Session Timeline
Idaho’s 2026 legislative session is scheduled to begin January 12, with leaders aiming to adjourn by March 27. If lawmakers finish on time, it would be the shortest session in more than a decade.
House Speaker Mike Moyle, R-Star, said the election-year calendar and a focus on budget reductions are likely to shorten debate. All 105 seats in the Legislature will be on the ballot in May primaries.
Budget Pressures
Through the first two months of fiscal year 2026, state revenues are $22.6 million below revised projections. That shortfall follows more than $450 million in revenue reductions passed during the 2025 session, which funded tax cuts and a new education tax credit program.
Governor Brad Little has ordered all state agencies — except K-12 schools — to reduce budgets by 3%. Those reductions will now be permanent.
At the same time, supplemental funding requests for the current fiscal year total about $109 million, which lawmakers will need to consider when they return to Boise.
Federal Tax Law Impact
Lawmakers are also preparing for the cost of aligning state tax law with provisions of the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” signed by President Donald Trump this summer. Among its changes: eliminating taxes on tips and overtime pay.
Analysts estimate conforming to the new federal law could reduce Idaho revenue by about $167 million.
Differing Views
Republican leaders have suggested the session will involve both budget cuts and tax adjustments tied to the federal law. House Minority Leader Ilana Rubel, D-Boise, has warned the state could be facing a deficit of $200 million or more, citing falling revenues and rising obligations.
Related Coverage
- Idaho News – https://idahonews.co/idaho-news-3/
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