Legislative Session Wrap-Up: A Huge Thank You, House & Senate Bill Conclusions
As the 2025 Idaho legislative session wraps up, we wanted to share a quick update on the four transportation-focused bills we watched closely —along with a massive THANK YOU to every single person who spoke up, showed up, and stood up for safe, people-centered streets.
Here’s where things landed:
HB471 – Partisan and Countywide Elections for ACHD
This bill would have made significant changes to how ACHD Commissioners are elected—shifting races from nonpartisan to partisan primaries starting in 2026, and requiring all Ada County voters to elect all commissioners, rather than by district. Thanks to strong community opposition and a tight vote, this bill died in the Senate State Affairs Committee, 5–4.
S1140 & S1144 – Restricting Local Safety Projects
These two bills work together to limit the ability of Highway Districts statewide to create safer roads. They require that projects “primarily benefit motor vehicles,” and only allow bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure as a secondary consideration. In short, they tie the hands of public servants who want to prioritize safety. Both bills were signed into law by Governor Little, and we’ll be monitoring their impacts closely.
HB326 – Restructuring ACHD Governance
This bill proposed expanding ACHD from five elected commissioners to seven, adding two appointed seats—one by the Governor of Idaho and one by the Ada County Commission. It specifically targeted large counties like Ada County. After significant public concern about undermining local representation, this bill stalled on the House floor and did not advance.
Although this was a really tough session, what stood out most about this session were the people. So many of you emailed, called, testified, and spread the word. You came to hearings and submitted comments at the drop of a hat. You made it clear that Idahoans care deeply about safe streets, active transportation, and having a say in what our communities look like. Your advocacy made a difference.
I know the outcome wasn’t exactly what we were hoping for, but the energy and unity of this advocacy and community were a huge victory in itself—and we are so grateful to stand alongside you.
April 2025 Advocacy Meeting:
If you want to dig deeper into what happened, what these bills mean moving forward, and what’s coming next? Join us for our Advocacy Committee Meeting on Wednesday, April 9th, at 6 PM at BBP. We’ll debrief the session and talk about where we go from here. All are welcome.
