IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI)—Business leaders in Idaho Falls and eight state legislators sat down at an Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce luncheon Tuesday to discuss the most recent legislative session. "I think when the bills are passed into legislation, we feel like we don't have a say. So this is an ability for us to have a say. Also, the launch program, I'm very excited about that, especially how it will impact schools here in this area and students and the higher education system," Jennifer Jennings from the College of Eastern Idaho Foundation said. "I was impressed with a little bit of ..read more

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court is allowing Idaho to enforce its ban on gender-affirming care for transgender youth while lawsuits over the law proceed, reversing lower courts. The justices’ order Monday allows the state to put in place a 2023 law that subjects physicians to up to 10 years in prison if they provide hormones, puberty blockers or other gender-affirming care to people under age 18. Under the court’s order, the two transgender teens who sued to challenge the law will still be able to obtain care. The court’s three liberal justices would have kept the law on hold. A federal ju ..read more

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) – The Idaho Supreme Court upheld the ruling of the Fourth Judicial District Court to dismiss the lawsuit challenging Idaho’s new voter registration requirements brought forward by Babe Vote and the League of Women Voters of Idaho. The Court’s decision affirms the legitimacy of the state's updated voter registration laws. The ruling was issued on Thursday and determined existing Idaho laws concerning voter ID were constitutional and the legislation did not discriminate against a particular group. The requirements aid the “government’s legitimate interest in preserving ..read more

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Idaho lawmakers spent much of an unexpectedly long and sometimes contentious legislative session focusing on bills targeting LGBTQ+ residents by limiting health care and reading materials and installing protections for teachers who don’t use the pronouns transgender students use. They also passed a bill that allows the state to spend $2 billion to address dilapidated public school buildings and other school facility needs across the state. And lawmakers approved Gov. Brad Little's Idaho LAUNCH program, which provides grants for state high school graduat ..read more

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) - Starting this summer, public libraries in Idaho could be sued by someone who feels a book that is harmful to minors is in the children's or young adult section of the library.  Governor Brad Little signed the bill into law Wednesday. Under the new law, if a library is asked to move a book and decides not to, a lawsuit can be filed. If the library loses, it could be fined up to $250 along with any potential civil damages.  Supporters of the law say it is needed to protect children from harmful material. Meanwhile, Idaho Falls Library director Robert Wrights says ..read more

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) – County Elections offices throughout the state of Idaho have begun mailing absentee ballots for the May 21 primary election. The initial mailing comprises more than 14,000 ballots statewide. Voters who have requested an absentee ballot should expect to receive it in the mail in the next week. Voters may request an absentee ballot online by visiting VoteIdaho.gov. The deadline for submitting requests for an absentee ballot for the May primary election is May 10 at 5:00 p.m. “Whether you plan to vote absentee, vote early, or vote on Election Day, have a plan to vo ..read more

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) - A bill allowing a legal claim against a library in Idaho is now heading to Governor Brad Little's desk for his signature. "House Bill 710 takes the common sense approach of requiring public schools and community libraries to restrict children's access to pornographic materials in their collections," said Blaine Conzatti, President of the Idaho Family Policy Center. This could mean moving materials deemed harmful to children to a designated section of the library or even checking IDs before allowing entry into certain reading areas. If libraries don't take necessary ..read more

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Idaho lawmakers have passed a series of bills targeting LGBTQ+ residents this year, including two this week that prevent public employees from being required to use someone's preferred pronouns and redefine gender as being synonymous with sex. On Wednesday, the Senate approved a bill allowing people to sue schools and libraries over books deemed harmful to minors, sending it to Republican Gov. Brad Little. Another bill that Little signed into law last week prevents public funds — including Medicaid — from being used for gender-affirming care. The efforts are part of a ..read more

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — The GOP-led Idaho Legislature has passed a bill that would ban the use of any public funds for gender-affirming care, including for state employees using work health insurance and for adults covered by Medicaid. The Senate overwhelmingly approved the measure Friday after it previously passed through the House. It will be sent to Republican Gov. Brad Little’s desk, where he is expected to sign it into law. The governor has said repeatedly he does not believe public funds should be used for gender-affirming care. If the legislation is enacted, Idaho would become at least the ..read more

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) - The Idaho Senate passed House Bill 521 Thursday. The bill now goes to Governor Brad Little's desk. In a press release, the governor says he will sign it into law saying the bill will provide historic funding for school facilities in the state and will also provide long-term property and income tax relief to Idahoans. Also Thursday, the Idaho House passed the funding bill for the governor's LAUNCH program. It now goes to the Senate. The LAUNCH program offers graduating high school seniors up to $8,000 to go on to college or a training program.  ..read more