion of their sentences, transfers them to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facilities for deportation rather than releasing them within the state. The program operates in partnership with Idaho State Police and ICE under the 287(g) program, utilizing up to $300,000 in emergency funds allocated for up to 100 transports over twelve months.

Governor Little signed the Idaho Parental Choice Tax Credit into law in 2025, establishing a program that provides up to $5,000 per student, or $7,500 for students with qualifying disabilities, to cover private school tuition, tutoring, textbooks, curricula, standardized assessments, and transportation. During the inaugural application window from January 15 to March 15, the Idaho State Tax Commission received 6,069 applications covering 10,809 students and awarded $33.4 million in tax credits plus $8.84 million in advance payments, leaving approximately $7.09 million of the program's $50 million annual cap unspent. The Tax Commission is required by law to reopen the application window if funds remain, with a second window scheduled to run until August 15 or until the full $50 million is awarded, whichever occurs first.

Idaho adopted the "Ready, Set, Go" wildfire evacuation messaging program as the statewide standard for public evacuation communications across all jurisdictions, establishing a unified approach to communicating evacuation risk and action levels. The adoption implements recommendations from Governor Brad Little's 2024 wildfire response report, which called for improved evacuation planning, clearer public messaging, and more consistent interagency coordination during wildfire events. The three-level framework progresses from "Ready" to prepare for possible evacuation, "Set" to be prepared to leave immediately, and "Go" to evacuate when directed by county sheriffs.

Governor Little signed House Bill 752 into law on March 31, 2026, with the legislation set to take effect on July 1, 2026. The law prohibits transgender people from using sex-designated restrooms aligned with their gender identity in all government-owned buildings and places of public accommodation and carries criminal penalties for violations. Six transgender Idaho residents, represented by the ACLU, ACLU of Idaho, and Lambda Legal Defense, filed a lawsuit against the state and county prosecuting attorneys alleging that HB 752 violates the Due Process and Equal Protection Clauses of the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

Governor Little issued a proclamation recognizing May as Wildfire Prevention Month in response to Idaho's lowest snowpack since 1980 in some regions and conditions favorable for active wildfire season. The proclamation accompanies public awareness efforts by the Idaho Department of Lands to educate residents about wildfire prevention measures, including creating defensible space around homes and using fire-resistant roofing materials. Little's action coincides with the state's preparation for an elevated fire risk season driven by low snowpack, warm temperatures, and dry vegetation.

Governor Brad Little vetoed an initial version of the Idaho Medical Freedom Act in March 2025, citing concerns that the bill's language would prevent schools from sending home students with contagious illnesses such as measles, lice, and strep throat. Little subsequently signed a revised version of the legislation, Senate Bill 1210, which explicitly preserved the ability of schools to send home sick students and clarified the definition of banned medical mandates. A Boise daycare and parents have since filed a federal lawsuit challenging the enacted Medical Freedom Act, arguing that its vague language unconstitutionally restricts health protections including basic infection control measures.

Governor Little signed House Bill 516, legislation that restricts public school unions from using payroll deduction to collect member dues, prohibits union representatives from using district email systems, and requires time-tracking with billing when union leaders meet with administrators. The Idaho Education Association issued a vote of no confidence against Little following the bill's passage, characterizing it as legislation designed to undermine public school unions that was advanced through the legislative process without a proper public hearing. The bill's restrictions apply to dues collection mechanisms previously authorized by individual employees and affects union programs such as the IEA's Children's Fund, which provides assistance to students for food, clothing, eyeglasses, and medication.

Following the death of former Governor Dirk Kempthorne, Governor Little ordered state and U.S. flags to be lowered to half-staff in his honor. The flags remained lowered until the day following Kempthorne's memorial service. Little acknowledged his long personal relationship with Kempthorne, stating they had been friends since their college days.

Idaho Governor Brad Little signed House Bill 822, the Pediatric Secretive Transitions Parental Rights Act, on Friday, requiring schools, child care providers, and health professionals to notify parents when minors request social or medical gender transition. The law mandates that schools notify parents within 72 hours if a student requests to use different pronouns or names, access sex-designated facilities, or participate on sex-segregated athletic teams, and prohibits medical and mental health providers from assisting minors in obtaining gender transition procedures without parental written consent. The law takes effect on July 1 and allows parents to file civil lawsuits for violations, with penalties reaching $100,000 per violation.

Little vetoed House Bill 975, which would have prevented an automatic transfer from Idaho's budget stabilization fund to the general fund when the fund exceeded 15 percent of the total general fund. Little stated the veto would make additional funds available to address emerging needs, including what he described as an expected extensive fire season. Little also vetoed House Bill 968, which authorized one-time cash transfers from the Permanent Building Fund to the general fund that JFAC co-chairs characterized as a cushion for the next fiscal year's budget.

Governor Little signed legislation limiting teachers union activity in Idaho. The bill restricted certain organizational and fundraising operations conducted by teacher unions within the state. Little signed the measure despite receiving concerns about its provisions from various parties.

Governor Little signed legislation addressing Medicaid expansion and related healthcare provisions during the 2026 legislative session. The governor also signed bills concerning transgender rights and Ada County Highway District elections that had remained unsigned on his desk. Little completed action on the remaining backlog of bills awaiting his signature in April 2026.

Governor Little signed a proclamation on April 9, 2026, announcing a partnership to encourage Turning Point USA's "Club America" chapters in Idaho high schools, framing the initiative around civic engagement and American values. The proclamation does not carry the force of law but represents an official statement from the Governor's Office promoting free speech in public schools. Idaho Superintendent of Public Education Debbie Critchfield attended the signing ceremony, while local advocacy group BABE VOTE subsequently raised concerns about selective political endorsement in schools.

Governor Little exercised a line-item veto on House Bill 978, which would have eliminated funding for eight medical residents in the middle of three-year training commitments. The veto restored the graduate medical education funding that the legislature had removed from the state budget. Little stated that the action aligned with his efforts to address Idaho's physician shortage and support the state's healthcare workforce expansion.

Idaho Governor Little vetoed House Bill 968 and House Bill 975 on April 9, 2026, after the legislature adjourned, preventing any possibility of legislative override. House Bill 968 would have transferred cash and interest payments between accounts to address potential budget deficits, while House Bill 975 would have allowed the legislature to exceed the 15 percent statutory cap on the Budget Stabilization Fund. Little also vetoed House Bill 674 regarding telephone service regulation by the Idaho Public Utilities Commission and House Bill 758 concerning daycare supervision requirements, and issued two line-item vetoes on an additional bill.

Little signed House Bill 561 into law on March 31, 2026, which restricted which flags could be flown on government buildings and banned the Pride flag from state-approved flags, while establishing a $2,000 daily fine per flag for non-compliant municipalities. The legislation superseded a previous city ordinance that had designated the Pride flag as an official Boise city flag, rendering that designation invalid under a requirement that official flags be established prior to January 1, 2023. In response, Boise City Hall displayed Pride-colored wraps and light installations on city buildings as an alternative to flag displays.

Idaho's 2026 legislative session concluded with lawmakers approving tax cuts and significant budget reductions across state agencies, including a 3% initial cut to most departments with additional targeted reductions. The Legislature approved hundreds of millions in cuts to the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, including a $21 million reduction to residential habilitation reimbursement programs for people with disabilities and reductions to Medicaid expansion coverage. The bills concluded their passage through the Legislature and moved to Governor Little for final approval as the session adjourned sine die.

Idaho's 2026 legislative session concluded with nearly 300 bills advancing to Governor Little's desk after lawmakers debated budget measures shaped by a 3% spending reduction that Little recommended along with additional 1% to 2% cuts across state agencies. The budget included House Bill 863, which reduces reimbursement rates for residential habilitation services supporting people with disabilities, representing approximately a 10% reduction in that portion of the Medicaid budget. Democratic lawmakers stated that the spending cuts could result in reduced Medicaid coverage and healthcare access across the state, particularly in rural communities.

The Idaho Senate halted advancement of a bill that would have required local law enforcement agencies to apply for cooperative agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, with Senator Mark Harris motioning to not concur with House amendments on grounds that the legislation violated Senate Rule 28(D). The amended Senate Bill 1247 would have required city and county law enforcement to pursue section 287(g) memorandums of agreement, which allow local officers to be trained and deputized to enforce limited aspects of federal immigration law through jail enforcement, task force, or warrant service models. The Senate rejected the bill by unanimous consent, though Governor Little had previously directed the Idaho State Police to enter into a 287(g) agreement for transporting unauthorized immigrants convicted of crimes to deportation centers.

Governor Little signed House Bill 561 into law, which prohibits specific public displays on government property, resulting in the removal of the Pride flag that had flown in front of Boise City Hall for over a decade. Little also signed House Bill 752 on March 31, legislation that bans individuals from entering bathrooms, locker rooms, or changing rooms that do not align with their sex assigned at birth. These legislative actions prompted the City of Boise to host a community event on April 2 aimed at supporting LGBTQ+ Idahoans.

Nine protesters remained in Idaho Governor Brad Little's office on April 1, 2026, demanding a meeting to urge Little to veto House Bill 822, which requires schools, health care providers, and child care providers to notify parents within three days of a minor's request to socially transition. Idaho State Police arrested the protesters, including Rev. Sara LaWall and trans activist Nikson Mathews, after they occupied the governor's office for more than three hours following its closure. The specific criminal charges filed against the arrested protesters were not immediately disclosed.

On Tuesday, Governor Little signed House Bill 752 into law, which criminalizes knowingly and willfully entering a bathroom, locker room, or changing room that does not align with a person's sex assigned at birth. The legislation establishes misdemeanor penalties of up to one year in jail for a first offense and up to five years for a second offense. On Wednesday, more than 30 protesters gathered in the Idaho State Capitol in front of Little's office to demonstrate against the law's passage.

Governor Little signed House Bill 651 into law on March 31, 2026, which restricts the flags that cities and counties in Idaho are permitted to display on public property and imposes significant financial penalties for violations. The legislation, authored by Representative Ted Hill, limits flags on municipal and county buildings to the United States flag, state flags, military flags, the POW/MIA flag, flags of recognized Indian tribes, and flags of foreign nations. In response to the law's enactment, Boise Mayor Lauren McLean ordered the removal of the Pride flag that had flown outside city hall for more than a decade.

Governor Little signed House Bill 752 into law on March 31, 2026, legislation that criminalizes knowingly and willfully entering a bathroom, locker room, or changing room that does not align with sex assigned at birth in any place of public accommodation throughout Idaho. First offense carries a penalty of up to one year in jail, while a second offense results in up to five years imprisonment. The law contains exceptions for assisting children, janitorial work, and cases of dire need, though law enforcement representatives have stated the legislation places officers in an impossible position to enforce.

Idaho Gov. Brad Little signed House Bill 752 into law on March 31, 2026, establishing criminal penalties for individuals who knowingly and willfully enter bathrooms or changing rooms designated for the opposite sex in government buildings and places of public accommodation. A first offense under the law constitutes a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in prison, while a second offense within five years is classified as a felony punishable by up to five years in prison, with the law taking effect July 1, 2026. The legislation received support solely from Republican legislators, while all 15 Democrats and eight Republicans voted against it.

Governor Little signed legislation that restricts policies and protections related to transgender individuals in Idaho. The signing occurred on March 31, 2026, coinciding with Trans Day of Visibility observances in Boise. The specific bill signed established restrictions on transgender-related matters under state law.

The Idaho House unanimously passed SB 1412, the Idaho Student Safety and Educator Disclosure Act, on March 31, 2026, with a 66-0 vote. The bill requires schools to report sexual assault allegations to law enforcement rather than conducting internal reviews, and establishes standards for maintaining and disclosing personnel records related to investigations and disciplinary actions. The legislation now proceeds to Governor Brad Little for signature.

The Idaho House passed Senate Bill 1435, a $5.6 billion health and welfare budget for fiscal year 2027, which represents approximately a 6 percent reduction from the previous year through governor's holdbacks, legislative holdbacks, and provider rate reductions, and sent the bill to Governor Little's desk. The House rejected Senate Bill 1401, a $35.7 million public health enhancement bill that would have funded vaccine procurement, HIV case tracking, and suicide prevention programs. The House approved Senate Bill 1429, a $16.4 million behavioral health enhancement that restores funding for children's and adult mental health services and adds 15 positions at state psychiatric hospitals, which also advances to the governor's desk.

Idaho's full Senate passed House Bill 776, known as "Benji's Law," on March 30, 2026, by a vote of 27-8, sending the legislation to Governor Brad Little's desk. The bill requires child welfare workers to respond within 12 hours to reports filed by mandatory reporters regarding infants under one year old when the parent has a documented history of abuse, including prior entries in the Child Protection Central Registry, prior convictions for injury to a child, previous termination of parental rights, or neonatal abstinence syndrome. The legislation does not authorize automatic child removal but mandates a safety check when these specific risk factors are present.

The Idaho House passed SB 1412, the Idaho Student Safety and Educator Disclosure Act, with a unanimous 66-0 vote on March 29, 2026, sending the bill to Governor Little's desk. The legislation replaces existing law that permitted schools to conduct internal reviews of sexual assault allegations without reporting to law enforcement, instead requiring mandatory police reporting of such incidents in K-12 schools. The act also establishes standards for schools to maintain and disclose personnel records during hiring decisions, preventing educators from moving between districts following investigations or disciplinary actions.

Idaho lawmakers passed legislation in March 2026 that would criminalize transgender people using bathrooms that do not match their sex assigned at birth, with violations punishable as a misdemeanor with up to one year in jail for a first offense or as a felony with up to five years in prison for a second offense. The bill applies broadly to any business or facility serving the public, with nine specified exceptions including janitorial work, emergencies, and assisting children. The legislation awaited Governor Little's signature, with analysts indicating the measure had sufficient legislative support to override a potential veto.

In 2025, Little signed House Bill 37, which designated the firing squad as Idaho's primary method of execution if lethal injection drugs cannot be obtained, effective July 1, 2026. The Idaho Department of Corrections began construction of a firing squad execution facility at the state's maximum-security prison, with work expected to be completed within the established timeline. Advocates and faith leaders organized an event to raise concerns about the new execution center and planned to deliver petitions to companies involved in its construction.

