5 key legislative changes reshaping Idaho’s policy in 2025

Idaho’s Legislature passed a series of major laws in 2025 that reshape key areas of policy. Lawmakers boosted the grocery tax credit by $35, but stopped short of repealing the grocery sales tax, leaving Idaho among the few states to keep this tax. Medicaid expansion was modified through new managed care requirements and work reporting, as GOP legislators sought to control program growth and costs.

A new law will eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion programs at public universities, ending offices and training related to DEI and sparking debate about campus support for minority students. Lawmakers also moved to expand 'medical freedom,' including passing bills that affect vaccine mandates in day cares and deregulating over-the-counter sales of ivermectin, despite concerns about safety and medical oversight.

Charlie Long, manager of the Ridley’s Family Market in Kuna, faces yogurt on shelves, Wednesday, July 3, 2024. Long is retiring after decades working in the grocery business. By Sarah A. Miller

NO. 1: IDAHO IS ONE OF FEW STATES CHARGING TAXES ON GROCERIES. WHAT’S CHANGING THIS YEAR?

“I love the signal we send to Idaho families every year when we deliver even more tax relief while taking care of the needs of a growing state,” Little said. | Published March 13, 2025 | Read Full Story by Carolyn Komatsoulis

Idaho State Capitol Building in Boise, Monday, Feb. 24, 2025. By Darin Oswald

NO. 2: WHAT’S NEXT FOR MEDICAID IN IDAHO? THIS BILL IS IN GOV. BRAD LITTLE’S HANDS

Supporters celebrated the bill’s effort at compromise. But opponents worried the new proposal would add red tape — and cost. | Published March 12, 2025 | Read Full Story by Sarah Cutler Carolyn Komatsoulis

A medical professional uses a needle to draw a dose of DPT vaccine for diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis. By Tim Sheehan

NO. 3: BOISE DAY CARE REQUIRES VACCINES. DOES REVIVED IDAHO ‘MEDICAL FREEDOM’ BILL AFFECT THAT?

The governor vetoed a very similar bill because he said it would make it easier to spread highly contagious diseases in Idaho schools. He signed this one. | Published April 4, 2025 | Read Full Story by Nicole Blanchard

Ivermectin has not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for treatment or prevention of COVID-19.

NO. 4: IDAHO LEGISLATURE PASSES IVERMECTIN DEREGULATION BILL TO ALLOW OVER-THE-COUNTER SALES

Backed by Idaho Republican legislative leaders, the bill cleared the House and Senate floors in one day — without doctor input. | Published April 7, 2025 | Read Full Story by Kyle Pfannenstiel

Boise State President Marlene Tromp takes questions from members of the Idaho Joint Finances and Appropriations Committee, Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2023, at the Statehouse in Boise. By Darin Oswald

NO. 5: NEW IDAHO LAW SLASHES DEI AT UNIVERSITIES. WHAT IT MEANS FOR STUDENTS

The law, which takes effect July 1, will “eliminate all programs and initiatives” in publicly funded universities “commonly known under the title of ‘diversity, equity and inclusion.’” | Published April 11, 2025 | Read Full Story by Sarah Cutler

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.