Capitol Reflections: 2025 Session, Issue 8

By: Idaho Farm Bureau Governmental Affairs

“I've spoken of the shining city all my political life, but I don't know if I ever quite communicated what I saw when I said it. In my mind it was a tall, proud city built on rocks stronger than oceans, windswept, God-blessed, and teeming with people of all kinds living in harmony and peace; a city with free ports that hummed with commerce and creativity. And if there had to be city walls, the walls had doors and the doors were open to anyone with the will and the heart to get here. That's how I saw it, and see it still.” -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 video will help when you want a quick synopsis or to learn about the issues on the go.

Saving Needless Court Costs

In both Idaho courts and federal courts, judges continue to rule that the federal government gets special privileges. It is not fair, but repeated cases have determined that the federal government is not responsible to build or maintain fences surrounding the property they manage. Since this is not in Idaho code, every so often there is a dispute that goes to court on this subject. Every time in the past, the landowner that is adjacent to the federally managed land has been defeated when they assert that the federal government, or federal permittees are responsible to build or maintain a fence.

Therefore, S1053 simply seeks to place in Idaho code what has been case law for decades, if not longer. It will not change how the law operated but will hopefully save both landowners and permittees untold thousands of dollars since they will know what the courts would have ruled anyway. S1053 simply states that any landowner who is adjacent to federally managed land who does not want livestock to enter his property from the federal land, is solely responsible for building and maintaining the fence.

S1053 was approved unanimously in the Senate Agricultural Affairs Committee this week. S1053 will now be considered by the entire senate prior to moving to the House Ag Affairs Committee. Senator Mark Harris (R-Soda Springs) and Rep Judy Boyle (R-Midvale) are the sponsors of S1053. IFBF supports S1053.

Temporary Rules Bill Advances

The legislature has done a good job over the past several years tightening up the administrative rules process and strengthening the legislature’s role in reviewing rules that are developed by state agencies. However, there is still work to be done when it comes to temporary rules.

Temporary rules do not go through the normal negotiated rulemaking process where the regulated community has the opportunity to participate and help craft the rules. Temporary rules are supposed to be used infrequently and primarily in emergency-type situations. However, in the past, there have been several instances of state agencies abusing the system and routinely using temporary rules to defy legislative oversight.

To address these issues, S1076 has been introduced. S1076 would do the following:

Provides Legislative intent language clarifying that temporary rules are to be used only in emergency situations, or in other very limited circumstances.
Requires state agencies to use the negotiated rulemaking process whenever possible.
Clarifies temporary rules for human health or safety emergencies can be implemented only outside of the legislative session, and under specific circumstances.
Provides the ability to implement temporary rules in case of a natural disaster, or to protect the rights of citizens.
Once a temporary rule expires, it prohibits an agency from adopting a substantially similar temporary rule unless 90 days have elapsed since the former temporary rule expired, or when a new situation arises that the temporary rule is addressing.
Clarifies that state courts have jurisdiction when there is a legal dispute involving a temporary rule.

Last week the Senate State Affairs Committee approved S1076 and sent it to be amended with some language that the Governor’s office had requested. The suggested language helps to clarify the allowed circumstances for a temporary rule and ensures they can still be used for situations like the discovery of quagga mussels in the Snake River near Twin Falls.

This week, the Senate successfully amended S1076 and then approved the amended bill on a vote of 35-0. S1076a will now move to the House for consideration by the House State Affairs Committee. S1076a is sponsored by Senator Jim Guthrie (R-McCammon) and Rep Jeff Ehlers (R-Meridian). IFBF supports S1076a.

Funding Idaho’s Water Infrastructure

Water is one of Idaho’s most vital resources, essential for agriculture, industry, and communities across the state. However, water management in Idaho presents unique challenges due to the diverse geography and varying water availability across different regions. To address these challenges, the state follows a structured approach to managing and maintaining its water resources in accordance with state water laws.

This week, the Senate Resources Committee heard S1128, a bill aimed at improving Idaho’s water infrastructure through strategic investment. The bill proposes an additional $30 million in ongoing funding to support water-related projects statewide. This investment is intended to enhance the state’s ability to manage its water resources effectively while ensuring long-term sustainability.

