These 5 new Idaho laws just went into effect. Here’s what to know
A slate of new Idaho laws went into effect on July 1.
They bring changes for Idaho residents ranging from public school rules and marijuana penalties to a statewide ban on public camping.
Here’s a look at five state laws now in effect and what they mean for you:
Idaho students must learn cursive handwriting
Senate Bill 1044 requires public schools to teach cursive handwriting as part of the core curriculum.
Supporters say cursive helps students build motor skills, historical literacy, and personal expression.
The law doesn’t specify a grade level for instruction but calls for all students to be proficient.
Idaho joins a growing list of states reinstating cursive as a formal requirement including Texas, California and Florida.
Schools, health agencies banned from requiring face masks
House Bill 32 prohibits any Idaho government agency — including schools and public health departments — from requiring face masks, face shields or other face coverings.
The law was introduced as a response to masking rules related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Opponents worry it could limit the state’s ability to respond to future public health emergencies, the Idaho Statesman previously reported, while supporters frame it as a safeguard for personal choice.
Higher state penalties for cannabis possession
House Bill 7 revises Idaho’s drug laws to establish clear penalties for people possessing less than three ounces of marijuana with a minimum $300 fine.
While cannabis is still illegal in Idaho in all forms, the law outlines misdemeanor charges for those carrying small amounts of the drug.
Felony penalties are harsher for those caught with larger quantities of cannabis, removes the judge’s ability to waive the fine aside from court’s costs.
Schools barred from displaying Pride, Black Lives Matter flags
House Bill 41 limits which flags and banners public schools can display.
The law bars schools from flying flags that express political, religious, or ideological viewpoints such as Pride or Black Lives Matter flags but allows campuses to display national and state flags.
In response to the law, Boise City Council voted 5-1 to adopt a rainbow Pride flag as an official city flag to circumvent the law.
The the intent of the law was heavily discussed after the West Ada School District told a teacher to remove a poster saying “Everyone is welcome here,” calling the poster non-neutral.
The move sparked backlash, spawning several campaigns in support of the teacher and her message.
The teacher, Sarah Inama, resigned from her position at Lewis and Clark Middle School and was later hired at Boise School District’s East Junior High School.
Statewide ban on camping or sleeping on public property
Senate Bill 1141 prohibits unauthorized camping or sleeping on public property, including sidewalks, parks, and public buildings.
In June 2024, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in the case City of Grants Pass v. Johnson that cities can enforce anti-camping laws even if no shelter beds are available.
SB 1141 bans public camping across Idaho, overriding any local ordinances.
It’s framed as an effort to keep public spaces safe and accessible.
Homeless advocates warned that the new law criminalizes poverty and limits options for unhoused residents without offering alternatives such as shelter or housing, the Idaho Statesman previously reported.