Bill > S1378

This bill amends existing Idaho law concerning snowmobiles and off-highway vehicles (OHVs), which are motorized vehicles designed for use off public roads. Key changes include expanding the permissible uses of the "off-road motor vehicle account" to include acquiring land for public recreational OHV activity and securing leases or permits, and clarifying that "off-road vehicle" is synonymous with "off-highway vehicle." The bill also adjusts the allocation of fees collected from snowmobile registrations, reducing the amount sent to the state snowmobile search and rescue fund from $2 to $1 per registration, while ensuring that any unspent funds in the state snowmobile avalanche fund after three years are returned to the state snowmobile fund. For OHVs, the bill revises how fees are distributed to law enforcement, establishing a minimum allocation for counties with bona fide OHV law enforcement programs and outlining a formula for distributing remaining funds based on factors like use area designation and safety class completion. Additionally, the bill clarifies the definition and responsibilities of an OHV advisory committee, ensuring representation for various types of OHV users, and strengthens penalties for violations, including making damage to property a liability and trespass a punishable offense. Finally, the bill declares an emergency and sets an effective date of July 1, 2026.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Justice

State Affairs Committee (Senate)

https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2026/legislation/S1378/