The 2026 Legislative session starts on Jan. 12, so it’s time for drafting bills and preparing for advocacy work in the Capitol. Last month I wrote about a single issue — property insurance — while this month I will outline a few other important issues.

This year I’m particularly interested in property insurance coverage and costs. What caught my attention was more than just the premium increases. I have learned many property owners received “non-renewal” notices with little explanation of why or what can be done to keep their coverage and/or little time to find another carrier despite a long history with their insurance provider and no history of claims.

So far, the bill gathering the most attention has been House Bill 93. It’s a tax credit bill that sends public tax money to parents with children in private schools. H.B. 93 was presented as a “school choice” bill, whose sponsors noted that it would help to offset the costs of private school. The funds would be allocated as a refundable tax credit for parents who qualify. 

Ten bills were introduced on March 25 in the House Ways and Means Committee. These bills could be heard on the House floor with little notice during a regular meeting. Some could be sent to various committees for a full hearing. Still others could be printed and left as “introduced” for the record and as a start for the next session.

I’m concerned about the way this session is progressing. There have been changes to our state budget system that have yet to play out, and mid-session changes to the leadership team that don’t typically happen. There are some strong differences of opinion among the Republicans as well. Some are hoping the change in leadership will help to heal some of the divisions.

The 2024 presidential race is upon us. Idahoans will have a say in the selection process twice (primary and general election), but just how we decide is in question. 

Some history and current information follows: