Bill > H0409

This bill amends Idaho's existing emergency powers law to place new limitations on the governor's ability to declare and maintain a state of disaster emergency. The key changes include requiring that a disaster emergency can only be declared if the governor has simultaneously convened a special legislative session (with some exceptions for natural disasters like fires, floods, and earthquakes), and strictly limiting the duration of an emergency declaration to a maximum of 60 days. The bill also reinforces existing protections for constitutional rights during emergencies, explicitly preventing the governor from imposing restrictions on firearms, concealed weapon licenses, or other constitutional freedoms. Additionally, the bill prohibits the governor from altering or creating new legal provisions during a disaster emergency. The legislation aims to provide more legislative oversight of emergency declarations and prevent potential executive overreach by ensuring that extended emergency powers are subject to legislative review and have clear time constraints. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, with an emergency clause indicating its immediate importance upon passage.

Government Affairs

State Affairs Committee (H)

https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2025/legislation/H0409/