Idaho State Senate

General Information
Party control: |  Republican
Session start: |  January 6, 2025
Session end: |  April 4, 2025
Term length: |  2 years
Term limits: |  None
Redistricting: | Commission
Salary: |  $16,684/year \+ per diem
Members
Total: | 35
Democrats: | 6
Republicans: | 29
Other: | 0
Vacancies: | 0
Leadership
President: |  Scott Bedke (R)
Maj. Leader: |  Lori Den Hartog (R)
Min. Leader: |  Melissa Wintrow (D)
Elections
Last election: | November 5, 2024
Next election: | November 3, 2026

The Idaho State Senate is the upper chamber of the Idaho State Legislature. Alongside the Idaho House of Representatives, it forms the legislative branch of the Idaho state government and works alongside the governor of Idaho to create laws and establish a state budget. Legislative authority and responsibilities of the Idaho State Senate include passing bills on public policy matters, setting levels for state spending, raising and lowering taxes, and voting to uphold or override gubernatorial vetoes.

The Idaho State Senate meets in the state capitol building in Boise, Idaho.

* All 35 seats in the Idaho State Senate were up for election in 2024. Republicans gained one seat for a 29-6 majority. Click to read more »

* All 35 seats in the Idaho State Senate were up for election in 2022. The chamber's Republican majority remained 28-7. Click to read more »
* Idaho has a Republican trifecta. The Republican Party controls the office of governor and both chambers of the state legislature.

This page contains the following information on the Idaho State Senate.

* Which party controls the chamber
* The chamber's current membership
* Partisan control of the chamber over time
* Elections in the chamber and how vacancies are filled
* A district map
* How redistricting works in the state
* Legislation currently under consideration
* Legislative session dates
* Legislative procedures, such as veto overrides and the state budget process
* A list of committees

## Contents

* 1 Party control
* 1.1 Current partisan control
* 2 Members
* 2.1 Leadership
* 2.2 Leadership and members
* 2.3 Salaries
* 2.4 Swearing in dates
* 2.5 Membership qualifications
* 3 Historical party control
* 3.1 Trifecta history
* 4 Elections
* 4.1 Elections by year
* 4.2 2026
* 4.3 2024
* 4.4 2022
* 4.5 2020
* 4.6 2018
* 4.7 2016
* 4.8 2014
* 4.9 2012
* 4.10 2010
* 4.11 2008
* 4.12 2006
* 4.13 2004
* 4.14 2002
* 4.15 2000
* 4.16 Vacancies
* 5 District map
* 6 Redistricting
* 6.1 2020
* 6.1.1 District map before and after 2020 redistricting
* 6.2 2010
* 7 Sessions
* 7.1 Legislation
* 7.2 Dates of legislative sessions in Idaho by year
* 7.3 2025
* 7.4 2024
* 7.5 2023
* 7.6 2022
* 7.7 2021
* 7.8 2020
* 7.8.1 Effect of coronavirus pandemic
* 7.9 2019
* 7.10 2018
* 7.11 2017
* 7.12 2016
* 7.13 2015
* 7.13.1 Major issues in 2015
* 7.14 2014
* 7.14.1 Major issues in 2014
* 7.15 2013
* 7.15.1 Major issues in 2013
* 7.16 2012
* 7.16.1 Major issues in 2012
* 7.17 2011
* 7.18 2010
* 7.19 About legislative sessions in Idaho
* 8 Legislative roles and procedures
* 8.1 Veto overrides
* 8.2 Role in state budget
* 9 Committees
* 10 Constitutional amendments
* 10.1 Legislature
* 10.2 Convention
* 11 See also
* 12 External links
* 13 Footnotes

## Party control[edit]

### Current partisan control[edit]

The table below shows the partisan breakdown of the Idaho State Senate as of April 2025:

Party  | As of April 2025

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| Democratic Party | 6
| Republican Party | 29
| Other  | 0
| Vacancies  | 0
Total |  35

## Members[edit]

### Leadership[edit]

The lieutenant governor serves as president of the Senate. The president pro tempore, who is elected by Senate caucus, presides over the daily session when the lieutenant governor isn't present and is also the chief leadership position in the majority party.[1]

### Leadership and members[edit]

* Senate president: Scott Bedke (R)
* President Pro Tem: Kelly Anthon (R)
* Majority leader: Lori Den Hartog (R)
* Minority leader: Melissa Wintrow (D)

