Several new laws passed during the 2026 Idaho legislative session, along with one from the previous year, will go into effect on July 1.
Here is a summary of the major changes:
Semi-Truck Speed Limits
HB 664 allows semi-trucks to travel at the same 80 mph speed limit as passenger vehicles on Idaho interstates. The change aims to reduce speed differentials between vehicles.
Moment of Silence in Schools
HB 623 requires all public schools to begin each day with a 60-second moment of silence. School staff may not direct students on how to use the time.
Parental Notification on Gender Identity
HB 822 requires teachers, healthcare providers, and childcare staff to notify parents within 72 hours if a minor requests to use different pronouns or a new name. The law also prohibits these professionals from aiding in a minor’s gender transition without parental consent.
Public Restroom Law Blocked
HB 752, which would have required public restrooms in government buildings, schools, and businesses open to the public to be used based on biological sex, has been blocked by a federal judge. Chief U.S. District Judge Amanda Brailsford issued a preliminary statewide injunction, citing concerns over equal protection, due process, and privacy rights.
AI Guidelines in Schools
SB 1227 requires local school districts to develop policies for the use of artificial intelligence in classrooms and administration. The law also establishes a public-private partnership to provide AI training and resources.
License Plate Stickers Eliminated
HB 533 removes the requirement for drivers to display registration stickers on license plates. Law enforcement will use electronic records to verify registration. The change is projected to save the state approximately $300,000 annually in materials and production costs.
Ban on Bulk Lottery Ticket Purchases
HB 504 prohibits purchases of more than $5,000 in lottery tickets within a 24-hour period and allows the lottery to deny winnings from prohibited bulk buys.
Reduced Cosmetology Training Hours
HB 514 lowers the number of required training hours for cosmetology licenses to make it easier to enter the profession.
Short-Term Rental Regulations
HB 583 limits local governments’ authority to restrict short-term rentals such as Airbnb and Vrbo, while still allowing regulation for health and safety reasons.
Increased County Jail Reimbursement
HB 556 raises the state reimbursement rate to counties for housing state inmates to $80 per day.
Firing Squad as Primary Execution Method
HB 37 (from the 2025 session) makes the firing squad Idaho’s primary method of execution, replacing lethal injection. The state will become the first to adopt this as the default method.
These laws take effect Tuesday, July 1, 2026. Some measures, such as the restroom law, remain subject to ongoing legal challenges.
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