Little issued an official proclamation designating March as Aging-Out Awareness Month in Idaho. The proclamation was made in recognition of youth transitioning out of the state's foster care system, of which approximately 60 annually reach age 18 and leave state care. The proclamation accompanied a community awareness event hosted by the nonprofit JEMfriends to highlight the experiences and barriers faced by young people aging out of foster care.

Idaho lawmakers passed House Bill 752, which criminalizes the use of bathrooms and changing rooms that do not align with a person's sex at birth, with first offenses classified as misdemeanors and repeat offenses as felonies. The legislation includes exceptions for emergencies, maintenance work, and cases of dire need. The bill was sent to Governor Brad Little's desk following Senate passage on a 28-7 vote.

The Idaho Senate Health and Welfare Committee voted 5-3 to advance House Bill 776, known as "Benji's Law," to the full Senate floor in March 2026. The legislation would require child welfare workers to conduct safety checks within 12 hours when a mandatory reporter files a child protection report on an infant under one year old whose parents have a documented history of abuse. The bill was introduced following the December 2025 death of 12-day-old Benjamin Lemke of Nampa, whose parents had a prior history of child abuse and neglect.

Idaho Gov. Little signed Senate Bill 1250 into law on March 26, 2026, which restricts the release of crime scene photographs showing deceased bodies during law enforcement and coroner investigations. The legislation was drafted in response to the 2022 murders of four University of Idaho students and the subsequent public release of crime scene images that the victims' families sought to prevent. Following the law's July 1, 2026 effective date, only family members of victims will be permitted to request such images.

The Idaho Senate passed House Bill 863 on March 24, 2026, by a vote of 19-15, which reduces Medicaid reimbursement rates for residential habilitation services by $21.8 million in the next fiscal year. The bill, which Governor Brad Little had recommended, was sent to the governor's office following the Senate passage. The legislation would cut provider reimbursement rates for disability services, with lawmakers divided on whether the reductions could be absorbed without affecting service availability.

The Idaho Legislature passed Senate Bill 1260, which revises the Immigration Cooperation and Enforcement Act that was enacted in 2025 and has remained unenforceabled due to ongoing federal court litigation. The bill removes provisions that courts found legally vulnerable, redefines how Idaho treats illegal entry as a state offense, and establishes new legal defenses for those charged under the law. Little has not yet signed or vetoed the legislation, which is currently on his desk.

Governor Little signed House Bill 623 into law in March 2026, requiring all K-12 public schools in Idaho to observe a one-minute moment of silence at the start of each school day beginning in the following school year. According to the bill's sponsor, Representative Bruce Skaug, the time could be used for reflection, meditation, or prayer. The law has generated debate, with supporters citing potential mental health benefits and critics raising concerns about student social pressure and the appropriateness of the measure.

Governor Little approved House Bill 710 in 2024, legislation that required Idaho public and school libraries to remove materials deemed harmful to children or face legal consequences. In 2026, following federal court challenges to the law, Little's administration worked with the legislature on revisions through House Bill 796, which redefined sexual conduct provisions and removed language that had specifically designated homosexuality as sexual conduct. The revised bill sought to address concerns raised by the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals regarding the original law's breadth and clarified standards for determining materials harmful to minors.

Governor Little signed Senate Bill 1373, Idaho's economic-development budget bill for fiscal year 2027, which included a $2.2 million reduction to the Office of the Idaho State Public Defender. The office, which began operations in October 2024, unified public defense under state rather than county administration. State Public Defender Eric Fredericksen had previously warned that budget cuts could force the office to reduce its use of contract attorneys and reverse progress in stabilizing the system.

Little signed House Bill 623 into law on March 19, 2026, requiring all Idaho K-12 public schools to observe a mandatory 60-second moment of silence at the start of each school day beginning July 1, 2026. The bill passed the House by a 51-17-2 vote and the Senate by an 18-15-2 vote, with sponsors describing the measure as allowing time for reflection, meditation, or prayer to potentially support student mental health. The legislation drew concerns from some parents, teachers, and lawmakers who questioned whether the policy could create social pressure on students or inappropriately encourage prayer in public schools.

Little signed a budget rescission bill on March 17, 2026, that implemented 4% cuts across most state agencies for the current fiscal year. The legislation codified the 3% reductions Little had recommended in August of the previous year through an executive order, while also incorporating an additional 1% across-the-board cut recommended by the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee, with limited exceptions for public safety agencies, Medicaid, and K-12 public schools. Little had previously cautioned against budget cuts beyond his initial recommendations but approved the measure following coordination between his office and the legislature.

Governor Little signed a budget rescission bill on March 17, 2026, that imposed a 4% funding cut across most state agencies for the fiscal year. The bill codified the 3% reductions Little had previously recommended through an executive order in August while incorporating an additional 1% reduction recommended by the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee, resulting in total funding cuts of $192.7 million including the elimination of 110 full-time positions. Limited exceptions to the additional cuts were made for public safety agencies, Medicaid, and K-12 public schools, with select funding restorations approved for wildfire prevention, career technical education, corrections staff, and tax commission operations.

House Bill 659 passed the Idaho House and awaited state Senate action, which would require city police departments and county sheriff's offices statewide to participate in the federal 287(g) program with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The bill would mandate that trained local officers perform immigration enforcement duties including checking immigration status of people in custody and during encounters such as traffic stops. If approved by the Senate and signed by Governor Little, Idaho would become one of a small number of states with such a statewide requirement for local law enforcement participation in the federal program.

Idaho House Majority Leader Jason Monks introduced a joint memorial in March 2026 at the request of Governor Brad Little's office, declaring the state's support for eliminating the federal Department of Education and transferring education oversight to the states. The memorial, which would be sent to Idaho's congressional delegation as a formal declaration, followed a divided committee vote on whether to hold a public hearing before proceeding to a full House floor debate. Joint memorials do not change law and serve as formal requests rather than binding legislation.

Governor Little called for $22 million in Medicaid cuts to help balance the state budget, which the Idaho House Health and Welfare Committee responded to by voting to advance House Bill 863 to the House floor. The bill proposes reducing pay rates for residential habilitation providers by cutting general fund matches of $21.8 million that were previously approved as rate increases in 2022. The cuts would eliminate funding increases that were intended to expand services but did not proceed due to a court order.

Idaho lawmakers denied part of the Idaho Educational Services for the Deaf and Blind's funding request for fiscal year 2027, which included $464,300 in additional appropriations. The denied funding would have supported staffing for a new 18-bed residential cottage on the Gooding campus and replacement of an aging Braille machine serving nearly 3,000 students statewide. The school, mandated by Idaho's state constitution to serve deaf, hard of hearing, blind, and low vision students, cannot generate additional revenue through levies or bonds and depends entirely on legislative appropriations.

Idaho Republican lawmakers introduced legislation on March 9, 2026, to repeal the state's Medicaid expansion program, which would remove approximately 90,000 Idahoans from the health insurance program effective January 1, 2028. The bill was presented as an alternative to proposed Medicaid disability services cuts included in Governor Brad Little's budget plan. The introduction of the repeal bill followed legislative delays in decisions regarding state government spending cuts that have been necessitated by revenue reductions of more than $4 billion from prior tax cuts.

Governor Little signed House Bill 533 during the 2026 legislative session, which eliminates Idaho's requirement for drivers to display registration stickers on their vehicle license plates effective July 1, 2026. Under the new law, drivers remain required to maintain valid license plates and current vehicle registration, but will no longer need to affix physical stickers to their plates or receive new stickers upon registration renewal. The state projected the change would reduce annual expenditures by approximately $300,000 in materials and production costs.

Governor Little issued a 3% budget reduction order for the Idaho Military Division in the fall, which would have reduced funding for the State Education Assistance Program (SEAP) to 39% of its previous level. The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee subsequently voted 17-1 to provide a $190,800 general fund enhancement to SEAP for fiscal year 2027, restoring the program to 69% funding and aligning it with Little's initial recommendation. SEAP provides enlisted soldiers and airmen up to $8,000 annually for tuition and fees at Idaho institutions.

The Idaho Department of Labor received an $8 million Industry-Driven Skills Training Fund grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to support workforce training in advanced manufacturing, domestic mineral production, and nuclear energy industries. Gov. Little's administration announced that Idaho businesses can apply for reimbursement of up to 80 percent of approved training costs, with a maximum of $25,000 per employee, to expand or upskill their workforce. The grant supports training options including on-the-job training, customized programs, specialized skills courses, and approved certifications across advanced manufacturing and energy sectors in Idaho.

The Idaho House passed HB 659 on March 6, 2026, by a vote of 41-27, directing city and county law enforcement agencies to enter into agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement under the federal 287(g) program. The legislation would require local officers to undergo federal training to perform immigration-related duties such as screening people in custody to determine immigration status. The bill now advances to the Senate and, if approved and signed by Little, would make Idaho one of a small group of states mandating local participation in the 287(g) program.

Idaho Gov. Brad Little called for $22 million in Medicaid cuts in his budget plan, with potential reductions targeting disability services. House lawmakers introduced House Bill 759, which would cut $21.8 million in state general funds for the Medicaid budget by reducing payment rates to residential habilitation providers that care for people with disabilities, with the cuts intended to reverse pay raises approved in 2022. The House Health and Welfare Committee voted to delay consideration of the bill until March 11 to allow time for lawmakers to work with stakeholders on the bill's language and implementation mechanisms.

Governor Little signed House Bill 96 in April 2025, which prohibited government entities including universities and public schools from displaying flags other than the United States flag, official governmental entity flags, state flags, military branch flags, the POW/MIA flag, and official tribal flags. The legislature subsequently advanced House Bill 561 in March 2026 as a revised version that added exceptions for the Basque flag during Jaialdi celebrations and permitted flags or banners on government-owned streetlights if not political, religious, or ideological in nature. The amended bill passed the House and was sent to the Senate for consideration.

Little signed Senate Bill 1100 into law in 2023, which requires students to use restrooms aligning with their biological sex. The legislation was introduced and drafted by the Idaho Family Policy Center. The law became the subject of litigation when a family sued the Boise School District over its restroom use policy during the 2025-26 school year.

Idaho Governor Brad Little participated in a signing ceremony in Boise on March 5, 2026, to finalize a historic water rights agreement between the State of Idaho and the Coeur d'Alene Tribe, settling litigation that had remained unresolved for 150 years following the tribe's 1873 reservation establishment. The agreement recognizes and protects all existing state law-based water rights with priority dates of September 6, 2023, or earlier, while allocating an additional 10,000 acre-feet per year of future state water rights to accommodate regional growth. The settlement concluded adjudication proceedings that began in 2008 and resolved questions regarding the tribe's federally reserved water rights that Idaho courts had determined held priority dates reaching back to time immemorial.

The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee voted down two separate funding requests from the Idaho Department of Lands to restore wildfire suppression resources, rejecting a $125,000 request for forest and range fire protection in the current fiscal year and a $140,500 request for the Eastern Idaho Forest Protective District in fiscal year 2027. The committee's decisions to cut funding beyond the 3% reductions recommended by Governor Little were driven in part by concerns from Representative James Petzke regarding wildland firefighter bonuses approved by the legislature and Little in the previous year. Department of Lands Director Dustin Miller and state officials warned that the funding cuts would impair Idaho's capacity to hire seasonal firefighters and respond to active fire incidents during the fire season.

The Idaho Senate passed Senate Bill 1331, also known as the 2026 Idaho Rescission Act, on a vote of 18-17, requiring most state agencies to reduce their budgets by an additional 1% for the current fiscal year, excluding Medicaid, public education, the Idaho Department of Correction, and Idaho State Police. The measure cuts approximately $192.7 million in overall state funding, with about $131 million coming from the general fund, following a 3% budget holdback that Governor Little had issued for agencies the previous summer. The bill includes a restoration process through which the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee subsequently restored funding to select programs including medical residency programs, career technical education, and higher education institutions.

Rep. Jaron Crane introduced House Bill 796 on Friday to revise House Bill 710, a library materials restriction law that Little approved in 2024. The revision was prompted by two pending lawsuits challenging the law's constitutionality, including a Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruling that found the law's "context clause" was likely overly broad. Crane's proposed bill includes changes such as redefining "sexual conduct" and clarifying standards for materials deemed harmful to minors, attempting to incorporate feedback from the court proceedings into the existing statute.

Governor Brad Little's re-election campaign hired Chris LaCivita as senior advisor on February 26, 2026, according to a campaign news release. LaCivita previously served as co-campaign manager and senior advisor for Donald Trump's 2024 presidential campaign. The hiring announcement followed Little's filing to run for a third gubernatorial term two days earlier.

Little pledged to protect Idaho's water resources in response to negotiations with Utah over fuel taxation and water allocation. Utah initially considered implementing a refinery fuel tax that could have raised gasoline prices for Idaho consumers, but subsequently withdrew the proposal and instead announced plans to expand fuel pipelines and refining capacity. Idaho legislative leadership, including Little, stated that no agreement was reached regarding water concessions to Utah despite the separate memorandum of understanding Utah announced regarding long-term water supply planning in the Bear River system.

Gov. Brad Little delivered remarks at an annual breakfast event in Boise on Tuesday regarding the state's budget outlook and pending legislative proposals for budget reductions. Little outlined his "Enduring Idaho" plan, which anticipated the end of years of record surpluses and one-time federal funding, and noted that he had previously directed state agencies to implement 3% holdbacks in the fall, with exceptions for K-12 education and the LAUNCH program. Little stated that his options to oppose further reductions to programs he had championed were limited and indicated that responsibility for additional budget decisions rested with the legislature.

Idaho's Division of Career Technical Education faced a 5% ongoing budget reduction approved by the state's Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee, resulting in cuts totaling approximately $4 million when combined with Governor Little's previous 3% holdback from summer and an additional 2% ongoing reduction for fiscal year 2027. The division announced it would freeze mentorship positions for industry teachers in secondary and postsecondary schools and reduce spending on classroom supplies and equipment. State administrator Peter Risse warned that the cuts would eliminate training opportunities for students and workers across Idaho and stated that recovery from the loss of talent in classrooms could take up to a decade.

Idaho Governor Brad Little signed a bill on Tuesday that reduced nearly every state agency budget by an additional one percent, totaling $131 million in state general funds for the fiscal year ending June 30. The Idaho State Tax Commission estimated that the cuts would force it to reduce its tax season temporary workforce by $210,308, extending tax refund processing by twelve to eighteen weeks and resulting in an estimated minimum cost of $3.5 million in interest payments to the General Fund. The tax commission's refund delays would occur alongside implementation of a separate tax conformity bill affecting 2025 taxes, which the commission stated it lacked additional funding to implement.

