Idaho Legislature Quickly Approaching the All-Important Transmittal Date and More

Posted by Zach Forster on February 25, 2024

Next Monday, March 4^th, the Idaho legislature will reach the 57^th day of the 2024 Idaho Legislature. This critical date is one all lobbyists and legislators look for because it is the target date that all Senate bills are in the House and all House bills are in the Senate. It’s another great indication on where the legislature is and how close they are to wrapping up for the year. The key word in that initial sentence is “target.” There are no statutory deadlines that dictate the Idaho legislature, they are merely waypoints that help navigate them. While March 4^th is one we are keeping a close eye on, we can’t skip over what is happening on Friday, March 1^st and Saturday, March 2^nd.

The Idaho Republican party will hold their 2024 Idaho Presidential Primary Caucus on this Saturday, March 2^nd. If you have been following the news or attended the Idaho Credit Union Day at the Capitol, we discussed what this means for Idaho voters. Due to a drafting error in last year’s House Bill 138, which looked to consolidate spring elections to save the state about $4 million, Idaho’s presidential primary election was deleted from code. As a result, Idaho will hold a caucus for the first time in nearly 12 years. More information can be found on the Idaho GOP website that includes caucus locations in each district, times, and candidates. IMPORTANT: if you are not a registered republican in Idaho you cannot participate in the Idaho GOP caucus. Those looking to switch their affiliation had to do so by December 31, 2023.

Finally, the filing period for Idahoans who are looking to put their name on the ballot for the May 21^st primary election can do so starting March 1^st. There is a two-week filing period that concludes on Friday, March 15^th. During this period, legislators find out who will officially be on the ballot running against them in the May primary election. Traditionally, during this time legislators get anxious, want to conclude business and get home to campaign. We will see if this year is any different.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.

Posted in Advocacy on the Move, Idaho Advocacy.