Office | Name | Party | Date assumed office

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Idaho State Senate District 1 | Jim Woodward | Republican  | December 1, 2024
Idaho State Senate District 2 | Phil Hart | Republican  | December 1, 2022
Idaho State Senate District 3 | Doug Okuniewicz | Republican  | December 1, 2022
Idaho State Senate District 4 | Ben Toews | Republican  | December 1, 2022
Idaho State Senate District 5 | Carl Bjerke | Republican  | December 1, 2022
Idaho State Senate District 6 | Dan Foreman | Republican  | December 1, 2022
Idaho State Senate District 7 | Cindy Carlson | Republican  | December 1, 2022
Idaho State Senate District 8 | Christy Zito | Republican  | December 1, 2024
Idaho State Senate District 9 | Brandon Shippy | Republican  | July 18, 2024
Idaho State Senate District 10 | Tammy Nichols | Republican  | December 1, 2022
Idaho State Senate District 11 | Camille Blaylock | Republican  | December 1, 2024
Idaho State Senate District 12 | Ben Adams | Republican  | December 1, 2022
Idaho State Senate District 13 | Brian Lenney | Republican  | December 1, 2022
Idaho State Senate District 14 | C. Scott Grow | Republican  | August 15, 2018
Idaho State Senate District 15 | Codi Galloway | Republican  | December 1, 2024
Idaho State Senate District 16 | Alison Rabe | Democratic  | December 1, 2022
Idaho State Senate District 17 | Carrie Semmelroth | Democratic  | November 30, 2021
Idaho State Senate District 18 | Janie Ward-Engelking | Democratic  | January 8, 2014
Idaho State Senate District 19 | Melissa Wintrow | Democratic  | December 1, 2020
Idaho State Senate District 20 | Josh Keyser | Republican  | December 1, 2024
Idaho State Senate District 21 | Treg Bernt | Republican  | December 1, 2022
Idaho State Senate District 22 | Lori Den Hartog | Republican  | December 1, 2014
Idaho State Senate District 23 | Todd Lakey | Republican  | December 1, 2022
Idaho State Senate District 24 | Glenneda Zuiderveld | Republican  | December 1, 2022
Idaho State Senate District 25 | Josh Kohl | Republican  | December 1, 2024
Idaho State Senate District 26 | Ron Taylor | Democratic  | December 1, 2022
Idaho State Senate District 27 | Kelly Anthon | Republican  | 2015
Idaho State Senate District 28 | Jim Guthrie | Republican  | December 1, 2012
Idaho State Senate District 29 | James Ruchti | Democratic  | December 1, 2022
Idaho State Senate District 30 | Julie VanOrden | Republican  | December 1, 2022
Idaho State Senate District 31 | Van Burtenshaw | Republican  | December 1, 2022
Idaho State Senate District 32 | Kevin Cook | Republican  | December 1, 2022
Idaho State Senate District 33 | David Lent | Republican  | December 1, 2018
Idaho State Senate District 34 | Doug Ricks | Republican  | December 1, 2020
Idaho State Senate District 35 | Mark Harris | Republican  | December 1, 2022

### Salaries[edit]

See also: Comparison of state legislative salaries
State legislative salaries, 2024[2]

Salary| Per diem
$19,913/year| For legislators residing within 50 miles of the capitol: $74/day. For legislators residing more than 50 miles from the capitol: $221/day.

### Swearing in dates[edit]

See also: When state legislators assume office after a general election

Idaho legislators assume office ​on the first day in December following the general election.[3]

### Membership qualifications[edit]

See also: State legislature candidate requirements by state

Article III, Section 6 of the Idaho Constitution states: "No person shall be a senator or representative who, at the time of his election, is not a citizen of the United States, and an elector of this state, nor anyone who has not been for one year next preceding his election an elector of the county or district whence he may be chosen."[4]

## Historical party control[edit]

Republicans won control of the Idaho State Senate in 1992. In 2024, they won a 29-6 majority.

The table below shows the partisan history of the Idaho Senate following every general election from 1992 to 2024. All data from 2006 or earlier comes from Michael Dubin's Party Affiliations in the State Legislatures (McFarland Press, 2007). Data after 2006 was compiled by Ballotpedia staff.

Idaho State Senate election results: 1992-2024

Year  | '92  | '94  | '96  | '98  | '00  | '02  | '04  | '06  | '08  | '10  | '12  | '14  | '16  | '18  | '20  | '22  | '24

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Democrats | 12 | 8 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6
Republicans | 23 | 27 | 30 | 31 | 32 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 29 | 28 | 29 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 29

### Trifecta history[edit]

A state government trifecta is a term that describes single-party government, when one political party holds the governor's office and has majorities in both chambers of the legislature in a state government. Between 1992 and 2023, Idaho was under the following types of trifecta control:

* Democratic trifecta: None
* Republican trifecta: 1995-2023
* Divided government: 1992-1994

Idaho Party Control: 1992-2025
No Democratic trifectas • Thirty one years of Republican trifectas
Scroll left and right on the table below to view more years.

Year  | 92  | 93  | 94  | 95  | 96  | 97  | 98  | 99  | 00  | 01  | 02  | 03  | 04  | 05  | 06  | 07  | 08  | 09  | 10  | 11  | 12  | 13  | 14  | 15  | 16  | 17  | 18  | 19  | 20  | 21  | 22  | 23  | 24  | 25

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Governor | D | D | D | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R
Senate | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R
House | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R

## Elections[edit]

### Elections by year[edit]

Idaho state senators serve two-year terms, with all seats up for election every two years. Idaho holds elections for its legislature in even years.

