NAMPA, Idaho–The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in partnership with the University of Idaho Extension 4-H program, will offer wild horse weanlings for adoption during the Idaho Horse Expo April 4-6. These horses have been handled by 4-H youth and will be available for public viewing during the Idaho Horse Expo at the Ford Idaho Horse Park in Nampa. The dedicated efforts of 4-H club members will come to fruition during an exciting competitive bid adoption event, scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 6.

Youth from three different Treasure Valley area 4-H Clubs picked up their young charges in February, and have been working with the animals to lead, load into a trailer and pick up their feet. Each of these young wild horses were gathered from either the Sands Basin or Four Mile Wild Horse Herd Management Areas on Idaho’s public rangelands.

To qualify, adopters must be at least 18 years old and have facilities that meet the BLM’s requirements. Title to the animals remains with the federal government for one year, after which adopters can apply for title. Detailed information about adopter qualifications and facility requirements can be found online.

Since 2009, the BLM Idaho Wild Horse and Burro program in concert with University of Idaho Extension 4-H youth development, has successfully paired youth with young wild horses. More than 400 wild horses have been placed into private care, saving the American taxpayer over $6 million in caring costs for unadopted wild horses! Additionally, hundreds of youths have developed wild horse handling skills and since the BLM shares a portion of the adoption proceeds, more than $99,000 has been raised to support Idaho 4-H Clubs. This year, youth from Desert Sage, Desperados, and Saddle Tramps 4-H Clubs participated in the program.

The BLM is responsible under the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act for protecting and managing wild horses and burros on public lands. The agency periodically removes animals from the range when populations exceed levels established to allow wild horse and burro herds to thrive in balance with other range users, including wildlife and permitted livestock. These animals are then available for adoption at events throughout the country.  More information about the BLM’s Wild Horse and Burro program is available at https://www.blm.gov/whb.

By Ruth Brown, Idaho Reports 

Two competing versions of a bill called the Idaho Medical Freedom Act are floating through the statehouse as of Wednesday, and it’s unclear which one might make it through both chambers. 

To overturn a governor’s veto, there must be at least two-thirds support from members in both the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Senate passed the original bill in a close 19-14 vote on Feb. 26, while the House passed it in a 47-23 vote on March 19. 

The Senate State Affairs Committee introduced its version of the legislation, SB 1210, after Gov. Brad Little vetoed an earlier version on Saturday. 

The biggest change from the vetoed bill is it would exempt daycares, which are allowed to mandate vaccinations for their workers and clients. It also points to Idaho’s existing laws around immunizations, vaccine policy in schools, and the Idaho Parental Rights Act. 

The committee sent that bill to the amending order on Wednesday.  

Meanwhile, the House State Affairs Committee on Wednesday morning advanced a competing bill co-sponsored by Speaker Mike Moyle, R-Star, and Assistant Majority Leader Rep. Josh Tanner, R-Eagle.   

That bill, HB 472, is almost identical to the vetoed SB 1023, except it now refers to a section of Idaho law that allows schools to send sick children home, something that Little addressed in his veto letter.  

The governor’s veto letter expressed concern about the original bill preventing schools from sending children home with obvious contagious conditions such as lice or pink eye. 

The House’s bill does not include the Senate’s exemption for daycares, which are private businesses and not state funded. 

If passed into law, the bills would rename the Coronavirus Stop Act, an existing law, to the Medical Freedom Act and prohibit all medical mandates, not just those related to COVID-19. The bills also add language prohibiting a school from mandating medical intervention for any person attending, working at, or entering a school.  

It’s unclear when the House and Senate bills will next advance, or if the opposite chamber will agree to take up the other’s version. 

Ruth Brown | Producer

Ruth Brown grew up in South Dakota and her first job out of college was covering the South Dakota Legislature. She’s since moved on to Idaho lawmakers. Brown spent 10 years working in print journalism, including newspapers such as the Idaho Statesman and Idaho Press, where she’s covered everything from the correctional system to health care issues. She joined Idaho Reports in 2021 and looks forward to telling stories about how state policy can impact the lives of regular Idahoans.

BOISE, Idaho — On Tuesday, Idaho lawmakers passed House Bill 135, legislation that restricts certain state-funded services for undocumented immigrants.

Governor Little and Idaho legislators back Trump’s immigration policies, celebrate H.B. 83

The bill aims to eliminate access to non-emergency services such as state-funded vaccines and WIC benefits for individuals who cannot prove lawful presence. However, federal programs like SNAP and emergency medical care remain unaffected by the change.

Supporters of the bill argue that it’s essential for protecting taxpayer dollars and upholding the rule of law. “This legislation does not deny services. This is simply about who’s paying for it,” said Sen. Todd Lakey (R).

Sen. Lakey (R) continued, “We have limited resources and funds, and careful use of those limited public funds and resources is one of our primary responsibilities as legislators.”

“We can have compassion when we make decisions like this, and I think we have a hard time even paying for these benefits for our own citizens today,” said Sen. Camille Blaylock (R).

Opponents of the bill warn that it could jeopardize public health and the well-being of children. “By denying immunizations, it potentially affects the overall public health of Idaho’s entire population,” said Sen. Jim Guthrie (R).

Governor Brad Little vetoes Medical Freedom Act — how his veto could be overturned by lawmakers

Sen. Melissa Wintrow (D), argued against restricting benefits for vulnerable populations. “We shouldn’t be taking away benefits for children at all, ever,” she said.

Proponents maintain that the bill aligns Idaho with federal immigration priorities and promotes personal responsibility.

“I think it upholds legal integrity. I think it encourages legal immigration. And I think it helps us to align with the federal policies that are coming into play,” said Sen. Tammy Nichols (R).

The bill now awaits the governor’s approval before becoming law.