Governor Little identified a $30 million annual water allocation as a top priority in his "Enduring Idaho" plan, a budget framework designed to address a projected $500 million deficit by fiscal year 2027 while maintaining a balanced budget. The Idaho Ground Water Appropriators presented to Senate and House Resources committees in February 2026 demonstrating how private water investments from farmers and water users are matching or exceeding state contributions to protect the Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer. Little's public allocation leverages tens of millions in private dollars directed toward aquifer recharge projects including telemetry systems, irrigation conversions, canal lining, piping, and advanced monitoring technology across state water districts.

Governor Brad Little withdrew his appointment of Estella Zamora from the Idaho Human Rights Commission on February 2, 2026, after she had served on the commission for more than three decades. Little's Chief of Staff Zach Hauge issued a removal letter stating the withdrawal was effective immediately, and Zamora learned of her removal through a phone call from the commission director rather than direct communication from the governor's office. The withdrawal occurred shortly before a scheduled confirmation hearing vote on Zamora's appointment, which was canceled by the legislative committee.

Sarah Inama, a sixth-grade social studies teacher at Lewis & Clark Middle School in the West Ada School District, filed a federal lawsuit on February 3, 2026, against Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador, the Idaho State Board of Education, the Idaho State Department of Education, the West Ada School District, superintendent Derek Bub, and principal Monty Hyde. The lawsuit stemmed from Inama's resignation in 2025 after being directed by administrators to remove posters from her classroom, including one stating "In this room everyone is welcome, important, accepted, respected, encouraged, valued, equal" and another depicting hands of various skin tones with hearts. The removal order was issued in accordance with Idaho Code 33-143, which prohibits flags and banners on public school property from promoting "political, religious, or ideological views," with specified exceptions for certain flags including those representing school spirit.

Governor Brad Little withdrew the re-appointment of Estella Zamora from the Idaho Human Rights Commission after more than 30 years of service, resulting in her termination from the position. The withdrawal occurred following social media posts Zamora made that were critical of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions, which generated responses from conservative bloggers and on social media. Little's office did not provide Zamora with a formal explanation for the withdrawal of her re-appointment.

Governor Little implemented a 3% budget holdback across most state agencies in August, which the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee subsequently supplemented with additional cuts of 1% for fiscal year 2026 and 2% for fiscal year 2027, bringing total reductions to 4% and 5% respectively. Medicaid, K-12 public education, the Department of Correction, and Idaho State Police were exempted from the new cuts. State agencies were directed to recommend where the combined reductions should be applied to their budgets.

Governor Little's fiscal year 2026 budget proposal included $45 million in Medicaid cuts from the state's general fund, with options for lawmakers to reduce hospital rates, remove various services including dental, therapy, and nursing care, or adjust managed care contracts. The proposal emerged in response to an estimated $40 million state budget shortfall and followed historic tax cuts from the previous year. More than 500 Idaho residents attended an unofficial public hearing organized by Democratic legislative leaders on February 4, 2026, to testify about the potential impacts of the proposed cuts.

State Superintendent Debbie Critchfield declined to submit budget reduction plans requested by the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee, which sought detailed proposals for additional 1% and 2% cuts to public school funding on top of the 3% reductions already implemented under Governor Brad Little's 2025 executive order. In response to a letter from JFAC Co-Chair Rep. Josh Tanner dated February 3, 2026, Critchfield maintained that she would not recommend further cuts and instead supported the Governor's recommendation for a balanced budget with no additional reductions to K-12 funding for fiscal year 2027. Tanner requested that Critchfield provide a prioritized budget plan with specific dollar amounts, a sustainability and efficiency plan, and staffing comparisons, or alternatively accept reductions from the superintendent's office and central administration.

Governor Brad Little signed House Bill 710, the Children's School and Library Protection Act, into law in April 2024, requiring schools and public libraries to remove material deemed "harmful to minors" or relocate it to adults-only sections within 30 days of a complaint. A 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals panel ruled on January 29, 2026, that the "context clause" in Idaho's definition of material harmful to minors is overbroad and likely violates the First Amendment, blocking that provision while the remainder of the law remains in effect. The case was returned to U.S. District Judge Amanda Brailsford in Boise with instructions to craft a preliminary injunction blocking the contested provision.

Governor Brad Little terminated Estella Zamora, who held a position in the Idaho Legislative Services Office, following social media posts by Zamora related to immigration enforcement. The firing occurred in early February 2026, several days after Zamora had spoken before a senate committee. The specific content of Zamora's posts and the stated rationale for her termination were documented in the governor's action.

The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee leadership requested state agencies to report on the effects of potential budget cuts of up to 2% for the current and next fiscal years. The request followed the Legislature's decision to implement tax cuts through the One Big Beautiful Bill, which reduced projected state revenues by $155 million. State agencies responding to the request indicated that such reductions would necessitate furloughs and layoffs across multiple departments.

House Bill 557, sponsored by Rep. Bruce Skaug, advanced from the House Local Government Committee on a 13-3 vote in February 2026 after nearly three hours of testimony. The bill would retroactively override local anti-discrimination ordinances in twelve Idaho communities that extended civil rights protections to include sexual orientation and gender identity beyond categories covered under state law. The measure includes enforcement mechanisms allowing the Idaho Attorney General to seek injunctions against noncompliant cities and permits private lawsuits by business owners and property owners against local governments seeking damages and attorney's fees.

In 2025, Governor Little issued an executive order requiring state agencies to absorb 3% budget reductions. Following this initial reduction, Idaho lawmakers requested that state agencies submit plans detailing the impacts of potential additional budget cuts of 1% and 2% over the next two years, with agencies warning that further reductions would affect education, healthcare access, and public safety services across Idaho.

Little established the Advanced Nuclear Energy Task Force through an announcement on Friday to assess, recommend and support strategies advancing Idaho's leadership in nuclear energy innovation, deployment and workforce development. The task force includes 18 members drawn from state government agencies, the Idaho National Laboratory, utilities, and local government, with Scott Bedke and John Wagner designated as co-chairs. The task force held its first meeting on Monday at the Idaho State Capitol with provisions for virtual attendance and public comment.

Governor Little ordered a 3% budget holdback across Idaho state agencies in response to uncertainty surrounding potential tax revenue changes from the federal "One Big Beautiful Bill." The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee subsequently directed all agency directors and fiscal officers to prepare detailed budget reduction scenarios showing how operations would be affected by additional 1% and 2% cuts for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. These actions were taken as lawmakers debated whether Idaho should adopt federal tax conformity provisions that could reduce state revenue by an estimated $100 million to $400 million.

Governor Little signed House Bill 93, which created the Parental Choice Tax Credit, a $50 million program that provides state funding for private school choice. The Idaho Supreme Court heard oral arguments on January 23, 2026, in a lawsuit challenging the program's constitutionality, brought by a coalition including the Idaho Education Association and Moscow School District. Some justices appeared skeptical that the Idaho Constitution prohibits the state from funding private education through the program.

Governor Little included a $22 million reduction in Medicaid spending in his fiscal year 2027 budget proposal, which combined with previously implemented provider rate changes would total $45 million in cuts. The proposed reductions included removal of adult dental services, home- and community-based services for disabled individuals, and pharmacy benefits for non-expansion Medicaid adults, each requiring legislative action to implement. The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee met to review the budget proposal and discuss which programs would face reductions or removals.

Ahead of the 2026 legislative session, Governor Little's office issued a directive requiring state government agencies to notify the governor's office and the Division of Financial Management before responding to questions from state lawmakers and journalists. The memo, released by Chief of Staff Zach Hauge on January 12, 2026, the same day Little delivered his State of the State address, stated that agencies must inform the governor's office immediately following any information request. Little's administration characterized the coordination requirement as standard practice among governors' offices and noted the policy predates Little's tenure as governor.

State Board of Education Executive Director Jennifer White stated during a January 20 Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee hearing that tuition increases must be considered as part of budget discussions for Idaho's higher education system. The statement followed Governor Brad Little's August announcement of permanent 3% midyear budget cuts that reduced higher education funding by $13.3 million across the system while sparing K-12 education. Little's 2026-27 spending request proposed a $753.3 million budget for the state's four-year universities, representing a 1.9% increase, though general state tax dollar funding would decrease slightly while dedicated funding from tuition and fees would increase.

U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Douglas Collins visited Boise on January 20, 2026, to observe construction of a new Idaho State Veterans Home that had been delayed since 2019 due to requirements under the Build America, Buy America Act. The Trump administration approved a waiver exempting certain materials from domestic sourcing requirements, allowing construction to proceed after the Biden administration had denied similar requests. The new 156,000-square-foot facility, expected to be completed in 2028, will double the size of the current home and provide private rooms and improved amenities while maintaining 122 beds.

Governor Little launched the Idaho Launch postsecondary grant program, which the Idaho State Board of Education reported increased college enrollment among Idaho high school seniors in 2024. According to data released in January 2026, the program was responsible for a 5% increase in Idaho's college going rate and an 11% increase in the share of Idaho students enrolling in in-state institutions. Little highlighted the program's results in his State of the State address and described it as a top priority for strengthening Idaho's workforce.

Governor Little's budget proposal for fiscal year 2027 includes $45 million in Medicaid expenditure reductions to address a $40 million state budget gap, with one component being the complete elimination of Medicaid funding for home and community-based services. Meals on Wheels programs, which serve seniors and vulnerable adults, rely on Medicaid reimbursements of $6.78 per meal, and the elimination of these reimbursements would affect approximately one-third of clients served by organizations like Caldwell Meals on Wheels. The proposal is part of Little's "Enduring Idaho" budget plan and also includes reductions to other services such as dental care, therapy services, hospice care, and nursing services for Medicaid beneficiaries.

Governor Little included $22 million in Medicaid cuts in his budget proposal, offering options for service reductions including dental coverage and home-and-community-based care for people with disabilities. Little also proposed approximately $23 million in additional Medicaid reductions through an extension of 4% doctor reimbursement cuts initially approved in August. Senate Minority Leader Melissa Wintrow, a member of the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee, requested input from the committee on how to gather public feedback regarding the potential impacts of these budget decisions.

Idaho's LAUNCH program, a workforce development initiative providing grants of up to $8,000 to qualifying high school graduates for approved fields of study, has increased in-state post-secondary enrollment by 11 percent since its implementation in 2023, according to research from the Idaho State Board of Education cited by Little's office. The program covers up to 80 percent of tuition or fees for students entering fields designated by the Idaho Workforce Council as aligned with state workforce needs. Out-of-state enrollment among Idaho high school graduates declined by 12 percent during the same period, resulting in a net increase in students pursuing post-secondary education within Idaho.

Governor Little did not recommend a pay increase for Idaho's approximately 25,000 state employees in his budget proposal for fiscal year 2027, citing an estimated $600 million to $1 billion state budget shortfall. The budget proposal noted that salary adjustments would be prioritized if revenue projections indicated sufficient funding. State employees will experience an estimated 7.3% increase in out-of-pocket health and dental insurance costs, ranging from $29 to $654 annually depending on plan type and dependents.

Governor Brad Little's administration implemented a 20-visit-per-year cap on physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy services for Idaho Medicaid patients, effective January 1, 2026, with notification to providers issued on January 8. The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare announced the policy change in a letter to therapy providers across the state. Little has additionally proposed eliminating Medicaid coverage for speech, occupational, and physical therapy services entirely.

During the first 2026 legislative session meeting of the Idaho Legislature's Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee on January 13, 2026, co-chairman Josh Tanner issued a press release stating that Governor Brad Little's proposed budget does not balance on an ongoing basis and relies on one-time spending measures. Tanner alleged the budget would leave Idaho with dangerously low year-end cash balances and insufficient reserves to absorb potential economic disruptions or Medicaid growth. Idaho Division of Financial Management Administrator Lori Wolff, serving as Little's budget chief, disputed Tanner's characterization and stated the budget proposals balance with projected positive ending balances of $32 million for the current year and $25.5 million for the following year.

Idaho Governor Brad Little submitted budget recommendations to the Idaho Legislature during the 2026 State of the State address that proposed balancing the state budget through cuts to state programs and reductions in Medicaid spending while maintaining the state's Medicaid expansion. Little's plan included a combination of one-time and ongoing spending reductions, contract renegotiations, operational efficiencies, and use of cash balances to address a projected budget deficit of $40.3 million for fiscal year 2026 and anticipated shortfalls of $600 million to $1 billion for fiscal year 2027. The governor also called for state executive agencies to reduce spending and recommended conforming with federal tax changes championed by President Donald Trump.

Little proposed a spending plan for the upcoming fiscal year that included additional government budget cuts and no salary increases for state employees. The proposal was presented during the governor's annual address. The plan represented a continuation of fiscal constraints on state operations and personnel compensation.

Little appointed Erin Bingham to the Idaho House of Representatives seat vacated by Wendy Horman's resignation in December 2025. Bingham, the chief financial officer of Bingham Ventures, was selected from a list of three candidates submitted by Bonneville County Republicans, as required by Idaho Code. Bingham will serve the remainder of Horman's term through November 30, 2026.

Little called for Idaho lawmakers to adopt conformity with federal tax changes enacted in summer 2025, aligning state tax law with modifications to the federal tax code. The governor's request would result in an addition to the state's projected budget deficit exceeding $4 million. Little made this recommendation to the state legislature during the 2026 legislative session.

In 2025, Governor Little signed House Bill 93 into law, establishing a private school tax credit that directs up to $5,000 per student in public funds, or $7,500 for special needs students, toward private and homeschool education. Unlike public and charter schools, private schools receiving these funds are not required to comply with state-mandated curriculum standards, statewide testing, financial transparency requirements, or performance evaluations through the Idaho Department of Education. The policy created debate regarding whether private schools accepting public funds should be subject to accountability standards comparable to those applied to public schools.

Governor Brad Little opened the Governor's Summit on Agricultural Viability in Idaho, a collaborative event held in December 2025 that brought together farmers, academics, and industry leaders to examine pressures facing the state's agricultural sector. Little stated during opening remarks that rapid population growth in Idaho is creating tension between protecting the traditional agriculture industry and accommodating new residents who bring cross-industry economic benefits to the state. The summit addressed economic challenges including food price inflation that has not resulted in increased farmer profits, rising costs for feed and fertilizer, declining crop prices, and competition from international agricultural producers.

