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S 1300

STATE GOVERNMENT – Amends current law to revise provisions regarding director appointments to certain executive agencies.

68th Legislature, 2nd Regular Session (2026)

SB 1300 requires the governor to appoint and the Senate to confirm the directors of Fish and Game, Transportation, and Parks and Recreation.

Signed by Governor on 04/01/26 Session Law Chapter 267 Effective: 07/01/2026
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 1300

Summary of Idaho Senate Bill 1300 (2026)

This summary explains the bill’s purpose, main provisions, who is affected, and key timing details. It is based on the bill text and supporting materials.

Purpose and intent

  • The bill shifts appointment and confirmation procedures for the directors of three major Idaho executive agencies—Department of Transportation, Department of Fish and Game, and Department of Parks and Recreation—to align with the general state practice for other state offices.
  • Specifically, it requires gubernatorial appointment with Senate advice and consent (confirmation) for these agency directors, and preserves the governor’s appointment authority.
  • An emergency clause and July 1, 2026 effective date are provided, with an intent to make these changes apply to current and future director appointments.

Key provisions and changes

  1. Vacancies and appointment process (Section 59-904, Idaho Code)

    • Vacancies in state offices (including department and agency heads listed in subsections (c)–(g)) shall be filled by the governor, subject to Senate advice and consent.
    • Details include requirements about letters of appointment, timing relative to legislative sessions, and Senate consideration procedures.
    • If the Senate withholds consent and adjourns, the appointment becomes void and a vacancy exists.

  2. Director appointments by the Governor with Senate confirmation (Sections 36-106, 40-503, 67-4222)

    • The following directors will be appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate:
      • Director, Department of Fish and Game (36-106)
      • Director, Idaho Transportation Department (40-503)
      • Director, Department of Parks and Recreation (67-4222)
    • Any director appointed on or before July 1, 2026, is to be considered for Senate confirmation at the first regular session of the 69th Idaho Legislature.
    • Directors must serve at the pleasure of the Governor, be full-time, and not hold other public or political party offices.

  3. Additional administrative provisions for each department (selected highlights)

    • Department of Fish and Game (36-106):
      • The director serves as secretary to the Commission.
      • Establishes compensation, oath, bonding, and duties (including authority to appoint staff, establish hatcheries, manage wildlife propagation, licensing, and other duties consistent with Fish and Game laws).
      • Includes complex provisions for bighorn sheep management, depredation procedures, disease monitoring, and interagency collaboration with the Department of Agriculture.
      • Provides for annual reporting and potential use of independent contractors for controlled hunt permits/telephone ordering.
    • Idaho Transportation Department (40-503):
      • Establishes a director who is appointed by the Governor with Senate confirmation; includes a provision for a chief engineer as a separate appointive position under the director (subject to certain qualifications and statutory rules).
      • Director to receive board-approved compensation and travel reimbursements.
    • Department of Parks and Recreation (67-4222):
      • Board appoints the director, who serves as an ex officio member and secretary of the board.
      • Director to be selected based on executive ability, experience, and training in park and recreational matters.
      • Board required to establish a merit system for department employees; salaries set by the board, with applicability of any state merit system if implemented.

  4. Other miscellaneous provisions

    • Continues to require adherence to merit or similar systems for department employees (where applicable) and to set salaries/compensation according to board decisions or applicable law.
    • The act states it shall not apply to appointments made prior to the effective date.
    • The bill declares an emergency, with full force on and after July 1, 2026.

Who is affected

  • Governors and state agencies: The Governor’s office and the Departments of Transportation, Fish and Game, and Parks and Recreation.
  • The Idaho Senate: Responsible for confirmation (advice and consent) of the new/director appointments.
  • Department employees: Those within the three affected departments may be subject to new governance and merit-system provisions, staffing, and compensation rules as determined by the relevant boards and commissions.
  • Local/state stakeholders: Entities and individuals involved in wildlife management, transportation policy, and park/recreation administration may see changes in leadership appointment processes and potential shifts in policy emphasis that accompany new leadership.

Procedural and timeline notes

  • Effective date: July 1, 2026.
  • For directors appointed on or before July 1, 2026, Senate confirmation is to occur at the first regular session of the 69th Idaho Legislature.
  • If the Senate withholds consent or adjourns, the appointment can be voided, creating a vacancy.
  • The act includes an emergency clause, enabling immediate effect upon enactment and July 1, 2026 start date.

Fiscal impact

  • The accompanying fiscal note states no net impact to the General Fund, local governments, or state tax revenue. The bill’s primary effect is procedural—shifting appointment authority and confirmation requirements rather than creating new expenditures.

Overall, SB 1300 formalizes Senate confirmation for the heads of three major agencies and standardizes appointment and governance procedures across these offices.

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

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