Capitol Reflections: 2025 Session, Issue 9

By: Idaho Farm Bureau Governmental Affairs

“Experience teaches us to be most on our guard to protect liberty when the government’s purposes are beneficent.” -US Supreme Court Justice Louis D. Brandeis

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.

Tax Cut Bills Advance

This week several tax cut bills made progress. H40 would reduce Idaho income tax rates, for both individuals and businesses, from the current 5.695% to 5.3% of taxable income beginning retroactively on January 1, 2025. It also expands Idaho’s income tax exemption on U.S. military pension income to include veterans under age 62 who are employed and earn sufficient income to owe federal income taxes. And finally, it removes capital gains and losses for gold and silver bullion and coins from the calculation of state income taxes.

H40 is sponsored by Speaker Mike Moyle (R-Star), Rep David M. Cannon (R-Blackfoot), Rep Jason Monks (R-Meridian), and Representative Josh Tanner (R-Eagle). H40 already passed the House on February 3 with a vote of 63-7. This week the Senate passed H40 on a vote of 27-8. H40 has now been sent to Governor Little for his signature. AFBF policy #439 supports the reduction of tax rates. IFBF supports H40.

H231 would increase the grocery tax credit for Idaho residents from $120 per person ($140 for those age 65 and over) to $155 per person. The grocery tax credit is a refundable credit. H231 gives Idaho income tax filers the option to take the $155 tax credit per person, or to receive a full refund of all taxes paid on groceries up to $250 per person by itemizing their grocery expenses on their annual income tax returns, with supporting documentation. 

H231 is sponsored by Rep Jason Monks (R-Meridian), Rep Heather Scott (R-Blanchard), Sen Tammy Nichols (R-Middleton) and Sen Kelly Anthon (R-Rupert). H231 passed the House on February 14 by a vote of 61-6. This week H231 was approved on the Senate floor by a vote of 30-3. H231 is now awaiting the signature of Governor Little.

H304 provides an additional $100 million of annual property tax relief to Idahoans starting in 2025. $50 million of annual property tax relief will be provided through the School Facilities Fund and will reduce the amount taxpayers pay on voter approved school bonds or levies. Another $50 million in annual property tax relief will be provided through the Homeowner Property Tax Relief account which reduces property taxes paid on owner-occupied residential property.

H304 is sponsored by Rep Jason A. Monks (R-Meridian), Speaker Mike Moyle (R-Star), Senator Scott Grow (R-Eagle) and Senator Doug Ricks (R-Rexburg). This week the House approved H304 by a vote of 68-2. H304 will now move to the Senate Local Government and Taxation committee for consideration.  IFBF policy #95 supports reducing the property tax burden to fund public schools and local government. IFBF supports H304.

Wildlife Bills Soar Through Committees

This week, S1012 and S1013 unanimously passed the House Resources and Conservation Committee and now head to the House floor. These bills address the creation of the Depredating Wildlife Appeals Board and require instruction on trespass laws in hunter and trapper education courses, respectively.

Additionally, H82, which would allow "possible" depredation claims to be paid out after "confirmed" and "probable" claims, also passed the Senate Resources and Environment Committee. HJM4, a joint memorial urging the Trump Administration and Congress to delist grizzly bears and conduct a comprehensive review of the Endangered Species Act, also cleared the Senate committee this week.

This memorial comes at a critical time. At the eleventh hour of the Biden Administration, a new rule was proposed that would make the lower forty-eight states one whole ecosystem, rather than maintaining separate populations like those in Yellowstone and the Bitterroot. No matter the pros and cons of the approach, it still moves the goal posts of delisting. Public comments on this proposal are open until March 17, but public meetings were canceled after President Trump’s inauguration to allow the new administration time to review the rule. This week, IFBF submitted a letter requesting an extension on the comment period to ensure public meetings are held and the new administration has time to review the scientific basis for the rule.

So, what’s next with these four pieces of legislation? At this stage in the session, bills are often given priority in the chamber where they were introduced, meaning Senate bills move first in the Senate, and House bills move first in the House. It may take time before these are heard on the floor, but IFBF will continue to monitor their progress.

Water Funding Bill Advances

This week, the Senate voted on S1128 regarding water infrastructure funding. The bill passed with 24 in favor,10 against, and 1 person absent. The bill now moves to the House Resources Committee to be considered.

As a reminder, S1128 seeks to enhance Idaho’s water infrastructure through a $30 million annual state investment. The funds would be managed by the Idaho Water Resource Board’s Water Management Account and allocated to projects such as aquifer recharge, groundwater management, water storage upgrades, supply improvements, and emergency repairs. A key provision limits any single water board district to receiving more than 50% of the funds unless no other districts apply, ensuring fair distribution. The bill aligns with Governor Brad Little’s budget priorities, emphasizing water’s critical role in Idaho’s economy, agriculture, and long-term sustainability.

