Week Six of Idaho's 2024 Legislative Session

Boise Metro Chamber President and CEO, Bobbi-Jo Meuleman, and I attended The Idaho Business Policy Summit presented by the Idaho Chamber Alliance. It was a great opportunity to connect with chamber staff, Chamber members, and other stakeholders. We heard from Idaho Legislators and other state leaders including Governor Brad Little and Lt. Governor Scott Bedke.

Dear Readers,
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As we enter the sixth week of the legislative session, the landscape remains dynamic with leadership transitions, budgetary considerations, and the conclusion of non-privileged committee bill introductions. Despite the evolving circumstances, we appreciate the work our legislature does and know there is a collective determination to navigate challenges and focus on the well-being of our state and its economic prosperity.

Education Issues
House Bill 521 addresses the Governor’s budget request to fund school facility maintenance through three avenues; dedicating $125 million in ongoing sales tax revenue for bonding, increasing the sales tax revenue directed to the fund to 3.25% and reducing income taxes from 5.8% to 5.695%.

Healthcare Issues
In our last update we included information on the Medicaid Expansion Repeal legislation. With over 400 opposing testimonies, the bill has been held in committee on an 8-5 vote. We do believe that some aspects of this bill will make an appearance again and we will continue to update.

Other Issues

• House Bill 463 impacts state and nonprofit partnerships; prohibiting state departments from sponsoring non-governmental organizations without receiving permission from the Governor. The chamber believes state agencies play a role in maintaining educational opportunities and community engagement and this legislation would discourage sponsorships and donations to multiple industries, including nonprofit organizations. To learn more, Idaho Nonprofit Center has more information regarding this bill, as well as a template letter to send to your legislators.

Our nonprofit council listens to a legislative update from Kevin Bailey, CEO of Idaho Nonprofit Center and chair of the Nonprofit Council.

• There are multiple bills that would impact unemployment insurance:
  • House Bill 428 would reduce the multiplier that employers pay on unemployment insurance. During the recession, certain language was taken out to ensure the fund was able to rebuild itself. This legislation puts language back in to ensure the unemployment fund stays solvent. This would have a positive impact for the business sector. This bill passed the house and has been sent to the senate.
  • House Bill 480 would modify the maximum duration of unemployment benefits. The Department of Labor expects significant implementation and programming costs. The DOL offered an assessment on the impact of this legislation. Click here to learn more.
  • House Bill 481 increases work search requirements for those utilizing unemployment benefits.  

Call to Action

• Interested in getting involved with your local elections? There are numerous staffing opportunities for the upcoming May election! Click here to learn more!
• Contact your legislators to show your gratitude, concerns, or perspective! https://legislature.idaho.gov/legislators/whosmylegislator/ is a great resource to look at districts and get to know your legislators.
• Show your support for Idaho Launch – post on social media, contact your legislators, or host a topic expert (Idaho Workforce Development Council, Governor’s Office, etc.) to share the details of the program! 

Upcoming Legislative Events
​Join us on Wednesday, February 21st at 8am for our Congressional forum with Representative Russ Fulcher. You can learn more about this event and register here.
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​If you have any questions or legislation you would like the Chamber to considering weighing in on, please contact me, Tori Thomas, [email protected]

Thanks!

Tori Thomas
Community and Government Affairs Manager, Boise Metro Chamber