Bill Analyses and Ratings
Bill Information: S1236 – Repeal of Idaho Women’s Commission
Bill Summary
Senate Bill 1236 repeals Chapter 60, Title 67 of the Idaho Code, which establishes the Idaho Women’s Commission. The bill contains no provisions beyond this repeal and includes an emergency clause declaring the act effective July 1, 2026.
The legislation eliminates the statutory framework that created and governed the Idaho Women’s Commission. By repealing the entire chapter, the bill terminates the commission’s legal authority, structure, and operations.
The emergency declaration expedites the implementation timeline, making the repeal effective on the specified date rather than following the standard legislative timeline.
Overall Assessment
This bill receives a total score of +1, reflecting limited alignment with the evaluated policy metrics. The legislation demonstrates positive alignment with principles of responsible government by eliminating a government program, consistent with reviewing and terminating programs outside constitutional authority. The bill does not address any of the other eighteen policy areas evaluated, as it is narrowly focused on repealing a single chapter of Idaho Code without introducing new policy provisions or addressing broader governmental functions.
Rating Breakdown
ARTICLE I. RESPONSIBILITY IN GOVERNMENT (1)
Section 1 of the bill states 'That Chapter 60, Title 67, Idaho Code, be, and the same is hereby repealed,' which directly terminates a government program. This action aligns with the principle of reviewing government programs and eliminating those outside constitutional authority or that have outlived their usefulness, demonstrating fiscal responsibility through reduction of government entities.
ARTICLE II. CITIZEN INVOLVEMENT IN GOVERNMENT (0)
The bill exclusively addresses the repeal of the Idaho Women's Commission and contains no provisions related to citizen participation, electoral processes, voting procedures, or public engagement in government. The legislation does not impact citizen involvement mechanisms in any way.
ARTICLE III. EDUCATION (0)
The bill contains no language addressing education policy, curriculum standards, parental rights in education, school choice, or any other education-related matters. The repeal of the Women's Commission does not intersect with educational governance or policy.
ARTICLE IV. AGRICULTURE (0)
The bill does not address agricultural policy, farming operations, water rights for agriculture, or any matters related to Idaho's agricultural industry. The legislation is limited to repealing a commission and contains no agricultural provisions.
ARTICLE V. WATER (0)
The bill contains no provisions related to water rights, water management, dam operations, or state sovereignty over water resources. The repeal of the Idaho Women's Commission does not impact water policy in any manner.
ARTICLE VI. NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT (0)
The bill does not address natural resource management, environmental stewardship, wilderness areas, or forest health. The legislation is confined to repealing a specific chapter of Idaho Code without environmental policy implications.
ARTICLE VII. ENERGY (0)
The bill contains no language addressing energy independence, energy production, hydroelectric power, nuclear energy, or energy costs. The repeal does not impact Idaho's energy policy or infrastructure.
ARTICLE VIII. IDAHO NATIONAL LABORATORIES (0)
The bill does not mention the Idaho National Laboratory, nuclear research, technology transfer, or any matters related to INL operations or economic contributions. The legislation has no connection to INL policy.
ARTICLE IX. PRIVATE PROPERTY RIGHTS (0)
The bill contains no provisions addressing private property rights, eminent domain, just compensation, or regulatory takings. The repeal of the Women's Commission does not impact property rights protections.
ARTICLE X. STATE AND FEDERAL LANDS (0)
The bill does not address state or federal land management, land ownership transfers, or sovereignty over public lands. The legislation is unrelated to land management policy.
ARTICLE XI. WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT (0)
The bill contains no language related to wildlife management, hunting, fishing, predator control, or habitat conservation. The repeal does not impact wildlife policy or management practices.
ARTICLE XII. ECONOMY (0)
While eliminating a government entity could theoretically reduce expenditures, the bill contains no specific provisions addressing commerce, business regulation, taxation, economic development, or fiscal policy. The legislation does not explicitly advance economic policy objectives.
ARTICLE XIII. HEALTH AND WELFARE (0)
The bill does not address healthcare policy, health insurance, medical decision-making, or welfare programs. The repeal of the Women's Commission contains no provisions related to health and welfare matters.
ARTICLE XIV. AMERICAN FAMILY (0)
The bill contains no language addressing family values, marriage, parental rights, right to life, or child welfare. The legislation does not impact family policy in any manner.
ARTICLE XV. OLDER AMERICANS (0)
The bill does not address services for older Americans, senior healthcare, retirement security, or policies affecting elderly populations. The repeal has no connection to senior citizen policy.
ARTICLE XVI. LAW AND ORDER WITH JUSTICE (0)
The bill contains no provisions related to gun rights, criminal justice, drug policy, incarceration, or law enforcement. The legislation does not address law and order matters.
ARTICLE XVII. NATIONAL DEFENSE – SECURING THE BORDER (0)
The bill does not address national defense, veterans' affairs, border security, or military matters. The repeal of the Women's Commission has no connection to defense or border policy.
ARTICLE XVIII. ELECTION OF JUDGES AND IDAHO SUPREME COURT JUSTICES (0)
The bill contains no language addressing judicial selection, judicial elections, or constitutional interpretation principles. The legislation does not impact the judiciary or judicial selection processes.
ARTICLE XIX. RELIGIOUS LIBERTY (0)
The bill does not address religious freedom, free exercise of religion, conscience protections, or faith-based initiatives. The repeal has no connection to religious liberty policy.