Christopher M. Allgood

This bill appropriates over $204 million to the Department of Commerce, an increase of over $100 million, or 103.2% over the previous fiscal year, driven largely by an appropriation of $100 million from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act for broadband infrastructure. This infrastructure is in addition to the $124 million in supplemental appropriations provided in S 1129. The remainder of the funding is to aid "in the creation of jobs, generating economic growth, creating economic opportunities, and advancing the well-being and prosperity of Idaho Citizens."Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the free market - not central planning by government bureaucrats within the Department of Commerce - is best equipped to drive economic growth. Furthermore, 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 $204 million Appropriation to the Department of Commerce for Unnecessary Initiatives.

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 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 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 prevents state employees and officers from downloading or accessing TikTok on state devices or networks. Support is the Limited Government Position as the installation of such systems poses a significant and unnecessary threat to state and federal networks. Additionally, state employees should not be utilizing government equipment to access entertainment apps such as TikTok.

Strengthening National Security by Banning TikTok from Being Accessed on State-Issued Devices or Networks.

This bill provides outdoor recreation outfitters and guides with legal immunity from any harm or injury a participant may sustain due to the inherent risk of outdoor recreational activities. The protection does not apply to "negligent, reckless, or intentional conduct of the outfitter or guide." Support is the Limited Government Position as protecting business operators from frivolous litigation due to factors outside of their control is critical to ensuring their operation and maintaining low consumer costs.

Reducing Frivolous Litigation by Providing Liability Protections to Outfitters and Guides in Outdoor Recreational Activities.

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 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 limits the ability of the legislature to intervene in a court case challenging the constitutionality of a state law by giving the Senate President Pro-Tempore and the Speaker of the House of Representatives the sole discretion to decide whether their respective chambers will intervene to defend the law. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill weakens government integrity by providing just two individuals with the authority to make critical determinations surrounding the defense of state law. The bill is especially troubling given the poor track records of the individuals in House and Senate leadership roles over the past decade when it has come to upholding limited government principles.

Restricting the Ability of the Legislature to Defend Laws in Court Cases by Providing the House and Senate Leaders the Sole Discretion to Intervene.

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 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 the consideration of ESG (environmental, social, and governance) in decisions relating to state contracting or procurement. The consideration of ESG oftentimes leads to higher taxpayer costs. Support is the Limited Government Position as all public procurement actions should be based on producing the maximum return and value for taxpayers, not advancing political or social agendas.

Protecting Taxpayers by Prohibiting ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) Considerations in State Contracts.

This bill, Coach Kennedy's Law, guarantees the right of public college, school district, and charter school employees to pray during free time. This bill follows the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Kennedy v. Bremerton School District, involving a high school football coach praying after football games in neighboring Washington. Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure strengthens the First Amendment rights of individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs across the public education system.

Strengthening Religious Liberties at Public Schools and State Institutions of Higher Education by Ensuring Employees are Permitted to Pray During Free Time.

Under current law, employers are protected from civil liability when allowing or not prohibiting the lawful storage of firearms by employees in their personal motor vehicles on the employer's business premises. This bill would expand those protections to include employers who allow or don't prohibit the lawful carrying of a firearm on an employee's person. 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 is a crucial individual liberty and protects the citizenry against a tyrannical government. This measure helps protect employers from civil liability for supporting their employees' Second Amendment rights and ability to defend themselves.

Strengthening Second Amendment Rights by Providing Immunity to Employers Who Allow Employee Concealed Carry.

This bill allows local school districts to authorize virtual charter schools. Additionally, the permits charter school to consider the "at-risk makeup" of students at a public charter school during the certification, accountability, and renewal process. This ensures that the charter schools who face greater challenges surrounding unaccompanied youth, high absenteeism, etc. are not unfairly penalized. Support is the Limited Government Position as expanding school choice through charter school establishment is critical to creating a "market in education" which improves the educational outcomes for all students.

Improving Educational Outcomes for Students by Allowing School Districts to Authorize Virtual Charter Schools.