### 2026[edit]

See also: Idaho State Senate elections, 2026

Elections for the Idaho State Senate will take place in 2026. The general election is on November 3, 2026.

### 2024[edit]

See also: Idaho State Senate elections, 2024

Elections for the Idaho State Senate took place in 2024. The general election was on November 5, 2024. The primary was May 21, 2024. The filing deadline was March 15, 2024.

In the 2024 elections, the Republicans in the Idaho State Senate increased their majority to 29-6.

Idaho State Senate

Party  | As of November 5, 2024  | After November 6, 2024
| Democratic Party | 7  | 6
| Republican Party | 28 | 29
Total |  35 |  35

### 2022[edit]

See also: Idaho State Senate elections, 2022

Elections for the Idaho State Senate took place in 2022. The general election was on November 8, 2022. A primary was scheduled for May 17, 2022. The filing deadline was March 11, 2022.

In the 2022 elections, the Republicans in the Idaho State Senate retained their 28-7 majority.

Idaho State Senate

Party  | As of November 8, 2022  | After November 9, 2022
| Democratic Party | 7  | 7
| Republican Party | 28 | 28
Total |  35 |  35

### 2020[edit]

See also: Idaho State Senate elections, 2020

Elections for the office of Idaho State Senate took place in 2020. The general election was held on November 3, 2020. A primary was scheduled for June 2, 2020. The filing deadline was March 13, 2020.

On March 30, 2020, Governor Brad Little (R) and Secretary of State Lawerence Denney (R) announced that Idaho's primary election would be conducted by mail. On March 24, 2020, the secretary of state announced the implementation of online absentee ballot application process, which can be accessed here. The primary date effectively changed from May 19, 2020, to June 2, 2020--the day on which ballots were due.[5]

In the 2020 elections, the Republicans in the Idaho State Senate retained their 28-7 majority.

Idaho State Senate

Party  | As of November 3, 2020  | After November 4, 2020
| Democratic Party | 7  | 7
| Republican Party | 28 | 28
Total |  35 |  35

### 2018[edit]

See also: Idaho State Senate elections, 2018

Elections for the Idaho State Senate took place in 2018. A semi-closed primary election took place on May 15, 2018. The general election was held on November 6, 2018. The candidate filing deadline was March 9, 2018.[6]

In the 2018 elections, the Republican majority in the Idaho State Senate was reduced from 29-6 to 28-7.

Idaho State Senate

Party  | As of November 6, 2018  | After November 7, 2018
| Democratic Party | 6  | 7
| Republican Party | 29 | 28
Total |  35 |  35

### 2016[edit]

See also: Idaho State Senate elections, 2016

Elections for the Idaho State Senate were held in 2016. The primary election took place on May 17, 2016, and the general election was held on November 8, 2016. The candidate filing deadline was March 11, 2016. All 35 seats in the Idaho State Senate were up for election in 2016.

Heading into the election, Republicans held a 28-7 majority. Republicans gained one seat in the election, giving them a 29-6 majority.

Idaho State Senate

Party  | As of November 7, 2016  | After November 8, 2016
| Democratic Party | 7  | 6
| Republican Party | 28 | 29
Total |  35 |  35
Click [show] to see election information dating back to 2000

### 2014[edit]

See also: Idaho State Senate elections, 2014

Elections for the Idaho State Senate took place in 2014. A primary election took place on May 20, 2014. The general election was held on November 4, 2014. The signature filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in this election was March 14, 2014. All 35 Senate seats were up for election in 2014.

Heading into the election, Republicans held a 28-7 majority. No partisan change occurred in the election.

| Idaho State Senate

Party  | As of November 3, 2014  | After November 4, 2014
| Democratic Party | 7  | 7
| Republican Party | 28 | 28
Total |  35 |  35

### 2012[edit]

See also: Idaho State Senate elections, 2012

Elections for the office of Idaho State Senate took place in 2012. The primary election was held on May 15, 2012, and the general election was held on November 6, 2012. The candidate filing deadline was March 9, 2012. All 35 Senate seats were up for election in 2012.

Heading into the election, Republicans held a 28-7 majority. Republicans gained one seat in the election, giving them a 29-6 majority.

Idaho State Senate

Party  | As of November 5, 2012  | After the 2012 Election
| Democratic Party | 7  | 6
| Republican Party | 28 | 29
Total |  35 |  35

The table below details the 10 districts with the smallest margin of victory in the November 6 general election in 2012.

