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Committee advances public-lands constitutional amendment to the floor after split vote
Summary
Senate State Affairs voted to send SJR 103, a proposed amendment addressing management of federally granted lands and protecting 32.8 million acres from sale, to the Senate floor on Feb. 27, 2026. The motion passed on a roll-call vote after competing testimony about fiscal and management consequences.
Senator Adams introduced SJR 103, a proposed amendment to the Idaho Constitution intended to establish provisions for management of certain lands granted or acquired from the federal government and to provide protection against sale or transfer of 32.8 million acres.
Adams told the committee he spent months gathering stakeholder input and had support reflected in a letter from former Attorney General David Leroy; he framed the memorial as a preventative protection for public lands. "This is the first and only protection against the sale of 32.8 million acres of federally managed land," he said.
Testimony reflected a wide range of views. Conservation voters, the Wilderness Society, the Idaho Conservation League and Trout Unlimited testified in opposition, raising concerns that the memorial could enable land transfers, alter funding that counties receive from federal management, and introduce fiscal challenges for local governments. The Idaho Wildlife Federation and several recreation and outfitter groups testified in favor, saying the memorial would keep public lands accessible and act as a preventative measure.
Committee members questioned witnesses about whether the state could afford to assume management responsibility and whether federal systems of public input would be replaced. Senator Ruchti said he would vote against the motion because of fiscal concerns for counties; Senator Anthon argued the proposal should be presented to voters. After debate, Senator Toews moved to send SJR 103 to the floor with a do-pass recommendation. Chairman Guthrie called the roll: Vice Chairman Bernt and Senators Anthon, Harris, Toews, Adams and Shippy voted aye; Chairman Guthrie and Senators Den Hartog and Ruchti voted nay. The motion carried.
Next steps: SJR 103 was reported to the Senate floor with a do-pass recommendation and will be scheduled for floor consideration consistent with Senate rules.
