Judy Boyle

This bill largely prohibits the use of public funds or resources on behalf of or to benefit a teachers' union. Some key provisions include ensuring paid leave is not utilized for union activities, that pay raises are not designed to cover union dues, and that public money is not spent on behalf of a teachers union Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill helps protect taxpayer funds from abuse and combats teachers' unions, who often put their own interests above providing the best education possible for students.

Protecting Taxpayer Funds and Resources from being Funneled to Teachers Unions.

This bill requires any bond ballot question or official statement which includes a statement about state tax relief funds to clarify the year state tax relief funds will retire. The bill also prohibits a ballot question or official statement from including any information regarding state tax relief funds unless a specific dollar amount of such funding is guaranteed to the taxing district. Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill helps protect taxpayers from growing debt due to unsound fiscal policies by local governments by ensuring voters are informed of the costs associated with the bonds.

Increasing Clarity and Transparency on Ballot Questions Pertaining to Bonds and Tax Levies.

This bill appropriates over $149 million for the Department of Health and Welfare, behavioral health services, representing a 21% increase over the past three years. Part of the funding ($3 million) may be used for implementation of "Adverse Childhood Events" training to teach parents how to parent their children, which has been used as a vehicle for Critical Race Theory (CRT). Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill contains multiple provisions (such as teaching parents how to parent their children) which expand the size and role of government beyond its core and necessary duties. The state must pursue every available avenue to reign in its out-of-control spending, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Fueling Out-of-Control Spending through a $149 Million Appropriation to the Department of Health and Welfare Behavioral Health Services - a 21% Hike over the Past 3 Years.

This resolution amends the state Constitution to require signatures from at least 6% of the electorate in every legislative district for a citizen-led referendum. Current law only requires signatures to be collected from 6% of the electorate residing within 18 of any of the state's 35 legislative districts. Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure helps protect the constitutional amendment process from abuse by special interests and other groups that seek to grow the size and scope of government. In recent years the initiative process has been utilized to expand Medicaid (government-provided healthcare).

Protecting the State's Referendum and Initiative Process from Abuse by Raising the Citizen-led Signature Threshold.

This bill appropriates over $86 million to the Department of Lands, an increase of nearly $5 million over the previous fiscal year, and a 30% increase over the previous 3 years. The appropriation includes providing the agency an additional 10 full-time employees. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the private sector is best equipped to own and properly manage land. The state must pursue every available avenue to reign in its out-of-control spending, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Fueling Out-of-Control Spending and Growing Government Bureaucracy through an $86 Million Appropriation to the Department of Lands - a 30% Hike Over the Past 3 Years.

This bill appropriates over $37 million to the University of Idaho Agriculture Research and Extension Services to fund over 340 full time positions. The staff "conduct research on a range of topics related to food systems, health and community development, water resources, plant science, climate change and much more." Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the vast majority of this funding is for politicized and completely unnecessary research initiatives. The private sector (private companies, philanthropy and foundations) is the best institution to determine the need and fund such research initiatives. The state must pursue every available avenue to reign in its out-of-control spending, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Funding Politicized Research on Climate Change, Community Development and Other Wasteful Initiatives by Appropriating $37 Million to the University of Idaho Agricultural Research Program.

This bill provides 11 full-time positions and appropriates over $12.6 million to the Office of Energy and Mineral Resources for 2025, a budget increase from 2022 nearly four and a half times higher than what would be recommended by inflationary pressures and growth. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the free market - not government central planning - is the best mechanism to advance energy development. The state must pursue every available avenue to rein in its out-of-control spending, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Fueling Out-of-Control Spending Through an Over $12.6 Million Appropriation (Quadrupled since 2022) to the Office of Energy and Mineral Resources.

This bill contains a long list of new regulations on automobile manufacturers and on contract agreements with their dealerships. Most notably, the bill prohibits an automobile manufacturer from selling or leasing a vehicle directly to a consumer or performing warranty repair work. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill is an egregious example of government interference in the private contracting rights of the motor vehicle industry. This protectionism merely enriches dealerships (the middleman) while preventing the free market from expanding competition and lowering costs for consumers.