Idaho Republican Party Chairwoman Dorothy Moon published a column stating that additional spending on Idaho's public schools will not resolve systemic issues, citing standardized test scores showing low proficiency in math and reading despite the state spending nearly $3 billion annually on K-12 education. Moon advocated for private school choice through the Parental Choice Tax Credit, enacted via House Bill 93, which provides refundable tax credits to offset non-public school tuition and expenses. Moon criticized Republican State Representative Stephanie Mickelsen for joining a lawsuit challenging the Parental Choice Tax Credit alongside the state teachers' union and a public school district.

Governor Little ordered 3 percent budget holdbacks in August 2025 as part of efforts to address a projected budget deficit of $40.3 million for fiscal year 2026. The holdbacks were included in the December Fiscal Year 2026 General Fund Budget Monitor report released by the Idaho Legislative Services Office. State legislators and officials in Little's office stated they would intervene during the January 2026 legislative session to prevent the state from running a budget deficit, potentially through additional budget cuts or use of state reserve accounts.

Governor Little's administration implemented Medicaid cuts to mental health services through the state contractor Magellan of Idaho in response to a projected state budget shortfall, which included the elimination of specialized mobile teams treating patients with severe mental illness beginning December 8, 2025. The Idaho Sheriffs' Association sent a letter to Little and state legislative leaders expressing concerns that the reductions to mental health services posed a public safety risk. Little's office did not issue a public response to the sheriffs' concerns regarding the Medicaid mental health service cuts at the time of the article's publication.

Idaho's wildfire suppression fund balance dropped to approximately $15 million after the 2025 wildfire season concluded with net expenses of $40.6 million, according to state officials. Governor Little stated he was determining the appropriate budget request for the 2026 fiscal year to avoid using deficiency warrants to cover wildfire suppression costs, which he estimated could exceed $10 million when accounting for equipment, helicopter contracts, and personnel. At the beginning of the 2025 legislative session, Little had requested $60 million to build up the wildfire suppression fund, though the Idaho Legislature approved $40 million.

Governor Brad Little signed the renewed 2025 Shared Stewardship Agreement with the U.S. Forest Service on December 5, 2025, updating Idaho's coordinated forest management strategy across federal, state, and private lands. The agreement addresses forest health and wildfire risk reduction across 6.5 million acres identified as facing high or very high threats from wildfire, insects, and disease, and incorporates sustainable timber harvests, prescribed fire, and advanced spatial planning tools. The Forest Service projects a 25 percent increase in timber volume sold by fiscal year 2028 as part of the management strategy, while the agreement also expands coordination with local and tribal partners through Good Neighbor Authority agreements.

Governor Little addressed the Associated Taxpayers of Idaho Conference in December 2025, stating that Idaho would need to implement spending cuts to manage a forecasted budget shortfall while implementing the tax reductions from the One Big Beautiful Bill, which is expected to cost hundreds of millions of dollars. Little delivered his keynote address at the event, which served as a legislative preview ahead of the January 2026 session. State executives, legislators, and policy experts gathered to discuss the fiscal challenges facing Idaho during the upcoming legislative session.

Little addressed the Associated Taxpayers of Idaho Conference in December 2025 as the state faced a projected budget deficit of $58.3 million for fiscal year 2026, with additional costs estimated at $284.4 million for conforming to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act passed in the previous legislative session. State officials indicated that Idaho would need to implement spending reductions during the upcoming January legislative session, as the state is constitutionally prohibited from running a deficit. Little stated that Idaho "will have to do more with less" in response to the revenue shortfall driven primarily by lower-than-expected corporate tax filings.

Governor Little ordered a 3% budget holdback that the Department of Health and Welfare expanded into a 4% cut for Medicaid providers, resulting in the elimination of five mental health programs including the ACT Peer Program scheduled to end on December 1, 2025. Access Behavioral Health Services and four other health agencies filed a class-action lawsuit to halt the discontinuation of these programs, citing risks to vulnerable populations with severe mental illnesses. Law enforcement officials, including the Idaho Sheriff's Association, warned that the cuts would increase crisis cases in emergency rooms and county jails.

Little signed an executive order in August directing all state agencies to reduce general fund spending by 3% for fiscal year 2026. In response to this directive, the Idaho State Tax Commission announced it would eliminate paper tax returns and require businesses to file taxes online beginning with 2026 returns, a change the agency stated would save approximately $1.25 per return in printing, envelope, and postage costs. The commission mailed more than 340,000 paper returns in fiscal year 2025, and officials characterized the shift to digital filing as necessary to meet the governor's mandated budget reductions.

Governor Little implemented a 3% holdback on state agency budgets in August, resulting in significant reductions to Idaho's community college funding. The College of Southern Idaho managed approximately $1 million in cuts by holding six positions vacant and reducing information technology spending while maintaining enrollment levels. The College of Eastern Idaho faced a $540,000 reduction that prompted the institution to cap enrollment for the first time in its history and pause hiring for instructor and student services positions.

Idaho Governor Brad Little issued an order that resulted in the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare reducing Medicaid reimbursement rates for all provider types and services by 4 percent, effective September 1, 2025. This reduction occurred alongside federal changes from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act passed by Congress on July 3, which the Congressional Budget Office estimated would cut federal Medicaid spending by $1.02 trillion and eliminate at least 10.5 million people from Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program by 2034. The combined effect of the state and federal actions prompted rural hospitals across Idaho, including Teton Valley Health, Bingham Memorial Hospital, and Madison Memorial Hospital, to reassess their budgets in response to decreased federal funding and lower state reimbursement rates.

Governor Little announced that the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare submitted an application for The Rural Health Transformation Program, a federally established grant program created through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The application positions Idaho to potentially receive up to $1 billion in funding over five years for rural health care facilities through initiatives focused on technology access, workforce development, infrastructure investment, and evidence-based health projects. Idaho's application is structured around five key initiatives designed to improve healthcare access, quality, and outcomes in the state's rural communities.

Governor Little issued a directive to permanently extend 3 percent budget cuts across state agencies, requiring them to reduce spending by $88.7 million in fiscal year 2027. As part of these extended cuts, Idaho plans to maintain 4 percent Medicaid provider pay rate reductions for an additional year, which could generate $41.6 million in savings. Little exempted K-12 public schools from the cuts but did not extend the exemption to higher education institutions, which are planning significant job reductions to offset $13.3 million in permanent cuts.

Governor Little traveled to Washington, D.C. to meet with President Trump and multiple cabinet members, including discussions regarding Idaho LAUNCH, the state's workforce development program, and impacts of the federal government shutdown on Idaho residents. Little held separate meetings with cabinet officials to address specific policy areas, including discussions with Interior Secretary Doug Burgum on land and wildfire management, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins on the Idaho Shared Stewardship Agreement and agricultural market access, and CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz on Medicaid work requirements and rural health initiatives. The governor also met with the U.S. Trade Representative to discuss market access for Idaho agricultural products in Japan, Canada, Mexico, and the United Kingdom.

Little was not the primary subject of this article — the article focuses on Idaho state lawmakers including Rep. Clint Hostetler and a citizen-led initiative to repeal the state's grocery tax. While the article mentions a 2017 grocery tax repeal bill that then-Governor Butch Otter vetoed, Little is not identified as being involved in this action and appears only in passing reference to a historical veto by his predecessor.

Governor Little's office announced an initiative titled "Operation No Return" in which Idaho State Police transport immigrants held in county jails to Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facilities for deportation after completion of their sentences. The program operates under an agreement between the state and ICE that Little announced in June, which authorized up to $300,000 in state spending for these transports, with costs reaching $12,275.01 through September 13. Idaho State Police have transported more than 50 people under this initiative, including individuals convicted of crimes as well as some whose cases had not yet been completed or whose charges had been dismissed.

Cally Younger, administrator of Gov. Brad Little's Office of Energy and Mineral Resources, spoke at a public meeting in Idaho Falls in October 2025 about the Idaho Advanced Nuclear Strategic Framework. The framework represents Little's administration's approach to advancing nuclear energy development in the state. The meeting, organized by the Idaho Advanced Energy Consortium, included discussion of potential deployment of small modular reactors in the Intermountain-West Nuclear Energy Corridor.

Governor Brad Little, along with U.S. Senators Jim Risch and Mike Crapo and U.S. Representative Mike Simpson, requested a federal briefing from Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth regarding his October 10 announcement of a training arrangement for Qatari Air Force personnel at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho. The officials stated they had received no advance notice of the announcement before it was made public. Little and the members of Congress submitted a joint letter to Hegseth requesting details about the agreement and answers to specific questions about the arrangement.

Governor Little's office issued a statement regarding a federal law enforcement operation at La Catedral Horse Arena in Wilder on October 20, 2025, confirming that over 400 people attended the event and that 105 undocumented immigrants were detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement during the raid. Little's office stated that none of the 105 people detained by ICE were children and characterized the detention of individuals present during the execution of a search warrant as common law enforcement practice to ensure safety and preserve evidence. The operation was conducted as part of a federal investigation into illegal gambling at the facility, with four individuals arrested on charges related to conducting an illegal gambling business.

Governor Little announced the launch of "Operation No Return," an initiative that has removed 53 individuals from Idaho after they completed criminal sentences, transferring them to Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facilities for deportation. The program, funded through the Governor's Office Emergency Funds and operating in partnership with Idaho State Police and ICE under the 287(g) program, began in August 2025 and is authorized to conduct up to 100 transports over twelve months. Individuals removed through the initiative were convicted of crimes including sexual abuse, trafficking, assault, and drug offenses.

Little led a diplomatic delegation to the United Kingdom to explore agricultural trade opportunities, making Idaho the first state to send such a delegation following President Trump's visit to the country. The delegation, which included representatives from the Idaho Department of Commerce, State Department of Agriculture, and local businesses, met with UK officials including the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, beef producers, and the National Farmers Union National Livestock Board to discuss regulations, farm policies on conservation and food safety, and market expansion. The trip focused on expanding Idaho's agricultural exports to the UK, particularly in beef, dairy, and processed potatoes, with the goal of fostering economic relations and developing long-term partnerships between the two governments.

In August 2025, Governor Little issued an order requiring mid-year budget cuts across state government to address a projected budget shortfall, which prompted the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare to announce a 4% reduction to Medicaid provider reimbursement rates effective immediately. The state subsequently requested an exemption from the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services that would exclude personal care services and certified family homes from the Medicaid pay cuts. The Health and Welfare Department stated it was seeking to hold harmless these disability care services from the broader Medicaid reimbursement reductions.

Governor Brad Little ordered all state agencies except public schools to reduce budgets by 3 percent in response to Idaho's projected $56.6 million budget deficit for fiscal year 2026, as documented in the October Fiscal Year 2026 Budget and Revenue Monitor report released by the Idaho Legislative Services Office. Little subsequently announced that these cuts would continue into 2027 and be made permanent. State officials under Little's direction indicated they were examining additional and deeper budget reductions to ensure the state submitted a balanced budget, as required by the Idaho Constitution.

The Idaho Legislature intervened in a lawsuit challenging House Bill 93, Idaho's private education tax credit program, by hiring private attorneys from Givens Pursley law firm to defend the legislation alongside the State Tax Commission. The Idaho Supreme Court granted the Legislature's request to join the case on Thursday, allowing legislative leaders to participate in the legal defense of the $50 million tax credit program scheduled to take effect January 15. House Speaker Mike Moyle stated that the Legislature intervened to ensure comprehensive information was presented in the lawsuit defending the program that the chamber had passed in February and Governor Little had signed into law in March.

Governor Little signed House Bill 93, legislation establishing an education tax credit program in Idaho. The law has become the subject of a lawsuit filed by a coalition of educators, parents, and community leaders challenging the voucher program. The legal action contests the state's authority to direct public funds to private school tuition through the tax credit mechanism.

Idaho Gov. Little appointed Soda Springs businessman Michael Veile to fill a vacancy in the Idaho House of Representatives for Legislative District 35, succeeding former Rep. Kevin Andrus who left the position in June to serve as state executive director for the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Farm Services Agency. Veile, a licensed professional engineer and owner of Process Improvement Engineering, will serve the remainder of Andrus' term, which concludes on November 30, 2026. Under Idaho law, the governor possesses the authority to fill vacancies in state offices, and Republicans from District 35 submitted a list of candidates for Little's consideration prior to the appointment.

Governor Little issued an order to restructure the nuclear energy task force in Idaho. The directive called for a comprehensive revamp of the task force's organization and operations. The action was announced in September 2025.

Governor Little signed Executive Order 2025-06 on September 22, 2025, at the Western Governors' Association conference held at Idaho National Laboratory, establishing the Idaho Advanced Nuclear Energy Taskforce. The new task force replaces the existing Leadership in Nuclear Energy Commission and will consist of no more than 20 members appointed by Little, with defined responsibilities related to nuclear energy development. The executive order outlines the governor's objectives regarding nuclear innovation, energy security, and economic growth in the state.

Gov. Little directed the Idaho Division of Financial Management to require all state agencies and departments, except public schools, to cut budget requests by 3 percent for fiscal year 2027 and beyond, making temporary budget holdbacks from the current fiscal year permanent. The directive also eliminated general fund budget requests for replacement items, which typically include equipment such as vehicles, computers, and machinery used by state agencies. The budget memo was issued by the Idaho Division of Financial Management on September 17, 2025.

Governor Little directed state agencies to make permanent the three percent budget holdbacks that he had imposed in the previous month, extending these reductions into the next fiscal year. The action was taken in response to lower than anticipated revenue collections in Idaho. Little's order required agencies to incorporate the three percent reductions into their baseline budgets rather than treat the cuts as temporary measures.

A coalition of public school advocates announced plans to file a lawsuit challenging House Bill 93, which Governor Little signed into law in February 2025, creating Idaho's first private school tax credit program. The coalition, including the Idaho Education Association and Moscow School District, sought to petition the Idaho Supreme Court to declare the tax credit unconstitutional under the state constitution's requirement for a "general, uniform and thorough system of public free common schools." The tax credit program was scheduled to launch in January 2026 and would provide eligible recipients up to $5,000, or $7,500 for students with special needs, for private school tuition and related expenses.

