Idaho's senators and representatives write, debate, and vote on the laws that govern our state, including the laws that create and regulate professional licenses. Here is a simple look at what they do and how an idea becomes law.
What Legislators Do
Idaho legislators:
Vote on bills that create, change, or repeal laws
Set the state budget
Review agency rules, including licensing rules
Serve on committees focused on specific topics
Represent the people in their district and respond to constituents
The Senate has 35 members and the House has 70. Every Idaho district elects one senator and two representatives.
Committees: Where Most of the Work Happens
Before a bill reaches a full vote, it goes to a committee. Committees are where bills get a public hearing, where people can testify, and where many bills are amended, held, or stopped.
Bills about professional and occupational licensing are often assigned to business- and commerce-related committees, but the assignment depends on the bill.
How a Bill Becomes Law in Idaho
An idea is drafted into a bill. Ideas can come from legislators, agencies, organizations, or citizens.
Print hearing. A committee votes on whether to formally introduce ("print") the bill.
Committee hearing. The committee hears testimony, then votes to send the bill to the floor, amend it, or hold it.
Floor vote. The full House or Senate debates and votes.
Second chamber. The bill repeats the committee and floor process in the other chamber.
The Governor signs the bill, lets it become law without a signature, or vetoes it. The Legislature can override a veto with a two-thirds vote in both chambers.
Most new laws take effect on July 1 unless the bill says otherwise.
How to Follow a Bill
The Idaho Legislature website lists every bill, its status, committee agendas, and live and archived video of hearings.
This article is for general education only.
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