Increasing Government Interference in Private Contracting Agreements Between Automobile Manufacturers and Dealers and Imposing New Protectionist Mandates.

This bill clarifies that the residents of a city may utilize the citizen-led referendum or initiative processes to reduce the property tax base budget of their city, thus providing property tax relief. Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure serves as a critical tool for residents to shrink the size and scope of government and protect themselves from excessive taxation.

Advancing Property Tax Relief by Ensuring the Citizen-led Referendum Process May be Utilized at the Local Level to Reduce the Property Tax Base Budget of a City.

This bill imposes a litany of new regulations on pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) which are largely designed to benefit local pharmacies. For example, PBMs must now use "pass-through pricing" instead of "spread pricing" systems, pass along 100% of any drug manufacture rebate, and limit patient steering among other provisions. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the nation witnessed first-hand the disastrous consequences and cost of growing government regulatory power in healthcare (i.e. Obamacare). Instead of working to promote a freer market through regulatory reduction, lawmakers added a series of new layers of regulations through this measure, including utilizing government to provide local pharmacies with more favorable outcomes in their private contract negotiations with PBMs.

Growing Government Regulatory Power within the Pharmaceutical Industry by Imposing New Mandates on Pharmacy Benefit Managers to Benefit Local Pharmacies.

This bill appropriates over $29 million to the State Liquor Division, which represents an increase of over $1.8 million from the prior year. The appropriation provides funding for 261 full time employees as well as the relocation and remodeling of two government-run liquor stores. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this division is almost entirely unnecessary since the private sector - not government - is best equipped to operate liquor stores. The state must pursue every available avenue to reign in its out-of-control spending, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Growing Unnecessary Government Bureaucracy and Spending through a $29 Million Appropriation for the State Liquor Division Including Funding to Renovate Government-Run Liquor Stores.

This bill prohibits localities from requiring the installation of an electric vehicle circuit as part of any new home construction. Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill helps protect against overreaching local regulations that drive-up building costs. Homebuyers - not politicians - are best equipped to determine whether they should equip their private homes with charging infrastructure.

Combatting Local Government Overreach by Preventing Localities from Mandating Installation of Electric Vehicle Circuits in New Construction.

This bill prohibits state officials and employees from expending public funds on membership fees or dues to any outside organization unless required by law. Exemptions are made for purposes relating to employment or professional licensure. Currently government agencies, commissions, and the legislature spend millions of dollars annually on membership and association dues. Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure aims to increase government integrity by preventing waste and misuse of public funds which cost taxpayers and erode public trust.

Protecting Taxpayers by Prohibiting State Employees from Expending Public Funds on Membership Fees or Dues of Outside Organizations.

This bill permits an employee of a school or school district with an enhanced license to carry concealed weapons while on school property, provided that certain conditions are met. The bill also protects the employee's carry permit and information from public records requests. Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure strengthens school security by improving the ability of teachers and other employees to protect students and themselves.

Strengthening School Safety by Allowing Employees to Conceal Carry on School Property.

This bill appropriates over $19 million and 16 full-time positions to the Office of Species Conservation for 2025, growing the budget by over 34% in the last three years and adding one new full-time position. Additionally, the budget includes over $18 million in federal grants, subjecting the agency to additional federal control and regulation. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the private sector is the best equipped to advance wildlife conservation through charitable endeavors and private operations, and this measure unnecessarily grows the size of a state agency.

Fueling Out-of-Control Spending by Expanding the Office of Species Conservation Through a Bloated Budget and Expansion of Government Bureaucracy.

This bill enacts a series of new regulations on the franchise agreements between automobile manufacturers and dealers. The regulations primarily benefit dealers and surround the termination procedures of the agreements and how the mediation process must be conducted. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as it is not the proper role of government to interfere in the private contracting agreements between businesses absent cases of fraud or criminal activity. This bill represents one of the worst examples of cronyism by utilizing the power of government to provide dealers with more favorable outcomes in their private contract negotiations with manufacturers, which ultimately leads to higher vehicle prices.

