ICL Legislative Update: From Slow Start to Full Swing

The first week of the legislative session typically begins at a slow pace, as committees adopt rules, introduce new pages, and welcome new members. That calm, however, is short-lived as committees quickly pivot to bill introductions, and the session is now in full swing. With only 14 days remaining to introduce bills in germane committees, the clock is officially ticking. While this deadline is not absolute, it does set clear expectations for the pace of the session.

Despite the slow start, a great deal has already happened. Lawmakers introduced a proposed amendment to the Idaho Constitution addressing public lands management, along with memorials related to depredation claims, mining support, and limiting the number of bills introduced per session. Bills impacting wildfire suppression and road safety have also emerged and are among those ICL is closely following.

Between committee hearings, the ICL Government Affairs team continues to meet with legislators, partner organizations, state agencies, and other stakeholders. These relationships are essential to our work. ICL relies on its partners to strategize future steps, align shared goals, and ensure our advocacy reflects well-informed perspectives while maximizing our collective effectiveness.

Public Lands

One of the most significant developments last week was the introduction of Senate Joint Resolution 102 by Senator Ben Adams (R-Nampa.) The resolution proposes a constitutional amendment intended to ensure that public lands remain in public ownership. ICL appreciates Senator Adams for elevating this issue and bringing the protection of Idaho’s treasured public lands into the conversation early in the session.

While the intent behind the resolution is encouraging, its scope is limited. The proposed amendment would apply only to lands Idaho may acquire from the federal government after July 1, 2026, and would not extend additional constitutional protections to the state’s existing endowment lands. Questions also remain regarding the long-term management capacity and funding required to responsibly steward any newly acquired lands.

ICL is reviewing this resolution closely, located on the Bill Tracker, as we conduct due diligence and assess its potential implications. We are grateful for Senator Adams’ leadership and remain cautiously optimistic that this proposal represents a constructive step forward in conversations about public land protections.

Pesticides

ICL continues to work with partners across the country to stay informed about legislative efforts related to pesticides. In Kansas, a committee heard pesticide-related legislation last week but announced it would need additional time to work on the bill; a follow-up hearing is expected as soon as next Tuesday. In Tennessee, a similar bill stalled last year after passing the Senate, and farmers are already pushing back against the possibility of a renewed effort. Although there has been renewed activity aimed at advancing legislation that would protect manufacturers, that effort has faced criticism and stalled after the bill at hand was pulled from the committee calendar.

 At the federal level, the U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear a case involving Bayer that will determine whether individuals harmed by pesticides can bring failure-to-warn claims under state law. The Court’s decision could have significant implications for states across the country. ICL is following this case closely and remains vigilant at the state level. We are monitoring potential openings for pesticide preemption and liability shield in Congress as murmurs of Farm Bill negotiations crop up; House Agriculture Committee Chair G.T. Thompson remains committed to include preemption/liability shield language in another federal legislative package, according to national reporting.

 While no pesticide legislation has surfaced in Idaho yet, we continue to ask questions and stay engaged with lawmakers to ensure we are prepared should proposals emerge.

Memorials

Several memorials were introduced at the Statehouse last week on a range of topics. Memorials are resolutions that urge the federal government to take action, but they do not carry the force of law. Even so, their language and intent can be meaningful, particularly in how they are later cited or interpreted. ICL is reviewing these memorials closely and will include them on our Bill Tracker as more information becomes available.

House Joint Memorial 009 relates to the Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA.) At first glance, it appears to reinforce FLPMA, which aligns with principles ICL has historically supported. However, questions remain about how this memorial may interact with recent court decisions, including a Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruling involving the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes. We are taking time to fully understand these potential implications before drawing conclusions.

Additional memorials address depredation and mining. Senate Joint Memorial 106 raises questions about how grazing permits are managed in response to depredation claims, while Senate Joint Memorial 107 expresses support for the DeLamar mining project in Owyhee County. Both warrant careful review to understand their broader context and potential impacts. As we continue our due diligence, these memorials will be added to the Bill Tracker so members can follow their progress and learn alongside us.

Solar

We are hearing early discussions around plug-in solar, which typically involves small-scale solar-powered systems that connect directly to standard electrical outlets. While no legislation has been introduced in Idaho yet, Utah became the first state to authorize plug-in solar last year and similar proposals may surface this session. Much of the conversation remains behind the scenes, but ICL is tracking developments closely and will review any proposals carefully before sharing updates through the Bill Tracker.

Wildfires in the WUI

Fire management in the wildland-urban interface (WUI) has become an increasingly pressing issue as more Idahoans build homes outside urban areas. House Bill 511, sponsored by the Idaho Department of Lands, proposes increasing the structure surcharge levied on improved private forest land parcels in the WUI by raising the cap from $40 to $100. The structure surcharge was last increased in 2009. While the bill does not specify how much will ultimately be charged, it opens the door to higher assessments.

ICL supports this proposal as a step in the right direction and would like to see continued discussion about sustainable funding and responsibility for fire management in these high-risk areas.

JFAC attending committee meetings

Chairs of the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee (JFAC) have been attending meetings of various chamber committees, framing their presence as an effort to promote collaboration. However, some committee members have expressed concern that these visits come across as possibly dismissive of committee expertise, creating the perception that JFAC holds greater authority over subject matter areas traditionally handled by policy committees.

Bill Tracker up and running

With legislation now being introduced, ICL’s Bill Tracker is fully up and running. This tool serves as a one-stop resource for members to stay informed about legislative activity related to conservation issues. Members can track bills, review ICL’s analysis, and see where we support, oppose, or remain neutral as proposals move through the legislative process.

Alex’s Analysis:

Last week moved faster than I expected. We began to see the pace people were setting and the early moves taking shape. That quick shift naturally brought some uncertainty, but it also made clear that the session is officially up and running, with real opportunities to engage early and often on behalf of the values Idahoans care about.

One of the most reassuring aspects of that fast start has been seeing firsthand how much collaboration is already happening. I have been encouraged not only by the teamwork within ICL, but also by the willingness of other organizations, legislators, and agencies to work together and engage in thoughtful conversations. In a fast moving session, that kind of collaboration matters. It strengthens our ability to respond as issues emerge and serves as a reminder that advocacy is never a solo effort. Seeing so many people genuinely invested in conservation and other meaningful work leaves me optimistic as we prepare for the challenges ahead.

Listen of the Week

David Byrne and The Talking Heads perform “The Road to Nowhere.” David Byrne is an activist and a bike commuter around New York City. And we definitely are on the Road to Nowhere right now. The road through the legislative session looks like a typical Idaho desert road that stretches on forever. The video portrays how it sometimes feels when Alex and I scurry around the Statehouse!