Bill > H0709

This bill amends existing Idaho law to establish provisions regarding "programmable money," which is defined as money that can be encoded with rules and conditions for automatic control and use, such as denying or approving transactions, restricting use based on location or time, expiring or diminishing in value, or being used for social credit scoring. The bill explicitly excludes programmable money from the definition of "money" in certain legal contexts and amends definitions related to financial transactions. It prohibits issuers of programmable money from denying transactions based on factors like sex, race, political opinion, medical history, or any other lawful activity, and requires issuers to provide a non-digital alternative for transactions. If a transaction is denied, the issuer must provide a specific reason within 30 days of a request. The bill allows aggrieved parties to bring civil actions for damages and attorney's fees, and courts can revoke an issuer's authorization to do business in Idaho for intentional or repeated violations. Violating issuers are guilty of a misdemeanor, facing fines and potential imprisonment, with each denied or failed transaction considered a separate offense, though this does not prevent declining transactions for criminal acts or the purchase/sale of cryptocurrency. The bill also includes standard severability and emergency clauses, making it effective on July 1, 2026.

Business and Industry

Business Committee (House)

https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2026/legislation/H0709/