Governor Little ordered all state agencies and departments other than public schools to implement a 3 percent spending reduction by the end of the 2026 fiscal year in response to state revenues falling $22.6 million below forecasts during the first two months of the fiscal year. The revenue shortfall followed the 2025 legislative session in which Little and the Republican-controlled Idaho Legislature enacted tax cuts and an education tax credit that reduced state revenues by more than $450 million. With the 3 percent budget holdbacks in effect, Idaho's projected budget surplus for the fiscal year increased from a projected $80 million deficit to a $21.8 million surplus.

Little announced the appointment of Amanda Ulrich as district judge to the Seventh Judicial District on Friday, September 12, 2025. Ulrich is a trial attorney with more than 15 years of experience in private practice, focusing on civil litigation and employment law, and is a partner at Casperson Ulrich Dustin. The position Ulrich will fill is chambered in Bonneville County and represents a new judgeship created by the Legislature, serving Bingham, Bonneville, Butte, Clark, Custer, Fremont, Jefferson, Lemhi, Madison, and Teton counties.

Governor Little ordered the Idaho National Guard to assist Immigration and Customs Enforcement in immigration enforcement operations. The article describes deportations of unaccompanied children and increased immigration enforcement activities in Idaho. The piece critiques these actions as harmful to children and families in the state.

Governor Brad Little formed a state working group in 2025 to address Idaho's physician shortage, with the group required to report findings to lawmakers and Little before the 2026 legislative session. The working group, which held its third meeting in September 2025, is developing a blueprint for partnering with regional medical schools and evaluating approaches used by other states, including West Virginia's loan forgiveness programs and the University of New Mexico's combined admissions program. Idaho currently ranks 50th nationally in physicians per capita with 3,504 doctors and is implementing a new law that calls for adding 30 publicly funded medical school seats over three years.

Idaho's budget report projecting an $80 million deficit does not include the fiscal impact of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which President Donald Trump signed into law on July 4, 2025. The federal law makes several tax changes including eliminating taxes on worker tips, car loan interest, and overtime premium pay, as well as increasing deductions for seniors. Outside estimates indicate that if Idaho conforms to these federal tax changes, the state could face an additional $167 million in revenue loss beyond the currently projected deficit.

Sen. Crapo participated in a press event at Obendorf Farms in Parma, Idaho on August 20, 2025, to highlight provisions in a federal spending bill affecting agricultural operations. The bill includes permanent increases to the estate tax exemption threshold to $15 million for single individuals and $30 million for married couples, adjusted annually for inflation, and modifications to the Livestock Indemnity Program to provide 100 percent coverage for losses caused by federally protected predators and 75 percent coverage for weather-related losses. The legislation also made adjustments to the U.S. Sugar Program and modified U.S. Department of Agriculture loan rates for sugar cane growers and sugar beet processors.

Idaho state Senator Ben Adams unveiled the text of a proposed constitutional amendment during an August 2025 event in Pine, Idaho, designed to prevent the state from selling future public lands acquired from the federal government. The amendment would apply only to new lands the state obtains or purchases from the federal government, which would be placed in a new land trust and prohibited from sale, while leaving existing state endowment lands unaffected. Adams announced he will introduce the amendment during the 2026 legislative session, requiring a two-thirds supermajority vote in both chambers to advance to the November 2026 general election ballot, where a simple majority would be needed for passage.

On August 19, 2025, Governor Little issued an executive order requiring all state agencies except public schools to reduce spending by 3% in fiscal year 2026. The Idaho Department of Lands, which is subject to the mandate, began planning how to implement the cuts while maintaining wildfire suppression capabilities as fire season continued. Department Director Dustin Miller stated the agency was working to reduce its general fund budget by 3% while preserving initial attack response and firefighting resources.

Governor Little issued an executive order directing a 3 percent budget reduction across state government agencies. The order was announced in August 2025 following a 10 percent overall drop in state revenues. Little stated the reduction was necessary despite characterizing Idaho's economic conditions as strong.

Little signed an executive order on August 15, 2025, directing all state agencies to reduce General Fund spending for fiscal year 2026 by three percent. The order also requested constitutional officers and legislative and judicial branch officials to evaluate their budgets for spending reductions and instructed agencies to examine service consolidations, eliminate unfilled positions held for more than six months, streamline boards and commissions, and reduce travel expenses. K-12 public schools were excluded from the cut request.

Idaho Attorney General Labrador presented the Idaho Medal of Honor to four law enforcement officers during a ceremony held Tuesday in the Lincoln Auditorium of the Idaho State Capitol. The recipients were selected by the State of Idaho Medal of Honor Commission based on exceptional meritorious conduct performed while on duty in an official capacity that resulted in death or serious injury. The honored officers were Taylor Beach, Leon Dennis, Sikko Barghoorn, and Brian Quiterio, with Quiterio recognized for actions in 2024 to save a suicidal man on the Hansen Bridge in Twin Falls County.

Governor Little launched the Idaho Launch program in 2022, which provides up to $8,000 in financial support to high school graduates pursuing education or training in high-demand fields including nursing, education, welding, and construction. The program has resulted in a 10 percent increase in post-secondary enrollment overall, a 20 percent increase in community college enrollment, and a 15 percent increase in participation among economically disadvantaged students. U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer publicly praised Launch as an "incredible opportunity" and suggested it could serve as a model for national replication.

Attorney General Raúl Labrador presented the 2025 Idaho Medal of Honor to four law enforcement officers during a ceremony at the Idaho State Capitol on August 12, 2025. The recipients were recognized for exceptional meritorious conduct performed in official capacity, including Sergeant Taylor Beach of the Coeur d'Alene Police Department, who returned fire and rescued an injured officer during a 2018 traffic stop, and Officer Brian Quiterio of the Kimberly-Hansen Police Department, who conducted a rescue operation on the Hansen Bridge in November 2024. The Idaho Medal of Honor Commission annually awards law enforcement, firefighters, and emergency medical service members whose actions resulted in death or serious injury while on duty.

The Trump administration canceled the Lava Ridge Wind Project in Idaho on August 7, 2025, reversing an approval issued by the Biden administration in December 2024. The project, which had been scaled down to include 241 wind turbines instead of the original 400, was halted following an executive order issued on the first day of Trump's second term directing a review of wind power permits. The decision came after concerns from local residents and preservation advocates regarding the turbines' height and proximity to the Minidoka National Historic Site.

Governor Little announced on August 8, 2025, that he authorized the Idaho National Guard to deploy personnel and resources to support U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The authorization activates up to 14 Idaho National Guard personnel to provide clerical and administrative support to ICE operations. Little stated that Idaho is providing these resources to allow ICE to focus on law enforcement activities.

Idaho Governor Brad Little appointed Juliet Charron, the state's Medicaid administrator, to serve as director of the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, effective September 15, 2025. Charron had worked for the agency for nearly four years before her appointment. The appointment followed the nomination of the department's previous director, Alex Adams, to a federal position within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Governor Little signed Senate Bill 1083a, which went into effect on July 1, 2025, and modified Idaho statutes governing domestic water well usage, shared wells, and subdivisions. The Idaho Department of Water Resources interpreted the legislation to restrict new wells drilled after July 1 in subdivisions to indoor purposes only, prohibiting irrigation without a separate water right permit regardless of when subdivision approval occurred. The law was enacted in response to concerns about approximately 60,000 domestic wells added since 2004 and their impact on aquifer resources.

Governor Brad Little announced the appointment of Regina McCrea as District Judge to Idaho's First Judicial District on July 21, 2025. McCrea, a trial attorney with over 20 years of experience in private practice, will serve the five counties of Benewah, Bonner, Boundary, Kootenai, and Shoshone. The position, chambered in Kootenai County, was newly created by the Idaho Legislature.

On June 12, 2025, President Trump issued an executive order revoking a Presidential Memorandum signed by President Biden on September 27, 2023, that had contemplated breaching four dams on the Lower Snake River. The executive order stated that breaching the dams would eliminate over 3,000 megawatts of hydroelectric generating capacity and would negatively impact regional energy supply, shipping channels, water availability for agriculture, and recreational opportunities. The action was praised by hydropower advocates including the American Public Power Association and the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.

Idaho Governor Brad Little's administration requested federal approval to implement House Bill 109, which restricts the use of SNAP benefits for candy and soda purchases. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service approved Idaho's waiver request in June 2025, along with similar requests from Arkansas and Utah. The restriction took effect in January 2026 for Idaho's approximately 130,000 SNAP recipients.

Governor Little secured federal approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to implement House Bill 109, which restricts Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits from being used to purchase candy and soda beginning in January 2026. The waiver approval was signed by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins and Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. at a signing ceremony in May 2025, alongside similar approvals for Arkansas and Utah. The restriction affects over 130,000 Idaho SNAP recipients, with the state health department beginning outreach to retailers to implement the policy change.

President Donald Trump posted an endorsement of Idaho Governor Brad Little on Truth Social for the 2026 gubernatorial election. Trump wrote that Little has his "Complete and Total Endorsement" for reelection and cited the governor's work on Idaho values, agriculture, economic growth, tax and regulatory policy, border security, military and law enforcement support, and Second Amendment protections. Little had not yet officially filed as a candidate at the time of the endorsement, as the filing window for the 2026 election was not scheduled to open until March 2026.

President Donald Trump issued an endorsement of Idaho Governor Brad Little for the 2026 gubernatorial election through a post on Truth Social in June 2025. Trump stated that Little is "the strong and highly popular Governor of Idaho" and declared his "Complete and Total Endorsement" for Little's reelection, citing Little's record on taxes, regulations, border security, military support, and Second Amendment protections. This endorsement marked a shift from Trump's 2022 position, when he had endorsed Little's opponent Janice McGeachin in that year's gubernatorial race.

Idaho Governor Brad Little expressed support for a major tax cut bill advancing through Congress that would extend 2017 tax cuts while cutting federal spending for programs including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). According to state officials, the bill could increase Idaho's SNAP costs by more than $18 million by shifting administrative expenses to the state level. Little stated that Idaho would be better positioned than other states to absorb such federal cost shifts due to the state's rainy day fund reserves and past investments in infrastructure and education.

Little issued a proclamation designating May 25 as Missing Children's Day in Idaho in recognition of the annual national observance established in 1983. The proclamation underscored the state's dedication to protecting child safety and welfare during an observance led by Idaho State Police highlighting approximately 50 missing juveniles statewide. The action coincided with law enforcement emphasis on the Idaho Missing Persons Clearinghouse operations and public notification that Idaho law requires no waiting period for filing missing person reports.

The U.S. House of Representatives passed HR 1, a major budget bill that includes significant cuts to Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), on Thursday morning. Idaho Representatives Russ Fulcher and Mike Simpson voted in favor of the legislation. The bill seeks to reduce federal spending to finance extensions of tax cuts and includes provisions intended to increase domestic energy production and support law enforcement resources.

The U.S. House of Representatives narrowly passed a budget bill on May 23, 2025, that included significant cuts to Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, with support from Idaho Congressmen Russ Fulcher and Mike Simpson. The bill includes provisions to strengthen citizenship verification for Medicaid eligibility and establish work requirements for able-bodied working-age adults without dependent children or elderly parents in their care. Idaho health advocates expressed concern that the Medicaid cuts could have devastating consequences for the state's more than 340,000 Medicaid beneficiaries, particularly given that nearly 70 percent of Idaho's Medicaid budget depends on federal funding.

Idaho Department of Lands Director Dustin Miller reported to the Idaho Board of Land Commissioners that state firefighting staffing remained below full capacity heading into summer 2025, with between 40 and 60 percent of the department's engines expected to be fully staffed with seasonal firefighters and resource foreman positions. Miller noted that Idaho's snowpack had melted faster than expected, leaving southern Idaho drier than normal conditions. The department operates a fleet of 50 fire engines, including five newly acquired "strategic engines" designed to improve capacity for initial fire suppression efforts.

Idaho Department of Lands Director Dustin Miller reported to the Idaho Board of Land Commissioners that the state faces low firefighting staffing heading into summer, with between 40 and 60 percent of the department's fire engines expected to be fully staffed with seasonal firefighters. Miller noted that the state approved five new strategic fire engines for improved initial attack capacity and that the Legislature allocated $1.25 million for one-time bonuses for wildland firefighters. Miller also reported that federal workforce reductions have affected support staff at the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management, though initial attack capacity from federal agencies was expected to remain at typical response levels.

Idaho's health department officially submitted a waiver request to the U.S. Department of Agriculture on Friday to prohibit the purchase of candy and soda with SNAP food benefits, following the passage of House Bill 109 by the Idaho Legislature earlier in 2025. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Jordan Redman, includes specific definitions of candy as sugar-based confections excluding flour-containing items, and soda as sweetened nonalcoholic beverages excluding milk products and high-juice drinks. Governor Little stated his administration's commitment to obtaining the waiver to improve nutrition outcomes among the approximately 135,800 Idahoans enrolled in the program.

Governor Little signed House Bill 109 into law in April 2025, which would restrict Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits in Idaho by prohibiting their use for soft drinks, energy drinks, and candy. On May 16, 2025, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare's Division of Self-Reliance submitted a formal waiver request to the U.S. Department of Agriculture seeking approval to implement the law. The state joins Arkansas, Missouri, Kansas, and Texas in pursuing such restrictions on SNAP benefits.

Simpson co-sponsored the bipartisan Public Lands in Public Hands Act, legislation that would protect most federal land from sales or transfers and require congressional approval for sales of parcels larger than 300 acres and water-adjacent parcels larger than 5 acres. The act was referred to the Subcommittee on Forestry and Horticulture in February 2025 and awaits further action. Simpson also became a member of a newly formed bipartisan Public Lands Caucus led by Montana Representative Ryan Zinke and New Mexico Representative Gabe Vasquez, intended to protect and expand access to America's public lands.

The federal Department of Government Efficiency terminated approximately $400 million in AmeriCorps grant funding nationwide on April 25, 2025, representing roughly 41 percent of the agency's programmatic funds. In Idaho, this action canceled grants totaling more than $1.3 million across five programs, affecting 133 AmeriCorps volunteers who received termination notices on April 28, 2025. The affected volunteers, who had been serving with nonprofits across the state, lost their living stipends and education awards while immediately becoming responsible for student loan payments that had been deferred during their service.

