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HCR 19

CONDOLENCES: Expresses the condolences of the legislature on the death of former state representative Billy Wayne "Coach" Montgomery

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Roy Adams and 104 co-sponsors

HCR 19 authorizes a Legislative Council study committee to review large new Idaho electricity loads, ratepayer protections, and policy options to keep costs low and reliable.

Taken by the Clerk of the House and presented to the Secretary of State in accordance with the Rules of the House.
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Bill Summary · HCR 19

Summary — HCR 19 (Idaho, 2025)

A concurrent resolution authorizing the Legislative Council to appoint a study committee to examine new large electricity loads and ratepayer protections in Idaho.

Main purpose

To authorize an interim legislative committee to study the implications of new large electricity loads on Idaho’s electric system and customers, and to identify protections and policy options that preserve Idaho’s historically low‑cost, safe, and reliable electricity.

Key provisions

  • Authorizes the Legislative Council to appoint a committee composed of legislators (the Council will set the number and house representation).
  • Directs the committee to study “new Idaho large electricity loads and rate payer protections,” including:
    • Electricity generation and transmission;
    • Substation and distribution infrastructure;
    • Future planning and current ratemaking (including how large loads are treated under existing PUC authority);
    • Measures to maintain low cost, safe, and reliable electricity for Idaho customers.
  • Allows the committee cochairs to appoint nonlegislative (public/industry) members for advice and assistance. Nonlegislative members:
    • Are not reimbursed from legislative funds (no per diem/mileage);
    • Do not have voting privileges on committee recommendations or proposed legislation.
  • Requires the committee to report findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the Second Regular Session of the Sixty‑eighth Idaho Legislature.

Fiscal impact

  • Estimated fiscal cost of up to $45,000 to cover legislative travel and associated expenses for the interim committee (per attached fiscal note). The fiscal note includes a proponent disclaimer that it was prepared by a bill proponent and not as an expression of legislative intent.

Who is affected

  • Idaho ratepayers (residential, commercial, industrial) — potential future policy or rate changes could affect cost allocation among customer classes.
  • Utilities (investor‑owned and consumer‑owned/municipal/cooperative utilities) — study touches utility planning, infrastructure, and ratemaking roles.
  • Large new electricity users (e.g., data centers, industrial facilities) — the study focuses on impacts and cost allocation for large loads.
  • Public Utilities Commission — the resolution references PUC authority over rates for large loads and seeks legislative understanding of that framework.
  • Legislators and invited stakeholders who will participate in the committee.

Procedural / timeline notes

  • Text introduced and processed during the 2025 session; the committee’s report is due to the Second Regular Session of the Sixty‑eighth Legislature (the next regular session designated in statute).
  • Legislative history indicates passage through both houses and transmittal to the Secretary of State (final action reflected as presented to the Secretary of State on May 5, 2025).
  • The committee may solicit input from interested and affected parties as it carries out its work.

Contact listed on the fiscal note: Representative Dan Garner.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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