Idaho State Senate

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

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
	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)

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
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
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.

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 Coronavirus pandemic Select a topic from the dropdown below to learn more. Political responses overviewState reopening plansDocumenting America's Path to RecoveryElection changesChanges to vote-by-mail and absentee voting proceduresFederal responsesState responsesState executive ordersStay-at-home ordersMultistate agreementsNon-governmental reopening plansEvictions and foreclosures policiesTravel restrictionsEnacted state legislationState legislative session changesSchool closuresState court closuresInmate releasesLocal government responsesDiagnosed or quarantined politiciansBallot measure changesArguments about government responsesThe 1918 influenza pandemicPandemic Response Accountability CommitteeUnemployment filingsLawsuitsBallotpedia's polling on the coronavirus pandemicSubmit 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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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:

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
Idaho State Senate elections, 2024 Idaho State Senate elections, 2022 Idaho State Senate elections, 2020 Idaho State Senate elections, 2018	Idaho State Legislature Idaho House of Representatives Governor of Idaho Idaho Supreme Court	State legislative elections: 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, and 2018	State government trifectas State government triplexes State executives State courts Ballot measures The State Legislative Decade

External links[edit]

• Idaho State Legislature

Footnotes[edit]

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	v • e State of Idaho Boise (capital)
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