Senate approves Idaho Code Cleanup Act, directs agencies to review statutes by Sept. 1

The Idaho Senate on Jan. 30 passed House Bill 14, the Idaho Code Cleanup Act, directing state agencies to begin reviewing their enabling statutes and report findings to the Legislature through the Legislative Services Office by Sept. 1.

Senator Anthony, who presented the measure on the floor, said the bill is intended to reduce unnecessary regulation and modernize the state’s legal framework. "This is a straightforward and critical piece of legislation that fits squarely within our ongoing efforts here in Idaho to reduce unnecessary red tape," he said.

The bill requires state agencies, on or before Sept. 1, to review their enabling statutes and identify obsolete, outdated or unnecessary code sections and report those findings to the Legislature through the LSO. Anthony described the measure as a continuation of prior efforts to streamline government, saying the Legislature has already "cut or simplified 95% of our regulations" in recent years.

Debate on the bill was limited to remarks from Anthony; he closed debate and asked for passage. The question before the Senate was, "Shall House Bill number 14 pass the Senate?" The Senate recorded 34 votes in favor with one absent excused; the journal reported "more than a majority having voted in the affirmative." The title was approved and the bill was returned to the House of Representatives.

Supporters said the review is intended to increase efficiency and clarity in state law rather than to immediately remove substantive protections; the bill instructs agencies to identify sections that are unnecessary for public health, safety and welfare. The Legislature will receive agencies' reports through the LSO for further action.

The Senate passed the bill as presented and sent it back to the House for final consideration.