Guest Columnist Senator Tammy Nichols – Fighting for Idaho: My 2026 End of Session Report

April 11, 2026

Fighting for Idaho: My 2026 End of Session Report

By: ID Senator Tammy Nichols

The 2026 legislative session has officially come to a close, and I want to sincerely thank you for the trust you place in me to represent District 10 in the Idaho Legislature.

This session was one of the most difficult and important in recent memory. Idaho faced tighter revenues, hard budget choices, growing pressure from outside interests, and major debates about the future direction of our state. Through it all, I stayed focused on what matters most: protecting taxpayers, defending families, supporting agriculture, preserving freedom, and keeping government accountable.

Delivering Results for District 10

This year, I ran nearly 40 bills and legislative measures, and I am proud to report that 29 of those passed all the way into law.

That is a strong record of conservative leadership and real results for District 10 and the people of Idaho.

Most of the bills I run and support do not start in a back room or come from lobbyists, they come from YOU. Many begin when constituents bring me an idea, raise a concern, share a personal experience, or point out a problem in current law. I believe one of the most important parts of this job is listening to the people I represent and turning those concerns into real solutions.

Not every bill crosses the finish line, but leadership means showing up, doing the work, asking hard questions, and advancing serious solutions.

Responsible Budgeting in a Tough Year

This year’s budget required discipline.

After years of rapid spending growth, lawmakers were faced with a tighter revenue picture and difficult choices. I supported efforts to rein in government growth, prioritize core services, and protect Idaho taxpayers from reckless overspending.

Idaho families must live within their means, and government should too.

That principle guided many of the toughest votes this session.

Key Bills I Championed This Year

I was proud to carry and support legislation that addressed real issues facing Idahoans. Some highlights are:

Protecting Consumers & Public Safety

• S1282 – Kratom Consumer Protection Act
  Created safeguards against dangerous adulterated and synthetic products while preserving access to pure leaf kratom.
• S1232 – Son of Sam Bill
  Ensures violent criminals cannot profit from notoriety while victims are not forgotten.
• HB558 – Foster Youth Survivor Benefits Protection
  Protects federal survivor benefits intended for foster children.
• HB528 – Directed Blood Donation Rights
  Expanded patient rights involving blood donation options.

Defending Freedom & Privacy

• H750a – Digital ID Protection Act
  Worked to ensure Idahoans are not forced into digital identification systems.
• S1269 – Cloud Seeding Transparency Act
  Increased transparency and accountability surrounding cloud seeding and weather modification activity in Idaho.

Agriculture & Idaho Values

As Chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee, I was proud to help lead major work supporting Idaho’s number one industry.

• SJM110 – Sugar Beet Memorial
  Supported Idaho producers and agriculture priorities.
• S1445 – Rat Control Local Authority Bill
  Addressed the growing Treasure Valley rat issue through practical local solutions.
• S1335 – Veterinary Service Commitment Bill
  Strengthened veterinary workforce commitments tied to state-supported education.
• HB563 – CPA Workforce Reform
  Modernized licensing pathways to address workforce shortages.

Housing & Affordability

• S1352 – Starter Home Subdivision Act
• S1353 – Housing Development Reform
• S1354 – Housing Affordability Expansion Act

These bills sought to increase housing supply and affordability for Idaho families.

Areas Where More Work Is Needed

While I am proud of many accomplishments this session, there were two areas where I was not satisfied with the progress made:

Immigration Reform

Idaho needs stronger state-level policies that protect taxpayers, uphold the rule of law, and ensure our communities are not burdened by failures of the federal government. We made progress in the conversation, but not enough. I intend to continue working on meaningful immigration reform legislation next session.

Family Court Reform

I also remain deeply concerned about Idaho’s family court system. Too many families feel unheard, face inconsistent rulings, high costs, and long delays. Parents and children deserve a system focused on fairness, due process, accountability, and the best interests of children. I will continue bringing forward reforms in this area next year.

Additional Legislation I Worked On

Other bills I carried or Sponsored included:

• H846 – Public Safety / Criminal Justice Reform
• S1270 – Family Protection Legislation
• S1239 – Daycare Zoning Clarification
• HB824 – Government Accountability Measure
• S1286 – Consumer Protection Update
• S1271 – Rat Invasive Species Act
• HB514 – Veterans Protection Bill
• SB1299 – Child Protection Reform
• S1412 – Education Accountability Bill
• S1342 – Public Records / Transparency Measure
• HB663 – Workforce Development Reform
• HB541 – Military Leave Update
• HB544 – Military Leave Expansion
• HB507 – Public Safety Enhancement
• HB581 – Government Operations Reform
• HB623 – Taxpayer Protection Measure
• HB731 – Family Rights Bill
• HB575 – Licensing Reform
• HB772 – Industrial Hemp Producer Reform
• H879 – Hemp Product Regulation Update
• H776 – Agricultural Policy Reform
• S1418 – Family Court Improvement Bill
• H856 – Human Remains Protection Act
• SJM112 – Balanced Budget Memorial to Congress

Each one represented another effort to improve Idaho, solve problems, and protect our future. All bills for this session can be found here.

Governor Vetoes After Adjournment

After the Legislature adjourned, Governor Brad Little issued multiple vetoes on bills passed by the Legislature. Idaho governors have constitutional veto authority, but these actions sparked significant discussion because they came after lawmakers had adjourned and could no longer immediately respond.

The vetoed bills included:

• HB758a – Daycare Reform Bill
  Related to childcare regulations and provider requirements.
• HB975 – Rainy Day Fund Transfer Bill
  Would have increased deposits into Idaho’s Budget Stabilization Fund.
• HB968 – Cash Transfer / Budget Reallocation Bill
  Moved funds from canceled projects into other priorities.
• SB1359a – Virtual Currency Kiosk Fraud Bill
  Would have created protections tied to cryptocurrency ATM fraud.
• HB674 – Telecommunications Service Bill
  Addressed service discontinuation and regulatory authority.
• HB978 – Graduate Medical Education Funding Bill (line-item veto)
  Would have reduced funding connected to graduate medical education programs.

These vetoes will likely remain part of the broader discussion heading into next session.

Serving Beyond the Capitol

This year I also continued meeting directly with constituents, speaking throughout District 10 and around Idaho, and staying connected with the people I serve. Good government starts with listening. I will continue to do this outside of session, as well as travel to other states to talk with others about ideas and issues.

My Commitment to You

I did not go to Boise to become part of the political class.

I went there to fight for you.

That means standing firm when it matters. Asking hard questions. Protecting families. Defending liberty. Supporting agriculture. Controlling spending. And making sure Idaho remains Idaho.

Thank you again for the honor of serving as your Senator.

I look forward to continuing the fight.

In Liberty,

Senator Tammy Nichols
District 10