The funding would be directed to the Idaho Water Resource Board’s Water Management Account, which oversees the distribution of resources for eligible projects. These projects include:

Aquifer recharge – Replenishing underground water supplies to ensure long-term water availability.
Groundwater management – Implementing measures to regulate and sustain groundwater levels.
Water storage and conveyance improvements – Upgrading infrastructure such as reservoirs and canal systems.
Water supply and delivery enhancements – Ensuring communities and industries have reliable access to water.
Emergency water infrastructure repairs – Addressing urgent repairs in cases of natural disasters or system failures.

One key provision of S1128 is the requirement that no more than 50% of the funds be allocated to a single water board district unless there are no competing applications from other districts. This ensures equitable distribution of resources across the state.

The investment proposed in S1128 aligns with Governor Brad Little’s ongoing budget request for water projects, recognizing the essential role that water plays in Idaho’s economy and environmental health. Properly maintained and developed water infrastructure supports agricultural productivity, fosters economic growth, and ensures sustainable water access for future generations.

The Idaho Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF) has expressed strong support for S1128, emphasizing the importance of state investment in water infrastructure. IFBF policies #23, 25, 26, and 27, support state investment of water infrastructure, storage, delivery, and enhancement systems. The IFBF’s Water Committee conducts regular assessments of different water basins throughout Idaho to identify critical needs. Many of these projects require further investment, and the additional state funding proposed in S1128 would help move these initiatives forward.

S1128 represents a proactive step toward securing Idaho’s water future by funding essential projects that benefit communities, industries, and the environment. By ensuring that water resources are properly managed and maintained, the state can continue to support economic growth and environmental sustainability. The Idaho Farm Bureau urges state legislators to support this bill, recognizing the critical role that water plays in Idaho’s prosperity.

IFBF supports S1128.

Idaho’s Domestic Water Use Exemption Reform

This week, the Senate Resources Committee considered S1083, the bill that would reform the Idaho domestic water use exemption. For a detailed explanation of what the bill does, please refer to the Issue 6 of Capitol Reflections: link. Many folks testified both in support and in opposition to the bill. Ultimately, the bill was sent to the Senate Floor to be amended to address a few additional concerns from stakeholders.

Farm Bureau maintains its support of S1083a, and thanks the sponsors of the bill for shepherding it along through the amendment process. The amendments represent a sincere desire to find solutions to stakeholder concerns. IFBF was actively involved in the Idaho Water User Association workgroup that helped draft the original bill. The workgroup included representatives of all stakeholders and ensured a transparent and collaborative process. While not all stakeholders support S1083a, it should be understood that good-faith efforts have been made to address every concern.

S1083a represents a proactive step in ensuring Idaho’s water resources remain sustainable while preserving access to the domestic water use exemption. By reforming this exempted use, the state can better manage water supplies in growing communities and protect those with existing water rights.

IFBF Supports S1083a.

Wildlife Bills Update

Farm Bureau supported wildlife bills all passed the Senate floor unanimously and now head to the other side of the rotunda where they will be heard in the House Resources and Conservation Committee. S1011 requires an agriculture producer sit on Wildlife Winter Feeding Committees. S1012 establishes the Idaho Depredation Appeals Board. S1013 requires Fish and Game instruct on trespass laws in hunter and trapper education as well as creates an ‘apprenticeship’ program for people to learn to trap without taking the course. More details on each bill can be found in the Capitol Reflections week 3 article. IFBF appreciates Senator Mark Harris (R-Soda Springs) who was the floor sponsor for S1011 and S1013 and Senator Van Burtenshaw (R-Terreton) who sponsored S1012.

IFBF Legislative Intern – Rhett Kunz

My name is Rhett Kunz. I'm from Weiser, Idaho, and I am currently pursuing a degree in agribusiness at Brigham Young University – Idaho where I am currently a senior. I have hopes of going to law school within the next year as well.