Hiking New Vehicle Prices through Additional Government Mandates on Private Contracting Agreements Which Benefit Automotive Dealers at the Expense of Manufacturers.

This bill enacts several reforms to the state's occupational licensing laws, such as allowing individuals with 4 years of work experience in another state or the military to receive a license to work in Idaho. The bill also allows for issuance of a conditional license with a 1-year probationary period to individuals with prior criminal convictions, rather than denial of an application. Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill serves as a step in the right direction to reducing unnecessary employment barriers. Ultimately, the private sector, via certifications, rating systems, and the free market, is much better equipped to provide consumer protection while also ensuring competition and low consumer costs. Most government licensing entities are overly restrictive and are largely advocated by special interests seeking to restrict competition in the marketplace.

Reducing Employment Barriers and Expanding Competition by Enacting Occupational Licensing Reform.

This bill expands the ability of cow, sheep, or goat share owners to consume "raw milk" through a herd share agreement. The bill removes the limit on the number of animals allowed in a herd share and also eliminates a number of other regulations surrounding milk quality tests. Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill strengthens individual liberties and the ability of individuals to obtain and consume raw milk.

Strengthening Individual Liberties and "Food Freedom" by Reducing Restrictions on Personal Raw Milk Consumption through Herd Shares.

This bill appropriates over $30 million and 257.25 full-time positions to the Liquor Division, the budget 64% higher from 2022 than what is needed for inflationary growth. The bill adds three new full-time positions, which includes a new program systems specialist. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the free market - not government central planning - is the best equipped to sell liquor, and this measure unnecessarily grows the size of a state agency. The state must pursue every available avenue to rein in its out-of-control spending, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Fueling Out-of-Control Spending Through an Over $30 Million Appropriation (64% Higher than 2022) to the Liquor Division.

This bill allows the state Treasurer to hold up to 7.5% in state funds in physical gold and silver, so long as the assets are maintained security in a depository specifically built for precious metals located in Idaho or in an Idaho-charted bank or credit union. Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure helps ensure taxpayers are diversified and protected in the event of extreme inflation or a hyper-inflation scenario. This is especially critical considering the reckless policies of the Federal Reserve, such as quantitative easing.

Safeguarding Taxpayer Funds from Run-Away Inflation by Allowing the State Treasurer to Invest "Idle Money" in Gold and Silver.

This bill appropriates over $2.9 million in taxpayer funds to Idaho Public Television (IPTV), an entity which has 14 full-time employees. IPTV has an extensive programming schedule with multiple channels. For example, on its Politically Speaking program guests utilize critical race theory to examine communities and education, while its PBS kids diversity programs "help children explore their emotions about news topics such as the pandemic, social unrest, and same-sex relationships." Oppose is the Limited Government Position as Idaho Public Television is an unnecessary entity which merely competes with the private sector, while also promoting a politicized social agenda. The state must pursue every available avenue to reign in its out-of-control spending, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Funding Critical Race Theory and LGBTQ Programing for Children through a $2.9 Million Appropriation to Idaho Public Television.

This bill appropriates $124.1 million to the Department of Commerce for broadband infrastructure, using funds from the federal American Rescue Plan Act Capital Projects Fund. This is a supplemental appropriation which is on top of over $100 million in funding for broadband infrastructure expected to be provided in S 1159. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as providing "broadband service" is not one of the core and essential duties of government. The private sector and the free market are best equipped to determine where broadband is most needed and which expansion projects are most economically viable. Additionally, significant advances in satellite technology may make most broadband expansion projects unnecessary.

Fueling Wasteful and Unnecessary Spending by Providing an Additional $124.1 Million to the Department of Commerce for Broadband Infrastructure Grants.

