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H 66

WORKER’S COMPENSATION – Amends existing law to revise provisions regarding service of notice of hearings.

68th Legislature, 1st Regular Session (2025)

Idaho HB 66 lets represented workers receive notices by email; unrepresented keep certified mail unless they opt into electronic delivery, boosting efficiency and saving funds.

Reported Signed by Governor on March 13, 2025 Session Law Chapter 68 Effective: 07/01/2025
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Bill Summary · H 66

Idaho H 66—Summary

Overview

House Bill 66 amends Idaho Chapter 72, Section 713 of the Idaho Code to revise how the Idaho Industrial Commission serves notices of hearings in worker’s compensation cases. The bill shifts away from a mandatory certified-mail requirement for all notices and expands acceptable service methods for represented parties, while preserving certified mail for unrepresented (pro se) claimants unless they opt into electronic delivery. It includes an emergency clause and an effective date of July 1, 2025.

What the bill changes

  • Retains the requirement that the Commission provide at least 10 days’ written notice of hearing time, place, and issues.
  • Removes the blanket requirement that notices be served by certified mail.
  • Expands permissible service methods:
    • Represented parties: notices may be served by email.
    • Unrepresented parties (pro se): notices continue to be served by certified mail unless they opt into electronic delivery.
    • Notices may be served by regular mail, fax, or email for represented parties; the form of service is deemed complete per the existing rules (e.g., completion upon deposit with the post office for mail, or respective method conventions for email/fax).
  • Unrepresented parties may change their preferred service method by providing written notice to the Commission with a valid email address for service.
  • Requires evidence of service (certificate or affidavit) to be filed with the Commission.

Key provisions (text highlights)

  • Section 72-713 amended to:
    • (1) require at least 10 days’ written notice and allow service by personal delivery or mail (registered/certified or regular); completion is defined by the mailing/deposit rules.
    • (2) notice to represented parties by email.
    • (3) notice to unrepresented parties by certified mail.
    • (4) option for unrepresented parties to adopt electronic service via written notice and valid email.
  • Section 2 establishes an emergency clause and a July 1, 2025 effective date.

Who is affected

  • Industrial Commission of Idaho
  • Employers and employees involved in workers’ compensation hearings
  • Represented claimants (attorney-represented): may receive notices by email
  • Unrepresented claimants (pro se): continue to receive certified mail unless they opt into electronic delivery

Timeline and status

  • Introduced: January 28, 2025
  • Passed through legislative process with multiple readings and committee actions (February–March 2025)
  • Delivered to Governor March 12, 2025; signed March 13, 2025
  • Status: Reported signed by Governor; Session Law Chapter 68; effective July 1, 2025

Fiscal impact

  • Fiscal Note: No impact on the general fund, dedicated funds, or federal funds.
  • Estimated savings: approximately $4,000 annually in dedicated funds (de minimis).

Practical impact

  • Provides flexibility and potential cost savings in how hearing notices are delivered, particularly for represented parties.
  • Maintains protections for unrepresented claimants by continuing certified-mail service unless they opt into electronic delivery.
  • Requires updates to agency records and processes to capture new service methods and non-electronic delivery opt-ins.

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

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