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H 280

PUBLIC SERVANTS – Amends existing law to provide an exemption for relatives of members of the Legislature participating in the legislative page program.

68th Legislature, 1st Regular Session (2025)

House Bill 280 allows relatives of legislators to serve as legislative pages, removing restrictions and enabling their participation in the program starting July 1, 2025.

Reported Signed by Governor on March 19, 2025 Session Law Chapter 114 Effective: 07/01/2025
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Bill Summary · H 280

Summary of House Bill 280 (H 280)

Bill Overview

  • Title: PUBLIC SERVANTS – Amends existing law to provide an exemption for relatives of members of the Legislature participating in the legislative page program.
  • Bill Number: H 280
  • Status: Signed by Governor on March 19, 2025; Effective Date: July 1, 2025
  • Introduced: February 20, 2025
  • Classification: Bill
  • Subject: Government, Legislature, Students, Wages

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 280 aims to amend Idaho Code 18-1359 to provide an exemption for individuals related to members of the Legislature who wish to participate in the legislative page program. This change is intended to allow relatives of legislators to serve as legislative pages without being subject to the existing restrictions that prevent public servants from appointing relatives to positions funded by public money.

Key Provisions

  • Exemption for Legislative Pages: The bill specifically exempts individuals related to members of the legislature by blood or marriage within the second degree from the prohibition against being appointed to positions within the legislative branch, provided they are participating in the legislative page program.
  • Technical Corrections: The bill also includes technical corrections to the existing law to ensure clarity and proper application.

Fiscal Impact

  • The legislation is expected to result in some legislative pages receiving compensation that they would not have received under previous regulations.
  • The estimated cost is approximately $3,000 per individual, with a total annual impact on the general fund projected to be around $10,000 due to a few individuals participating each year.

Affected Parties

  • Legislative Pages: Relatives of legislators who wish to serve as pages will benefit from this exemption, allowing them to participate in the program without facing restrictions.
  • Legislators: Members of the legislature will have the ability to appoint their relatives to the page program, which may enhance familial involvement in the legislative process.

Procedural Timeline

  • February 20, 2025: Bill introduced and referred to the Judiciary, Rules & Administration.
  • March 10, 2025: Reported out of committee with a "Do Pass" recommendation.
  • March 13, 2025: Passed in the House with a vote of 67-0-3.
  • March 14, 2025: Passed in the Senate with a vote of 32-0-3.
  • March 19, 2025: Signed by the Governor.
  • Effective Date: The provisions of the bill will take effect on July 1, 2025.

Conclusion

House Bill 280 facilitates the participation of relatives of legislators in the legislative page program by exempting them from existing restrictions on public appointments. This change is expected to have a minimal fiscal impact while promoting engagement in the legislative process.

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

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