Idaho State Legislature
| Idaho State Legislature | |
 | |
| General information | |
| Type: | State legislature |
| Term limits: | None |
| Session start: | January 8, 2024 |
| Website: | Official Legislature Page |
| Leadership | |
| Senate President: | Chuck Winder (R) |
| House Speaker: | Mike Moyle (R) |
| Majority Leader: | Senate: Kelly Anthon (R) House: Megan C. Blanksma (R) |
| Minority Leader: | Senate: Melissa Wintrow (D) House: Ilana Rubel (D) |
| Structure | |
| Members: | 35 (Senate), 70 (House) |
| Length of term: | 2 years (Senate), 2 years (House) |
| Authority: | Art IV, Idaho Constitution |
| Salary: | $19,913/year + per diem |
| Elections | |
| Last election: | November 8, 2022 |
| Next election: | November 5, 2024 |
| Redistricting: | Idaho Redistricting Commission has control |
The Idaho State Legislature is the state legislature of Idaho. It consists of the upper Idaho State Senate and the lower Idaho House of Representatives. The Idaho Senate contains 35 Senators, who are elected from 35 districts. The Idaho House of Representatives consists of 70 Representatives, who are elected from the same 35 districts, with two being elected from each constituency.
The Idaho State Capitol, where the legislature meets, is based in Boise.
Idaho has a Republican trifecta. The Republican Party controls the office of governor and both chambers of the state legislature.
Elections
2024
Elections for the Idaho State Senate will take place in 2024. The general election is on November 5, 2024. A primary is May 21, 2024. The filing deadline is March 15, 2024.
Elections for the Idaho House of Representatives will take place in 2024. The general election is on November 5, 2024. A primary is May 21, 2024. The filing deadline is March 15, 2024.
2022
Elections for the Idaho State Senate took place in 2022. The general election was on November 8, 2022. A primary was scheduled for May 17, 2022. The filing deadline was March 11, 2022.
Elections for the Idaho House of Representatives took place in 2022. The general election was on November 8, 2022. A primary was scheduled for May 17, 2022. The filing deadline was March 11, 2022.
2020
Elections for the office of Idaho State Senate took place in 2020. The general election was held on November 3, 2020. A primary was scheduled for June 2, 2020. The filing deadline was March 13, 2020.
On March 30, 2020, Governor Brad Little (R) and Secretary of State Lawerence Denney (R) announced that Idaho's primary election would be conducted by mail. On March 24, 2020, the secretary of state announced the implementation of online absentee ballot application process, which can be accessed here. The primary date effectively changed from May 19, 2020, to June 2, 2020—the day on which ballots were due.[1]
Elections for the office of Idaho House of Representatives took place in 2020. The general election was held on November 3, 2020. A primary was scheduled for June 2, 2020. The filing deadline was March 13, 2020.
On March 30, 2020, Governor Brad Little (R) and Secretary of State Lawerence Denney (R) announced that Idaho's primary election would be conducted by mail. On March 24, 2020, the secretary of state announced the implementation of online absentee ballot application process, which can be accessed here. The primary date effectively changed from May 19, 2020, to June 2, 2020—the day on which ballots were due.[2]
2018
Elections for the Idaho State Senate took place in 2018. A semi-closed primary election took place on May 15, 2018. The general election was held on November 6, 2018. The candidate filing deadline was March 9, 2018.[3]
Elections for the Idaho House of Representatives took place in 2018. A semi-closed primary election took place on May 15, 2018. The general election was held on November 6, 2018. The candidate filing deadline was March 9, 2018.[4]
2016
Elections for the Idaho State Senate were held in 2016. The primary election took place on May 17, 2016, and the general election was held on November 8, 2016. The candidate filing deadline was March 11, 2016.
Elections for the Idaho House of Representatives were held in 2016. The primary election took place on May 17, 2016, and the general election was held on November 8, 2016. The candidate filing deadline was March 11, 2016.
2014
Elections for the Idaho State Senate took place in 2014. A primary election took place on May 20, 2014. The general election was held on November 4, 2014. The signature filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in this election was March 14, 2014.
Elections for the Idaho House of Representatives took place in 2014. A primary election took place on May 20, 2014. The general election was held on November 4, 2014. The signature filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in this election was March 14, 2014.
2012
Elections for the office of Idaho State Senate took place in 2012. The primary election was held on May 15, 2012, and the general election was held on November 6, 2012. The candidate filing deadline was March 9, 2012.
Elections for the office of Idaho House of Representatives took place in 2012. The primary election was held on May 15, 2012, and the general election was held on November 6, 2012. The candidate filing deadline was March 9, 2012.
