Bill Analyses and Ratings
Bill Information: S1256 – Idaho Code Cleanup – Blindness Report Repeal
Bill Summary
Senate Bill 1256 repeals Section 67-5414 of Idaho Code, which previously governed reports from medical authorities establishing blindness for the Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired. The bill is part of the Idaho Code Cleanup Act, a legislative initiative to remove provisions identified as obsolete, outdated, or unnecessary from state law.
The legislation declares that its purpose is “to ensure that the state laws provided in Idaho Code are streamlined, up-to-date, and essential for the citizens of Idaho, while best serving the public health, safety, and welfare.” The repeal takes effect July 1, 2026, under an emergency declaration.
The bill makes no substantive changes to the operations or services of the Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired beyond removing this single administrative reporting requirement from statute.
Overall Assessment
This bill removes an obsolete administrative provision from Idaho Code as part of a legislative cleanup effort. The repeal of Section 67-5414 streamlines state law by eliminating an outdated reporting requirement for medical authorities establishing blindness. The bill represents a minor housekeeping measure that reduces unnecessary statutory language without affecting the delivery of services to blind and visually impaired Idahoans.
Rating Breakdown
ARTICLE I. RESPONSIBILITY IN GOVERNMENT (1)
The bill explicitly removes provisions identified as "obsolete, outdated, or unnecessary" through a comprehensive legislative review process. Section 1 declares the intent to ensure Idaho Code is "streamlined, up-to-date, and essential," directly eliminating unnecessary government regulations and reducing statutory clutter. This cleanup effort removes administrative requirements that no longer serve a practical purpose.
ARTICLE II. CITIZEN INVOLVEMENT IN GOVERNMENT (0)
The bill repeals an administrative reporting requirement for medical authorities. It does not address elections, voting procedures, citizen participation in government, or any mechanisms for public engagement in the political process.
ARTICLE III. EDUCATION (0)
The bill concerns the Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired's administrative procedures. It does not address schools, curriculum, parental rights in education, educational funding, or any education policy matters.
ARTICLE IV. AGRICULTURE (0)
The bill repeals a provision related to blindness determination procedures. It has no connection to farming, ranching, agricultural markets, water rights for agriculture, or any agricultural policy.
ARTICLE V. WATER (0)
The bill addresses medical reporting requirements for blindness determination. It does not involve water rights, water management, dam operations, or any water policy issues.
ARTICLE VI. NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT (0)
The bill repeals an administrative provision for the Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired. It does not address natural resources, environmental regulations, land use, or stewardship of natural assets.
ARTICLE VII. ENERGY (0)
The bill concerns blindness determination procedures. It has no connection to energy policy, energy independence, resource development, or energy regulation.
ARTICLE VIII. IDAHO NATIONAL LABORATORIES (0)
The bill repeals a provision related to the Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired. It does not address the Idaho National Laboratory, nuclear research, or energy development activities.
ARTICLE IX. PRIVATE PROPERTY RIGHTS (0)
The bill removes an administrative reporting requirement for medical authorities. It does not involve private property rights, eminent domain, regulatory takings, or property development regulations.
ARTICLE X. STATE AND FEDERAL LANDS (0)
The bill addresses blindness determination procedures. It has no connection to state or federal land management, land transfers, or public land policy.
ARTICLE XI. WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT (0)
The bill repeals an administrative provision for blindness determination. It does not address wildlife management, hunting, fishing, predator control, or habitat conservation.
ARTICLE XII. ECONOMY (0)
The bill removes an obsolete code section related to medical reporting. While it marginally reduces administrative requirements, it does not substantively address commerce, industry, small business, labor policy, or economic development.
ARTICLE XIII. HEALTH AND WELFARE (0)
While the bill relates to the Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired, it only repeals an obsolete administrative reporting provision. The bill does not change healthcare delivery, insurance regulation, patient rights, or welfare program eligibility or services.
ARTICLE XIV. AMERICAN FAMILY (0)
The bill concerns medical reporting requirements for blindness determination. It does not address family values, marriage, parental rights, child welfare, or abortion policy.
ARTICLE XV. OLDER AMERICANS (0)
The bill repeals an administrative provision related to blindness determination. While some older Americans may be blind, the bill does not specifically address services, opportunities, or policies for older citizens.
ARTICLE XVI. LAW AND ORDER WITH JUSTICE (0)
The bill removes a medical reporting requirement. It has no connection to criminal justice, gun rights, the death penalty, drug policy, incarceration, or law enforcement.
ARTICLE XVII. NATIONAL DEFENSE – SECURING THE BORDER (0)
The bill addresses the Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired. It does not involve national defense, military policy, veterans' affairs, or border security.
ARTICLE XVIII. ELECTION OF JUDGES AND IDAHO SUPREME COURT JUSTICES (0)
The bill repeals an administrative provision for blindness determination. It has no connection to judicial elections, selection of judges, or constitutional interpretation by courts.
ARTICLE XIX. RELIGIOUS LIBERTY (0)
The bill concerns medical reporting requirements for the Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired. It does not address religious freedom, conscience protections, or the free exercise of religion.