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Representative urges preemption of local SOGI ordinances; House passes HB 557
Summary
The House passed House Bill 557 on Feb. 5, 2026, a bill the sponsor said would prevent cities and counties from adopting nondiscrimination ordinances that go beyond state law on sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI). Supporters cited litigation and religious-freedom concerns; opponents said it undermines local control and could harm recruitment for Idaho businesses.
The Idaho House passed House Bill 557 on Feb. 5, 2026, by a recorded roll call, 53–16, advancing legislation that the bill’s sponsor said would prevent local governments from enacting nondiscrimination ordinances that extend beyond state law on sexual orientation and gender identity.
The bill’s sponsor, identified in the transcript as the Representative speaking for the measure, told colleagues: “This prevents local government entities from enacting ordinances that impose anti discrimination requirements beyond those in our state law,” arguing that some municipal SOGI ordinances have caused confusion and litigation for small businesses and employers. The sponsor said Ada County rescinded its local ordinance after trouble and stated that “currently,…
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