Legislative Newsletter from Vito Barbieri, Idaho State Rep. District 3

Friends and Constituents of District 3 –

As we enter the second month of the 2025 Legislative Session, important work is being done to uphold the values that make Idaho so special. From critical tax relief measures to passing (hopefully) the first of several school choice bills, I am committed to ensuring that every decision reflects the best interests of my constituents.

Idaho’s strength lies in its commitment to individual liberty, fiscal responsibility, and limited government—principles that continue to drive for our state’s success. I am working diligently to support hardworking families, conservative governance, and the preservation of our natural resources, all while ensuring taxpayer dollars are used wisely.

This session presents an incredible opportunity to protect Idaho’s legacy and secure a bright future for generations to come. Thank you for your trust and support as we work together to keep Idaho strong and thriving.

In liberty and gratitude,

Representative Vito Barbieri
Idaho House of Representatives
Legislative District 3

House Bill 93: School Choice Tax Credit

The Idaho Parental Choice Tax Credit legislation provides for a refundable tax credit up to $5,000 for a parent, guardian or foster parent who incurs qualified education expenses for an eligible student. “Qualified expenses” include kindergarten through twelfth grade tuition and fees related to attending a nonpublic school, tutoring, taking assessments used to determine college admission, costs for textbooks, curriculum, and transportation costs for the purpose of receiving academic instruction. The refundable tax credit is increased up to $7,500 for special needs students that require ancillary personnel to assist in academic instruction.

The Idaho State Tax Commission will administer the program and has the ability to audit records, receipts and documents similar to all tax filings to ensure accountability, the Tax Commission will be required to report annually to the Idaho Legislature on the number of tax credits applied for and the average tax credit issued, the types and amounts of qualified education expenses, the income of households applying for the credit, and the geographic area of the parents applying for the tax credit. Parents participating in the tax credit program will be required to complete a satisfaction and engagement survey to evaluate the performance of the nonpublic school.

The fiscal impact of the refundable tax credit is a maximum of $50 million in reduced revenue to the state General Fund. $125,000 one-time from the General Fund will be used for programming and coding costs at the Idaho State Tax Commission.

Senate Bill 1001: Protecting Public Expression

Freedom of speech and public participation are fundamental to a thriving democracy. That’s why we’re proud to support Senate Bill 1001, a crucial piece of legislation designed to protect individuals and organizations from baseless legal threats intended to silence them.

This bill targets Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs), which are often used to intimidate and financially drain those who speak out on matters of public concern. SB 1001 upholds the right to open dialogue, public engagement, and transparency without fear of legal retaliation by ensuring the swift dismissal of meritless SLAPP cases.

In an era where civic participation is more important than ever, this legislation is a critical step in ensuring that individuals, journalists, advocates, and community members can voice their concerns freely. We stand in support of this bill and its role in safeguarding open discourse.

House Bill 166: Public Notices

I do not support this bill as it will effectively eliminate publishing these important notices in physical newspapers.

The newspaper publishers already fund and operate an electronic database with all of these notices for easy electronic searches. Importantly, I don’t believe putting into the government’s hands both the requirement to notice and controlling the electronic portal in which they are ‘stored’ is good government. There should be a physical record of all notices that cannot be altered.

The cities and counties are against this bill because they would save money in not having to pay publishing fees. The expense is justified in assuring that the public gets timely notice published locally in a newspaper.

Senate Bill 1001: Protecting Public Expression

Freedom of speech and public participation are fundamental to a thriving democracy. That’s why we’re proud to support Senate Bill 1001, a crucial piece of legislation designed to protect individuals and organizations from baseless legal threats intended to silence them.

This bill targets Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs), which are often used to intimidate and financially drain those who speak out on matters of public concern. SB 1001 upholds the right to open dialogue, public engagement, and transparency without fear of legal retaliation by ensuring the swift dismissal of meritless SLAPP cases.

In an era where civic participation is more important than ever, this legislation is a critical step in ensuring that individuals, journalists, advocates, and community members can voice their concerns freely. We stand in support of this bill and its role in safeguarding open discourse.

House Bill 125: Rioting Penalty

A new bill has been introduced to expand penalties for riots that result in injury. Under this legislation, a riot that causes harm to a person would be classified as a felony, carrying penalties of up to five years in prison, a $10,000 fine, or both.

Currently, Idaho law considers a riot a felony only if it occurs near a state penitentiary, involves hostages, or results in property damage exceeding $500. This bill seeks to ensure that physical injuries sustained during a riot are treated with the same severity as property damage.

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.