Idaho House convenes, approves journal and refers new bills on human trafficking and tax changes to committees

The Idaho House of Representatives convened Jan. 23, 2026, with a quorum present and proceeded through routine business, approving the House Journal of the 11th legislative day and referring several newly printed bills to standing committees.

The House opened with a prayer from chaplain Tom Doherty, who asked for well-being for Representative Hall, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. The presiding officer then moved the chamber into consideration of the journal. The Judiciary Rules and Administration Committee reported it had read and approved the journal; the motion to adopt, recorded as moved by Skogg and seconded by Gannon, was approved by voice vote.

The House received messages from the Senate, including the return of House Concurrent Resolution No. 22. The committee reported the concurrent resolution had been enrolled and the Speaker announced it would be signed and returned to the Senate for the president's signature.

Lawmakers were notified of committee actions and referrals. The Judiciary Rules and Administration Committee reported printing of multiple bills (House Bills 5-11 through 5-17 and House Joint Resolution 7) and directed referrals to the Resource and Conservation, Business, Education and State Affairs committees as appropriate. The chamber also introduced House Bill 518, described by the committee as relating to human trafficking and proposing to amend provisions of Idaho Code to give the attorney general certain authority in declaring an emergency, and House Bill 519, described by the Revenue and Taxation Committee as proposing revisions to the state's taxation code, including provisions tied to the application of the Internal Revenue Code and changes to capital-investment and research tax-credit carry-forward rules. Both bills were referred for printing and further committee consideration.

The House set several measures for the third-reading calendar, noted a joint memorial from the Agriculture Affairs Committee targeted at federal officials and the state's congressional delegation, and announced standing committee membership changes and an updated meeting schedule for several committees.

A member moved that the House adjourn to 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 26, 2026; the motion was seconded and passed by voice vote. The House adjourned to that date and hour.

What happens next: referred bills will proceed through committee processes where hearings, amendments and votes may be scheduled; enrolled concurrent Resolution No. 22 will be returned to the Senate for formal signature.