This bill prohibits localities from regulating the possession, sale, transfer, and manufacture of knives. Exceptions are provided under the bill that would allow schools, court houses, law enforcement and involuntary confinement facilities, and political subdivisions that regulate child care to regulate knives. Support is the Limited Government Position as James Madison and our nation's other founding fathers understood that the right to keep and bear arms (including knives) is a crucial individual liberty and protects the citizenry against a tyrannical government. This measure also helps protect against undue local regulation of the knife industry.

Strengthening Individual Liberties by Preventing Localities from Infringing the Right to Own or Carry Knives.

Under current law, the state tracks the immunization of children through an immunization registry. This bill would change the registry from an opt-out system to an opt-in system where parents must affirmatively agree to have their child's records tracked. Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure serves to protect the privacy of parents and children, ensuring it is parents - not the government - making the decision on whether their child's medical records are tracked.

Strengthening the Medical Privacy of Children by Changing the Immunization Registry System from Opt-Out to Opt-In.

This bill prohibits public institutions of higher education (colleges and universities) from asking prospective job or student applicants to provide a diversity statement. Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure helps protect free speech as well as taxpayer funds from being utilized to promote politicized DEI efforts which sow division amongst Americans and are intended to further grow the role of government.

Protecting Students and Staff at Public Colleges and Universities from being Forced to Provide Diversity Statements in the Application Process or as a Condition of Employment.

This bill appropriates over $36 million and 267.20 full-time positions to the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses for 2025, funding a number of runaway expenditures. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as ultimately, the private sector, via certifications, rating systems, and the free market, is much better equipped to provide consumer protection while also ensuring competition and low consumer costs. Most government licensing entities are overly restrictive and are largely advocated by special interests seeking to restrict competition in the marketplace. Additionally, the state must pursue every available avenue to reign in its out-of-control spending, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Fueling Out-of-Control Spending and Regulatory Overreach Through an Over $36 Million Appropriation to the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses.

This bill appropriates over $678 million for state colleges and universities and the State Board of Education, an increase of over $35 million over the previous fiscal year, including funding for nearly 5,000 government employees. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as it is a necessary role for government to provide quality K-12 education - ideally through school choice. College and university-level education should be funded through user fees (i.e., tuition) by those who wish to pursue their selected career path. These enormous costs should not be imposed on individuals who elect to pursue activities other than higher education, such as those who start their own businesses or work in the trades. The state must pursue every available avenue to reign in its out-of-control spending, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Growing Government Bureaucracy and Ballooning Spending to Over $678 Million for Colleges and Universities and Funding for 5,000 Government Employees.

This bill strengthens existing state law which prohibits outside groups from funding the administration of election operations, to clarify that no state official or employee (currently county and local election officials) may accept or expend private funds on election administration. The bill is in response to the over $400 million in "Zuckerbucks" and other outside funds that were provided to influence elections across the nation. Support is the Limited Government Position as the private funding of election operations introduces serious concerns over their integrity and fairness of election outcomes, an essential component of democracy under our nation's constitutional republic.

Increasing Election Integrity by Strengthening Prohibitions on the Usage of Private Funds for Election Administration.

This bill adds an additional provision into law to clarify that only U.S. Citizens may vote to elect or nominate a candidate to office. Support is the Limited Government Position as only U.S. Citizens - not foreign nationals - should be the ones deciding who to have govern them. Unfortunately, the bill only serves as a step in the right direction as the language fails to also apply the provision to other voting applications like bond levies and ballot measures.

Strengthening Election Integrity by Ensuring that Only U.S. Citizens May Vote.