2012 Margin of Victory, Idaho State Senate

District  | Winner  | Margin of Victory  | Total Votes  | Top Opponent
Idaho State Senate, District 5, General Election |  Dan Schmidt | 2% | 20,276 | Warren A. Ducote Jr.
Idaho State Senate, District 15, General Election |  Fred S. Martin | 4.2% | 18,328 | Betty Richardson
Idaho State Senate, District 18, General Election |  Branden J. Durst | 7.1% | 21,088 | Mitch Toryanski
Idaho State Senate, District 29, General Election |  Roy Lacey | 7.7% | 17,636 | Greg Romriell
Idaho State Senate, District 6, General Election |  Dan Johnson | 10.7% | 18,365 | John Bradbury
Idaho State Senate, District 16, General Election |  Les Bock | 14.5% | 19,032 | Joan Cloonan
Idaho State Senate, District 4, General Election |  John Goedde | 21.6% | 18,383 | Warren A. Ducote Jr.
Idaho State Senate, District 10, General Election |  Jim Rice | 22.4% | 12,591 | Leif Skyving
Idaho State Senate, District 17, General Election |  Elliot Werk | 25.9% | 16,130 | Judy M. Peavey-Derr
Idaho State Senate, District 7, General Election |  Sheryl L. Nuxoll | 28% | 18,105 | Jon Cantamessa

### 2010[edit]

See also: Idaho State Senate elections, 2010

Elections for the office of Idaho State Senate took place in 2010. The primary election was held on May 25, 2010, and the general election was held on November 2, 2010. The candidate filing deadline was March 19, 2010. All 35 Senate seats were up for election in 2010.

Heading into the election, Republicans held a 28-7 majority. No partisan change occurred in the election.

Idaho State Senate

Party  | As of November 1, 2010  | After the 2010 Election
| Democratic Party | 7  | 7
| Republican Party | 28 | 28
Total |  35 |  35

In 2010, the total amount of contributions raised in state Senate elections was $1,380,073. The top 10 contributors were:[7]

2010 Donors, Idaho State Senate

Donor  | Amount
Senate Republican PAC of Idaho  | $27,250
Idaho Farm Bureau | $25,550
Idaho Association of Realtors  | $25,500
Idaho Power Co  | $25,000
Qwest Communications  | $23,500
JR Simplot Co  | $22,100
Donoval, James  | $21,689
Coeur D Alene Tribe  | $20,750
Idaho Education Association  | $19,000
Idaho Telecom Alliance  | $18,250

### 2008[edit]

See also: Idaho State Senate elections, 2008

Elections for the office of Idaho State Senate consisted of a primary election on May 27, 2008, and a general election on November 4, 2008. All 35 Senate seats were up for election in 2008.

During the 2008 election, the total value of contributions to Senate candidates was $1,661,840. The top 10 contributors were:[8]

2008 Donors, Idaho State Senate

Donor  | Amount
Idaho Republican Party  | $32,500
Idaho Power Co  | $31,750
Sorensen, Dean E  | $31,279
Idaho Association of Realtors  | $24,250
Troupis, Christ T  | $22,682
Idaho Farm Bureau  | $22,675
Qwest Communications  | $22,100
Senate Republican PAC of Idaho  | $21,000
Jr Simplot Co  | $20,300
Mckague, Shirley  | $20,000

### 2006[edit]

See also: Idaho State Senate elections, 2006

Elections for the office of Idaho State Senate consisted of a primary election on May 23, 2006, and a general election on November 7, 2006. All 35 Senate seats were up for election in 2006.

During the 2006 election, the total value of contributions to Senate candidates was $1,199,736. The top 10 contributors were:[9]

2006 Donors, Idaho State Senate

Donor  | Amount
Idaho Power Co  | $35,000
Idaho Education Association  | $22,500
Micron Technology  | $20,700
Senate Republican PAC of Idaho  | $19,500
Idaho Association of Realtors  | $18,750
Fulcher, Russell M  | $18,500
Idaho Farm Bureau  | $16,800
Idaho Associated General Contractors  | $15,125
Qwest Communications  | $14,450
Union Pacific Railroad  | $12,350

### 2004[edit]

See also: Idaho State Senate elections, 2004

Elections for the office of Idaho State Senate consisted of a primary election on May 25, 2004, and a general election on November 2, 2004. All 35 Senate seats were up for election in 2004.

During the 2004 election, the total value of contributions to Senate candidates was $1,315,599. The top 10 contributors were:[10]

2004 Donors, Idaho State Senate

Donor  | Amount
Idaho Education Association  | $28,900
Hansen, Randy  | $21,000
Union Pacific Railroad  | $20,400
Idaho Association of Realtors  | $20,400
Werk, Elliot  | $17,600
Micron Technology  | $16,500
Idaho Power Co  | $15,650
Jorgenson, Michael (Mike)  | $15,304
Senate Republicans of Idaho  | $15,050
Qwest Communications  | $14,925

### 2002[edit]

See also: Idaho State Senate elections, 2002

Elections for the office of Idaho State Senate consisted of a primary election on May 28, 2002, and a general election on November 5, 2002. All 35 Senate seats were up for election in 2002.