2010
Elections for the office of Idaho State Senate took place in 2010. The primary election was held on May 25, 2010, and the general election was held on November 2, 2010. The candidate filing deadline was March 19, 2010.
Elections for the office of Idaho House of Representatives took place in 2010. The primary election was held on May 25, 2010, and the general election was held on November 2, 2010. The candidate filing deadline was March 19, 2010.
Sessions
Article III of the Idaho Constitution establishes when the Legislature is to be in session; section 8 of Article III allows the Legislature to change the starting date by law. According to 67-404 Idaho Code, the Idaho Legislature convenes annually at 12:00 noon on the Monday closest to the 9th of January. Section 8 also states that the Governor of Idaho can convene special sessions of the Legislature at any time.[5][6]
The Idaho Legislature normally convenes at the Idaho State Capitol in downtown Boise.
2024
- See also: 2024 Idaho legislative session and Dates of 2024 state legislative sessions
In 2024, the legislature is scheduled to convene on January 8, 2024, and adjourn on March 29, 2024.
2023
In 2023, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 9, 2023, and adjourn on April 6, 2023.
| Click [show] for past years' session dates. | |||
|---|---|---|---|
2022In 2022, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 10, 2022, and adjourn on March 31, 2022. 2021In 2021, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 11, 2021, and adjourn on November 17, 2021. 2020In 2020, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 6, 2020, and adjourn on March 20, 2020.
Several state legislatures had their sessions impacted as a result of the 2020 coronavirus pandemic. The Idaho State Legislature convened a special session on August 24, 2020. The special session adjourned on August 26, 2020. 2019In 2019, the legislature was in session from January 7, 2019, through April 11, 2019. 2018In 2018, the legislature was in session from January 8, 2018, through March 28, 2018. To read about notable events and legislation from this session, click here. 2017
In 2017, the legislature was in session from January 9, 2017, through March 29, 2017. 2016
In 2016, the legislature was in session from January 11 through March 25. 2015
In 2015, the legislature was in session from January 12 through April 11. The legislature had a one-day special session on May 18 about child support enforcement. Major issues in 2015Major issues during the 2015 legislative session included increased education funding, infrastructure improvements, tax reductions, government transparency, and additions to the state's Human Rights Act.[7] 2014
In 2014, the legislature was in session from January 6 through March 21. Major issues in 2014Major issues during the 2014 legislative session included $350 million worth of educational improvements, the state-based health insurance exchange passed in 2013 and prison reforms.[8] 2013
In 2013, the legislature was in session from January 7 to April 4. Major issues in 2013Major issues during the 2013 legislative session included the creation of a state-controlled health exchange, school reform, business tax breaks, and ethics rules.[9] 2012
In 2012, the legislature was in session from January 9 through March 29. Major issues in 2012Legislators considered setting up a state-based health care exchange as required under the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Conservative legislators opposed to the law sought to set up a public-private ownership as a compromise, rather that risking the federal government setting up one on the state's behalf. The budget and public education reform were also major issues.[10] 2011
In 2011, the legislature was in session from January 10 through April 7. 2010
In 2010, the legislature was in session from January 11th to March 29th. |
Role in state budget
- See also: Idaho state budget and finances
Idaho on 
|
Idaho operates on an annual budget cycle with each fiscal year beginning in July. The sequence of key events in the budget process is as follows:[11]
- Budget instructions are sent to state agencies in July of the year preceding the start of the new fiscal year.
- State agencies submit their budget requests to the governor by September 1.
- The governor submits his or her proposed budget to the Idaho State Legislature five days after the session convenes in January.
- In February or March, the legislature adopts the budget. A simple majority is required to pass a budget.
Idaho is one of 43 states in which the governor has line item veto authority.[11]
The budget the governor proposes must be balanced. The legislature is constitutionally required to pass a balanced budget, and the governor must sign a balanced budget into law.[11]
Legislators
Salaries
- See also: Comparison of state legislative salaries
| State legislative salaries, 2023 | |
|---|---|
| Salary | Per diem |
| $19,913/year | For legislators residing within 50 miles of the capitol: $74/day. For legislators residing more than 50 miles from the capitol: $221/day. |
When sworn in
Idaho legislators assume office on the first day in December following the general election.[12]
Redistricting
- See also: Redistricting in Idaho
In 37 states, legislatures are primarily responsible for drawing congressional district lines. Seven states have only one congressional district each, rendering congressional redistricting unnecessary. Four states employ independent commissions to draw the district maps. In two states, politician commissions draw congressional district lines.