Governor Little signed House Bill 96, legislation passed by the Idaho Legislature that prohibits government entities from flying divisive ideological flags. The law was enacted in response to Boise Mayor Lauren McLean's decision to display a Pride flag at City Hall. Little's signature made the measure state law, establishing a statewide policy governing flag displays by municipal governments.

During a visit to Lewiston in May 2025, Little discussed the fiscal implications of federal tax legislation being debated by Congress, noting that Idaho's revenue projections could be affected by pending congressional tax cuts affecting tips, overtime, and Social Security benefits. Little had signed Idaho state tax cut legislation passed during the 2025 legislative session that reduced state income by $453 million, despite having submitted a more modest budget proposal seeking approximately $100 million in cuts. Little stated that Idaho's reliance on federal funding for programs including Medicaid, schools, roads, and infrastructure made the state vulnerable to potential reductions in federal assistance if Congress reduced federal spending as proposed by the Trump administration.

Governor Brad Little, along with Attorney General Raúl Labrador and Dr. Michael Goff of the U.S. Department of Energy, signed a waiver agreement on April 24, 2025, that temporarily suspends portions of the 1995 Settlement Agreement between Idaho and the federal government regarding spent nuclear fuel at the Idaho National Laboratory. Under the waiver, Idaho will allow limited shipments of spent nuclear fuel through 2032 from commercial nuclear power stations and university research reactors for examination, testing, and safety research purposes. The agreement includes provisions requiring the Department of Energy to notify Idaho at least 240 days before each shipment, secure federal funding confirmation, and provide detailed documentation of fuel handling and storage, with Idaho retaining the right to reject proposed shipments within 180 days.

Governor Brad Little and the State of Idaho agreed with the U.S. Department of Energy to issue a targeted waiver of the 1995 Settlement Agreement, permitting Idaho National Laboratory to receive and research a high burnup nuclear fuel cask from the North Anna Powerplant in Virginia. The waiver also allows INL to manage spent nuclear fuel from approximately 25 domestic university reactors, totaling less than one metric ton of fuel. According to Little's office, the research aims to support licensing of extended storage of spent fuel at nuclear power plants across the United States and to enable university reactor programs to continue operations.

In February 2025, Idaho Governor Little signed House Bill 93, a $50 million tax credit program that allocates up to $5,000 per student toward educational expenses, including private school tuition, for families earning up to 300 percent of the federal poverty level. The legislation marks the first time in Idaho history that state funds have been directed toward private and religious K-12 education. Little's office had solicited public input on whether to sign or veto the bill, receiving 32,366 requests for a veto and 5,091 requests to sign it before Little proceeded with signing the measure.

Idaho Gov. Brad Little signed an executive order titled the "Make Forests Healthy Again Act" on Tuesday directing the Idaho Department of Lands to prepare for increased work supporting and implementing federal logging projects. The executive order aligns with a concurrent executive order from President Donald Trump and a memorandum from U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brook Rollins that direct the U.S. Forest Service to increase timber production through expedited environmental reviews. Little stated the order builds on Idaho's existing use of the Good Neighbor Authority and Shared Stewardship programs, congressionally authorized tools allowing state, tribal, and local governments to partner with the Forest Service on forest management activities.

Little signed House Bill 202, legislation that ended the authority of Idaho health districts to conduct health inspections of public pools. The measure eliminated a regulatory function previously performed by health district officials across the state. The bill received support from nearly every member of the Idaho legislature before reaching Little's desk.

Mayor Lauren McLean sent a two-page letter to Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador reaffirming that the Pride flag will continue to fly outside Boise City Hall, following Labrador's April 15 request that she remove it under House Bill 96, which Governor Brad Little signed into law and restricts flags on public buildings to a specific government-approved list. McLean stated in her letter that the law lacks an enforcement mechanism and is therefore unenforceable as drafted, and indicated the City of Boise would take appropriate legal and political steps if the state attempted to impose penalties. The flag had flown at City Hall for nearly ten years prior to the passage of House Bill 96.

Little delivered remarks at a Wednesday press conference in Boise announcing the successful conclusion of an Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force investigation into a south-central Idaho drug trafficking operation. The investigation, conducted by the Idaho State Police, Drug Enforcement Administration, and eight additional law enforcement agencies, resulted in the prosecution of eleven individuals and the seizure of over 48,000 fentanyl pills and four pounds of methamphetamine. The drug operation had extended across Idaho and Arizona before being dismantled through coordinated law enforcement efforts.

Governor Brad Little signed Senate Bill 1181 on Monday afternoon after the bill passed the Legislature late in the 2025 session. The bill, designed to clarify public defender obligations and manage caseloads under the state's recently established Idaho State Public Defender Office, eliminates the right to legal representation for some indigent parents facing permanent termination of parental rights in cases brought by private parties. An amendment to address these representation issues stalled before the bill's passage.

Little issued a line item veto on April 14, 2025, rejecting legislation that would have removed funds from his emergency reserve account. The veto prevented the Idaho legislature's attempt to redirect money from the governor's emergency fund. The action preserved Little's control over the emergency appropriations designated for his office.

Idaho Governor Brad Little exercised his first-ever line-item veto to strike out a provision in HB 482 that would have eliminated his emergency fund and reverted its remaining balance of approximately $652,000 to the state general fund. Little cited the fund's critical role in responding to crises, including a $1 million allocation to support the Moscow Police Department's investigation into Bryan Kohberger. The Legislature had declined Little's budget request to replenish the fund with $1.35 million, with budget committee members noting that a $31 million Disaster Emergency Account remained available for gubernatorial use in emergencies.

Governor Little signed Senate Bill 1142 on April 15, 2025, which phases out the Empowering Parents education microgrant program that he had launched in 2022 with a $30 million annual budget. The program provided grants of up to $1,000 per student or $3,000 per family to lower-income households for educational expenses such as laptops and other devices. In his signing letter, Little stated that the program had served its purpose during the COVID-19 pandemic to help counter learning loss and provide educational options outside the classroom, and agreed with the Legislature that it was no longer necessary as students had returned to school and the pandemic had passed.

Little signed House Bill 322 in March, authorizing a $17,000 annual salary increase for Idaho judges across all court levels, effective summer 2025. The increase represents approximately 10 percent of current judicial compensation, bringing Supreme Court justices to nearly $187,000 annually, district judges to more than $170,000, and magistrate judges to close to $165,000. The salary adjustment carries an estimated fiscal impact of $3.8 million annually drawn from the state's general fund.

U.S. District Judge Amanda Brailsford extended a temporary restraining order on Idaho House Bill 83, the state's newly passed immigration law signed by Governor Little. The extension limited the block to enforcement of the bill's new state crimes of "illegal entry" and "illegal re-entry," while allowing other provisions requiring local law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration authorities to take effect. Brailsford indicated she would issue a written decision on whether to implement a longer-term preliminary injunction following arguments presented by the ACLU of Idaho and the Idaho Attorney General's Office.

Little signed a budget bill allocating $23.2 million and 63 new employees to Idaho's child welfare program, formally known as the Youth, Safety and Permanency division within the Department of Health and Welfare. The budget increase was approved by the Idaho Legislature and signed by Little on Wednesday afternoon outside the Department of Health and Welfare building. Little described the investment as "unprecedented" during the signing ceremony, which was attended by agency staff and foster care advocates.

Idaho Secretary of State Phil McGrane testified before a congressional Subcommittee on Elections in April 2025 regarding the state's election systems and voter eligibility verification. McGrane highlighted an executive order signed by himself and Governor Brad Little that directed the secretary of state's office to compare registered voter data against federal databases, including information from the Department of Homeland Security, to verify citizenship status of voters. McGrane testified that the comparison process revealed challenges in accessing and integrating federal databases for election administration purposes.

Secretary of State McGrane testified before a U.S. House Subcommittee on Elections regarding an executive order he signed with Governor Little directing the Idaho secretary of state's office to verify citizenship status of registered voters by comparing state voter data against federal databases including Department of Homeland Security information. McGrane requested that Congress invest in dedicated federal election databases to assist states in verifying voter eligibility, citing difficulties in accessing existing federal data systems that were not designed for election integrity purposes. McGrane stated that Idaho's verification efforts had not resulted in any eligible citizens being removed from voter rolls and identified a gap in citizenship verification for individuals who obtained citizenship through their parents' naturalization.

Idaho Governor Brad Little signed Senate Bill 1202, which allocated more than $32 million in additional funding for the Idaho Public Defender's Office for fiscal year 2026 and supplemental funding for fiscal year 2025. The bill, which passed the Senate and House, brought total funding for the public defender's office to $83.2 million for fiscal year 2026. The budget enhancements included in the legislation were intended to support new funding requests and additional staff positions for the statewide public defense system.

Governor Little signed legislation in April 2025 that eliminates state-funded public health benefits for people residing in the United States without legal authorization, effective July 1, 2025. The law restricts access to publicly funded vaccinations, communicable disease testing, prenatal and postnatal care, crisis counseling, and certain food assistance for children in this population. Idaho became the first state to implement such restrictions on public health benefits following President Trump's executive orders directing federal agencies to enhance eligibility verification for public benefit programs.

Little signed Senate Bill 1198 on April 4, 2025, legislation that bans diversity, equity and inclusion programs at Idaho's colleges and universities. The measure prohibits higher education institutions from maintaining DEI offices, requiring diversity training, establishing bias reporting systems, and mandating DEI-related courses for degree completion, with limited exceptions for programs focused on racial, ethnic or gender studies. The law takes effect July 1, 2025, and requires institutions to submit annual compliance reports.

Idaho House passed Senate Bill 1198 on April 3, 2025, with a vote of 52-17, prohibiting required training, courses, centers and activities based on diversity, equity and inclusion concepts at public higher education institutions. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Judy Boyle, defines DEI broadly to include instruction derived from critical theory, unconscious bias, structural equity, systemic racism and related concepts, while allowing exemptions for degree programs focused on racial, ethnic or gender studies and for compliance with federal anti-discrimination laws. The legislation was sent to Governor Little for consideration following House debate.

Little signed House Bill 380, legislation that authorizes Idaho courts to impose the death penalty on individuals convicted of lewd conduct with children under 12 years old, effective July 1, 2025. The bill establishes 17 specific factors, of which defendants must meet three to qualify for capital punishment, including committing multiple incidents of abuse, using force, or transmitting a sexually transmitted disease to a minor. The legislation also increases penalties for other child sex crimes and designates firing squad as Idaho's primary method of execution.

Governor Little signed Senate Bill 1141 on April 2, 2025, which prohibits public camping in Idaho cities with populations exceeding 100,000 residents, including Boise and Meridian. The law defines public camping as unauthorized lodging in temporary or outdoor habitations, including prolonged sitting or lying down and sleeping in vehicles. Cities that fail to enforce the ban face fines up to $10,000 per violation if pursued by the Attorney General's Office, with full implementation beginning July 1, 2025.

Governor Little issued an executive order allowing ivermectin to be dispensed over the counter in Idaho without a prescription. The action modified state pharmacy regulations to permit the sale of ivermectin, a medication traditionally used to treat parasitic infections in both animals and humans. The executive order took effect in April 2025.

House Bill 135, restricting non-emergency medical benefits and social services for undocumented immigrants in Idaho, was sent to Governor Little's desk following passage in the Idaho Senate on April 2, 2025. The legislation would eliminate non-emergency health care, food assistance, crisis counseling, shelter services, and prenatal and postnatal care for undocumented individuals while preserving emergency medical services. Little has five days from receipt to veto or sign the bill into law, with an effective date of July 5, 2025 if enacted.

Governor Little signed legislation in March 2025 that allocated $50 million toward private school and homeschool tuition and expenses. The bill represents a significant education policy action by the governor addressing school choice funding in Idaho. The measure was among several education issues discussed at an education summit hosted by the Caldwell Chamber of Commerce at the College of Idaho in April 2025.

The Ada County Highway District Board of Commissioners voted unanimously on April 1, 2025, to censure Commissioner Kent Goldthorpe for social media comments the board characterized as inflammatory and containing mocking, demeaning, and racially charged language directed at Idaho legislators regarding their votes on Senate Bill 1140. The censure was formally adopted through ACHD Resolution 2440 following a complaint letter from Idaho House lawmakers concerning Goldthorpe's Facebook post about the legislation, which would restrict how highway districts may use state funding for bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure projects. The board additionally found that Goldthorpe violated district protocols in media interviews by failing to identify his remarks as personal opinions rather than official ACHD positions.

A bill restricting the use of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits to prohibit purchases of soda and candy was sent to Governor Little's desk following passage through the Idaho legislature. The legislation requires federal waiver approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to take effect and represents Idaho's participation in the national "Make America Healthy Again" movement. Bill sponsors characterized the restriction as a measure to reduce state Medicaid costs and promote nutritional priorities among SNAP recipients.

Governor Little vetoed Senate Bill 1023, the Idaho Medical Freedom Act, on March 29, 2025, which would have prohibited schools from mandating medical interventions as a condition of attendance. Little stated in his veto message that the legislation would remove schools' ability to address contagious illnesses such as measles, lice, ringworm, and strep throat by sending home sick students. The governor noted that Idaho already maintains what he characterized as the country's freest medical freedom laws, citing his previous signings of legislation banning mask mandates and COVID-19 vaccine requirements.

Governor Little vetoed a "medical freedom" bill in Idaho during the 2025 legislative session. The bill would have altered regulations governing medical treatment decisions and healthcare provider requirements. Following the veto, Idaho senators proposed a revised version of the legislation.

Governor Little signed House Bill 83, which creates state-level crimes for "illegal entry" and "illegal reentry" into Idaho and authorizes local law enforcement to pursue charges related to these offenses. The law took effect immediately upon passage on March 28, 2025. U.S. District Judge Amanda Brailsford issued a temporary block on enforcement of the law the same day, following a lawsuit filed by the ACLU of Idaho and other organizations challenging its constitutionality.

Little signed House Bill 158 on March 27, 2025, legislation that prohibits journalists from being compelled to disclose confidential sources in legal proceedings. The bill, which passed the Idaho Legislature unanimously, takes effect July 1, 2025, and creates exceptions only in cases involving national security or imminent physical harm. The law applies to journalists working across newspapers, digital news outlets, and broadcast stations throughout Idaho.

Governor Little signed into law a new immigration enforcement bill in Idaho. The American Civil Liberties Union of Idaho filed a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the legislation. The legal action was initiated following the bill's enactment.