During the 2002 election, the total value of contributions to Senate candidates was $1,287,803. The top 10 contributors were:[11]

2002 Donors, Idaho State Senate

Donor  | Amount
Idaho Education Association  | $35,000
United for Idaho/Idaho Business PAC  | $32,100
Idaho Association of Realtors  | $26,800
Senate Republicans of Idaho  | $26,100
Pasley-Stuart, Anne  | $19,500
Holland, Dave  | $16,234
Idaho Power Co  | $13,700
Micron Technology  | $12,900
Citizens for Federal Term Limits Cmte to Repeal The Repeal  | $12,750
Jr Simplot Co  | $12,750

### 2000[edit]

See also: Idaho State Senate elections, 2000

Elections for the office of Idaho State Senate consisted of a primary election on May 23, 2000, and a general election on November 7, 2000. All 35 Senate seats were up for election in 2000.

During the 2000 election, the total value of contributions to Senate candidates was $628,054. The top 10 contributors were:[12]

2000 Donors, Idaho State Senate

Donor  | Amount
Idaho Education Association  | $13,900
Jr Simplot Co  | $13,505
Senate Republicans of Idaho  | $12,500
Lodge, Patti Ann  | $12,500
Idaho Association of Realtors  | $12,050
Senate Republican  | $11,500
Idaho Associated General Contractors  | $10,650
Idaho Trucking Association  | $9,950
Boise Cascade Corp  | $9,900
Idaho Medical Association  | $9,750

### Vacancies[edit]

See also: How vacancies are filled in state legislatures

If there is a vacancy in the Idaho State Legislature, the governor is responsible for appointing a replacement.

The political party committee that last held the vacant seat has 15 days after the vacancy occurs to submit a list of three recommended candidates to the governor. The governor makes the selection based on the recommendations.

If any party committee fails to submit a list of recommended candidates after the 15-day deadline, the governor has five days to appoint a person from the political party that last held the seat. The person appointed to the seat serves for the remainder of the unfilled term.[13]

See sources: Idaho Code §59-904A

## District map[edit]

See also: Idaho state legislative districts

The state of Idaho has 35 legislative districts. Senators are elected from the same legislative districts as members of the Idaho State House. In each district, one senator and two representatives are elected.

Use the interactive map below to find your district.

## Redistricting[edit]

See also: Redistricting in Idaho

In 37 states, legislatures are primarily responsible for drawing congressional district lines. Seven states have only one congressional district each, rendering congressional redistricting unnecessary. Four states employ independent commissions to draw the district maps. In two states, politician commissions draw congressional district lines.

State legislative district lines are primarily the province of the state legislatures themselves in 37 states. In seven states, politician commissions draw state legislative district lines. In the remaining six states, independent commissions draw the lines.[14]

In Idaho, an independent commission is responsible for drawing both congressional and state legislative district lines. The commission is composed of six members.[15]

1. One member is appointed by the majority leader of the Idaho State Senate.
2. One member is appointed by the minority leader of the Idaho State Senate.
3. One member is appointed by the majority leader of the Idaho House of Representatives.
4. One member is appointed by the minority leader of the Idaho House of Representatives.
5. The chairs of the state's two largest political parties each appoint one member.

According to the Idaho Constitution, no member may be an elected or appointed official while serving on the commission. The state constitution further requires that the commission produce draft congressional and state legislative maps within 90 days of the commission's formation. There is no explicit deadline for final plans.[15]

The state constitution requires that state legislative districts "be contiguous, and that counties be preserved intact where possible." State statutes require that both congressional and state legislative districts meet the following criteria:[15]

* County lines must be maintained "to the extent possible."
* Districts must "preserve traditional neighborhoods, communities of interest, and (if possible) voting precinct boundaries."
* Districts should not be "oddly shaped."
* In districts comprising more than one county or a portion thereof, "those constituent pieces must also be connected by a state or federal highway."

### 2020[edit]

See also: Redistricting in Idaho after the 2020 census

On November 12, 2021, the Idaho Independent Redistricting Commission formally submitted its final legislative map to the secretary of state. On November 10, 2021, the commission voted 6-0 in favor of the final legislative map.[16] The commission had earlier voted in favor of the map on November 5, 2021, but chose to recast their votes on November 10, 2021, due to concerns regarding Idaho's open meetings laws.[16][17][18] Idaho has 35 legislative districts, each of which elects one senator and two representatives.

#### District map before and after 2020 redistricting[edit]

Below is the state Senate map in effect before and after the 2020 redistricting cycle.

### Idaho State Senate Districts
until November 30, 2022

Click a district to compare boundaries.

### Idaho State Senate Districts
starting December 1, 2022

Click a district to compare boundaries.