State legislative district lines are primarily the province of the state legislatures themselves in 37 states. In seven states, politician commissions draw state legislative district lines. In the remaining six states, independent commissions draw the lines.[13]
In Idaho, an independent commission is responsible for drawing both congressional and state legislative district lines. The commission is composed of six members.[14]
- One member is appointed by the majority leader of the Idaho State Senate.
- One member is appointed by the minority leader of the Idaho State Senate.
- One member is appointed by the majority leader of the Idaho House of Representatives.
- One member is appointed by the minority leader of the Idaho House of Representatives.
- The chairs of the state's two largest political parties each appoint one member.
According to the Idaho Constitution, no member may be an elected or appointed official while serving on the commission. The state constitution further requires that the commission produce draft congressional and state legislative maps within 90 days of the commission's formation. There is no explicit deadline for final plans.[14]
The state constitution requires that state legislative districts "be contiguous, and that counties be preserved intact where possible." State statutes require that both congressional and state legislative districts meet the following criteria:[14]
- County lines must be maintained "to the extent possible."
- Districts must "preserve traditional neighborhoods, communities of interest, and (if possible) voting precinct boundaries."
- Districts should not be "oddly shaped."
- In districts comprising more than one county or a portion thereof, "those constituent pieces must also be connected by a state or federal highway."
2020 census
On November 12, 2021, the Idaho Independent Redistricting Commission formally submitted its final legislative map to the secretary of state. On November 10, 2021, the commission voted 6-0 in favor of the final legislative map.[15] The commission had earlier voted in favor of the map on November 5, 2021, but chose to recast their votes on November 10, 2021, due to concerns regarding Idaho's open meetings laws.[15][16][17] Idaho has 35 legislative districts, each of which elects one senator and two representatives.
2010 census
Idaho received its local census data on March 20, 2011. The five cities with the highest populations were Boise, 205,671; Nampa, 81,557; Meridian, 75,092; Idaho Falls, 56,813; and Pocatello, 54,255. Boise grew by 10.7 percent since the 2000 Census. Nampa grew by 57.2 percent, Meridian grew by 115.0 percent, Idaho Falls grew by 12.0 percent, and Pocatello grew by 5.4 percent.[18]
In the 2011 redistricting process, the commission missed its September 6 deadline to draw new state legislative maps. A new commission was formed, and first met on October 11, 2011; on October 14, they agreed to the final plan, which had 11 county splits and placed many incumbents into the same districts.
Senate
The Idaho Senate is the upper chamber of the Idaho State Legislature. It consists of 35 Senators elected to two-year terms, each representing a district of the state.
As of the 2020 Census, Idaho state senators represented an average of 52,611 residents. After the 2010 Census, each member represented 44,957 residents.
| Party | As of January 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| Democratic Party | 7 | |
| Republican Party | 28 | |
| Other | 0 | |
| Vacancies | 0 | |
| Total | 35 | |
Click here for a list of members of this chamber.
Republicans won control of the Idaho State Senate in 1992. In 2022, they won a 28-7 majority.
The table below shows the partisan history of the Idaho Senate following every general election from 1992 to 2022. All data from 2006 or earlier comes from Michael Dubin's Party Affiliations in the State Legislatures (McFarland Press, 2007). Data after 2006 was compiled by Ballotpedia staff.
Idaho State Senate election results: 1992-2022
| Year | '92 | '94 | '96 | '98 | '00 | '02 | '04 | '06 | '08 | '10 | '12 | '14 | '16 | '18 | '20 | '22 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democrats | 12 | 8 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| Republicans | 23 | 27 | 30 | 31 | 32 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 29 | 28 | 29 | 28 | 28 | 28 |
House of Representatives
The Idaho House of Representatives is the lower chamber of the Idaho State Legislature. It consists of 70 representatives, two from each district, elected to two-year terms.
As of the 2020 Census, Idaho state representatives represented an average of 26,305 residents. After the 2010 Census, each member represented 22,479 residents.
| Party | As of January 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| Democratic Party | 11 | |
| Republican Party | 59 | |
| Other | 0 | |
| Vacancies | 0 | |
| Total | 70 | |
Click here for a list of members of this chamber.
Republicans won control of the Idaho House of Representatives in 1960. In 2022, they won a 59-11 majority.
The table below shows the partisan history of the Idaho House following every general election from 1992 to 2022. All data from 2006 or earlier comes from Michael Dubin's Party Affiliations in the State Legislatures (McFarland Press, 2007). Data after 2006 was compiled by Ballotpedia staff.
