Capitol Reflections: 2025 Session, Issue 6

By: Idaho Farm Bureau Governmental Affairs

“Whenever we lower the tax rates, our entire nation is better off.” -President Ronald Reagan

Capitol Minute

To help our members be fully informed about the issues going on during the legislative session, there will be a short video each week in which our Governmental Affairs team highlights what is discussed in length in the Capitol Reflections Newsletter. We strongly encourage members to continue reading the newsletter to get the most information, but this new video will help when you want a quick synopsis or to learn about the issues on the go.

Farm Bureau Members Come to Boise

Farm Bureau members participated in another outstanding Legislative and Issue Committee Conference, engaging with key lawmakers and industry leaders.

Congressional Delegation Briefing

Senator Jim Risch, Congressmen Russ Fulcher and Mike Simpson, and a staff member for Senator Mike Crapo provided updates on federal issues impacting Idaho agriculture. Senator Risch celebrated the Lava Ridge Wind Project pause, expressing hope for a permanent halt. Given the Trump administration’s focus on border enforcement both Congressmen emphasized the urgent need for visa reform to improve labor access. Senator Risch and Crapo’s staffer stressed the importance of passing a new Farm Bill, as no authorization has occurred since 2017.

State and Industry Updates

Day one of the conference featured industry partners as well as state agency directors who gave updates on agriculture, lands, fish and game, and environmental quality in the state. Members then broke into Issue Advisory Committee meetings to discuss current and future policy priorities. The day concluded with IFBF’s annual legislative dinner, where approximately 70 legislators, constitutional officers, and guests attended. This event remains a highlight, allowing members to engage directly with policymakers. Legislators expressed appreciation for the valuable insights provided by Farm Bureau members.

Day Two at the Capitol

The conference continued at the State Capitol, where members attended committee meetings and a presentation by David Claiborne of Sawtooth Law Offices on immigration, labor reform, and e-verify. While no e-verify legislation has been introduced yet, discussions remain ongoing. Senate President Pro Tempore Kelly Anthon (R-Rupert) addressed the balance between protecting property rights and enforcing the law, emphasizing the need for Farm Bureau to maintain a strong voice as the legislative landscape shifts.

In a special moment, Paige Nelson was honored with HR6 in the House for placing in the top three for Excellence in Agriculture at the American Farm Bureau Convention. All members present voted in favor of the resolution and gave her a standing ovation for her representation of Idaho.

Looking Ahead

This was an excellent conference! We appreciate all those who attended and for the support members continually offer during the Legislative Session. For those who missed this year's opportunity, we strongly encourage you to participate next year. Please continue engaging with your legislators on topics important to you and Farm Bureau.

Wildlife Bill Updates

S1011 and S1013 were both passed unanimously out of the Senate Resources and Environment Committee this week and now head to the floor for full consideration. S1011 requires that an agricultural producer sit on Wildlife Feeding Committees and that all members reside in the district for which the committee is formed. S1013 allows people to trap without a license while under the supervision of an outfitter or guide. It also requires Fish and Game to instruct on trespass laws in hunter and trapper education. Both bills are sponsored by Senator Mark Harris (R-Soda Springs). More information about the bills can be found in the Week 3 Article. IFBF supports both S1011 and S1013.

Additionally, H82, sponsored by Representative Jerald Raymond (R-Menan), passed the House Resources and Conservation and heads to the floor for vote. H82 would allow depredations deemed ‘possible’ to be eligible for state depredation reimbursement. The bill was discussed in detail in the Week 5 Article. IFBF Supports H82.

County Fair Bill Advances

This week, the House Agriculture Committee passed H106 regarding county fair boards. The bill provides clarity and stability to the governance of county fairs as Idaho continues to grow. The legislation would repeal a section of Idaho law which allows county commissioners in counties with population exceeding 200,000 to designate the county fair board as an advisory body. Farm Bureau members consider this section of law to be outdated and unnecessary.