During this legislative internship, I gained valuable insights into the legislative process and learned how Farm Bureau members can effectively influence policy making to better support farmers and ranchers. Having only been involved in Farm Bureau and Young Farmers and Ranchers for less than a year, the opportunity to sit down with representatives and senators to discuss certain policies was incredibly insightful and showed how much Farm Bureau wants to invest in the people involved in the organization. It allowed me to see firsthand how grassroots advocacy can shape agricultural legislation. There was a lot I did not know about the legislative process going into this internship, but Braden Jensen, Dexton Lake, and Russ Hendricks take adequate time to inform on bills we are lobbying for or against as well as the legislative process as a whole while still showing the fast-paced nature of lobbying for Farm Bureau.

I look forward to continuing my involvement in Farm Bureau and Young Farmers and Ranchers and am greatly appreciative of this opportunity.

IFBF Legislative Intern – Doug Barrie

Approximately a decade ago, I found myself in a conversation with Russ and another county president. In this conversation, we promised Russ that we would come to Boise and spend a week with the government affairs team during the legislative session. Well, time has a tendency to slip away quickly, and I am excited to say that I finally have fulfilled the promise.

Here are a few items of focus for the Idaho Farm Bureau Federation this week.

Agriculture Protection Areas: We all know what a hot topic this was last year, but when a new program is implemented, some difficulties can be exposed. The proposed bill on APAs will make it easier and less expensive to operate, clarify buildings in an approved APA, and provide a mechanism that will eventually provide funding for those participating.

Domestic Wells: This is where the excitement really begins. This bill focuses on four main issues: fairness in administration, water quality, enforcement, and clearer guidelines for local governments. I don’t want to spoil it for the guys but be watchful for an action alert.

There are other bills that are moving through the legislature that will impact wildlife depredation, fencing, and agricultural buildings. Refer to the prior Capitol Reflections for more information.

In a conversation with Braden, I asked him what our government affairs team needs. The short answer, they need us. Having members by their side in the Capitol gives credibility to who they represent. They also need us to reach out to our legislators by phone and email. Our efforts alongside our team is what makes the difference.

As I look back, I wish I would have kept my promise to Russ many years ago. I look forward to being involved and working with my legislators, and our team into the future.

IFBF Legislative Intern – Megan Parnell

Hello, my name is Megan Parnell, and I am District 5 Regional Manager for North Idaho. This week, I had the great privilege of participating in the Idaho Farm Bureau legislative internship program. I was able to see firsthand how our Governmental Affairs team works to build and maintain strong relationships with our state legislators and establish legislation from our members’ grassroots policies.

As a regional manager, I have seen the Farm Bureau policy making process. This begins at the county level and ,throughout the year makes its way up to the state level when the House of Delegates meets and votes on our members’ policies. It has been a full circle moment to see how our Governmental Affairs team then takes and implements those policies in the state house. I was able to see how Russ, Braden, and Dexton, work with our state legislators to express Farm Bureau’s stance on agricultural issues and work to create legislation that supports our industry.

This past week, I was able to attend private meetings and committee hearings. I witnessed the art of relationships and finding common ground, which is essential when making progress in creating legislation. This experience as a legislative intern has not only shown me the benefit of getting involved but the power that the voice of agriculture holds. I encourage you to get involved, tell your story, and advocate for your industry. Reach out and build relationships with not only your state legislators but your county officials too. Invite them to your county Farm Bureau meetings and have conversations about the issues that producers in Idaho face. By sharing your voice, building relationships, and working together, Farm Bureau can continue to empower Idaho agriculture.

IFBF Legislative Intern – Matt Dorsey

During my internship with the Idaho Farm Bureau’s Government Affairs team, I quickly realized how much preparation and professionalism go into the legislative process long before I ever set foot in the Capitol. The team is incredibly organized, laying the groundwork for bills to be heard and passed well in advance. Throughout the week, I had the opportunity to attend one-on-one meetings with legislators and sit in on committee hearings, gaining firsthand insight into how policy decisions are shaped. One moment that stood out was watching Travis McAffee testify on industrial hemp. Though he felt unprepared, his lifetime of experience spoke volumes—so much so that a legislator changed their stance because of his perspective. That’s the power of showing up. The Government Affairs team is there to support you every step of the way; they just need volunteers willing to share their real-world experiences. If you're unsure about getting involved, don’t be—your voice matters. Stay informed by following the Capitol Reflections newsletter, which keeps you updated on the fast-moving legislative process.