Friends and Constituents of District 3 –

As we enter the dog days of the legislative session, we’re diving into some of the most important debates of the year. This is when critical bills, long worked and reworked throughout the session, finally come to the fore.

Alongside efforts to protect election integrity, I’m also focused on efforts to amend our state constitution to safeguard Idaho against ballot initiatives that may legalize marijuana and other psychotropic drug. Big money from outside interests often drive the messaging in these campaigns with little regard to the truth, which is that legalization of these drugs increases lawlessness and decreases societal stability.

Another issue I’m working on involves educating the medical and legal communities on the Idaho’s law regarding abortion. Many practitioners are confused as to the state of the law on treatment of mothers ‘with child’. We are devising a way to create an instructional video for health care providers and legal practitioners to alleviate much of the fear involved in maternal care. This concept is in its infancy and expect to make progress next session.

I remain committed to these efforts and to ensuring that our elections remain secure and trustworthy, so that your voice and vote are never undermined by interests other than your own. Stay tuned for more updates, and as always, please feel free to reach out with your thoughts and feedback.

In liberty and gratitude,

Representative Vito Barbieri
Idaho House of Representatives
Legislative District 3

Protecting Idaho from Liberal Drug Policy

House Joint Resolution 4:

I am passionately supporting a critical effort that has recently passed the Idaho House—House Joint Resolution 4. This resolution seeks voter approval to amend our state constitution, ensuring that only the Idaho Legislature has the exclusive authority to regulate marijuana and other psychoactive substances. It is a crucial step in protecting the values that make Idaho unique, and I am proud to stand behind this important legislation.

Currently, a ballot initiative titled “Decriminalize Cannabis Now” is in the signature-gathering process, and if it qualifies, it could potentially bring marijuana legalization to Idaho through a popular vote. However, this resolution aims to put the power to regulate such substances solely in the hands of the Legislature. If passed, House Joint Resolution 4 would place a question on the 2026 ballot asking Idahoans whether they agree to amend our state constitution and prevent the legalization of marijuana through ballot initiatives.

This issue is personal to me because it directly impacts the future of our children, the safety of our communities, and the integrity of what makes Idaho, Idaho. As sponsor Rep. Bruce Skaug (R-Nampa) has said, the resolution comes from a place of concern for the “virtue and sobriety” of Idahoans, and I wholeheartedly agree. It is time for Idahoans to take proactive control of our state’s future when it comes to marijuana, psychoactive substances, and narcotics.

The resolution passed the House largely along party lines, with Democrats opposing the measure, arguing that it is unnecessary and oversteps the role of government. However, we must act now to protect our state from the influence of outside interests seeking to change our way of life. If the Senate approves this resolution with at least a two-thirds majority vote, both the question about regulating psychoactive substances and the “Decriminalize Cannabis Now” initiative would appear on the 2026 ballot for voters to decide.

I will continue to advocate for this vital amendment and stand firm in my commitment to protecting the future of Idaho from forces that would degrade our communities and safety. Together, we can ensure that Idaho remains a safe, family-friendly state for generations to come.

Securing our Idaho Elections

House Bill 339 – Accuracy of Voter Registration Information

I am proud to share that I am supporting legislation that will ensure only eligible Idahoans have a say in Idaho elections. As we’ve seen in some of our more liberal neighboring states, the integrity of elections is under constant attack. Unlike those states, we are taking proactive steps here in Idaho to safeguard the sanctity of our democratic process and make sure that only those who are eligible to vote—our fellow Idahoans—can participate.

The bill currently under consideration emphasizes that it is the intent of the Idaho Legislature that only eligible citizens may vote in the United States of America, and specifically in Idaho. We must take every measure to ensure that our elections remain secure and transparent, free from the influence of outside forces.

The legislation requires the Secretary of State to take specific actions to maintain the accuracy and integrity of Idaho’s statewide voter registration system. This means ensuring that only eligible Idaho voters are registered to vote and working with other government entities to prevent and fight against voter fraud. The Secretary of State will also be required to request necessary information from relevant agencies to carry out this intent.

We are committed to maintaining the trust and transparency of our elections, and this bill is an important step in protecting Idaho’s elections from manipulation or fraud. Our state’s voters deserve a system that ensures every legitimate vote counts, and this bill will help make that a reality.

Unlike some of our neighbors who have weakened their election security, Idaho is taking a firm stand to protect our elections from those who may seek to undermine our way of life. I am committed to making sure Idaho remains a beacon of election integrity and that our voters—Idahoans—are the ones who have the final say.

Transparent Idaho

Throughout the 2024 Legislative Session, you can visit Transparent Idaho to stay up-to-date on how your public tax dollars are being spent.

Thanks to the Idaho State Controller’s Office, Idaho is leading the way in local government transparency. Transparent Idaho is a free to use website where you can see exactly how your tax dollars are being spent at the state, city, county, and local district level. This is the trusted source for your state and local financial data.

Plus, Transparent Idaho is also home to Townhall Idaho (https://townhall.idaho.gov/), an online platform that gives you the information on when and where the next public meeting will be. If you want to be more involved in how your government makes decisions with your tax dollars – visit Transparent Idaho (by clicking below) for the most up-to-date financial information, and to keep your government accountable.