This bill appropriates over $4.5 billion to fund the state's Medicaid system which was expanded under Obamacare. This appropriation represents an over 58% increase in spending within the past 3 years and includes additional covered services for recipients and higher reimbursement rates for providers under the welfare program. While this appropriation is $150 million less than another Medicaid budget proposed this session (H 334), it is still $829 million higher than other proposals which account for the removal of 75,000 individuals who are receiving benefits but are not eligible for the program. According to the Federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Idaho has one of the highest rates of improper Medicaid payment in the nation - a staggering 39.8% in 2019. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill further grows government dependency under the state's Medicaid welfare program by growing benefits and failing to remove ineligible recipients. The state must pursue every available avenue to reign in its out-of-control spending, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country. Democratic lawmakers who voted against the bill due to the lower appropriation compared to HB 334 were recorded as opposing the limited government position.

Increasing Government Dependency and Fueling Out-Of-Control Spending through a $4.5 Billion Appropriation for the State Medicaid System Under Obamacare.

Under current law, the state and all taxing entities must publish the information regarding any personal service contract entered that is over $10,000 annual payment, regardless of where the funds are derived from. This bill would increase the report threshold requirement from $10,000 to $30,000. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill weakens transparency and makes it harder for individuals, the press and government watchdog organizations to hold officials accountable and report on government operations.

Weakening Government Transparency and Accountability by Increasing the Reporting Threshold for Service Contracts from $10,000 to $30,000.

This bill enters the state into an Interstate Counseling Compact, allowing licensed counselors to practice in other member states. While interstate compacts can make it easier for licensed individuals to practice in multiple states, this specific bill creates a new joint public agency and imposes fingerprint-based background checks on professional counselors. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill serves as an unnecessary barrier to licensure and weakens civil liberties. Most government licensing entities are overly restrictive and are largely advocated by special interest seeking to restrict competition in the marketplace.

Increasing Employment Barriers and Weakening Civil Liberties by Forcing Counselors to Undergo Fingerprint-Based Background Checks to Obtain Licensure.

This bill, based on a similar bill enacted in Texas, makes it a state crime for illegal immigrants to enter Idaho directly from a foreign country outside of an official port of entry. To enforce the new law, the bill allows local law enforcement officers to check the immigration status of individuals and permits a magistrate judge to order people who violate the law to return to their country of origin. Support is the Limited Government Position as ensuring public safety and national defense is arguably the most important role of government. Failure to enforce our nation's immigration laws not only has catastrophic implications on the ability to maintain law and order, but also creates countless other issues ranging from welfare to the education system.

Strengthening National Security by Prohibiting Illegal Immigrants from Entering the State.

This bill strengthens school choice by ensuring all school districts maintain an open enrollment policy which allows students to transfer both in-district and out-of-district. The bill also ensures that schools cannot discriminate against applicants based on their residential location or socioeconomic status. Support is the Limited Government Position as while this bill largely codifies best practices utilized by many school districts throughout the state, the bill nevertheless strengthens school choice by ensuring parents are able to select the best option for their child, regardless of where they reside.

Expanding School Choice by Ensuring School Districts Maintain Open Enrollment Policies Including In-District Student Transfers.

This bill restricts the ability of liquor licensees from selling or transferring their license. Under the bill, licenses issued on or after July 1, 2023 may not be transferred and any licenses that are held before that date may only be transferred once. Idaho utilizes a quota system based on population to limit the number of liquor licenses issued, which has made the licenses very valuable considering it can take nearly a decade to receive one due to the waitlist. The licensing system is designed to limit liquor so that beer captures more of the market. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill merely further worsens the state's draconian liquor license system and prevents the market from effectively allocating the limited number of permits that have been issued. Lawmakers should eliminate all limits on liquor license issuance while figuring out a way to make amends with many of the holders of existing licenses who have paid exorbitant sums (around $350,000) to purchase the licenses on the market.

Worsening the State's Draconian Liquor License Regime by Imposing Additional Anti-Competitive Prohibitions on the Sale or Transfer of Licenses.

