Senate passes bill to keep Idaho construction contracts under Idaho law

The Idaho Senate passed Senate Bill 1006 on Jan. 24, 2025, by a recorded vote of 32 in favor and three senators absent, approving language that the sponsor said makes clear Idaho law and Idaho jurisdiction apply to private construction projects in the state.

Sponsor Senator Lakey said the bill "deals with construction" and that he had worked "with the Idaho Association [of] General Contractors on this bill." He told colleagues the measure was "very straightforward. It states basically that private construction projects being built in Idaho are subject to Idaho law and Idaho jurisdiction applies."

The bill's sponsor argued the change prevents out‑of‑state entities from forcing Idaho contractors to litigate or arbitrate disputes under another state's laws or in another state's courts. "There are some out of state entities that are requiring or seeking to require that Idaho contractors on Idaho projects be subject to the laws of another state, like New York," Lakey said. "The facts, the people, and the building involved are all strongly connected and tied to our state of Idaho in that location where it's constructed." He said the bill lets Idaho contractors "push back" against such terms.

Debate on the measure was brief. The presiding officer recognized Senator Sarah Lake to close debate; the Senate then took a roll call and the secretary announced the result: "The vote count shows 32 senators in favor with 3, absent. A majority having voted in the affirmative that, Senate Bill 1006 has passed the Senate." The title was approved and the bill was transmitted to the House of Representatives.

The measure was presented on the Senate third‑reading calendar and advanced immediately to final consideration. The transcript records no amendments or recorded opposition during the Senate debate.