House vote falls short on putting Blaine Amendment repeal before voters

The Idaho House considered House Joint Resolution 7 on Feb. 10, 2026, a proposal to put a question before voters to repeal the state's so‑called Blaine Amendment restrictions on sectarian appropriations.

The sponsor (Lawmaker, speaker 10) framed the measure as a chance for voters to decide whether to remove constitutional language that he characterized as discriminating against religious organizations. He argued that recent U.S. Supreme Court rulings have eroded the legal basis for the state's restriction and said the resolution would not itself change funding or require budget adjustments. "There is nothing in this legislation that would trigger any budget adjustments or any funding adjustments," the sponsor said.

A Member raised a point of order cautioning colleagues to avoid imputing motives to voters who might oppose the measure. The Chair ordered a recorded vote; the Clerk reported 41 ayes, fewer than the two‑thirds threshold required for constitutional changes on the floor, and the motion therefore failed.

The debate included references to federal court cases and the Idaho Constitution; supporters argued for putting the question to a public vote, while opponents and some members urged caution about the motive language and the broader fiscal and constitutional consequences. With the vote failing on the House floor, HJR 7 will not advance from this session floor action.

The House continued with other business and later adjourned to reconvene Feb. 11, 2026.