IDAHO — A slate of new Idaho laws passed in the 2026 legislative session — plus one from last year — will take effect July 1. The changes affect drivers, students, property owners, local governments, and more.
HB 664 — Semi trucks allowed to go 80 mph
Semi trucks will now be allowed to match the 80 mph speed limit of passenger vehicles on Idaho interstates. Supporters say it reduces dangerous speed differences between vehicles, while some drivers worry about safety at higher speeds.
PAST COVERAGE | Idaho law allows semi-trucks and passenger cars to drive the same 80 mph on interstates
HB 623 — Mandatory moment of silence in public schools
All public schools will start each day with a 60‑second moment of silence for reflection, prayer, or other silent activity. The law prohibits school staff from suggesting how students should use the time.
READ MORE | Governor Brad Little signs public school 'moment of silence' bill into law
HB 822 — Schools, healthcare providers must notify parents on gender changes
Teachers, healthcare providers, and childcare staff will have 72 hours to notify parents if a minor asks to use different pronouns or a new name. The “Pediatric Secretive Transitions Parental Rights Act” also bans these professionals from aiding in a gender transition without parental permission.
HB 752 — Public bathrooms separated by biological sex
The new law would have required restrooms in government buildings, schools, and private businesses open to the public to be designated and used based on biological sex, with violations carrying up to a year in jail for a first offense.
However, Chief U.S. District Judge Amanda Brailsford blocked the law from taking effect, issuing a statewide injunction less than three weeks before the July 1 start date. The court found no evidence to support the state’s safety justification and agreed with plaintiffs — six transgender Idahoans and civil rights groups — who argued it violated equal protection, due process, and privacy rights. The injunction is preliminary and not a final ruling on constitutionality.
RELATED | Six transgender Idahoans challenge HB-752, the state's new restroom law
SB 1227 — AI policies required in schools
Local school districts must develop guidelines for the use of artificial intelligence in classrooms and administration, making Idaho one of the first states with such requirements. The law also launches a public-private partnership with companies like Microsoft, Micron, and the Idaho National Laboratory to provide free AI training and resources.
PAST COVERAGE | Idaho becomes one of the first states to pass artificial intelligence guidelines for K-12 education
HB 533 — License plate stickers no longer required
Idaho drivers will no longer need to place registration stickers on their license plates, with law enforcement relying solely on electronic records to confirm vehicle registration. The change is expected to save $300,000 in materials and production costs each year.
READ MORE | House Bill to eliminate license plate registration stickers signed into law
HB 504 — Ban on bulk lottery ticket purchases
Large-scale Idaho lottery ticket purchases — over $5,000 in a 24-hour period — will be banned, closing a loophole used by coordinated buyers to target certain prizes. The law also gives the lottery authority to deny winnings tied to prohibited bulk buys.
RELATED | Idaho House and Senate pass legislation to ban bulk lottery ticket purchases
HB 514 — Fewer training hours for cosmetologists
The number of training hours required for cosmetology licenses will be reduced to make entering the profession easier. Supporters argue it will strengthen the workforce, while opponents warn it may lower industry standards.
PAST COVERAGE | Idaho salon owners fight potential cosmetology training cuts
HB 583 — Limits on local regulation of short‑term rentals
Cities and counties will have less authority to restrict short-term rentals such as Airbnb and Vrbo properties, though they can still regulate for health and safety. Supporters say the measure protects property rights, while some residents worry about neighborhood impacts like parking congestion.
RELATED | Neighbors weigh in as Idaho short-term rental bill heads to governor
HB 556 — State reimburses counties for housing state inmates
Idaho will increase the reimbursement rate for counties that house state inmates to $80 per day. County sheriffs say the rise still falls short of the actual cost — with some jails spending over $130 per inmate per day — and argue that overcrowding remains the larger issue.
RELATED | 'Not nearly enough': Idaho Senate passes county jail bill while state inmate cost dispute lingers
HB 37 (2025 session) — Firing squad as primary execution method
Idaho will become the first state to make the firing squad its primary method of execution, replacing lethal injection. New state rules spell out how it will work — from shooter qualifications to accuracy tests — while keeping all participant names confidential by law.
READ MORE | Idaho details how firing squad executions will work under new state policy
This story has been, in part, converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
