Category: Policy Area

Open government forms the foundation of a free society, a principle firmly supported by the Idaho Legislature with the enactment of the Idaho public records law in 1990. This law safeguards each citizen’s ability to observe state and local government activities by ensuring access to governmental records. It also reflects a balance between public access and individual privacy rights, by exempting certain records or parts of them from being disclosed.

In 2015, the Legislature reorganized the public records law, centralizing information related to government transparency in a single updated edition of the Idaho Public Records Law Manual. As Attorney General, part of my role is to foster adherence to this law among state agencies and officials, a responsibility shared with the 44 elected county prosecuting attorneys who oversee local government compliance.

The Attorney General’s office is proactive in facilitating understanding and enforcement of this law, conducting regular training sessions for state and local officials across Idaho. The law allows for private enforcement, meaning that individuals or organizations denied access to public records can legally challenge such decisions.

Understanding one’s rights is crucial for effective enforcement.

The Office of the Attorney General has produced this manual to educate citizens, the media, and government employees about the nuances of the public records law, aiming to prevent misunderstandings and uphold the public’s rightful access to government information.

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The Election Publications page of the Idaho Secretary of State offers essential resources for voters, candidates, and election officials. It includes guides on voter registration, early voting, and mail-in ballots, as well as manuals and handbooks for candidates outlining requirements and procedures for running for office. Additionally, the page provides historical and current election results and documents that standardize election practices across Idaho to ensure consistency and fairness.

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The Legislative Services Office was created by the Legislature in 1993 to consolidate the nonpartisan staff support to Idaho’s citizen legislators. In an effort to coordinate services, a Director of Legislative Services was named to oversee three formerly separate offices. Functions of the Legislative Services Office include:

• Budget & Policy Analysis Division
• Information Technology Division
• Legislative Audits Division
• Research & Legislation Division
• Administration
• Organizational Chart
• Presentations / Handouts

The Legislative Services Office was created by the Legislature in 1993 to consolidate the nonpartisan staff support to Idaho’s citizen legislators. In an effort to coordinate services, a Director of Legislative Services was named to oversee three formerly separate offices.

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The document for the Idaho Senate rules serves to structure and regulate the operations and procedures within the Idaho Senate. These rules are critical for ensuring the Senate functions effectively, transparently, and fairly. Here’s what these rules typically encompass:

1. Senate Organization: The rules outline the organizational structure of the Senate, including the election of leadership positions such as the President of the Senate and other key officers.
2. Legislative Process: The document provides detailed procedures for the introduction, debate, amendment, and passage of legislation. It ensures that all legislative activities follow a clear and orderly process.
3. Debate Guidelines: The rules set the parameters for debate within the Senate, including how long senators can speak on a bill, the process for closing debate, and the conditions under which senators can speak multiple times on the same issue.
4. Committee Structure and Function: The rules define how committees are formed, their roles, the appointment of committee members, and how committees handle bills and other matters referred to them.
5. Voting Procedures: They specify the different methods of voting (such as roll call or voice vote) and the requirements for various types of decisions, ensuring that all votes are conducted in a transparent and accountable manner.
6. Ethical Standards and Conduct: The rules outline standards of conduct expected from senators, including ethical guidelines and procedures for dealing with potential conflicts of interest or breaches of conduct.
7. Administrative Operations: These include rules on the administrative support for the Senate, including staff appointments and the management of Senate resources.

The Idaho Senate rules are essential for maintaining the integrity and efficiency of the legislative process, guiding the daily activities and decisions of the Senate, and ensuring that all actions are conducted in accordance with democratic principles and ethical standards.

The “Idaho Senate Rules” page outlines the procedures and regulations governing the operations of the Idaho State Senate. Key aspects include the roles and duties of the President Pro Tempore, the Senate Majority Leader, and other Senate officers in managing legislative sessions. It details the structure and responsibilities of Senate employees, including secretaries, clerks, and the Sergeant at Arms, who ensure the smooth functioning of the Senate’s daily activities.

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The document for the Idaho House rules, similar to those of other legislative bodies, is used to regulate and guide the operations and procedures within the Idaho House of Representatives. These rules are vital for ensuring that the legislative process is orderly, transparent, and efficient. Here are some of the key purposes of the Idaho House rules:

1. Organization of the House: Establishing how the House is organized, including the election of the Speaker, the formation of committees, and the roles of the House officers.
2. Legislative Procedure: Detailing the step-by-step process for introducing and processing legislation, including how bills are drafted, debated, amended, and voted on.
3. Debate Rules: Governing the conduct of debates, including time limits for speaking, how members can gain the floor, and the process for closing or extending debates.
4. Committee Operations: Outlining how committees function, their jurisdiction, how members are appointed to committees, and the rules for committee hearings.
5. Voting Procedures: Specifying the methods and requirements for different types of votes, such as roll call votes or voice votes, and the thresholds needed for passing legislation.
6. Ethics and Conduct: Setting standards for the ethical behavior of House members, including conflict of interest rules and procedures for disciplining members for misconduct.
7. Administrative Details: Managing the administrative aspects of the House, such as staff appointments, office assignments, and budgetary concerns.