Governor Little signed House Bill 380 on March 27, 2025, which creates a new criminal charge of aggravated lewd conduct with children age 12 and younger and makes that offense eligible for the death penalty in Idaho. The bill also establishes mandatory minimum prison sentences for aggravated lewd conduct with minors that do not meet the death penalty criteria. The legislation takes effect July 1, 2025, despite a 2008 U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Kennedy v. Louisiana that blocked capital punishment for child rape.

Little signed House Bill 83, the Immigration Cooperation and Enforcement Act, into law on March 27, 2025, which authorizes local law enforcement to enforce and record immigration status during detentions for suspected criminal activity and establishes state-level immigration violations including misdemeanor charges for unauthorized entry and felony charges for repeated offenses or transporting undocumented immigrants across state lines. The same day the law took effect due to an emergency clause, the ACLU of Idaho filed a lawsuit challenging its constitutionality, and U.S. District Judge Amanda Brailsford granted a temporary restraining order blocking enforcement for 14 days pending further litigation. The law requires local police cooperation with federal immigration authorities and grants immunity to officers acting in good faith under its provisions.

Little signed House Bill 304 on March 26, 2025, legislation that allocates approximately $100 million for school facilities and property tax relief. The bill directs $50 million to a fund for school districts to use toward bond repayment, levies, or facility projects, and distributes another $50 million to counties for homeowner property tax reductions on owner-occupied houses. According to bill sponsor Senator Scott Grow, the legislation is estimated to produce an average 14.6 percent decrease in total property tax bills.

The Idaho Legislature passed HB 270, an amendment to Idaho's indecent exposure law, with the Senate voting 28-6 in favor on March 25, 2025. The bill designates the exposure of developed female breasts, medically or hormonally altered male breasts, or artificial breasts intended to resemble female breasts as misdemeanors in public places. The legislation now moves to Governor Little's desk for signature or veto.

Little joined Florida Governor Ron DeSantis at a press conference at the Idaho State Capitol on March 24, 2025, to advocate for a constitutional amendment requiring the federal government to balance its budget. The governors promoted using a constitutional convention method, in which two-thirds of states could call for Congress to hold a convention to propose the amendment. Little stated that concerns about federal debt accumulating to $70 trillion outweighed risks associated with convening such a convention.

The Idaho Senate voted 28-6 on March 25, 2025, to pass HB 270, an amendment to Idaho's indecent exposure law that specifies exposure of developed female breasts, medically or hormonally altered male breasts, or artificial breasts as misdemeanors. The bill was sponsored by Rep. Jeff Cornilles and co-authored by Nampa City Councilmember Sebastian Griffin following concerns raised at the Canyon County Pride Festival in June 2024. The legislation was sent to Governor Little's desk for consideration following the Senate vote.

Idaho Governor Brad Little signed House Bill 270 into law on Thursday, March 27, 2025, which updates the state's indecent exposure statutes to criminalize the exposure of breasts and certain vehicle decorations. The legislation expands the definition of conduct subject to indecent exposure penalties under Idaho criminal law. Little's signing completed the legislative process for the bill after its passage through the Idaho Senate.

Little participated in a press conference at the Idaho State Capitol alongside Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Idaho Lieutenant Governor Scott Bedke to advocate for a balanced budget amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The event was part of DeSantis's tour to campaign for states to call a constitutional convention to pursue the amendment. Little's participation represented Idaho's alignment with the proposed constitutional measure requiring the federal government to balance its budget.

Governor Little signed House Bill 59, the Medical Ethics Defense Act, into law on March 20, 2025, which allows health care professionals and entities to refuse participation in nonemergency medical procedures that violate their sincerely held religious or moral beliefs. The bill was co-sponsored by Senator Carl Bjerke and Representative Bruce Skaug and took effect immediately through an emergency clause. The Idaho Legislature passed the measure on party-line votes, with all 86 present Republican lawmakers voting in favor and all 15 Democratic lawmakers voting against it.

The Idaho House of Representatives passed House Bill 83 on March 20, 2025, in a 61-9 vote, authorizing local law enforcement to collaborate with federal authorities regarding unauthorized immigrants in Idaho. The legislation permits law enforcement to document immigration status only during criminal detentions or investigations, establishes misdemeanor charges for unauthorized entry with felony penalties for repeat offenses, and creates a new felony charge for knowingly transporting unauthorized immigrants with prior criminal convictions. The bill also prohibits state law enforcement from being restricted from working with federal immigration authorities and includes provisions defining how officers may determine immigration authorization status.

On March 20, 2025, Idaho Governor Little signed House Bill 204 into law, authorizing two new retro-style potato-themed license plate designs to become available to drivers starting July 1. The legislation, sponsored by Rep. Doug Pickett, creates a total of three potato-themed plate options for Idaho drivers, with proceeds from the black license plate design directed to the Idaho Potato Commission and the state highway account. The bill passed with unanimous support in the House and near-unanimous support in the Senate, with only one dissenting vote from Sen. Lori Den Hartog.

Governor Little signed House Bill 41 on March 21, 2025, restricting the display of flags and banners in Idaho public schools. The legislation prohibits public schools from displaying flags or banners representing political viewpoints, including those related to political parties, race, sexual orientation, gender, or political ideologies, while permitting display of the U.S. flag, state flag, military flags, tribal flags, and school achievement banners. The law takes effect on July 1, 2025.

House Bill 83, the Immigration Cooperation and Enforcement Act, was passed by the Idaho legislature and sent to Governor Little's desk for consideration in March 2025. The bill would authorize local law enforcement to enforce immigration violations and record immigration status during criminal detentions, establish state-level immigration crimes including misdemeanor charges for unauthorized entry and felony charges for repeated violations, and require undocumented immigrants to serve full sentences without access to alternative sentencing. Little had not yet signed or vetoed the legislation as of the article's publication date.

Governor Brad Little requested $500,000 in additional funding to expand the Rural Physician Incentive Program, which provides up to $25,000 annually to physicians practicing in federally-recognized Health Professional Shortage Areas in Idaho to help repay medical school debt. The Idaho Legislature's Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee rejected Little's request on March 12, 2025, eliminating the requested funds from the budget. The program, which allows physicians to participate for four years and receive a maximum of $100,000 in total assistance, would have funded support for five additional doctors in underserved communities had the funding been approved.

Little signed House Bill 231 into law, which increases the annual grocery tax credit for Idaho residents from $120 to $155 to offset sales taxes paid on food purchases. The expanded credit took effect retroactively on January 1 and reduces state revenue by $50 million annually. Idahoans will receive the full increased credit when filing taxes in the following year.

Governor Little presented governor's awards for excellence in agriculture to several Idahoans during the annual Idaho Ag Summit held in Boise on February 18. Michael Parrella, dean of the University of Idaho's College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, received a governor's award for lifetime achievement from Little at the event. The awards were given to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to Idaho's agricultural industry.

Governor Little signed House Bill 37 on March 12, 2025, designating firing squad as Idaho's primary method of execution, effective July 1, 2026. Idaho previously had firing squad as its secondary execution method following a 2023 law passed due to difficulty obtaining lethal injection chemicals. The law provides the Idaho Department of Corrections until July 2026 to modify a facility at its maximum security prison and develop policies for implementing the execution method.

The Idaho Senate passed House Bill 345, a major Medicaid reform bill that shifts administration of Idaho's entire Medicaid program to a third-party managed care organization and implements work requirements for some participants. The bill suspended normal Senate rules to expedite debate and passed on party lines after approximately 30 minutes of discussion. The legislation was sent to Governor Brad Little for his consideration.

The Idaho Senate passed House Bill 83, which creates state-level crimes for illegal entry and reentry into Idaho and authorizes local law enforcement to cooperate with federal immigration authorities and share information with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The bill requires law enforcement to determine immigration status upon arrest for criminal offenses and notify federal authorities if the person is a foreign national, while also establishing a sentencing enhancement requiring a mandatory minimum of five years imprisonment for individuals convicted of dangerous crimes who had previously been deported. The legislation was modeled after a similar Texas law and now moves to the governor's desk for consideration.

The Idaho Senate Local Government and Taxation Committee unanimously voted to approve House Bill 304, legislation that would allocate $100 million in annual state general funds toward property tax relief. The bill directs $50 million to an existing School Facilities Fund and $50 million to the Tax Relief Fund, with the latter expected to reduce property taxes on owner-occupied homes by approximately 5.4% beginning in November. HB 304 would add to funds created through the 2023 House Bill 292 and supplement the 2.25% of state sales tax revenue already automatically distributed to these accounts.

The Idaho Senate passed House Bill 83 on March 11, 2025, which creates state-level crimes for "illegal entry" and "illegal reentry" into Idaho and allows local law enforcement to enforce these crimes when individuals are detained or suspected of separate offenses. The bill combines provisions from two separate proposals and was modeled after similar Texas legislation, though Senate sponsor Todd Lakey indicated the Idaho version was designed to coordinate with federal immigration authorities rather than establish independent state deportation processes. The legislation advanced to the governor's desk following Senate passage.

Little signed legislation providing $50 million in refundable tax credits for educational expenses, including private school tuition. The bill was one of three major tax measures passed during the legislative session, alongside House Bill 304, which committed $100 million annually to property tax relief, and an income tax cut bill. Combined, the enacted tax bills were expected to reduce state revenues by $450 million annually.

The Idaho Senate passed House Bill 345 on March 12, 2025, which makes several significant changes to the state's Medicaid program, including shifting administration to a third-party managed care organization and implementing work requirements for expansion participants. The bill also repeals the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare's administrative rules over several Medicaid programs, requires participants to pay premiums and co-pays, and ends automatic eligibility renewal. The legislation was sent to Governor Little's desk for consideration following a suspension of Senate rules to expedite debate.

Senate Bill 1101, which establishes standardized training requirements and procedures for Idaho's 44 coroners, passed both chambers of the Idaho Legislature and was sent to Governor Little for signature. The legislation mandates that coroners complete a national training course and conduct autopsies in specific circumstances, such as when deaths appear accidental or involve unlawful use of substances, replacing the current system in which coroners can perform autopsies at their discretion without statewide criteria. Idaho currently ranks 49th nationally in coroner qualification metrics.

The Idaho House Education Committee voted to introduce a bill sponsored by Rep. Steve Tanner, R-Nampa, that would require public schools to collect and report the immigration status and nationality of students in K-12 schools, higher education institutions, and public career technical schools. The collected data would be made available on the state department of education's website. Tanner stated the bill would help public schools address the needs of English language learners and provide state statistics to inform public policy.

Little signed legislation banning mask mandates into law. The specific bill number and effective date of the mask mandate ban were not detailed in the available text. This action restricted the authority of state and local officials to require face coverings during public health emergencies.

The Idaho Senate passed House Bill 231, which increases the refundable grocery sales tax credit from $120 to $155 per person annually and equalizes the senior rate at $155, eliminating the previous higher rate of $140 for those 65 and older. The bill expands the credit to cover sales tax applied to approximately $2,583.30 worth of grocery purchases per person annually, up from the current $2,000. The legislation was presented to the governor's desk for signature following Senate approval.

Little signed House Bill 40 into law on March 6, 2025, enacting a $253 million tax cut that reduces Idaho's income tax rate from 5.695% to 5.3% for both individual and corporate taxpayers. The legislation also expands tax exemptions to include U.S. military pensions and removes capital gains taxes on precious metals. The signing represents the largest tax cut in Idaho's history and initiates consideration of additional tax relief measures totaling approximately $453 million across the state legislature.

The Idaho Senate passed House Bill 41 on March 5, 2025, by a vote of 29-6, prohibiting flags that promote political, religious, or ideological viewpoints from being displayed on public school property. The bill, authored by Representative Ted Hill, underwent several amendments during its legislative process, including refined definitions of school property and display requirements. The legislation now awaits consideration by Governor Little.

The Idaho Senate voted 28-7 on March 5, 2025, to pass House Bill 37, which would establish firing squad as the state's primary method of execution, replacing lethal injection. The bill was sent to Governor Little's desk for consideration and would take effect July 1, 2026, if signed into law. Idaho currently uses firing squad as a secondary execution method under a 2023 law, and the state has appropriated funds to remodel a facility to carry out firing squad executions.

The Idaho Senate voted 28-7 on March 5, 2025, to pass House Bill 37, which would make firing squad the primary method of execution in Idaho, replacing lethal injection. The bill was sent to the governor's desk for consideration, with an effective date of July 1, 2026, to allow the Idaho Department of Correction time to complete facility modifications. If enacted, Idaho would become the only state in the United States to use firing squad as its primary execution method.

The Idaho Senate passed House Bill 40, a $253 million income tax cut that also includes tax exemptions for military pensions and elimination of capital gains tax on precious metal bullion, voting 28-7 to send the measure to Governor Little's desk. The bill would reduce state income taxes for households earning between $55,600 and $91,800 by an average of $127, with larger savings for those earning up to $146,000. The legislation advanced alongside separate proposals for $100 million in property tax relief and $50 million for a grocery tax credit expansion.

Governor Little signed House Bill 93, a $50 million school choice tax credit bill, on Thursday. The bill establishes tax credits of up to $5,000 per student or $7,500 per student with a disability for educational expenses including private school tuition, with priority initially given to families earning at or below 300% of the federal poverty level. Little's office received 32,366 communications requesting a veto and 5,091 requesting signature of the legislation.

Governor Little signed House Bill 40 into law on March 6, 2025, enacting a $253 million tax cut. The legislation provides tax relief to Idaho families and businesses. Little's action completed the passage of the bill into state law.

Little signed House Bill 93 on March 2, 2025, establishing the Parental Choice Tax Credit program, a $50 million tax credit initiative. The action occurred despite receiving 32,366 public contacts urging a veto compared to 5,091 in support, a margin of more than six to one. Little stated the program made Idaho the first state to offer education freedom from kindergarten through career in combination with the existing LAUNCH program.

Idaho Governor Brad Little signed House Bill 93 into law, establishing a $50 million tax credit for educational expenses including private school tuition. Rep. Wendy Horman, R-Idaho Falls, served as the primary sponsor of the legislation in the Idaho House of Representatives and co-chairs the state's Joint Finance and Appropriations Committee. Horman stated that the bill was designed to provide educational options for students with specific needs while maintaining support for public school systems.