### 2010[edit]

See also: Redistricting in Idaho after the 2010 census

Idaho received its local census data on March 20, 2011. These tables show the change in population in the five largest cities and counties in Idaho from 2000-2010:[19]

| Top Five most populous cities

City  | 2000 Population  | 2010 Population  | Percent change
Boise City  | 185,787  | 205,671  | 10.7%
Nampa  | 51,867  | 81,557  | 57.2%
Meridian  | 34,919  | 75,092  | 115.0%
Idaho Falls  | 50,730  | 56,813  | 12.0%
Pocatello  | 51,466  | 54,255  | 5.4%
|  | Top Five most populous counties

County  | 2000 Population  | 2010 Population  | Percent Change
Ada  | 300,904  | 392,365  | 30.4%
Canyon  | 131,441  | 188,923  | 43.7%
Kootenai  | 108,685  | 138,494  | 27.4%
Bonneville  | 82,522  | 104,234  | 26.3%
Bannock  | 75,565  | 82,839  | 9.6%

Each party on Idaho’s bipartisan redistricting commission released its legislative redistricting proposals in August of 2011. On August 17, 2011, the Idaho Commission on Reapportionment adjourned until August 30, citing progress on the maps. The commission did not agree to a new map of the state's legislative districts by the 5 p.m. deadline on September 6, 2011, and a reformed Reapportionment Commission was created. On October 14, 2011, the reformed commission unanimously adopted a plan for the new legislative districts, formally known as L-87.

## Sessions[edit]

### Legislation[edit]

The legislation tracker below displays all legislation that the Idaho State Senate has approved in its most recent legislative session—this includes legislation that has been sent from the Senate to the House and legislation that has already been approved by the House and signed by the governor after its passage in the Senate. The table below includes the bill number, its name, progress, most recent action date, and sponsor. Scroll up and down and side to side to see more. Click the bill number to read the bill text and see its voting history. Click the headings to sort the content. Rearrange the order of the headings by clicking and dragging them. Click the magnifying glass in the bottom left corner to search for specific terms. The legislation tracker is maintained and updated by BillTrack50.

### Dates of legislative sessions in Idaho by year[edit]

### 2025[edit]

See also: 2025 Idaho legislative session and Dates of 2025 state legislative sessions

In 2025, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 6, 2025, and adjourn on April 4, 2025.

Click [show] for past years' session dates.

### 2024[edit]

See also: 2024 Idaho legislative session and Dates of 2024 state legislative sessions

In 2024, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 8, 2024, and adjourn on April 10, 2024.

### 2023[edit]

See also: 2023 Idaho legislative session and Dates of 2023 state legislative sessions

In 2023, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 9, 2023, and adjourn on April 6, 2023.

### 2022[edit]

See also: 2022 Idaho legislative session and Dates of 2022 state legislative sessions

In 2022, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 10, 2022, and adjourn on March 31, 2022.

### 2021[edit]

See also: 2021 Idaho legislative session and Dates of 2021 state legislative sessions

In 2021, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 11, 2021, and adjourn on November 17, 2021.

### 2020[edit]

See also: 2020 Idaho legislative session and Dates of 2020 state legislative sessions

In 2020, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 6, 2020, and adjourn on March 20, 2020.

#### Effect of coronavirus pandemic[edit]

See also: Changes to state legislative session dates in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020

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Several state legislatures had their sessions impacted as a result of the 2020 coronavirus pandemic. The Idaho State Legislature convened a special session on August 24, 2020. The special session adjourned on August 26, 2020.

### 2019[edit]

See also: 2019 Idaho legislative session and Dates of 2019 state legislative sessions

In 2019, the legislature was in session from January 7, 2019, through April 11, 2019.

### 2018[edit]

See also: 2018 Idaho legislative session and Dates of 2018 state legislative sessions

In 2018, the legislature was in session from January 8, 2018, through March 28, 2018. To read about notable events and legislation from this session, click here.

### 2017[edit]

See also: Dates of 2017 state legislative sessions

In 2017, the legislature was in session from January 9, 2017, through March 29, 2017.

### 2016[edit]

See also: Dates of 2016 state legislative sessions

In 2016, the legislature was in session from January 11 through March 25.

### 2015[edit]

See also: Dates of 2015 state legislative sessions

In 2015, the legislature was in session from January 12 through April 11. The legislature had a one-day special session on May 18 about child support enforcement.

#### Major issues in 2015[edit]

Major issues during the 2015 legislative session included increased education funding, infrastructure improvements, tax reductions, government transparency, and additions to the state's Human Rights Act.[20]

### 2014[edit]

See also: Dates of 2014 state legislative sessions

In 2014, the legislature was in session from January 6 through March 21.

#### Major issues in 2014[edit]

Major issues during the 2014 legislative session included $350 million worth of educational improvements, the state-based health insurance exchange passed in 2013 and prison reforms.[21]

### 2013[edit]

See also: Dates of 2013 state legislative sessions

In 2013, the legislature was in session from January 7 to April 4.