This bill appropriates nearly $50 million to the Workforce Development Council, which provides multiple grants to employers and industries. A significant amount of this funding is from the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and is to be utilized to provide grants to large businesses for the development of childcare facilities. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the Workforce Development Council is an unnecessary government entity as it is not the proper role of government to attempt to centrally plan the workforce or engage in this type of interference within the private sector. Additionally, no taxpayer (at any level of government) should be forced to pay for the childcare services of private business employees. The state must pursue every available avenue to reign in its out-of-control spending, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Fueling Wasteful Spending and Further Subsidizing the Childcare Industry through a Nearly $50 Million Appropriation to the Workforce Development Council.

This bill prohibits departments of the state from donating or sponsoring any non-governmental events or organizations unless required by law or approved by the Governor. Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure aims to increase government integrity by preventing waste and misuse of public funds which cost taxpayers and erode public trust.

Protecting Taxpayers by Prohibiting State Government Departments from Sponsoring or Donating to Non-Governmental Events or Organizations.

This bill further builds upon legislation passed last year (H 433) which established a "public school health insurance participation fund." This fund helped subsidize the cost of transitioning government school employees onto the state's medical and dental insurance plan (which represented a significant benefit increase for employees at a cost to taxpayers of $1.26 billion over the next decade). This bill (H 203) removes the $4,500 cap per support unit for the transition, resulting in taxpayers subsidizing a greater amount of the expanded benefits for state employees. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the passage of H 433 last session already provided state employees with very generous benefits. Government schools already consume the lion's share of tax revenue in Idaho, and the state must pursue every available avenue to reign in its out-of-control spending, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Fueling Out-of-Control Spending by Removing the $4,500 Cap on Subsidies Provided to School Employees Who Transition to the State's Healthcare Plan.

This bill allows professional counselors and marriage and family therapists to opt-out of "counseling in support of goals, outcomes, or behaviors" due to "sincerely held religious, moral, or ethical principles." Support is the Limited Government Position as businesses and individuals should have the freedom to contract and not be forced to provide a service that violates their beliefs.

Protecting the Religious Liberties of Counselors and Therapists by Ensuring They Are Not Forced to Violate their Sincerely Held Principles.

This bill appropriates over $700 million for state colleges and universities and the State Board of Education, including funding for nearly 5,000 government employees. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as it is a necessary role for government to provide quality K-12 education - ideally through school choice. College and university-level education should be funded through user fees (i.e., tuition) by those who wish to pursue their selected career path. These enormous costs should not be imposed on individuals who elect to pursue activities other than higher education, such as those who start their own businesses or work in the trades. The state must pursue every available avenue to reign in its out-of-control spending, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Growing Government Bureaucracy and Ballooning Spending to Over $700 Million for Colleges and Universities and Funding for Nearly 5,000 Employees.

This bill, the Idaho Dietary Supplement Act, protects the production, distribution, and use of dietary supplements that are in compliance with federal law and regulations as of July 1, 2022, even if federal law or regulations change in the future. Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill strengthens individual liberties by helping protect the freedom of Idahoans to purchase the vitamins and other nutritional supplements that they - not federal bureaucrats - want to consume.

Protecting the Ability to Purchase and Consume Dietary Supplements Regardless of Future Changes in Federal Law or Regulations.

Under current law, an individual owner of an electrical contracting business is required to employ a full-time journeyman or master electrician. This bill requires the journeyman to now have over two thousand hours of documented experience as a licensed journeyman electrician. The bill also no longer allows an owner to act as their own journeyman electrician unless they too meet the experience requirement. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill is primarily designed to restrict competition by making it harder to start an electrical contracting business.

Restricting Competition Through an Overreaching New Mandate Which Forces Electrical Contracting Businesses to Employ an Electrician with a Greater Amount of Experience.

This bill increases the program maintenance budget for the Commission on Hispanic Affairs to an amount 54% higher than what would be appropriate taking inflation into account. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this frivolous commission is outside the proper role of government and a waste of taxpayer money.

Promoting Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Policies Through the Funding of the Commission on Hispanic Affairs.