Idaho House of Representatives election results: 1992-2022
| Year | '92 | '94 | '96 | '98 | '00 | '02 | '04 | '06 | '08 | '10 | '12 | '14 | '16 | '18 | '20 | '22 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democrats | 20 | 13 | 11 | 12 | 9 | 16 | 13 | 19 | 18 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 11 | 14 | 12 | 11 |
| Republicans | 50 | 57 | 59 | 58 | 61 | 54 | 57 | 51 | 52 | 57 | 57 | 56 | 59 | 56 | 58 | 59 |
District maps
State Senate
State House
Veto overrides
- See also: Veto overrides in state legislatures
State legislatures can override governors' vetoes. Depending on the state, this can be done during the regular legislative session, in a special session following the adjournment of the regular session, or during the next legislative session. The rules for legislative overrides of gubernatorial vetoes in Idaho are listed below.
How many legislators are required to vote for an override? Two-thirds of members present in both chambers.
| Two-thirds of members present in both chambers must vote to override a veto. If all members are in attendance, this is 47 of the 70 members in the Idaho House of Representatives and 24 of the 35 members in the Idaho State Senate. Idaho is one of 36 states that requires a two-thirds vote from both of its legislative chambers to override a veto. |
Authority: Article IV, Section 10 of the Idaho Constitution.
| "Every bill passed by the legislature shall, before it becomes a law, be presented to the governor. If he approve, he shall sign it, and thereupon it shall become a law; but if he do not approve, he shall return it with his objections to the house in which it originated, which house shall enter the objections at large upon its journals and proceed to reconsider the bill. If then twothirds (2/3) of the members present agree to pass the same, it shall be sent, together with the objections, to the other house, by which it shall likewise be reconsidered: and if approved by two-thirds (2/3) of the members present in that house, it shall become a law, notwithstanding the objections of the governor." |
History
Partisan balance 1992-2013
Idaho State Senate: Throughout every year from 1992-2013, the Republican Party was the majority in the Idaho State Senate. The Idaho State Senate is one of 13 state senates that was Republican for more than 80 percent of the years between 1992-2013. Idaho spent the last 19 years under Republican trifectas.
Across the country, there were 541 Democratic and 517 Republican state senates from 1992 to 2013.
Idaho State House of Representatives: Throughout every year from 1992-2013, the Republican Party was the majority in the Idaho State House of Representatives. The Idaho State House of Representatives is one of 9 state Houses that was Republican for more than 80 percent of the years between 1992-2013. Idaho spent the last 19 years under Republican trifectas.
Across the country, there were 577 Democratic and 483 Republican State Houses of Representatives from 1992 to 2013.
Over the course of the 22-year study, state governments became increasingly more partisan. At the outset of the study period (1992), 18 of the 49 states with partisan legislatures had single-party trifectas and 31 states had divided governments. In 2013, only 13 states had divided governments, while single-party trifectas held sway in 36 states, the most in the 22 years studied.
The chart below shows the partisan composition of the Office of the Governor of Idaho, the Idaho State Senate and the Idaho House of Representatives from 1992 to 2013.
.PNG)
SQLI and partisanship
- To read the full report on the State Quality of Life Index (SQLI) in PDF form, click here.
The chart below depicts the partisanship of the Idaho state government and the state's SQLI ranking for the years studied. For the SQLI, the states were ranked from 1-50, with 1 being the best and 50 the worst. Idaho never had a Democratic trifecta during the period of the study, but the state has had a Republican trifecta from 1995 to 2013, and before that divided government between 1992 and 1994. The Idaho state legislature has been in Republican hands since 1992. The state’s lowest SQLI ranking came near the bottom-10 class (40th) in 1999 and 2000 under a Republican trifecta, while its highest ranking (17th) also occurred under a Republican trifecta in 2007. Idaho made its largest leap in the SQLI ranking between the years 2011 and 2012, jumping nine spots in the SQLI ranking in a single year.
- SQLI average with Democratic trifecta: N/A
- SQLI average with Republican trifecta: 28.50
- SQLI average with divided government: 31.00
State capitol
Idaho State Capitol under renovation |
Idaho's state capitol, located in Boise, is considered to be one of the state's most significant buildings, both architecturally and historically. It is built in the Renaissance Revival style. Construction began in 1905 and the first round of construction was completed in 1912, allowing legislative meetings to commence in the new building. A second round of construction to complete the original building began in 1919.
A State Capitol Commission was created in 1998. It was given the responsibility of developing a plan for the restoration of the Capitol.
