Idaho’s Brad Little Fires Up Chainsaw, Vetoes 5 Bills

Technically, the legislative session here in Idaho has been 'put to rest' and 'wrapped up' for the time being--but it seems so often in Idaho, politics never actually takes a break.

Whether you're watching the news or scrolling through various social platforms--something is going on in Idaho.

Exercising his power as Governor of Idaho, Brad Little issued vetoes late last week, effectively shutting down FIVE bills that the Idaho legislature passed. Here is what he did...

House Bill 758a – Daycares

According to Brad Little, this bill 'threatens child safety'.  Little accused the bill of eliminating licesing and fire inspection requirements for childcare providers. He also sighed a risk of fraud by 'bad actors'. According to Little, Idaho already has some of the 'lowest childcare fraud' in the country.

House Bill 975 – Rainy day funds

Brad Little says that this bill adds over $50 million dollars to the 'Budget Stabilization Fund' yet that fund is already one of the nation's highest. Doing so, according to Little, restricts how the State of Idaho can respond to varying needs. One concern he named specifically is the cost we may face to battle wildfires this year.

House Bill 968 – Cash transfers

This was kind of a peculiar veto that had a whole lot to do with bookkeeping. Little said that the legislature was moving around funds to unrelated accounts and Idaho Code requires it to be done (and reappropriated) in different ways.

Senate Bill 1359a – Virtual Currency Kiosk Fraud

Brad Little said that Idaho seniors need 'a law that works'. This bill aims to protect folks, particularly seniors, from fraud. While he said the 'intent' of the bill was commendable, Little wants to see tighter definitions, enforcement standards, and clearer 'framework'.

House Bill 674 – Telecommunication Service

Brad Little's explanation was simple on this veto--he said that it gives State of Idaho authority to the federal government on decisions related to telecom decisions, in Idaho. Brad Little often touts himself as 'anti-regulation', so if he feels this gives 'the feds' any say in Idaho, that he would be against it.

Take a look at all of Brad Little's vetoes and the official statements delivered to Idaho's Secretary of State, HERE.