#### Major issues in 2013[edit]

Major issues during the 2013 legislative session included the creation of a state-controlled health exchange, school reform, business tax breaks, and ethics rules.[22]

### 2012[edit]

See also: Dates of 2012 state legislative sessions

In 2012, the legislature was in session from January 9 through March 29.

#### Major issues in 2012[edit]

Legislators considered setting up a state-based health care exchange as required under the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Conservative legislators opposed to the law sought to set up a public-private ownership as a compromise, rather that risking the federal government setting up one on the state's behalf. The budget and public education reform were also major issues.[23]

### 2011[edit]

See also: Dates of 2011 state legislative sessions

In 2011, the legislature was in session from January 10 through April 7.

### 2010[edit]

See also: Dates of 2010 state legislative sessions

In 2010, the legislature was in session from January 11th to March 29th.

### About legislative sessions in Idaho[edit]

The Tenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution declares that any power not already given to the federal government is reserved to the states and the people.[24] State governments across the country use this authority to hold legislative sessions where a state's elected representatives meet for a period of time to draft and vote on legislation and set state policies on issues such as taxation, education, and government spending. The different types of legislation passed by a legislature may include resolutions, legislatively referred constitutional amendments, and bills that become law.

Article III of the Idaho Constitution establishes when the Legislature is to be in session; section 8 of Article III allows the Legislature to change the starting date by law. According to 67-404 Idaho Code, the Idaho Legislature convenes annually at 12:00 noon on the Monday closest to the 9th of January. Section 8 also states that the Governor of Idaho can convene special sessions of the Legislature at any time.[25][26]

## Legislative roles and procedures[edit]

Every state legislature throughout the country features its own internal procedures that it uses to govern itself and how it interacts with other parts of state government. Ballotpedia's coverage of internal state legislative procedures includes veto overrides, the role of the legislature in the state budget, procedures for filling membership vacancies, and redistricting.

### Veto overrides[edit]

See also: Veto overrides in state legislatures

State legislatures can override governors' vetoes. Depending on the state, this can be done during the regular legislative session, in a special session following the adjournment of the regular session, or during the next legislative session. The rules for legislative overrides of gubernatorial vetoes in Idaho are listed below.

How many legislators are required to vote for an override? Two-thirds of members present in both chambers.

Two-thirds of members present in both chambers must vote to override a veto. If all members are in attendance, this is 47 of the 70 members in the Idaho House of Representatives and 24 of the 35 members in the Idaho State Senate. Idaho is one of 36 states that requires a two-thirds vote from both of its legislative chambers to override a veto.

Authority: Article IV, Section 10 of the Idaho Constitution.

"Every bill passed by the legislature shall, before it becomes a law, be presented to the governor. If he approve, he shall sign it, and thereupon it shall become a law; but if he do not approve, he shall return it with his objections to the house in which it originated, which house shall enter the objections at large upon its journals and proceed to reconsider the bill. If then twothirds (2/3) of the members present agree to pass the same, it shall be sent, together with the objections, to the other house, by which it shall likewise be reconsidered: and if approved by two-thirds (2/3) of the members present in that house, it shall become a law, notwithstanding the objections of the governor."

### Role in state budget[edit]

See also: Idaho state budget and finances
Idaho on

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Budgets • Civil liberties • Education • Elections • Energy • Environment • Healthcare • Pensions

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Idaho operates on an annual budget cycle with each fiscal year beginning in July. The sequence of key events in the budget process is as follows:[27]

1. Budget instructions are sent to state agencies in July of the year preceding the start of the new fiscal year.
2. State agencies submit their budget requests to the governor by September 1.
3. The governor submits his or her proposed budget to the Idaho State Legislature five days after the session convenes in January.
4. In February or March, the legislature adopts the budget. A simple majority is required to pass a budget.

Idaho is one of 44 states in which the governor has line item veto authority.[27][28]

The budget the governor proposes must be balanced. The legislature is constitutionally required to pass a balanced budget, and the governor must sign a balanced budget into law.[27]

## Committees[edit]

See also: List of committees in Idaho state government

Every state legislature and state legislative chamber in the country contains several legislative committees. These committees are responsible for studying, amending, and voting on legislation before it reaches the floor of a chamber for a full vote. The different types of committees include standing committees, select or special, and joint.

* Standing committees are generally permanent committees, the names of which sometimes change from session to session.
* Select or special committees are temporary committees formed to deal with specific issues such as recent legislation, major public policy or proposals, or investigations.
* Joint committees are committees that feature members of both chambers of a legislature.