In 2005, the state legislature allocated a portion of the state's tax on cigarettes to go into a permanent building fund earmarked for repair and restoration of the state capitol.[19]
Joint committees
- See also: Public policy in Idaho
- Economic Outlook and Revenue Assessment Committee
- Change in Employee Compensation Committee
- Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee
- Joint Legislative Oversight Committee
- Joint Millennium Fund Committee
Constitutional amendments
In every state but Delaware, voter approval is required to enact a constitutional amendment. In each state, the legislature has a process for referring constitutional amendments before voters. In 18 states, initiated constitutional amendments can be put on the ballot through a signature petition drive. There are also many other types of statewide measures.
The methods in which the Idaho Constitution can be amended:
Article XX of the Idaho Constitution establishes two ways in which the constitution can be amended, either via legislatively referred constitutional amendments or constitutional conventions. Idaho does not feature the power of citizen initiative for initiated constitutional amendments.
Legislature
A two-thirds (66.67%) vote is required during one legislative session for the Idaho State Legislature to place a constitutional amendment on the ballot. That amounts to a minimum of 47 votes in the Idaho House of Representatives and 24 votes in the Idaho State Senate, assuming no vacancies. Amendments do not require the governor's signature to be referred to the ballot.
Convention
According to Article XX of the Idaho Constitution, a constitutional convention can be called if two-thirds of the members of each house of the Idaho State Legislature vote to place before the people a question as to whether the people want to call a convention. If a majority of all the voters voting at the election vote for a convention, the legislature must arrange to have a convention.
2025 measures:
- See also: 2025 ballot measures
Certified:
- The following measures have been certified for the ballot.
No measures to list
Potential:
- The following measures have made it through one chamber—or one session for two session states—and may appear on the ballot in 2025.
No measures to list
2024 measures:
Below is a list of measures that were referred to the 2024 ballot by the legislature or that have made it approximately halfway through the process in the legislature for referral to the ballot in 2024.
- See also: Idaho 2024 ballot measures
Certified:
- The following measures have been certified for the ballot.
No measures to list
Potential:
- The following measures have made it through one chamber—or one session for two session states—and may appear on the ballot in 2024.
| Idaho Initiative Signature Requirement Per Legislative District Amendment | Democrats | Republicans | |||
| Senate: | Required: 24 | Yes votes: 27 (77.1%) | No votes: 8 (22.8%) | Yes: 0; No: 7 | Yes: 27; No: 1 |
| House: | Required: 47 | Yes votes: 39 (55.7%) | No votes: 31 (44.2%) | Yes: 0; No: 11 | Yes: 39; No: 20 |
See also
| Elections | Idaho State Government | State Legislatures | State Politics |
|---|---|---|---|
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External links
Footnotes
- ↑ ‘’The Office of the Governor,’’ “Proclamation,” accessed April 24, 2020
- ↑ ‘’The Office of the Governor,’’ “Proclamation,” accessed April 24, 2020
- ↑ Idaho Secretary of State, "Elections - 2018 Primary and General Election Calendar," accessed August 7, 2017
- ↑ Idaho Secretary of State, "Elections - 2018 Primary and General Election Calendar," accessed August 7, 2017
- ↑ Idaho Secretary of State, "The Constitution of the State of Idaho," accessed August 8, 2013
- ↑ Idaho State Legislature, "Title 67; State Government and State Affairs," accessed August 8, 2013
- ↑ Teton Valley News, "A sneak peek at the 2015 legislature," January 8, 2015
- ↑ spokesman.com, "Idaho’s 2014 legislative session underscored by election," January 5, 2014
- ↑ Idaho Statesman, "Otter facing battles within GOP as Legislature convenes," January 7, 2013
- ↑ Times News Magic Valley, "See What the Idaho Legislature's Toughest Issues Are This Session," January 9, 2012
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 National Association of State Budget Officers, "Budget Processes in the States, Spring 2021," accessed January 24, 2023
- ↑ Idaho Constitution, "Article III, Section 3," accessed December 18, 2019
- ↑ All About Redistricting, "Who draws the lines?" accessed March 25, 2015
- ↑ 14.0 14.1 14.2 All About Redistricting, "Idaho," accessed April 20, 2015
- ↑ 15.0 15.1 Boise State Public Radio, "Commission for reappointment recasts votes on Idaho’s new political district maps," Nov. 11, 2021
- ↑ FiveThirtyEight, "The partisan breakdown of Idaho’s new map," accessed Nov. 16, 2021
- ↑ Boise State Public Radio, "Final iterations of Idaho's districting maps are proposed," Nov. 7, 2021
- ↑ U.S. Census Bureau, "U.S. Census Bureau Delivers Idaho's 2010 Census Population Totals, Including First Look at Race and Hispanic Origin Data for Legislative Redistricting," March 20, 2011
- ↑ Idaho, "History of Idaho's State Capitol," accessed February 16, 2021
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