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 requires all highway-user fee revenue and highway and bridge ad valorum taxes be used on projects such as construction and maintenance of bridges and highways "that benefit primarily motor vehicles." This prevents the use of these funds for other purposes, such as building sidewalks and bike lanes. Support is the Limited Government Position as the user fees and taxes specifically associated with highways and bridges should be limited to constructing and maintaining that infrastructure, not for other side projects such as sidewalks and bike lanes. This measure helps ensure roads and bridges are properly upkept while also helping combat wasteful and unnecessary expenditures.

Protecting Taxpayers from Wasteful and Unnecessary Infrastructure Spending by Restricting the Use of Highway and Bridge Revenue.

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 allows professional counselors and marriage and family therapists to opt out of counseling or serving a client "regarding goals, outcomes, or behaviors" due to "sincerely held 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 allows mental and behavioral health providers who are licensed in other states to provide services in Idaho through "telehealth" (utilizing the internet or video call to provide diagnoses and prescribe medication). Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill reduces the shortage of mental and behavioral health providers and improves the ability of patients to receive attentive and timely treatment.

Expanding Competition and Availability of Mental Health Services by Allowing Providers in Other States to Provide Services Through Telehealth.

This bill ensures individuals do not have to receive a COVID-19 vaccine or provide a "vaccine passport" in order to receive state and local services, enter a government building, or be employed by the state. The bill also applies to other vaccines that are available under emergency use authorization and have not yet received full FDA approval. Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure helps protect individual liberties by ensuring it is individuals - not government - making the medical decision on whether or not to receive a vaccination against COVID-19 or other diseases. Unfortunately, this bill includes a number of exemptions such as schools, day care facilities, healthcare facilities, and federal requirements.

Protecting Individual Liberties by Prohibiting Government-Imposed "Vaccine Passport" Mandates.

This bill enacts the Commercial Property Assessed Capital Expenditure (C-PACE) Act, which will provide financing to commercial property owners for certain government-approved improvements such as increased energy efficiency. Under the program localities may issue bonds (debt) to finance the improvements, which are then repaid through an additional assessment on their property. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as not only is it not the proper role of government to compete in the lending industry, but taxpayer funds are unnecessarily placed at risk in the event of a default. Furthermore, the C-PACE program creates additional complications in the mortgage industry concerning lien priority and debt recovery.

Competing With the Private Lending Industry and Placing Taxpayer Funds at Risk through the Establishment of a  Commercial Property Assessed Capital Expenditure (C-PACE) Program.

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 ends judicial deference to agency interpretations of statutes or rules, instead requiring courts to interpret the relevant questions of law themselves. Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure serves as a critical tool to combatting the regulatory overreach of unaccountable bureaucrats within government by helping restore the proper separation of powers. Similar actions should be taken at the federal level considering the disastrous decision made by the Supreme Court in the infamous Chevron deference case.

Combatting the Regulatory Overreach of Unaccountable Bureaucrats by Ending Judicial Deference to Agency Interpretations of Statutes.

This bill appropriates over $500,000 to the Commission on Hispanic Affairs, which serves as a "liaison between the community and government entities." Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this entity serves as an unnecessary bureaucracy. It is the role and duty of government to treat individuals of every background equally, and taxpayers should not be forced to fund commissions for select interests. Additionally, 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 and Unnecessary $500,000 Appropriation to the Commission on Hispanic Affairs.

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 appropriates over $2.2 million and establishes 10 full-time positions to the Commission on the Arts for 2025. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as providing funding for the arts is not a core nor necessary function of the government, rather a role of the private sector through foundations and philanthropy. 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.

Growing Government Bureaucracy and Ballooning Spending for Unnecessary Initiatives within the Commission on the Arts.

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 establishes a new health insurance mandate which requires most healthcare policies offered in the state that cover prescription contraceptive drugs to cover a 6-month supply of the drugs. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as each and every health insurance mandate or price control on co-payments prevents an individual or business from selecting a plan with just basic or customized coverages to fit their specific needs. As a result, health insurers are forced to only offer costly plans loaded with coverages that most individuals do not need. This can result in lower-income or younger individuals choosing to purchase no insurance plan at all due to the high cost.

