Bill Analyses and Ratings
Bill Information: H0629 – Electronic Vehicle Registration Authorization
Bill Summary
House Bill 629 makes two targeted amendments to Idaho’s vehicle registration code. First, it modifies Section 49-202 to clarify that the existing $5.00 replacement fee applies specifically to physical registration receipts, adding the word “physical” before “receipt of registration.” Second, and more substantively, it amends Section 49-427 to expand electronic registration card authorization from only commercial vehicle drivers to all drivers in Idaho. Previously, only drivers of commercial vehicles registered under sections 49-434 or 49-435 could carry electronic registration cards; this bill removes that limitation and permits electronic format registration cards for all vehicle operators when stopped by peace officers.
Overall Assessment
This bill expands convenience for Idaho drivers by allowing all motorists to carry electronic registration cards on their phones or devices, rather than requiring physical paper documents in their vehicles. The change eliminates a previous restriction that limited electronic registration to commercial vehicle operators only. The bill maintains all existing inspection authority for peace officers while modernizing compliance methods for the digital age.
Rating Breakdown
ARTICLE I. RESPONSIBILITY IN GOVERNMENT (0)
The bill makes administrative changes to vehicle registration format requirements without altering government spending, taxation, or fiscal policy. The addition of "physical" in Section 49-202 and the expansion of electronic registration in Section 49-427 are procedural updates that do not engage with principles of limited government or fiscal responsibility.
ARTICLE II. CITIZEN INVOLVEMENT IN GOVERNMENT (0)
This bill addresses vehicle registration documentation formats and has no connection to citizen participation in government, voting procedures, primary elections, or constitutional education. The changes to Sections 49-202 and 49-427 operate entirely within the administrative domain of motor vehicle regulation.
ARTICLE III. EDUCATION (0)
The bill modifies vehicle registration requirements and contains no provisions related to education policy, school choice, parental rights in education, curriculum standards, or any educational matters. The amendments to motor vehicle code sections are unrelated to the education policy domain.
ARTICLE IV. AGRICULTURE (0)
This bill concerns electronic vehicle registration formats and does not address agricultural education, farming operations, ranching, water rights for agriculture, or any agricultural policy matters. The changes are confined to motor vehicle administration.
ARTICLE V. WATER (0)
The bill's amendments to vehicle registration procedures have no connection to water rights, water management, inter-basin transfers, prior appropriation doctrine, or any water-related policy. The legislation operates solely within transportation regulation.
ARTICLE VI. NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT (0)
This bill modifies vehicle registration format requirements without addressing environmental stewardship, natural resource utilization, federal environmental policy, wilderness areas, or forest health. The changes to Sections 49-202 and 49-427 are administrative in nature.
ARTICLE VII. ENERGY (0)
The bill concerns vehicle registration documentation formats and has no connection to energy independence, energy resource development, oil exploration, hydroelectric power, or electrical rates. The amendments are unrelated to energy policy.
ARTICLE VIII. IDAHO NATIONAL LABORATORIES (0)
This bill addresses vehicle registration requirements and has no relationship to the Idaho National Laboratory, nuclear research, energy technology development, or INL missions. The legislation is confined to motor vehicle administration.
ARTICLE IX. PRIVATE PROPERTY RIGHTS (0)
The bill modifies vehicle registration format options without addressing property rights, eminent domain, just compensation, or government regulation of property development. The changes are procedural updates to motor vehicle code.
ARTICLE X. STATE AND FEDERAL LANDS (0)
This bill concerns vehicle registration documentation and has no connection to federal land management, state land administration, or land ownership issues. The amendments operate within transportation regulation only.
ARTICLE XI. WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT (0)
The bill addresses vehicle registration formats without relating to fish and game management, hunting, fishing, wildlife resources, or predator control. The changes to registration requirements are unrelated to wildlife policy.
ARTICLE XII. ECONOMY (0)
While the bill relates to transportation administration, it makes minor procedural changes to registration format requirements without affecting commerce, business regulation, taxation, or economic growth. The amendments to Sections 49-202 and 49-427 do not alter fees or create economic impacts.
ARTICLE XIII. HEALTH AND WELFARE (0)
This bill addresses vehicle registration documentation formats and has no connection to healthcare delivery, health insurance, patient rights, health savings accounts, or child support. The legislation is confined to motor vehicle administration.
ARTICLE XIV. AMERICAN FAMILY (0)
The bill modifies vehicle registration requirements without addressing family values, parental authority, marriage, right to life, or children's welfare. The changes to registration format options are unrelated to family policy.
ARTICLE XV. OLDER AMERICANS (0)
This bill concerns vehicle registration format options and does not specifically address older Americans, their ability to provide for themselves, or policies affecting seniors. The amendments apply uniformly to all drivers regardless of age.
ARTICLE XVI. LAW AND ORDER WITH JUSTICE (0)
While Section 49-427 maintains that registration cards remain "subject to inspection by any peace officer," the bill does not address gun rights, death penalty, drug policy, incarceration, or juvenile justice. The changes are administrative updates to registration format requirements.
ARTICLE XVII. NATIONAL DEFENSE – SECURING THE BORDER (0)
This bill modifies vehicle registration requirements and has no connection to military strength, veterans, national defense, border security, terrorism, or the National Guard. The amendments are confined to state motor vehicle administration.
ARTICLE XVIII. ELECTION OF JUDGES AND IDAHO SUPREME COURT JUSTICES (0)
The bill addresses vehicle registration formats and has no relationship to judicial elections, judicial selection processes, or constitutional interpretation. The changes operate entirely within transportation regulation.
ARTICLE XIX. RELIGIOUS LIBERTY (0)
This bill concerns vehicle registration documentation options and has no connection to religious freedom, free exercise of religion, or the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. The amendments are unrelated to religious liberty policy.