Bill

Bill > S1065


ID S1065

ID S1065
Amends, repeals, and adds to existing law to prohibit unauthorized weather modification activities and to provide penalties, enforcement, and exceptions.


summary

Introduced
02/06/2025
In Committee
02/07/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
04/04/2025

Introduced Session

2025 Regular Session

Bill Summary

RELATING TO WEATHER MODIFICATION; AMENDING THE HEADING FOR CHAPTER 43, TI- TLE 22, IDAHO CODE; REPEALING SECTION 22-4301, IDAHO CODE, RELATING TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF WEATHER MODIFICATION DISTRICTS; REPEALING SECTION 22-4302, IDAHO CODE, RELATING TO THE WEATHER MODIFICATION FUND; AMEND- ING CHAPTER 43, TITLE 22, IDAHO CODE, BY THE ADDITION OF A NEW SECTION 22-4301, IDAHO CODE, TO DEFINE TERMS; AMENDING CHAPTER 43, TITLE 22, IDAHO CODE, BY THE ADDITION OF A NEW SECTION 22-4302, IDAHO CODE, TO PRO- HIBIT UNAUTHORIZED WEATHER MODIFICATION AND SOLAR RADIATION MANAGEMENT AND TO PROVIDE FOR ENFORCEMENT; AMENDING CHAPTER 43, TITLE 22, IDAHO CODE, BY THE ADDITION OF A NEW SECTION 22-4303, IDAHO CODE, TO PROVIDE EXEMPTIONS; AMENDING SECTION 42-605, IDAHO CODE, TO REMOVE A REFERENCE TO WEATHER MODIFICATION; AMENDING SECTION 42-1805, IDAHO CODE, TO CLAR- IFY TERMS; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

AI Summary

This bill amends Idaho law to comprehensively prohibit unauthorized weather modification and solar radiation management activities within the state. The bill defines key terms such as "cloud seeding" (introducing particles into clouds to enhance precipitation or disperse fog), "solar radiation management" (deliberately modifying the earth's radiative balance by reducing sunlight), and "weather modification" (intentionally altering atmospheric conditions). Under the new law, engaging in these activities would be considered a misdemeanor offense, with enforcement authority given to state law enforcement, county sheriffs, and city police officers. However, the bill includes an important exemption for cloud seeding operations that are specifically authorized by the Idaho Water Resource Board. The bill also removes previous references to weather modification in other sections of Idaho Code, effectively creating a strict prohibition on most weather manipulation activities. The new regulations will go into effect on July 1, 2025, with an emergency clause highlighting the perceived urgency of implementing these restrictions on weather modification technologies.

Committee Categories

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Justice

Sponsors (0)

No sponsors listed

Other Sponsors (1)

Agricultural Affairs Committee (S)

Last Action

Reported Printed; referred to Resources & Environment (on 02/07/2025)

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