ICL Legislative Update: From Ratatouille to the Rotunda, the Frenzy at the Statehouse

The Idaho legislative website includes a calendar of key session deadlines designed to keep the process moving. Today—February 16—is the bill introduction deadline. As expected, lawmakers sprinted to beat the clock. Committees were flooded last week; one introduced 23 bills in a single day. It felt a bit like Ratatouille (see Listen of the Week section below!)—a frantic kitchen, dishes flying out at breakneck speed…except instead of French cuisine, it’s policy proposals piling up on the menu. Efficient—or excessive? Keeping up is a full-time job. New bills appear daily, each requiring careful review and analysis.

Now consider this: Senate Concurrent Resolution 114 (SCR 114) proposes capping bill introductions at 25 per legislator. That may sound generous—until you realize some lawmakers have introduced as many as 90 bills in a single session. A reasonable limit would ease the burden on Legislative Services, part-time legislators, staff, and the many organizations tracking legislation at the Capitol. Fewer bills. More focus. Better outcomes. Now let’s dive into the bills we’re tracking.

Hiking at Black Butte Crater.

Public Lands

On the surface, not much appeared to change on public lands last week. Of course, that often means the real movement is happening behind the scenes. We have been tracking conversations as closely as possible, but with the bill introduction deadline approaching, many of those discussions are still unfolding out of public view.

As proposals are finalized and formally introduced, we expect greater clarity about where things stand and where they are headed. We are watching closely and look forward to sharing more substantive insight on public lands in next week’s newsletter.

Pesticides 

Last week brought some welcome news out of Wyoming: a pesticide labeling uniformity bill that raised alarms for public health failed to advance out of committee at introduction due to a lack of votes. Given Wyoming’s proximity—and policy—parallels to Idaho’s, this one felt especially meaningful. A close-to-home reminder that organized opposition works.

Four states still have active pesticide legislation moving through their processes, but momentum slowed considerably last week. That pause matters. When these policies fail elsewhere, they’re less likely to gain traction here. When they succeed, they tend to travel.

If you’re ready to push back on pesticide expansion and corporate immunity, now is the time. Contact your legislator and make your voice heard.

A wolf howls in wild Idaho. Ed Cannady photo.

Wildlife

Wildlife continues to be one of the most active and wide-ranging topics this session. From aerial hunting and depredation claims, to wildlife crossings, to proposals impacting wolf management and game violation penalties, the Legislature has taken up a broad array of issues that shape how Idaho manages and interacts with wildlife. We have even seen an effort to designate hunting as the official state sport!

What makes this moment significant is not just the volume of proposals, but their scope. These conversations touch everything from predator management to public process, from agricultural impacts to roadway safety. Wildlife policy rarely lives in a single lane, and this session has made that especially clear. Each proposal carries implications not only for species and habitats, but also for communities, landowners, hunters, and drivers across the state.

We expect wildlife to remain front and center in the days ahead, including a vote on the House floor regarding wildlife crossings. Stay tuned. With so many moving pieces, this is an area where momentum can shift quickly, and we anticipate having much more to share in next week’s newsletter.

Key Players

Last week we sat down with Speaker of the House Mike Moyle (R - Star) to discuss a variety of topics. The first discussion point was public lands because of its importance to Idaho’s heritage and way of life. In June of 2025, Speaker Moyle signed a letter with 42 Idaho state republican legislators in response to Mike Lee’s proposal to sell off several million acres of public land in western states. Now that two Constitutional Amendments have been introduced in the legislature, they are suddenly faced with the levity of the issue and what is best for Idahoans. What we learned is the Speaker supports protecting these lands and neither amendment may be the best answer. 

Something I have learned over the years at the legislature is they have no interest in sweeping changes. Rather, an incremental adjustment with a “let’s see how this works before we do anything more” sentiment prevails. Our precious public lands are an ongoing issue and we are not close to its resolution. We will continue to update you as we learn more.

We enjoyed our lively discussion with Speaker Moyle, who was gregarious, friendly, and entertained with his Grateful Dead ties and huge bowls of peanut M&Ms in his office.

Governor Little’s Policy Director Kristin Sleeper recently traded the dysfunction of Washington, D.C. for the western quality of life in Boise. A native Michigander, she came west for something simpler and sturdier: a safe community and room for her young son to grow up grounded, not gridlocked.

You can hear it in her voice—an unmistakable appreciation for Idaho’s landscapes. Her son is completely amazed at the mountains so close to town. Since moving, he’s learned to ride a bike, taken to fishing on the Boise River, and spends evenings walking the dog through open space with his mom. The mountains aren’t a backdrop; they’re becoming home.

Kristin spoke like someone who deeply understands the value of Idaho’s public lands. She believes that neither proposed constitutional amendment is the right solution. Better to step back, convene a working group, and get this right because of its importance. We agree that amending the constitution demands collaboration, deliberation, and broad buy-in.

Unfortunately, while we move carefully, others may not. There is real appetite among some lawmakers to privatize these lands. The question isn’t whether we should be thoughtful—we must be. The question is whether a land grab could outpace a thoughtful process.

Data Centers 

ICL was encouraged to see HB 609 introduced to address the rapid rise of data centers. These facilities are multiplying quickly—driven by AI’s relentless demand for server capacity—and they consume enormous amounts of electricity and water.

HB 609 revisits a 2020 law that granted tax exemptions to data center projects exceeding $250 million in construction costs and creating at least 30 permanent jobs for at least two years post construction. This bill tightens that framework and begins to address water use—an essential step, though we believe the water provisions should be stronger.

In short: HB 609 improves the status quo. But with the scale of energy and water demands we’re seeing, incremental change isn’t enough. Take action today—urge your legislator to support HB 609 to help protect Idaho families and small businesses while ensuring responsible growth!

Alex’s Analysis

Public lands are not the only part of conservation work that matters, but for many Idahoans, they hold a special place. These landscapes are not abstractions. They are the backdrop to many of our favorite memories, shaping how we understand this state and our connection to it. That is part of what makes this session feel unique. With so much of the legislative focus centered on public lands amendments, the conversation feels immediate and personal. These are not distant policy debates; they touch something foundational in Idaho’s identity. I feel fortunate to be doing this work with the ICL at a moment when these discussions are unfolding in real time.

The session itself has been dynamic. Momentum builds, shifts, and builds again. Conversations spill from committee rooms into hallways, into emails, into quick strategy meetings. I am beginning to find my rhythm within it all, and to feel the rhythm of the session itself. Cynthia and I have settled into a strong partnership, dividing and conquering as issues surface and tracking legislation carefully so we can mobilize when needed. It is fast-paced, demanding, and energizing, and we are fully engaged in the work ahead.

Listen of the Week

Committee discussions about rats continue to develop in several committee hearings with bill introductions to handle, aka eradicate, these pests. This week, we wanted to honor a famous rat who is more loved than feared—Ratatouille! We hope you enjoy this excerpt from the famous movie about the beloved rat who loves to cook up delicious french meals and outsmart the enemy. And remember…. Anyone Can Cook!