This bill creates the "Idaho Launch Grant Program" to provide grants of at least $8,500 to high school graduates "pursuing education or training for an in-demand career," which may be used for college tuition, industry certification assessments, and other educational expenses. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this wealth redistribution scheme enriches individuals who choose to pursue college or the trades at the expense of others who may choose to start a business or other career path not requiring costly training. The state must pursue every available avenue to reign in its out-of-control spending, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Expanding Wealth Redistribution and Out-of-Control Spending by Providing High School Grads with $8,500 Grants for Colleges or "In-Demand Career" Training Under the Idaho Launch Program.

This bill directs sales and use tax revenue to be withheld from any city or county which refuses to investigate or enforce any felony provision under state law. The bill is largely in response to localities across the nations whose prosecutors (typically receiving financial support from George Soros) refuse to enforce or prosecute certain crimes. Support is the Limited Government Position as protecting property rights and ensuring public safety serve as essential components of government. Unfortunately, this bill is especially necessary due to many so-called criminal justice "reforms" which have led to skyrocketing crime rates and are being advanced in state legislatures by radical-left billionaires through their funding of advocacy organizations on both sides of the political aisle.

Increasing Public Safety by Withholding Tax Revenue from Localities Which Fail to Prosecute Felony Crime.

This appropriations bill includes multiple end-of-year fund transfers but most notably provides $15 million to the Idaho Workforce Development Council for "semiconductor workforce grants." This funding is directed to Micron Technology to support their new semiconductor manufacturing facility in Treasure Valley. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this cronyism benefits a single government-favored company while shifting tax burdens onto other businesses and industries not favored by government. Instead of this cronyism, lawmakers should lower tax rates for all businesses and empower the free-market to expand economic growth.

Expanding Cronyism by Channeling $15 Million in Taxpayer Funds to Enrich Semiconductor Manufacturer Micron Technology through "Semiconductor Workforce Grants".

This bill extends the duration of postpartum coverage provided Medicaid (government-provided healthcare) from 60 days to 1 year. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill further grows government dependency under the state's Medicaid welfare program. The state must pursue every available avenue to rein in its out-of-control spending, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Increasing Government Dependency and Ballooning Medicaid Welfare Spending by Hiking Postpartum Coverage from 60 Days to 12 Months.

This bill expands the existing prohibition against local rent-control ordinances by now barring localities from forcing property owners from being forced to participate in any federal housing assistance program. The bill largely pertains to the federal Section 8 Housing Voucher program. Support is the Limited Government Position as landlords should not be forced to participate in federal welfare programs such as Section 8, which oftentimes places landlords at greater risk for property damage and uncollected rent.

Strengthening Property Rights and Combatting Local Government Overreach by Prohibiting Localities from Forcing Property Owners to Participate in Federal Housing Assistance Programs.

This bill imposes new wage regulations on employers who hire prisoners, stipulating the prisoners employed with a private employer must receive the same salary range offered to other employees based on experience, education, and other qualifications. The bill also requires that the employed prisoner be given all benefits offered to other similarly situated employees. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill will likely reduce employment opportunities for incarcerated individuals - which may spike recidivism. Wage requirements - like all government price controls - price individuals out of the market whose skills or situation (criminal risk) do not match the state's lofty wage and other employee benefit mandates.

Reducing Employment Opportunities for Incarcerated Individuals by Imposing Wage Requirements onto Employers.

This bill places all administrative rules on a staggered, eight-year review cycle for reauthorization as well as requires legislative approval of all new rules via concurrent resolution. Additionally, the bill requires agencies to accept testimony on proposed rules via video or telephone (currently only oral or written). Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill helps combat regulatory overreach and provides greater oversight of the government bureaucrats who establish the rules but are unaccountable to voters.

Combatting Regulatory Overreach by Requiring All Administrative Rules to Undergo Review and Reauthorization Every 8 Years.

This bill appropriates over $169 million and 385.02 full-time positions to the Department of Environmental Quality for 2024, which represents an increase of nearly double the amount prescribed for inflation and general growth. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this state agency is tasked with a litany of unnecessary initiatives and grant programs. Additionally, the state must pursue every available avenue to reign in its out-of-control spending, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Fueling Out-of-Control Spending Through a $169 Million Appropriation  to the Department of Environmental Quality.

