Skip to content

2023 End-of-Session Report on the Idaho Legislature

2023 End-of-Session Report on the Idaho Legislature

July 5, 2023

2023 End-of-Session Report on the Idaho Legislature

With so many new members, the 2023 session of the Idaho Legislature, which ran just three months (January 9-April 6), was bound to be a loud and, at times, raucous one, but through it all, NFIB succeeded in pulling a few victories out for small business while stopping some anti-Main Street proposals.
Won Unemployment Insurance Safeguards
House Bill 168 added to existing law to establish procedures to verify the integrity of the Employment Security Program by requiring the state Dept. of Labor to perform routine cross checks of existing databases, including new hire records, death records, prison roles, etc. Signed by Gov. Brad Little
Secured Curbs on Pharmacy Benefit Managers
House Bill 215 amends existing law to provide for enforcement of provisions related to pharmacy benefit managers to provide for a level playing field for independent pharmacies, and House Bill 291 implements the Fair Pharmacy Audits Act to provide for much needed transparency. Both measures were signed by the governor. NFIB Idaho worked in partnership with the Idaho State Pharmacy Association on this victory.
Pre-empted Two Heavy-Handed Environmental Measures
With the passage of House Bills 287 and 106, NFIB and its coalition partners succeeded in pre-empting a mandate requiring EV chargers be installed in all new construction while passing another measure prohibiting local governments from restricting certain types of utility connections. Both measures were signed by the governor.
Stopped Minimum Wage Increases
Idaho law prohibits a higher minimum wage than the federal government’s. House Bill 48 would not only have repealed that but also given local governments the green light to set their own minimum-wage rates. In concert with other groups, NFIB succeeded in preventing HB 48 from getting a single hearing.
Helped win Greater Judicial Balance
NFIB helped push Senate Bill 1148 to passage, which amends existing law to change the membership of the judicial council to provide greater transparency. Signed by the governor.
Obtained Check on Bank and Credit Union Activities
With NFIB’s support, the Legislature passed and the governor signed House Bill 190 into law, requiring banks and credit unions holding state funds not boycott certain industries.
Advanced Credit Card Swipe Fee Legislation 
Although Senate Bill 1066 did not pass, thanks in part to NFIB’s unrelenting advocacy, the issue received its first public hearings in years, which sets it up for possible passage next session. The measure calls for excluding the state sales tax portion of an electronic transaction (credit/debit cards) from the entire fee. Lobbying with Idaho retailers, the hospitality industry, restaurants and grocers, NFIB succeeded in bringing the issue to light. 
Get to know NFIB

NFIB is a member-driven organization advocating on behalf of small and independent businesses nationwide.

Receive our newsletter and email notification
Knowledge is power. Let us help you stay informed with breaking legislative news, regulatory updates, business tips, and more.

Related Articles

Related
May 11, 2026
Oregon Supreme Court Asked to Review Meal Break Decision
NFIB joins others in request for review of Athena v. Pelican Brewing case
Read More Read More
Gov. Kehoe signs ADA lawsuit abuse reform bill into law.
Related
May 6, 2026
Governor Kehoe Signs Bill to Stop ADA Lawsuit Abuse Into Law
NFIB championed SB 907 to protect small business owners from predatory trial attorneys
Read More Read More
Related
May 6, 2026
Colorado Small Businesses Urge Lawmakers to Oppose HB 1236
“HB 1236 is well-intended, but leaves all Coloradans – employers, consumers, and workers alike – with a weakened dispute resolution system and more uncertainty…
Read More Read More
Related
May 6, 2026
Small Businesses Oppose New Pro-Union Workplace Poster Bill
Newly proposed legislation violates the First Amendment and forces small business owners to educate employees on the right to unionize.
Read More Read More

© 2001 - 2026 National Federation of Independent Business. All Rights Reserved. Terms and Conditions | Privacy Policy | Accessibility