The Idaho Legislature still has hundreds of bills that hang in the balance and it doesn’t appear that they’ll hit their target adjournment date of March 22. Still, things are ticking along.
A revised Pesticide Manufacturers Immunity Bill is set for a hearing on Tuesday in the House Business Committee, and ICL and partners will be sharing concerns over how the bill would negatively impact public health and justice for Idahoans. Take Action, before it’s too late!
Last week, bills related to elk farms, unconstitutional grazing permits, and a memorial opposing the Bureau of Land Management’s Public Lands Rule all passed out of committee despite ICL’s objections. The Anti-SLAPP suit bill was unfortunately slapped down on the Senate floor, and a Pro-Dam/Anti-Salmon memorial flowed through the Senate with only 5 No votes. Finally, a controversial bill that seeks to penalize and politicize the Ada County Highway District is awaiting a vote in the House after robust testimony in the Transportation Committee unanimously opposed the bill.
On wildlife issues, two parallel wolf and grizzly bear depredation bills are moving forward (ICL supports both), and a new memorial was introduced that would undermine grizzly bear restoration efforts in Idaho (ICL opposes it).
It’s the time of year when things move fast, so if you’re not watching closely, things can slip through the cracks.
New pesticide manufacturers immunity bill on deck
On Feb. 15th, the Idaho Senate rejected SB 1245—a bill from pesticide manufacturers that would grant them immunity from lawsuits. It failed on a vote of 15-19. Ten days later, an almost identical bill, HB 653, was introduced by Rep. Megan Blanksma (R-Hammett) that would again grant sweeping immunity to pesticide manufacturers, even if the preponderance of evidence showed that their products caused cancer, birth defects, Parkinson’s disease, or other debilitating illnesses.
Over the last several years, a number of commonly-used pesticides have come under increased scrutiny associated with the risks of long-term exposure, even if the EPA-approved label is followed. Multinational pesticide companies have paid billions of dollars to settle thousands of claims, and thousands more are still pending. While it doesn’t appear there are any claims in Idaho, this bill would close the door if any were filed.
One of the pesticides is Paraquat, which some have linked to an increased risk of Parkinson’s disease, leading 58 countries to ban its use, including China. What’s ironic about that is that the US Department of Defense identified ChemChina, the Chinese state-owned producer of Paraquat, as a military state actor, and an executive order was issued in 2020 prohibiting American investment in the company. Nonetheless, the Idaho Legislature is poised to reward them and other manufacturers with billion-dollar gifts.
ICL will be opposing the bill, along with public health and farmworker advocates, and other organizations devoted to justice.
Your legislators need to hear from you today—let them know that you don’t want multinational pesticide manufacturers Barring the Courthouse Door!
Three predator-related measures advance
Grizzly bears and wolves were popular topics at the Legislature last week, with three separate measures advancing. First, HB 612 from Rep. Judy Boyle (R-Midvale) would allow existing funds from the Idaho Wolf Depredation Control Board to be used to reimburse ranchers for livestock losses from wolves.
Next, HB 592 from Rep. Jerald Raymond (R-Menan) would establish a new Depredation Fund that authorizes reimbursement for losses from both wolves and grizzly bears, and provides funding to reduce predator conflicts. ICL supports both, however it’s unclear whether the budget setting committee will have the appetite to fill the new fund established by HB 592. Both advanced with strong support from the House, and await review in the Senate Resources Committee.
The third measure is troubling, and is likely to be heard in the House Resources Committee this week. House Joint Memorial 10 would discourage efforts to restore native grizzly bears in Idaho and would virtually guarantee that the bears will continue to be protected under the Endangered Species Act. Based on longstanding recovery plans, it’s crucial that isolated grizzly bear populations be connected to ensure long-term survival of the bears. House Joint Memorial (HJM) 10 from Rep. Boyle would undermine ongoing efforts to restore bears in Central Idaho, where some of the best habitat exists. Idaho has been pleading with USFWS and federal judges to delist the bears, but passage of HJM 10 will all but ensure that the bears stay on the list for the foreseeable future. It doesn’t help Idaho, and sure as shoot doesn’t help the bears.
Controversial ACHD bill awaits House action
Rep. Tanner (R-Eagle) presented HB 637 to the House Transportation Committee last week. The bill would reset the Ada County Highway District Commission, add two more commissioners, prematurely end the terms of existing members, cut their salaries in half, and require partisan elections. It’s a pretty blatant attempt to exert control over, and punish the ACHD Commission. And none of the testimony in committee supported the bill.
What appears to be driving this animosity?
Apparently, some legislators disapprove of ACHD’s commitment to pedestrian and bicyclist safety. The reason it’s an ACHD priority is because pedestrian and cyclist deaths in Idaho doubled between 2022-2023. HB 637 follows a law passed last year, sponsored by Rep. Megan Blanksma (R-Hammett) that limited certain federal funds to projects designed “primarily” for motor vehicles, reducing funding for pedestrian and bike safety.
The Ada County Highway District covers a big chunk of Idaho’s most popular roadways, and includes Boise, Meridian, Eagle, Kuna, Star, and Garden City. Garden City Mayor John Evans, and several Treasure Valley Mayors signed a letter opposing HB 637 and expressing disappointment they weren’t consulted.
In the end, three Republicans (Reps. Yamamoto, Petzke, and Lanting) joined Democrats on the Committee to oppose the bill, which nonetheless advanced to the floor with a “Do Pass” recommendation. 
Tie of the week!
This week’s TOTW is dedicated to everyone who is anxiously watching the Idaho Legislature. From wildlife lovers to school principals, librarians to bar owners, big city Mayors to rural ranchers, there’s a lot on the line and there’s a lot up in the air. So, if you’re feeling a little nervous, know you’re not alone. And this tie’s for you!
Until next week…Esto Perpetua,
Jonathan