Hiking Health Insurance Premiums by Mandating Health Insurance Companies Cover a 6-Month Supply of Contraceptive Drugs.

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.

Strengthening National Security by Permitting the Governor to Enter into an Interstate Border Security Compact.

This bill appropriates over $68 million to the Department of Parks and Recreation, which represents a 52% increase within the past 3 years. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the private sector is much better equipped to manage property and provide recreational services. The state should work to shrink its land holdings and 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 $68 Million Appropriation to the Department of Parks and Recreation - a 52% Increase within the Past 3 Years.

This bill prohibits local governments across the state from imposing any ordinances which restrict the ability of consumers to access the energy source of their choice, including electric, natural gas, propane, and other sources. As a result, the bill would preempt local bans on natural gas hook-up and all-electric building codes. Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill strengthens both property rights and individual liberties. While some may argue this bill undermines "local control", our founding fathers only recognized three entities within the U.S. Constitution - federal government, state government, and the individual. It is not the role for any level of government to unduly infringe the rights of individuals, therefore making preemption measures, such as this bill, necessary.

Protecting Consumer Choice by Prohibiting Local Governments from Imposing All-Electric Building Codes and Anti-Natural Gas Ordinances.

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 $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 bill creates the Office of Election Crimes and Security under the authority of the Attorney General, tasked with receiving, investigating, and responding to complaints and allegations of election crimes. The office is required to provide an annual report to the governor, president of the senate, and speaker of the house detailing its investigations. Support is the Limited Government Position as maintaining strong safeguards against voter fraud is a critical aspect of ensuring free and fair elections, an essential component of democracy under our nation's constitutional republic.

Strengthening Election Integrity Through the Creation of the Office of Election Crimes and Security.

This bill requires individuals who are paid to gather signatures for initiatives and referenda to identify themselves as such when gathering signatures. The paid gatherers must verbally tell voters they are paid, wear a badge indicating they are being paid, and prominently note on their petition that they are being paid to collect the signatures. Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure helps to combat abuse within the petition initiative process which has resulted in passage of multiple big government policies.

Increasing the Integrity of Ballot Initiatives Through Transparency of Paid Signature Gatherers.

This bill, commonly referred to as "Clean Slate" allows convicted criminals to have their offense expunged from their record and shielded from public disclosure after 5 years. The bill applies to criminals who committed a misdemeanor crime including burglary, theft, certain gun or gang-related crimes, or any number of other crimes (except "violent" crimes) which may have resulted in up to a year of incarceration. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as safeguarding communities and ensuring public safety is one of the most important roles of government. This bill prevents businesses and families from protecting themselves from dangerous convicted criminals and unknowingly sharing housing or providing employment in key financial roles - critical information considering the national 44% recidivism rate. Unfortunately, this bill is one of 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.

Weakening Public Safety through a Dangerous "Criminal Justice "Reform" Which Prevents Communities from Protecting Themselves Against Convicted Criminals through Record Expungement.

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 makes it easier for counties to satisfy notice requirements to destroy noxious weeds, on private property, "including necessary destruction of crops," at the expense of the landowner. Currently, a property owner has five working days from the time of receipt of a notice to begin addressing weeds. This bill provides that when the property owner is "not known or readily available," service is considered satisfied eight days after the notice is postmarked or certified registered receipt at the address. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill provides government bureaucrats with overreaching powers to trespass onto private property and impose additional costs onto landowners without necessary protections.

Weakening Property Rights by Providing Government Officials Overreaching Powers to Trespass onto Private Property and Destroy Crops in Order to Control "Noxious Weeds".

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 is designed to prevent large data centers from "double dipping" by receiving two separate economic development incentives for the same project. While the bill applies to all data centers, it primarily impacts Meta (Facebook) and its project in the City of Kuna. Due to the fact Meta is already eligible for a sales tax exemption, this bill prevents the company from also receiving property tax exemptions under the urban renewal district designation. As a result, property owners in Kuna will not be forced to subsidize the infrastructure costs of Meta, and instead receive tax relief due to the tax assessment on the Meta facility. Support is the Limited Government Position as while Meta (or any individual company) should not be provided any tax exemption or subsidy, this bill at least limits the extent of the cronyism. All state and local tax codes should be constructed in a broadly applied manner with the lowest rates possible for everyone. Instead of attempting to centrally plan the economy, lawmakers should cut taxes across all industries, which will allow the free market to provide far greater job and business growth.

