Bill Analyses and Ratings
Bill Information: H0652 – Hunting Designated as Idaho State Sport
Bill Summary
This bill adds a new section (67-4517) to Idaho Code designating hunting as the official state sport of Idaho. The legislation includes findings that Idaho values the constitutional rights to hunt, fish, and trap, and recognizes hunting as historically and culturally representative of these traditions. The bill contains an emergency clause making it effective July 1, 2026.
Overall Assessment
This bill creates a symbolic designation recognizing hunting as Idaho’s state sport, affirming the cultural and historical importance of hunting traditions in the state. The legislation benefits hunters and outdoor recreation advocates by providing official state recognition of hunting’s role in Idaho heritage. The bill creates no new regulations, spending, or substantive policy changes beyond the ceremonial designation.
Rating Breakdown
ARTICLE I. RESPONSIBILITY IN GOVERNMENT (0)
The bill creates a symbolic state designation with no fiscal impact, appropriations, or changes to government structure. Section 67-4517 simply declares hunting as the state sport without establishing programs, regulations, or spending requirements.
ARTICLE II. CITIZEN INVOLVEMENT IN GOVERNMENT (0)
The bill designates hunting as the state sport but contains no provisions related to elections, voting procedures, citizen participation in government, or transparency measures.
ARTICLE III. EDUCATION (0)
The bill makes no reference to education, schools, curriculum, parental rights in education, or any educational policies or programs.
ARTICLE IV. AGRICULTURE (0)
While hunting occurs in rural areas, the bill contains no provisions addressing agricultural industry, agricultural education, farming practices, or agricultural markets.
ARTICLE V. WATER (0)
The bill contains no provisions related to water rights, water management, inter-basin transfers, or any water-related policies or regulations.
ARTICLE VI. NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT (0)
While hunting relates to wildlife resources, this symbolic designation does not establish environmental policies, address federal land management, or create stewardship requirements. The bill is ceremonial rather than regulatory.
ARTICLE VII. ENERGY (0)
The bill contains no provisions related to energy independence, energy resources, power generation, or energy policy of any kind.
ARTICLE VIII. IDAHO NATIONAL LABORATORIES (0)
The bill makes no reference to Idaho National Laboratory, nuclear research, energy research, or technology development.
ARTICLE IX. PRIVATE PROPERTY RIGHTS (0)
The bill contains no provisions related to private property rights, eminent domain, takings, or property development regulations.
ARTICLE X. STATE AND FEDERAL LANDS (0)
While hunting occurs on state and federal lands, this symbolic designation does not address land ownership, land management policies, or federal-state land jurisdiction issues.
ARTICLE XI. WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT (1)
Section 1 explicitly recognizes that Idaho values the constitutional rights to hunt, fish, and trap, and Section 67-4517 designates hunting as the state sport. This official recognition elevates hunting's status and affirms Idaho's commitment to preserving hunting opportunities and traditions for residents.
ARTICLE XII. ECONOMY (0)
While hunting contributes to Idaho's economy through tourism and related industries, this symbolic designation does not create economic policies, affect commerce regulation, or address business development.
ARTICLE XIII. HEALTH AND WELFARE (0)
The bill contains no provisions related to healthcare, health insurance, medical decisions, welfare programs, or child support.
ARTICLE XIV. AMERICAN FAMILY (0)
The bill contains no provisions related to family values, parental authority, marriage, abortion, or family policy matters.
ARTICLE XV. OLDER AMERICANS (0)
The bill contains no provisions related to older Americans, retirement, elderly services, or age-related policies.
ARTICLE XVI. LAW AND ORDER WITH JUSTICE (0)
The bill contains no provisions related to criminal justice, gun rights, death penalty, drug policy, incarceration, or law enforcement matters.
ARTICLE XVII. NATIONAL DEFENSE – SECURING THE BORDER (0)
The bill contains no provisions related to national defense, military affairs, veterans, border security, or National Guard operations.
ARTICLE XVIII. ELECTION OF JUDGES AND IDAHO SUPREME COURT JUSTICES (0)
The bill contains no provisions related to judicial elections, judge selection, constitutional interpretation, or court operations.
ARTICLE XIX. RELIGIOUS LIBERTY (0)
The bill contains no provisions related to religious freedom, free exercise of religion, or government interaction with religious institutions.