IFBF policies #23, 25, 26, and 27, support state investment of water infrastructure, storage, delivery, and enhancement systems. We look forward to working with members of the House and building support for S1128.

IFBF supports S1128.

Domestic Well Bill Advances

The Senate passed S1083a this week with a strong vote of 32 in favor to 1 against and 2 people absent. The bill now moves to the House Resources Committee to be considered, with a possible hearing this Thursday.

Idaho is facing serious groundwater declines in areas like the Eastern Snake Plain, the Wood River Valley, Mountain Home, and parts of North Idaho. Efforts to recharge and restore these aquifers have cost the state and water users tens of millions of dollars and led to extensive legal battles. Reforms to the state’s domestic exemption are prudent and warranted.

As a reminder, S1083a proposes four key changes:

1. Fairness in Administration – The bill specifies that new subdivisions in areas of the state designated as Ground Water Management Areas, Critical Ground Water Areas, or Moratorium Areas, the domestic use exemption will only apply to in-home and livestock uses. In these areas, any irrigation or other uses would require an Application for Permit through IDWR, including possible mitigation, and will be subject to administration. Outside of these areas, the domestic use exemption will remain as it is currently authorized.
2. Protecting Water Quality – The legislation allows for shared domestic wells amongst multiple users for their in-home use to reduce contamination risks to Idaho’s aquifers. Historically, separate wells were required for each use.
3. Strengthening Enforcement – S1083a implements a streamlined process to ensure compliance with the domestic water use laws.
4. Clarifying Local Government Authority – The bill ensures existing water rights remain with the land to address any irrigation needs. S1083a also allows water supply information to be considered in development planning.

S1083a is an important bill for the legislature to pass. IFBF Policy #28 supports reforming Idaho’s domestic use exemption. IFBF supports S1083a.

IFBF Legislative Intern – Kayla Myers

I have been working with the member relations team at the Idaho Farm Bureau Federation for about a year now, and throughout my time, I've been given many great learning opportunities. Admittedly, before my role and the legislative internship I participated in this week, I did not know much about our State legislature and the legislative process. However, having the chance to not only learn about Idaho’s government but also become immersed in it was a great learning experience that offers an inside perspective.

This past week, I spent time observing Russ Hendricks, Braden Jensen & Dexton Lake in action. I was able to see their dedication to advocating for the policies that the Idaho Farm Bureau is passionate about. One of the most impactful parts of my experience was seeing a bill move through the state procedure- thanks to our governmental affairs team after beginning at the County Farm Bureau level. Getting firsthand experience watching this helped me fully realize just how impactful our work is. 

Throughout the week, I had the opportunity to sit in on meetings with legislators, watch a bill's progress, and learn more about the specific policies the Farm Bureau is supporting. I also attended the Food Producers meeting, observed multiple committee meetings, and watched the Senate and House floors in action. These experiences gave me a deeper understanding of how our legislative system works and how policy is shaped.

One thing that really stood out to me was how respected and recognized our governmental affairs team is, as well as the strong reputation of the Farm Bureau itself. It was clear that our organization is a powerful voice for agriculture in the state, and seeing this firsthand further solidified my belief in the importance of what we do.

IFBF Legislative Intern – James Gallacci

My name is James Gallacci, and I am the District 4 Regional Manager for Southwest Idaho. This week I’ve had the unique experience of doing the Idaho Farm Bureau Legislative Internship with the Government Affairs team. It was made very clear to me that Russ, Braden and Dexton, along with essential legislative partners, are doing everything they can to advocate for Idaho agriculture.

As someone who grew up in agriculture, I didn’t really know what the policy development would look like. Being a part of Idaho Farm Bureau for the past few years has really pulled the curtain back and shines the spotlight on you as members and producers. It’s no surprise that agriculture is the backbone of Idaho’s economy, and everything I heard and saw this week was done to ensure that ag remains a key part of Idaho’s identity. It was great to witness policy that was introduced in the House of Delegates make its way to the legislature and truly advocate for agriculture, which is really something because the policy initially comes from the counties and people on the ground.

I had to ask the members of the government affairs team, “what is the most rewarding aspect of your job?” The answer was pretty consistent of building the relationships with the members and the legislators to know how they can empower agriculture. So, whether you have a really good relationship with Russ, Braden or Dexton, or you just know who they are and what they do, they are rooting for you no matter who you are. I would strongly urge anyone who has the desire to learn more about the policy development we at Farm Bureau do, to sign up for the Legislative Internship and see what goes on behind those big Capitol doors.

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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