It’s important to understand that county fair boards are appointed by the elected county commissioners. The individual county fair boards serve an important role in educating and promoting production agriculture in their communities. Maintaining fair boards with their full power and responsibilities supports the continued growth of Idaho’s agricultural economy and preserves agricultural heritage throughout the state.

Some elected officials expressed concern that fair board members are not elected positions. Fair board positions are largely filled by volunteers who are hardworking and passionate individuals dedicated to the mission of their county fairs. If there are issues with fair board members, the elected county commissioners can address those issues by appointing new individuals to that board.

County Farm Bureaus are very involved in their local county fairs, supporting 4-H and FFA exhibitors and promoting production agriculture and its contributions to the state. Idaho Farm Bureau policy #126 supports county fairs and the proposal outlined within this legislation. IFBF supports H106.

Domestic Well Bill Introduced

The Senate Natural Resources Committee introduced a bill that will reform the state’s domestic use exemption and the use of water in subdivisions. S1083 is one of IFBF’s top legislative priorities this year, and we appreciate the committee introducing the bill for further consideration.

S1083 does four specific things:

1. Allows multiple exempt domestic uses to be combined into a single well. This would only apply to in-home water use.
2. Provides that, in subdivisions within an area that has been designated as a Ground Water Management Area, Critical Ground Water Area, or Moratorium Area, the domestic use exemption will only apply to in-home or livestock watering purposes. All other uses, including irrigation, will require an Application for Permit issued through the state.
3. Provides a streamlined process for ensuring compliance with the domestic use exemption requirements.
4. Requires that community wells within municipal service areas or areas of impact be compatible with municipal system and that surface water be used for irrigation when available.

Many folks ask if S1083 will impact existing domestic wells. The new limitations will only apply to those newly developed domestic wells in subdivisions after the enactment of this legislation. However, the new process that establishes a streamlined mechanism for enforcing compliance with the domestic use exemption will apply to all exempt domestic uses.

Others might ask if S1083 will limit the use of all exempt domestic wells. The answer is no. This legislation only limits the use of future exempt domestic wells within areas designated as Ground Water Management Areas, Critical Ground Water Areas, or Moratorium Areas. In those areas, the domestic use exemption only applies to in-home and livestock uses within subdivisions.  Irrigation or other uses will require a water right.

S1083 is an important bill for the legislature to pass. The use of water for exempt domestic purposes is not insignificant. Since 2004, over 57,000 new exempt domestic wells were drilled – authorizing over 27,500 acres of irrigation. Like ag and municipal water users, all uses contributing to water supply challenges should be engaged in finding solutions.

IFBF Policy #28 supports reforming Idaho’s domestic use exemption. IFBF supports S1083.

Tax Relief Bills Advance

This week two tax relief bills advanced. H40, which would reduce both corporate and individual income tax rates from 5.695% to 5.3% was previously approved on the House floor with a 63-7 vote. H40 was heard this week in the Senate Local Government and Taxation committee chaired by Sen Doug Ricks (R-Rexburg). After robust discussion, it was approved by the committee and will now be considered by the full Senate. Once approved by the Senate, it will be forwarded to Governor Little for his signature.

H231 would increase the Idaho grocery tax credit from $120 per resident to $155 per resident. It would also provide an option for those who spend more on groceries than the sales tax credit provides. H231 would allow anyone to submit their grocery receipts for the year and claim their actual sales tax spent on groceries up to a maximum of $250 per person. H231 was approved unanimously in the House Revenue and Taxation Committee and will now be considered on the House floor. 

AFBF policy #439.2.2 states: “We support reductions in all tax rates.”  IFBF supports both H40 and H231.

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Resources Available to Follow During Session:

Legislative Website Homepage: HERE

2025 Legislative Session Bill Center: HERE

List of Senate Committee Assignments: HERE

List of House Committee Assignments: HERE

Current Senate Committee Agendas: HERE

Current House Committee Agendas: HERE

Watch Committee Meetings and Floor Sessions Live: HERE

Governor’s Bill Action and Legislative Communications: HERE