This bill appropriates over $27.2 million for various Health Education Programs. For example, the bill appropriates $7.2 million to the University of Washington School of Medicine's WWAMI program. The University of Washington, known as the "nation's largest fetal tissue bank," offers clinical clerkships with Planned Parenthood and was recently sued for conducting a fetal tissue trafficking operation with the organization. Additionally, the University provides numerous courses surrounding critical race theory, LGBTQ health disparities, and transgender healthcare clinical rotations. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as taxpayers should not be forced to fund the college and higher educational costs of individuals who choose to pursue such career paths. This bill is especially troublesome considering the usage of taxpayer funds surrounding abortion and politicized trainings.

Forcing Taxpayers to Fund Aborted Fetus Trafficking and LGBTQ and Transgender Medical Training through a $27 Million Appropriation for Health Education Programs.

This bill expands the list of occupational licenses that require fingerprint-based background checks to include professional counselors, clinical professional counselors, associate marriage and family therapists, and marriage and family therapists. Additionally, the bill provides the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses with broader authority to require background checks not otherwise required by law. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill weakens civil liberties through invasive fingerprinting and background check requirements and provides even greater authority to unelected government bureaucrats. Most government licensing entities are overly restrictive and are largely advocated by special interest groups seeking to restrict competition in the marketplace.

Increasing Barriers to Employment and Weakening Civil Liberties by Providing Greater Overreaching Authority to the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses.

This bill establishes a maximum tax of 50 cents per cigar. Under existing law, tobacco products including cigars are subject to a 40% wholesale tax. This bill is designed to provide a more equitable taxation structure as retailers and consumers of premium cigars are subject to much higher levels of taxation. Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill serves as a step in the right direction. Tobacco usage is an individual liberty, and products should only be subject to the standard sales tax rate. Users should not be punished through a 40% "sin tax".

Reforming the Tax Code within the Cigar Industry to End Excessive Taxation of Premium Cigars.

This bill prohibits the state and local governments from requiring the use of face masks or other face coverings to prevent or slow the spread of disease, with exceptions, such as hospitals and health care facilities. Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure helps protect individual liberties by ensuring it is individuals - not government - making the decision on whether or not to wear a face mask or face covering. This measure ensures that only a legislature accountable to the people can enact any future mask mandates.

Protecting Individual Liberties by Prohibiting Government-Imposed Mask Mandates.

This bill criminalizes ballot harvesting, defined as "the practice of third party individuals and groups… 'harvesting' absentee or mail ballots from voters and then delivering them to election officials for processing and counting." A violation of this law would be a misdemeanor, unless the violator was paid by anyone other than the voter to collect the voter's ballot, which would make the violation a felony. Exceptions are provided under the bill. Support is the Limited Government Position as maintaining strong safeguards against voter fraud are critical aspects of ensuring free and fair elections, an essential component of democracy under our nation's constitutional republic.

Strengthening Election Integrity by Criminalizing the Practice of "Ballot Harvesting".

This bill would allow the governor to develop and execute an interstate compact for border security among other states, fostering the sharing of law enforcement intelligence, sharing state and law enforcement resources, and permitting other actions deemed necessary to secure the border identified in the compact. Under the bill, the execution of the compact does not need legislative approval. Support is the Limited Government Position as ensuring public safety and national defense is arguably the most important role of government. Failure to secure our nation's border not only has catastrophic implications on the ability to maintain law and order, but also creates countless other issues ranging from welfare to the education system.

Year	Edu	Energy & Env	Speech	Health	Liberty	Law & Gov	Security	Reg	Tax & Fiscal	Work & Labor
2024	100	100	100	60	100	84.62	100	0	82.61	50
2023	100	100	100	50	100	50	100	50	92.59	100

ILA

Judy Boyle