Idaho Legislature

Idaho Legislature
Name	Idaho Legislature
Legislature	Idaho State Legislature
House type	Bicameral
Houses	Senate, House of Representatives
Foundation	1890
Leader1 type	President of the Senate
Leader1	Scott Bedke
Party1	(R)
Election1	2022
Leader2 type	Speaker of the House
Leader2	Mike Moyle
Party2	(R)
Election2	2022
Members	105, 35 Senators, 70 Representatives
House1	Idaho Senate
House2	Idaho House of Representatives
Term length	Senate: 2 years, House: 2 years
Voting system	Plurality
Last election1	November 8, 2022
Next election1	November 5, 2024
Meeting place	Idaho State Capitol, Boise, Idaho
Website	legislature.idaho.gov

Idaho Legislature. The Idaho Legislature is the state legislature of the U.S. state of Idaho. It is a bicameral body, composed of the lower Idaho House of Representatives and the upper Idaho Senate. The legislature convenes at the Idaho State Capitol in Boise and is responsible for enacting state laws, approving the state budget, and providing oversight of the executive branch.

History

The Idaho Legislature was established upon the territory's admission to the Union in 1890 under the Idaho Constitution. Its early sessions were dominated by issues of mining, water rights, and the establishment of state institutions like the University of Idaho. The legislature played a key role in the state's development, passing laws to manage natural resources and infrastructure. Throughout the 20th century, it addressed significant events such as the Great Depression and the Second World War, with its political control shifting between the Democratic and Republican parties over the decades. In recent years, it has been characterized by strong Republican majorities.

Structure and composition

The legislature is bicameral, consisting of a 35-member Idaho Senate and a 70-member Idaho House of Representatives. Senators serve two-year terms, as do representatives, with all seats up for election in even-numbered years. The Lieutenant Governor serves as the President of the Senate but may only vote to break a tie. Day-to-day leadership in the senate is provided by the President pro tempore. The Speaker of the House presides over the lower chamber. The legislature is supported by non-partisan staff agencies including the Legislative Services Office.

Powers and responsibilities

The legislature holds the primary lawmaking authority for the state as defined in the Idaho Constitution. Its core powers include levying taxes, appropriating funds for the state budget, and confirming gubernatorial appointments to agencies and commissions. It has the sole power to propose amendments to the Idaho Constitution, which must then be ratified by voters. The legislature also exercises oversight through committees that review the operations of executive departments like the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare and the Idaho Department of Education.

Legislative process

Bills may be introduced in either chamber, except revenue bills which must originate in the Idaho House of Representatives. Proposed legislation is assigned to a subject-matter committee, such as the Senate State Affairs Committee or the House Revenue and Taxation Committee, for hearing and potential amendment. If approved by committee and passed by the chamber of origin, the bill moves to the second chamber for a similar process. A bill passed by both houses is sent to the Governor, who may sign it, allow it to become law without a signature, or veto it. The legislature may override a veto with a two-thirds vote in each chamber.

Current leadership and membership

Following the 2022 Idaho elections, the Republican Party holds supermajorities in both chambers. The President of the Senate is Scott Bedke, and the Speaker of the House is Mike Moyle. The Senate Minority Leader is Melissa Wintrow, while the House Minority Leader is Ilana Rubel. Key committee chairs include Chuck Winder on the Senate Transportation Committee and Jason Monks on the House Business Committee.

Elections and districts

All 105 legislative seats are elected from 35 legislative districts, each electing one senator and two representatives. Elections are held in November of even-numbered years. District boundaries are redrawn every ten years following the United States Census by the Idaho Commission for Reapportionment. The most recent redistricting occurred in 2021 based on data from the 2020 United States Census. Candidates must be at least 21 years old, a U.S. citizen, and have resided in their district for at least one year prior to the election.

Category:Idaho Legislature Category:State legislatures of the United States