Capitol Reflections: 2026 Session, Issue 1

By: Idaho Farm Bureau Governmental Affairs

 

 

 

To take from one because it is thought that his own industry and that of his father's has acquired too much, in order to spare to others, who, or whose fathers have not exercised equal industry and skill, is to violate arbitrarily the first principle of association-the guarantee to every one of a free exercise of his industry and the fruits acquired by it.  - President Thomas Jefferson

 

 

 

Capitol Minute

 

To help our members be fully informed about the issues going on during the legislative session, there will be a short video each week in which our Governmental Affairs team highlights what is discussed in length in the Capitol Reflections Newsletter. We strongly encourage members to continue reading the newsletter to get the most information, but this new video will help when you want a quick synopsis or to learn about the issues on the go.

 

In his State of the State address, Governor Little highlighted major efforts to cut red tape and ensure Idaho has a balanced budget while ensuring Idahoans receive tax relief through compliance with the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Last year, the state passed several major tax cut laws, however following the legislative session, economic conditions softened and state revenues have slowed. The state’s deficit for the next fiscal year is forecasted to be between $550 million and $1 billion dollars. The governor emphasized fiscal restraint by stating his proposed budget includes tightening state agency budgets, renegotiating state contracts, and implementing Medicaid reforms. He also stressed the need for efficient government, demonstrated by slamming several binders of code that could be repealed due to its outdated nature or the need to be condensed.

The Governor very briefly underscored the importance of agriculture, noting continued water infrastructure investments and support for farmers and ranchers as essential to Idaho’s economy and rural vitality. Of concern is the $30 million in ongoing funding for water infrastructure projects that passed last year. In a press conference after the State of the State, the Governor stated, “We're not touching that [funding] because there's so much of the economy that’s dependent upon irrigated agriculture. If you add [agriculture] and food processing, it's close to 30% of our state. Food processing doesn't work if they don't have crops to process.”

 

 

 

 

 

New Legislators Means New Committee Members

 

As the 2026 legislative session began, the Idaho House of Representatives saw a series of changes in personnel and leadership roles that reflect ongoing transitions within the chamber.

New Members in the House

The Idaho House welcomed four newly appointed representatives, each filling a vacancy left by resignations or career moves:

• Annie Henderson Haws was appointed to represent District 16, Seat B filling the seat vacated by Todd Achilles who resigned to run against US Senator Jim Risch.
• Michael Veile took office in District 35, Seat A, replacing Kevin Andrus who was appointed by President Trump as Idaho State Executive Director of the USDA Farm Service Agency.
• Don Hall was appointed to District 25, Seat A after Lance Clow resigned for health-related reasons.
• Erin Bingham was named to represent District 32, Seat B filling the seat of Wendy Horman who took a position in the Trump Administration as Director of the Office of Child Care at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

New Committee Chairs

This session there are new committee chair appointments:

• Rep. Josh Tanner (R-Eagle) was appointed co-chair of the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee (JFAC), taking over from Wendy Horman. JFAC oversees the state’s budget.
• Rep. Dale Hawkins (R-Fernwood) was named Chair of the House Education Committee, succeeding Pickett in that role as Pickett transitioned into GOP leadership.
• Rep. Jordan Redman (R-Coeur d’Alene) became Chair of the House Business Committee, taking over from former Rep. Lance Clow following his resignation.
• Rep. Jerald Raymond (R-Menan) was named Chair of the House Agricultural Affairs Committee, succeeding former Rep. Kevin Andrus.

Changes in House Leadership

Rep. Doug Pickett (R-Oakley) was elected Assistant Majority Leader, succeeding former Assistant Leader Josh Tanner, who shifted focus to committee leadership. Pickett’s new role places him on the House GOP leadership team as the session begins.

 

 

 

 

 

AFBF Annual Convention

 

The American Farm Bureau Federation recently held its annual convention in Anaheim, California, bringing together farmers, ranchers, and agricultural leaders from across the country. In addition to the Young Farmers & Ranchers competitive events, a large trade show, and numerous educational breakout sessions, attendees heard policy updates during the general session from House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson and Ranking Member Angie Craig, Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman and Ranking Member Amy Klobuchar, along with remarks from U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins.

A cornerstone of the convention was Farm Bureau’s grassroots policy process, as voting delegates from all 50 states and Puerto Rico gathered to debate and vote on policy resolutions that will guide the organization’s advocacy efforts in the year ahead. Topics addressed included natural resource management, labor, transportation and infrastructure, cloud seeding and water availability, trade, commodity markets, and continued access to effective crop protection tools, among other issues – reflecting the diverse priorities facing agriculture nationwide.

For a more in-depth look at the events and YF&R competitors at the AFBF Annual Meeting, be sure to check out our website and social media channels.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Resources Available to Follow During Session:

Legislative Website Homepage: HERE

2026 Legislative Session Bill Center: HERE

List of Senate Committee Assignments: HERE

List of House Committee Assignments: HERE

Current Senate Committee Agendas: HERE

Current House Committee Agendas: HERE

Watch Committee Meetings and Floor Sessions Live: HERE

Governor’s Bill Action and Legislative Communications: HERE