Idaho Gov. Brad Little signed House Bill 93 on Thursday, establishing a $50 million tax credit program that directs state funds toward educational expenses including private school tuition. The legislation, sponsored by Rep. Wendy Horman and Sen. Lori Den Hartog, allocates up to $5,000 per student annually with eligibility initially limited to families at or below 300 percent of the federal poverty level, and up to $7,500 for students with disabilities. The bill passed the House 42-28 and the Senate 20-15, marking the first time in Idaho history that state funds have been directed toward private and religious K-12 education.

Governor Little faced a decision on school choice legislation that would establish a tax credit bill, with a deadline of 11:46 a.m. on Thursday to sign or veto the measure. The Emmett School District cited the potential financial impact of the tax credit bill as a concern, noting that families leaving public schools for private alternatives could further reduce district funding at a time when schools like Ola Elementary were already operating at a deficit. Little's decision on the tax credit bill would directly affect the financial stability of small rural school districts considering school closures or consolidations.

The Idaho House of Representatives voted 69-0 on February 25, 2025, to pass House Bill 158, legislation that would establish a media shield law protecting journalists from being compelled to disclose confidential sources in legal proceedings. The bill specifies that persons engaged in journalistic activities cannot be forced to reveal sources of information published through newspapers, digital news outlets, or broadcast stations, and would apply protections similar to existing whistleblower safeguards. House Bill 158 advanced to the Idaho Senate for consideration, with passage by that chamber required before the bill would be sent to Governor Brad Little.

Idaho Governor Little signed House Bill 93, the Idaho Parental Choice Tax Credit program, into law on February 27, 2025. The legislation establishes a $50 million tax credit program providing up to $5,000 per K-12 student for qualifying education expenses, with up to $7,500 available for families with children aged 5 to 21 with disabilities. The program prioritizes families with household incomes at or below 300 percent of the federal poverty level in its first year of implementation.

Little signed legislation allocating $50 million in state funding for private school subsidies. The bill was enacted into law in February 2025. The measure directs state resources toward private educational institutions in Idaho.

Little's office established a voicemail system on the main gubernatorial phone line to collect feedback from Idaho residents on whether he should sign or veto House Bill 93, legislation that would provide $50 million for a tax credit toward private school tuition and other educational expenses. The automated system, which the governor's office stated was designed to manage call volume on a topic generating significant public interest, allowed callers to indicate their preference by pressing 1 to request he sign the bill or pressing 2 to request a veto. Little had previously stated in his 2025 State of the State address that he would support a school choice bill meeting criteria of being "fair, responsible, transparent, and accountable" while prioritizing families most in need and not reducing public school funding.

Governor Little's office established a voicemail system on February 20, 2025, to collect constituent feedback on whether he should sign or veto House Bill 93, which passed the Idaho Senate and would allocate $50 million for a tax credit program covering private school tuition and other educational expenses. The automated message directed callers to press 1 to request Little sign the bill or press 2 to request a veto, limiting input to one call per resident. As of the article's publication, Little had not announced a decision on the legislation.

The Idaho House of Representatives and Senate passed House Bill 7, legislation creating a mandatory minimum fine of $300 for simple marijuana possession by individuals 18 and older convicted of possessing less than 3 ounces. The bill was co-sponsored by Senator Brandon Shippy and passed the Senate 27-8 on February 18, 2025, after the House had approved it 54-14 on January 21. The legislation proceeded to Governor Brad Little's desk for signature, veto, or allowance to become law without signature, with an intended effective date of July 1 if enacted.

The Idaho Senate approved House Bill 93 on a 20-15 vote on February 19, 2025, sending legislation to Governor Brad Little that would allocate $50 million in refundable tax credits for private education expenses. The bill would allow non-public school students to claim a refundable tax credit worth up to $5,000, with students with special needs eligible for $7,500. Little had previously stated he would support a $50 million private school choice bill meeting criteria of being "fair, responsible, transparent and accountable" without taking money from public schools, and his signature was required to make the legislation law.

The Idaho Senate voted 20-15 on February 19, 2025, to advance HB93 to Governor Little's desk. HB93 establishes a school choice tax credit program providing up to $5,000 per student for eligible education expenses, including private school tuition, with the amount increasing to $7,500 for students with disabilities, and allocates $50 million for the program with priority given initially to families with household incomes at or below 300 percent of the federal poverty level. The bill now awaits Little's decision on whether to sign or veto the legislation.

Little signed a proclamation declaring the 83rd anniversary of the Day of Remembrance at the Idaho State Museum in Boise on February 17, 2025. The proclamation recognized the legacy of Japanese internment in Idaho and acknowledged the injustices faced by those held in Idaho's camps during World War II. The event was held in collaboration with the Boise Valley Chapter of the Japanese American Citizens League as part of a 24-year partnership between that organization and the Idaho governor's office.

Governor Little issued a proclamation recognizing the legacy of Japanese internment in Idaho and the sacrifices of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team at an event hosted at the Idaho State Museum in collaboration with the Boise Valley Chapter of the Japanese American Citizens League on February 17, 2024. The proclamation acknowledged the injustices faced by those held in Idaho's Minidoka and Kooskia camps and noted that nearly 1,000 internees from Minidoka served in World War II, with the highest enlistment and casualty rates among all major concentration camps. Little's recognition continued a 24-year partnership between the governor's office and the JACL to commemorate the history of Japanese American internment in Idaho.

The Idaho Legislature advanced House Bill 93, which would create a refundable tax credit of up to $5,000 for private school and home-schooled students to cover tuition, tutoring, standardized test fees, curriculum, and related expenses, with up to $7,500 for students with special needs. The bill narrowly cleared the House Revenue and Taxation Committee on February 5, 2025, by an 8-7 vote and proceeded to the full House with support from House leadership. Governor Brad Little pledged support for $50 million in state spending on private education, which would serve as the annual cap for tax refunds distributed through the credit.

Senator Lent sponsored Senate Bill 1025, which would expand Idaho's Empowering Parents program from $30 million to $50 million, increase yearly grants from $1,000 to $5,000, and add private school tuition as an eligible expense while allocating an additional $30 million in special education funding to public schools. The Senate Education Committee advanced the bill to the floor on a 5-4 vote on February 3, 2025. The bill includes accountability measures requiring participating private schools to accept students with disabilities.

Governor Brad Little requested that the Idaho Legislature set aside $50 million in tax credits for families seeking alternatives to public schools during the 2025 legislative session. The proposal was part of a broader effort by Republican legislative leaders to expand school choice options in Idaho, building on existing programs such as open enrollment and charter schools. Little characterized education as a priority area of his governorship while supporting the tax credit mechanism to provide families additional resources for educational alternatives.

The Idaho House of Representatives voted 63-7 on February 3, 2025, to pass HB 40, a bill reducing personal and corporate income tax rates by $253 million while eliminating the capital gains tax on precious metal bullion and expanding a military pension tax exemption. The bill was the first of three proposed tax cut measures expected to reduce total state revenue by $400 million. Governor Brad Little had previously proposed $100 million in tax relief within his budget proposal, less than the total being advanced through the three bills introduced during the legislative session.

Rep. Wendy Horman introduced a revised version of House Bill 39, a parental choice tax credit that would provide up to $5,000 per K-12 student for eligible educational expenses including private school tuition and tutoring services. The revised bill added provisions defining eligible nonpublic schools to include microschools and learning pods, established accreditation or portfolio-based accountability requirements, and created a mandatory parent satisfaction survey to be administered by the Legislative Services Office. The bill allocates $50 million for the tax credit program with priority given to families with household incomes at or below 300 percent of the federal poverty level in the first year of implementation.

Governor Little joined Idaho's congressional delegation in opposing the Lava Ridge Wind Energy Project, a proposed wind farm northeast of Twin Falls that would have generated electricity for approximately 500,000 homes on nearly 100,000 acres of federal land. Senator Jim Risch drafted an executive order to terminate the project, which President Trump signed in January 2025 following his inauguration. The delegation's opposition centered on the visual impact of the turbines on the Minidoka National Historic Site and concerns about the project's scope.

House Majority Leader Jason Monks introduced legislation to increase Idaho's grocery tax credit from $120 per person to $155 per person, with the credit equalized at $155 for all tax filers including seniors currently receiving $140. The bill would also allow taxpayers to submit itemized grocery receipts to claim credits up to $250 per person and would reduce state general fund revenue by an estimated $50 million. The House Revenue and Taxation Committee voted unanimously to introduce the bill on January 27, 2025, allowing it to proceed to a public hearing.

Little ordered flags to be temporarily raised to full staff on Inauguration Day before returning them to half-staff in honor of former President Jimmy Carter. The action occurred on Monday, January 20, 2025, marking the inauguration of Donald Trump as the 47th president of the United States. Little's directive addressed the concurrent observance of the former president's death while acknowledging the federal transition of power.

The House Revenue and Tax Committee introduced a bill on January 22, 2025, sponsored by Rep. Wendy Horman that would establish a refundable tax credit providing up to $5,000 per K-12 student or up to $7,500 for students with disabilities up to age 21 for educational expenses including private school tuition, with a total program cost of $50 million. The credit would prioritize families at or below 300% of the federal poverty level but allow any family to apply, with administration by the Idaho Tax Commission beginning in January 2026. Eligible expenses include private school tuition, tutoring, standardized assessments, and transportation to academic instruction, while students cannot claim credits for any semester enrolled in public schools or public charter schools.

President Donald Trump appointed Michael Boren, founder of Clearwater Analytics, to serve as under secretary for natural resources and environment at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Idaho Governor Brad Little praised the appointment in a statement, describing Boren as a "visionary, proven leader" and noting his residence in Idaho's Sawtooth Valley and experience as a volunteer fireman. Boren's appointment came with Trump's statement that he would "work to reinvigorate Forest Management at a time when it is desperately needed."

Idaho Governor Brad Little announced a $100 million wildfire prevention and suppression proposal on January 17, 2025, following recommendations from the state's first Wildfire Report released in summer 2024. The proposal includes funding for early detection camera systems, enhanced aviation resources, bonuses for wildland firefighters, and replenishment of the state's Fire Suppression Fund, which was depleted during the 2024 fire season. Little stated that the plan represents Idaho's strategic and proactive approach to reducing fire risk across the state.

Idaho Governor Brad Little issued an order on January 15, 2025, directing U.S. and Idaho flags to be raised to full staff on January 20, 2025, for the inauguration of President Donald Trump, with flags to be lowered to half staff from January 21 through January 28 in honor of former President Jimmy Carter. Little stated in an official release that Idaho would recognize Trump's swearing-in as the 47th president on this day. The directive aligned with similar orders issued by other Republican governors and followed House Speaker Mike Johnson's decision to raise flags at the U.S. Capitol to full height on Inauguration Day, pausing the 30-day flag-lowering period that had begun following Carter's death on December 29, 2024.

Governor Little announced his Keeping Promises plan for Idaho in 2025, which includes $150 million in education funding across the state. The plan allocates $50 million to rural schools for facility improvements, mental health services, and school safety, and $50 million to support education freedom through school choice programs. An additional $10 million will be directed to community and technical colleges to increase student capacity in career technical programs.

St. Luke's Health System, Idaho's largest health system, filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court of Idaho against Attorney General Raúl Labrador on January 15, 2025, seeking to maintain court protections that allow emergency abortions under the federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act despite Idaho's near-total abortion ban. The lawsuit was filed in response to concerns that the incoming federal administration might seek to vacate an existing injunction and dismiss a Biden-era lawsuit that had temporarily blocked Idaho's abortion restrictions as applied to emergency medical care. St. Luke's stated the action was necessary to protect patients and resolve the conflict between Idaho state law and federal requirements for emergency stabilizing care.

Governor Brad Little announced in his State of the State address that he would allocate $50 million in his budget to expand education options through private school choice mechanisms. State Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield stated that Little's position aligned with her own stance, emphasizing that any support for private school choice must include accountability and transparency measures and cannot reduce funding for public schools. Little's announcement coincided with the introduction of legislation by Representative Wendy Horman and Senator Lori Den Hartog to create a $50 million refundable tax credit program for private education expenses.

Governor Little recommended that Idaho state employees receive raises of 5 percent, or $1.55 per hour, in the next budget year. The Idaho Legislature's Change in Employee Compensation Committee voted 7-3 to recommend the same $1.55 per hour raises for all state employees, with additional increases specified for certain positions including Idaho State Police troopers, IT and engineering staff, and healthcare professionals. The committee's recommendation was not binding and required further legislative action to be implemented.

Little recommended an $88 million budget for the State Public Defender's Office for fiscal year 2026, following the consolidation of Idaho's county-based public defense system into a state agency on October 1. The recommendation includes a supplemental appropriation of $5.8 million for the remainder of the current fiscal year to address transcript costs, personnel expenses, and contracting costs, with the supplemental funds requiring legislative approval. The budget increase addresses funding shortfalls the agency has faced since its transition and includes $2.5 million for representation of parents in Child Protective Act cases.

Governor Little requested nearly $10 million in his budget proposal to strengthen Idaho's child welfare system, representing approximately a 20% increase in state funding for child welfare. The requested funds would support preventing children from entering foster care, increasing support for foster families through a 5% rate increase, and adding more caseworkers to reduce caseloads. The proposal requires approval from the Joint Finance and Appropriations Committee and both legislative chambers.

During his seventh State of the State and Budget address on January 6, 2025, Governor Little outlined his "Keeping Promises" plan, which included over $150 million in proposed state funding increases for public school education, $25 million for workforce development and community college expansion, and $50 million for transportation infrastructure improvements. The plan also included funding for teacher retention, rural school facilities, mental health and school security, and additional bonuses for wildland firefighter recruitment and retention. Little stated these investments would be made without raising taxes and emphasized the importance of legislative cooperation during the session.

During his annual address to the Idaho legislature on January 6, 2025, Little outlined priorities for the 2025 legislative session that included backing private school subsidies. Little also called for tax cuts as part of his legislative agenda. The governor's remarks established his policy positions ahead of the legislative session's consideration of education funding and fiscal matters.

Carter signed the Endangered American Wilderness Act of 1978, legislation that designated approximately 1.3 million acres of federal land as wilderness in Idaho and other western states. The act, which Carter signed on February 24, 1978, included protections for areas such as the River of No Return Wilderness Area in central Idaho. Carter's administration, through Interior Secretary Cecil Andrus, worked with Idaho's congressional delegation including Senator Frank Church to advance wilderness preservation in the state.