Ballotpedia covers standing and joint committees. The Idaho State Senate has 10 standing committees:

* Finance Committee
* Judiciary and Rules Committee
* Local Government and Taxation Committee
* Resources and Environment Committee
* Senate Agricultural Affairs Committee
* Senate Commerce and Human Resources Committee
* Senate Education Committee
* Senate Health and Welfare Committee
* Senate State Affairs Committee
* Transportation Committee

## Constitutional amendments[edit]

In every state but Delaware, voter approval is required to enact a constitutional amendment. In each state, the legislature has a process for referring constitutional amendments before voters. In 18 states, initiated constitutional amendments can be put on the ballot through a signature petition drive. There are also many other types of statewide measures.

The methods in which the Idaho Constitution can be amended:

See also: Article XX of the Idaho Constitution and Laws governing ballot measures in Idaho

Article XX of the Idaho Constitution establishes two ways in which the constitution can be amended, either via legislatively referred constitutional amendments or constitutional conventions. Idaho does not feature the power of citizen initiative for initiated constitutional amendments.

#### Legislature[edit]

See also: Legislatively referred constitutional amendment

A two-thirds (66.67%) vote is required during one legislative session for the Idaho State Legislature to place a constitutional amendment on the ballot. That amounts to a minimum of 47 votes in the Idaho House of Representatives and 24 votes in the Idaho State Senate, assuming no vacancies. Amendments do not require the governor's signature to be referred to the ballot.

#### Convention[edit]

See also: Convention-referred constitutional amendment

According to Article XX of the Idaho Constitution, a constitutional convention can be called if two-thirds of the members of each house of the Idaho State Legislature vote to place before the people a question as to whether the people want to call a convention. If a majority of all the voters voting at the election vote for a convention, the legislature must arrange to have a convention.

## See also[edit]

Elections | Idaho State Government | State Legislatures | State Politics

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* Idaho State Senate elections, 2024
* Idaho State Senate elections, 2022
* Idaho State Senate elections, 2020
* Idaho State Senate elections, 2018

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* State legislative elections: 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, and 2018

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## External links[edit]

* Idaho State Legislature

## Footnotes[edit]

1. ↑ Idaho State Legislature, "Idaho’s Citizen Legislature," accessed February 15, 2021
2. ↑ National Conference of State Legislatures, "2024 Legislator Compensation," August 21, 2024
3. ↑ Idaho Constitution, "Article III, Section 3," accessed December 18, 2019
4. ↑ Idaho Legislature, "Article III Legislative Department - Section 6," accessed January 25, 2023
5. ↑ ‘’The Office of the Governor,’’ “Proclamation,” accessed April 24, 2020
6. ↑ Idaho Secretary of State, "Elections - 2018 Primary and General Election Calendar," accessed August 7, 2017
7. ↑ Follow the Money: "Idaho Senate 2010 Campaign Contributions"
8. ↑ Follow the Money, "Idaho 2008 Candidates," accessed July 18, 2013
9. ↑ Follow the Money, "Idaho 2006 Candidates," accessed July 18, 2013
10. ↑ Follow the Money, "Idaho 2004 Candidates," accessed July 18, 2013
11. ↑ Follow the Money, "Idaho 2002 Candidates," accessed July 18, 2013
12. ↑ Follow the Money, "Idaho 2000 Candidates," accessed July 18, 2013
13. ↑ Idaho Legislature, "Idaho Statutes," accessed January 23, 2024 (Statute 59-904A)
14. ↑ All About Redistricting, "Who draws the lines?" accessed March 25, 2015
15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 15.2 All About Redistricting, "Idaho," accessed April 20, 2015
16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 Boise State Public Radio, "Commission for reappointment recasts votes on Idaho’s new political district maps," Nov. 11, 2021
17. ↑ FiveThirtyEight, "The partisan breakdown of Idaho’s new map," accessed Nov. 16, 2021
18. ↑ Boise State Public Radio, "Final iterations of Idaho's districting maps are proposed," Nov. 7, 2021
19. ↑ U.S. Census Bureau, "Idaho Custom tables 2010," accessed March 10, 2011
20. ↑ Teton Valley News, "A sneak peek at the 2015 legislature," January 8, 2015
21. ↑ spokesman.com, "Idaho’s 2014 legislative session underscored by election," January 5, 2014
22. ↑ Idaho Statesman, "Otter facing battles within GOP as Legislature convenes," January 7, 2013
23. ↑ Times News Magic Valley, "See What the Idaho Legislature's Toughest Issues Are This Session," January 9, 2012
24. ↑ Find Law, "Tenth Amendment - U.S. Constitution," accessed May 20, 2017
25. ↑ Idaho Secretary of State, "The Constitution of the State of Idaho," accessed August 8, 2013
26. ↑ Idaho State Legislature, "Title 67; State Government and State Affairs," accessed August 8, 2013
27. ↑ 27.0 27.1 27.2 National Association of State Budget Officers, "Budget Processes in the States, Spring 2021," accessed January 24, 2023
28. ↑ National Conference of State Legislatures, "Separation of Powers: Executive Veto Powers," accessed January 26, 2024

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