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H 340

LABOR – Amends existing law to limit the topics subject to collective bargaining by firefighters.

68th Legislature, 1st Regular Session (2025)

House Bill 340 limits collective bargaining for Idaho firefighters, allowing local fire departments more control over employment conditions starting July 1, 2025.

Reported Printed and Referred to Commerce & Human Resources
#employersandemployees #fireandfirefighters #wages
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Bill Summary · H 340

Summary of House Bill 340 (H 340)

Bill Overview

  • Bill Number: H 340
  • Title: Labor – Amends existing law to limit the topics subject to collective bargaining by firefighters.
  • Status: Reported Printed and Referred to Commerce & Human Resources
  • Introduced: February 27, 2025
  • Classification: Bill
  • Subject Areas: Employers and Employees, Fire and Firefighters, Wages

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 340 aims to amend Idaho Code § 44-1802 by removing the provision that allows firefighters to collectively bargain over "all other terms and conditions of employment." The primary intent of this legislation is to grant local fire stations greater autonomy in making decisions regarding specific employment conditions, thereby limiting the scope of collective bargaining for firefighters.

Key Provisions

  • Amendment to Collective Bargaining Rights:

    • The bill specifically modifies Section 44-1802 of the Idaho Code, restricting the topics that firefighters can negotiate collectively with their employers (cities, counties, fire districts, or other political subdivisions).
    • Firefighters will still retain the right to bargain over wages, rates of pay, and working conditions, but the broader category of "all other terms and conditions of employment" will be eliminated.

  • Applicability:

    • The provisions of this act will apply to all contracts entered into or amended after July 1, 2025.
    • This includes any renewal or extension of existing contracts that occur on or after this date.

  • Emergency Clause:

    • The bill includes a declaration of an emergency, allowing it to take effect immediately on July 1, 2025.

Impact

  • Affected Parties:

    • The legislation primarily affects firefighters and their bargaining agents within Idaho, as well as local governments and fire districts that employ them.
    • By limiting collective bargaining topics, local fire departments may have more flexibility in managing employment conditions without the constraints of negotiations over a wider range of issues.

  • Fiscal Impact:

    • According to the fiscal note, this legislation is expected to have no fiscal impact on the state general fund, as it does not involve appropriating or reducing funds.

Legislative Timeline

  • February 27, 2025: Bill introduced and read for the first time.
  • February 28, 2025: Reported printed and referred to the Commerce & Human Resources Committee.

Conclusion

House Bill 340 seeks to redefine the collective bargaining landscape for firefighters in Idaho by narrowing the scope of negotiable topics. This change is positioned as a means to empower local fire departments, but it may also limit the bargaining power of firefighters regarding their employment conditions. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, pending further legislative action.

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

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