Bill Analyses and Ratings
Bill Information: H0565 – Wolf Management Code Sections Repeal
Bill Summary
House Bill 565 repeals three sections of Idaho Code related to wolf management: Section 36-116 (solicitation for transferring wolves from Idaho to other states), Section 36-715 (state management of wolves), and Section 36-1120 (penalties). The Legislature frames these repeals as part of the Idaho Code Cleanup Act, identifying the provisions as obsolete, outdated, or unnecessary. The bill declares an emergency and takes effect July 1, 2026.
Overall Assessment
This bill removes three wolf-related statutes from Idaho Code, eliminating specific provisions for state wolf management, wolf transfer solicitation, and associated penalties. The Legislature characterizes these sections as obsolete under its code cleanup initiative. The practical impact depends on whether these provisions are truly redundant with other existing wildlife management authorities or whether their removal creates gaps in the state’s wolf management framework.
Rating Breakdown
ARTICLE I. RESPONSIBILITY IN GOVERNMENT (0)
The bill repeals three code sections as part of a stated effort to ensure state laws are "streamlined, up-to-date, and essential." While this language suggests government efficiency, the bill does not address fiscal responsibility, taxation, budgetary processes, or program termination in any substantive way beyond removing these specific wolf management provisions.
ARTICLE II. CITIZEN INVOLVEMENT IN GOVERNMENT (0)
The bill repeals wolf management statutes but does not address elections, voting procedures, citizen participation, or political engagement.
ARTICLE III. EDUCATION (0)
The bill repeals wolf management statutes and does not address education policy, schools, curriculum, or parental rights.
ARTICLE IV. AGRICULTURE (0)
The bill repeals wolf management statutes without explicitly addressing agricultural operations, livestock protection, or farming interests.
ARTICLE V. WATER (0)
The bill repeals wolf management statutes and does not address water rights, water management, or related policies.
ARTICLE VI. NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT (0)
While the bill repeals wolf-related provisions, it does not address broader natural resource management, multiple use principles, federal environmental policy, or general stewardship issues beyond these specific statutory sections.
ARTICLE VII. ENERGY (0)
The bill repeals wolf management statutes and does not address energy independence, energy resources, or related policies.
ARTICLE VIII. IDAHO NATIONAL LABORATORIES (0)
The bill repeals wolf management statutes and does not address the Idaho National Laboratory or nuclear research.
ARTICLE IX. PRIVATE PROPERTY RIGHTS (0)
The bill repeals wolf management statutes without directly addressing property rights, takings, or compensation issues.
ARTICLE X. STATE AND FEDERAL LANDS (0)
The bill repeals wolf management statutes and does not address state or federal land ownership, management, or administration.
ARTICLE XI. WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT (-1)
The bill repeals Section 36-715 relating to state management of wolves and Section 36-1120 relating to penalties. The metric explicitly supports "managed control of these predators through the Idaho Fish and Game Department." Removing the state management framework and associated enforcement penalties undermines the structured approach to wolf control that the metric endorses.
ARTICLE XII. ECONOMY (0)
The bill repeals wolf management statutes and does not directly address commerce, industry, small business, labor, or economic development.
ARTICLE XIII. HEALTH AND WELFARE (0)
The bill repeals wolf management statutes and does not address healthcare, health insurance, or welfare policies.
ARTICLE XIV. AMERICAN FAMILY (0)
The bill repeals wolf management statutes and does not address family values, marriage, or children's welfare.
ARTICLE XV. OLDER AMERICANS (0)
The bill repeals wolf management statutes and does not address policies related to older Americans or senior services.
ARTICLE XVI. LAW AND ORDER WITH JUSTICE (0)
While the bill repeals Section 36-1120 relating to penalties, this provision is specific to wolf management violations and does not address broader law enforcement, criminal justice, or public safety issues covered by this metric.
ARTICLE XVII. NATIONAL DEFENSE – SECURING THE BORDER (0)
The bill repeals wolf management statutes and does not address national defense, veterans, military installations, or border security.
ARTICLE XVIII. ELECTION OF JUDGES AND IDAHO SUPREME COURT JUSTICES (0)
The bill repeals wolf management statutes and does not address judicial elections or constitutional interpretation.
ARTICLE XIX. RELIGIOUS LIBERTY (0)
The bill repeals wolf management statutes and does not address religious freedom or free exercise of religion.