Providing Property Tax Relief to Homeowners by Blocking Crony Subsidies to Meta (Facebook) and Other Woke Corporations.

This bill increases and clarifies work search requirements for those receiving unemployment insurance benefits. Under the bill, those receiving benefits must conduct at least five "work search actions per week," these actions include job searches, completing a resume, attending a job fair, and more. The bill clarifies what constitutes a failure to apply for suitable work and what the appropriate exceptions are (illness, injury, or immediate family emergency). Lastly, the bill requires the Idaho Department of Labor to establish an email address and web portal allowing employers to report suspected violations of the law. Support is the Limited Government Position as combatting fraud within the state's unemployment insurance system is critical to maintaining low payroll taxes for businesses which are forced to pay into the system. While unemployment insurance should not be carried out by government - rather, a system should be established whereby individuals and companies can purchase into a program on the private marketplace - lawmakers have a duty to maintain the integrity of the system.

Strengthening the Integrity of the Unemployment Insurance System Through Increased Work Search Requirements.

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 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, 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.

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 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 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 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 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 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.

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 election officials from distributing absentee ballots or ballot applications unless they are specifically requested by voters. The bill is in response to actions taken in some states where absentee ballots were distributed in masses, including to addresses where the voter was no longer residing. Support is the Limited Government Position as the unsolicited mass distribution of ballots creates countless avenues for vote fraud. Measures such as this protection are critical to ensuring free and fair elections, an essential component of democracy under our nation's constitutional republic.

Strengthening Election Integrity by Prohibiting the Unsolicited Mass Mailing of Absentee Ballots.

This bill prohibits state and local governments from imposing any additional regulations on digital assets such as bitcoin, including taxes or restrictions on the holding or mining of digital currencies. Additionally, the bill bars the state from participating in the use, development, or testing of a central bank digital currency. Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill protects civil liberties by preventing creation of a government currency that allows government to track and monitor every consumer transaction. Bitcoin and other digital currencies also serve as a critical safeguard for the U.S. monetary system, especially considering the disastrous policies and actions being taken by the Federal Reserve.

Protecting Civil Liberties by Banning Central Bank Digital Currencies and Preventing Localities from Imposing Regulations on Bitcoins and Other Digital Assets.

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 clarifies that any policy statements or guidance documents issued by a state agency is not "the law" and has no legal force or effect. Support is the Limited Government Position as the power to establish law should be reserved to the legislature - not unaccountable bureaucrats within state agencies. This bill helps ensure that mere policy statements and guidance documents issued by bureaucrats which have not undergone public scrutiny or through the rule making process, are not legally binding on Idahoans.

Strengthening Government Integrity by Clarifying State Agency Policy Statements and Guidance Are Not State Law.

This bill prohibits any investigation under the Child Protective Act that is based on the immunization status of a child. Courts are also prohibited from terminating parental rights based on the immunization status of a child. Support is the Limited Government Position as strong parental rights is a critical element of a free society. It is the role of parents - not government bureaucrats - to evaluate the risks and benefits of providing their child a vaccination.

Strengthening Parental Rights by Prohibiting Vaccination Status from Being Considered in Child Protection Cases.

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 provides the Director of the Department of Insurance new power to impose large penalties on pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) for any violation of regulations the state enacted in 2020. These regulations control prices and contract provisions negotiated between PBMs and local pharmacies. 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 mandates in 2020 which utilized government power to provide local pharmacies with more favorable outcomes in their private contract negotiations with PBMs. This bill merely further worsens the government overreach by subjecting PBMS to significant penalties for any violation.

Year	Edu	Energy & Env	Speech	Health	Liberty	Law & Gov	Security	Reg	Tax & Fiscal	Work & Labor
2024	33.33	0	80	30	100	45.83	100	0	13.04	33.33
2023	100	100	72.73	50	100	50	75	50	11.11	100

ILA

Christopher M. Allgood