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Two versions of new medical freedom act still alive after Gov’s veto  – Idaho Reports

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Two versions of new medical freedom act still alive after Gov’s veto  – Idaho Reports


(Logan Finney/Idaho Reports)

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. 

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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. 

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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.



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Idaho

No Kings movement brings statewide protests to Idaho this weekend

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No Kings movement brings statewide protests to Idaho this weekend


IDAHO — ‘No Kings 3’ protests will take place throughout Idaho on March 28, including in Boise and Twin Falls.

According to the Idaho 50501 Facebook page, there will be speakers & musicians playing at protests across the Treasure Valley.

Protests will take place in Boise, Caldwell, Nampa, Mountain Home, Twin Falls, and other Idaho cities.

NoKings.org

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On March 28, Neighborhood Reporters Allie Triepke & Lorien Nettleton will bring coverage of the Boise & Twin Falls protests on Idaho News 6 at 10.





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Idaho Senate introduces new bill to give local municipalities authority to control rat populations

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Idaho Senate introduces new bill to give local municipalities authority to control rat populations


BOISE, Idaho — A new bill in the Idaho Senate aims to let local municipalities take action to control rat populations. This, after a previous bill to combat rat infestations across Idaho, died in the House.

Rats have been spreading throughout the Treasure Valley in recent years, but previous attempts at legislation to deal with the problem have failed.

WATCH: Senior Reporter Roland Beres provides an update on the new rat bill

New bill would allow local governments to combat rats

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Residents in Eagle and Boise have been tracking an alarming rise in rat populations recently.

Rep. John Gannon (D – District 17) introduced new legislation today that would essentially permit local governments to act in order to control rat populations if they want to, without creating a mandate.

Gannon said some cities complained that they did not have the authority to do the job themselves.

The bill was introduced with a dose of humor.

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“I’m going to support this. It’s very late in the session, but I think this might just squeak through,” said Sen. Ben Adams (R – District 12). “Well. Unless it encounters a trap along the way.”

ALSO READ | ‘I’ve never seen something that big’: Boise neighbors finding rats in their backyards

This story was initially reported by a journalist and has been, in part, converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Send tips to neighborhood reporter Riley Shoemaker

Have a story idea from Downtown Boise, the North End or Garden City ? Share it with Riley below —

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Penny Lee Brown Obituary March 25, 2026 – Eckersell Funeral Home

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Penny Lee Brown Obituary March 25, 2026 – Eckersell Funeral Home


Penny Lee Brown, age 72, of Idaho Falls, formerly of Ririe, passed away Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center in Idaho Falls.

Penny was born October 18, 1953, in Fort St. John, British Columbia, Canada, a daughter to William and Luella Cooper Artemenko. She attended schools in Fort St. John, British Columbia, Canada. She earned her Certified Nursing Assistant Certificate from Eastern Idaho Technical College.

She married Donal A. Brown in Fort St. John, British Columbia. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Idaho Falls Temple. She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

She enjoyed attending her children’s sporting events, puzzles, collecting cat memorabilia, crafting, baking, and caring for others.

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She is survived by her husband Donal A. Brown, children: Jared Brown (Krystal) of Boise, Marcus Brown (Misty) of Weippe, Idaho, Scott Brown of Idaho Falls, Douglas Brown of Idaho Falls, Jamie Brown of Williston, North Dakota, Steven Brown (Claire) of Idaho Falls. A brother Kenneth Artemenko (Nancy) of White Horse, YK, four grandchildren and one great grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her Father William Artemenko and her mother Luela Cooper and a brother Levern Artemenko.

Funeral services will be held Monday March 30, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Perry Ward Chapel 285 2nd West, Ririe, Idaho. The family will visit with friends on Monday from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. at the church. Interment will be in the Ririe-Shelton Cemetery.



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