New bill stops trigger for Medicaid Expansion repeal & Idaho Legislative Roundup

Why this matters: The repeal of Medicaid Expansion threatens healthcare access for thousands of Idahoans, potentially leaving many without essential services including nonprofits and the communities they serve

Call to action: Share your views with the Senate Health and Welfare Committee to protect Medicaid Expansion in Idaho. 

After wide backlash against the Medicaid ‘Trigger Repeal’ bill, a new version (H328) removes the most dangerous trigger language of the bill. However, the new version still deeply impacts Medicaid Expansion coverage for Idahoans. Congressional leadership gets their way. Nonprofit Executive Director Jeremy Maxand talks about the importance of Medicaid for Idaho communities in his article at the Idaho Capital Sun. Share your views on how this bill could affect healthcare access in Idaho here. 

Property Tax Exemptions for Nonprofit Hospitals

A bill weakening property tax exemptions for 501(c)(3) health systems passed narrowly in the House last week and is now in the Senate. This bill weakens nonprofit healthcare’s ability to support community partners via grants and programs and could set a dangerous precedent. Read the full bill here.

​GOOD NEWS: Bill Could Make Pet Adoption Fees Tax Exempt

​The Animal Adoption Bill (H0263) is a positive step toward improving the welfare of animals in Idaho, making it easier for families to adopt and care for pets. This bill would streamline the adoption process and increase support for animal shelters by making the adoption process tax exempt for new pet owners. It moved out of committee yesterday and will go to the house floor for a vote. Learn more about the bill here.

Other Important Bills

​Childcare Licensing Regulation Bill (H243)

A new bill, HB 243, has advanced to the House floor, which would eliminate city regulation of daycare centers and allow providers to set their own childcare ratios. Currently, some cities enforce stricter requirements, like caregiver-to-child ratios, to ensure safety. The bill aims at reducing local regulations and allowing more flexibility for daycare operators, however, opponents argue this deregulation jeopardizes child safety, shifting the responsibility to the State without adequate resources. Read the full bill here.

Voice your opinion on HB 243 using the action tool provided by Idaho Voices for Children here.

State Budget Updates

State budget bills are currently moving through the chambers of the Idaho Legislature. These decisions will directly impact funding for essential services, including those that support nonprofits and their programs, including the Child Care Funding Bill (S1108). This bill focuses on funding for child care services in Idaho, allocating additional resources to support the state’s growing demand for affordable child care and addressing the ongoing crisis faced by families and providers. Read more here.

Stay engaged on these issues and more as Legislation progresses on our Legislative Bill Tracker.