These rules play a crucial role in managing the daily activities of the Idaho House of Representatives, helping to ensure that legislative work is carried out efficiently and with integrity.

The “Idaho House Rules” page outlines the procedures and regulations governing the operations of the Idaho State House. Key aspects include the roles and duties of the House Speaker, the House Majority Leader, and other House officers in managing legislative sessions. It details the structure and responsibilities of House employees, including secretaries, clerks, and the Sergeant at Arms, who ensure the smooth functioning of the House’s daily activities.

You can view this document by clicking the link below.

The document for government joint rules in Idaho is used to regulate the joint operations and procedures of both the Idaho Senate and the Idaho House of Representatives. These rules are essential for coordinating activities between the two legislative bodies, especially on matters that require their collective involvement. Here’s what these joint rules typically cover:

1. Joint Sessions: Guidelines for when and how joint sessions of the Senate and House are to be conducted. This includes sessions for specific purposes, such as the State of the State address or other addresses by dignitaries.
2. Legislative Processes Involving Both Chambers: Procedures for the handling of legislation that must pass through both chambers, detailing how bills are transmitted between the Senate and the House, and how discrepancies between the versions passed by each chamber are resolved (e.g., through conference committees).
3. Committee Conferences: Rules for forming and conducting conference committees, which are joint committees made up of members from both chambers tasked with reconciling differences in legislative bills that the Senate and House have passed in differing forms.
4. Administrative Coordination: Guidelines for shared administrative responsibilities, such as the joint management of legislative facilities, staff, and services that support both chambers.
5. Special Joint Committees or Commissions: Rules for the establishment and operation of any special joint committees or commissions that might be required to address specific issues involving both chambers.
6. Ethical and Procedural Standards: These might include joint ethical standards or procedural rules that apply to members of both chambers when they are acting in a joint capacity.

The Idaho joint rules ensure that there is a smooth, coordinated interaction between the Senate and the House, facilitating effective and efficient legislative action and decision-making.

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The Idaho Statutes are the codified laws of the state of Idaho, serving as the legal backbone that governs all aspects of state governance, civil and criminal law, and regulations. These documents are used for several key purposes:

1. Legal Framework: Idaho Statutes provide the comprehensive legal framework that regulates the behavior of individuals, businesses, and government agencies within the state. This includes laws related to property, criminal acts, civil rights, environmental regulations, and much more.
2. Guidance for Courts: The statutes serve as the primary source of law for courts in interpreting and applying the law when adjudicating cases. They help ensure that judicial decisions are based on codified law and legislative intent.
3. Regulation of Activities: They regulate a wide range of activities within the state, from commercial transactions and business operations to personal conduct and public safety.
4. Public Administration: The statutes guide the operation of state government, detailing the powers and responsibilities of different government bodies and officials. This includes the organization of the state government, fiscal management, and public service provisions.
5. Protection of Rights: They establish and protect the rights and responsibilities of the residents of Idaho, aiming to ensure fairness, justice, and equality under the law.
6. Framework for Local Governments: Idaho Statutes also provide the framework under which local governments operate, including laws on municipal governance, zoning, local taxation, and public utilities.

The statutes are maintained and updated regularly to reflect new laws passed by the Idaho Legislature, changes driven by referendums, or amendments needed due to judicial rulings. This dynamic nature ensures that the statutes remain relevant and effective in governing the state and its residents.

The Idaho Statutes page on the Idaho State Legislature website provides a searchable database of all state laws, organized by title and chapter. It covers various legal areas and is updated annually. The page also includes links to the Idaho Constitution, session laws, and administrative rules.

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The status of each bill, resolution, proclamation, and memorials listed on this page are updated when the offices of the Secretary of the Senate and the Chief Clerk of the House publish the un-official daily journals and should not be deemed official. The official bill actions are located in the final journal, which are maintained by the offices of the Secretary of the Senate and the Chief Clerk of the House.

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The Idaho State Archives (ISA), created by legislation in 1947, merged operations with the State Record Center in 2012 under House Bill 599. ISA preserves government records of administrative, fiscal, legal and long-term research value. ISA only accepts permanent, inactive records with definite historical significance. The State Record Center offers centralized storage and services to state agencies. Per Idaho Code 67-4126, the state archives is responsible for records management services.

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The Idaho State Historical Society Reference Series, started by Merle Wells in the 1960s, offers brief overviews of Idaho history. It covers topics like territorial politics and mining, with contributions from various authors. Though updates have slowed, it remains a valuable resource with over 1,000 topics. The series aims to inspire further exploration rather than serve as a comprehensive source. Additional resources are available at the Idaho State Archives and State Historic Preservation Office.

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