SB 1300: Politicizing Wildlife and Parks (2026)

Summary: Provides for Senate advice and consent and gubernatorial appointment for the directors of Idaho Department of Transportation, Parks and Recreation, and Fish and Game agencies. 

ICL’s Position: Oppose

Current Bill Status: Committee - Senate State Affairs

Issue Areas: Wildlife, Public Lands, Transportation

Senate Bill 1300, introduced by Senator Doug Okuniewicz (R-Hayden), would remove the authority from the independent Idaho Department of Fish & Game (IDFG) Commission, the Idaho Park & Recreation Board, and the Idaho Transportation Department to hire their respective directors. Instead, the Governor would appoint these positions.

In 1938, 76% of Idaho voters approved the establishment of professional wildlife management through IDFG in response to the harms caused by political influence over fish and game decisions. Since then, the agency has been guided by a seven-member commission with representation from each region of the state.

It was the right decision in 1938 to insulate wildlife management from politics, and it remains the right decision today. Even now, political pressure surfaces in debates over fish and game budgets, management of game farms, and changes to hunting seasons, bag limits, and access. Expanding political influence over the commission would threaten its integrity and undermine the original intent of creating an independent, balanced body to protect and preserve the fish and wildlife that belong to all Idahoans.

Although not created by citizen initiative, the Idaho Department of Parks & Recreation and the Idaho Transportation Department have likewise operated for years under the leadership of their respective boards. Consolidating control over those independent boards would similarly inject unnecessary politics into decisions about parks and roads.