The fine Print of Freedom: Legislative update
By ID State District 3 Representative Vito Barbieri
Friends of District 3 –
We are now three weeks into the 2026 Legislative Session. As the pace of the Capitol picks up, we are finding that the first priority is conforming with Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill. We often hear about “investing in the future” or “streamlining services.” However, when it comes to taxes, my concern is a little more immediate: How can we leave more money in the pockets of working people. Knowing that we can trust very little from the media, we must all remember that the details of legislation matter more than the headlines.
Passing conservative legislation requires a focus on the details.
My approach this session remains consistent: I am here to ensure that every piece of legislation, no matter how well-intentioned, aligns with the Constitution and respects our conservative values. But most importantly, doesn’t increase the burden on taxpayers.
This year, there is a renewed focus in the House on government efficiency. We are looking closely at agencies, boards, and commissions to eliminate any fraud, waste or abuse and, just as importantly, to determine if they are still serving their originally intended purpose. Unfortunately, the largest portion of state spending is not discretionary. Which means that keeping budgets in line with what’s affordable to taxpayers is becoming increasingly challenging. We must work to bring the cost of government down.
As the Governor’s budget recommendation moves to the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee (JFAC), I will be looking for that same efficiency. We must distinguish between what is an actual need and what is simply unnecessary government expansion.
On a personal note, I was recently asked: “After 16 years in the legislature, are you intending to become a ‘career politician’?” At $25,000 a year it is difficult to make a career out of what has been framed by some as a ministry at best and an avocation at worst. I still have much to accomplish in Boise and will continue to work to re-instate the legislature as an equal branch of government, especially with respect to its ability to review agency rules
Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your voice in this process.
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
Much of the detailed work in the Legislature happens in committee. Here is where I am focusing my efforts this session:
Environment, Energy, & Technology (Chairman): As Chairman, I oversee the review of legislation regarding our state’s energy infrastructure and technology sectors. My priority is to ensure Idaho maintains energy independence and affordability. We are currently reviewing Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) rules Artificial intelligence (AI) and we expect discussions on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and nuclear waste disposal in the near future.
Revenue & Taxation: The Idaho House Revenue and Taxation Committee handles legislation related to state taxes and revenue. It reviews and debates bills on income, sales, and property taxes, as well as tax credits and exemptions, and decides whether those bills move forward to the full House. Because all revenue-raising bills must start in the House, the committee plays a key role in shaping Idaho’s tax policy.
We are currently reviewing the conformity bill to assure that individuals receive the same tax deductions now allowed by Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill.
Business: In the Business Committee, we review regulations and licensing requirements that affect Idaho’s commerce. My goal is to identify areas where the state can step back, allowing the free market to function without unnecessary interference or red tape.
This bill proposes moving the Soil and Water Conservation Commission under the umbrella of the Department of Water Resources. The goal here is to eliminate administrative redundancy. Currently, we have multiple agencies with overlapping mandates, which often leads to bloated budgets and confusion for our farmers and ranchers. By consolidating these functions, we can maintain the essential services our agricultural producers rely on while cutting the overhead costs that come with maintaining a standalone commission.
While “consolidation” is often a buzzword for growing government, in this case, it appears to be a genuine effort to shrink the bureaucracy. I will be watching the implementation language closely to ensure that the local control of Soil Conservation Districts is not swallowed up by the larger department. Efficiency is good, but it must not come at the cost of local representation.
A new bill has been introduced to create a sentencing enhancement for individuals who wear masks or disguises while committing a crime. This legislation is a direct response to the increasing trend of criminals using face coverings to evade identification and embolden their lawless behavior. The bill would add an additional penalty, potentially extra jail time or fines, on top of the sentence for the underlying crime.
This is a common sense measure to support our law enforcement officers and protect our communities. When someone deliberately hides their identity to commit a crime, it demonstrates a higher level of premeditation and intent to escape accountability.
However, as with all criminal statutes, I will be reviewing the text to ensure the definition of “mask or disguise” is clear and specific, so it targets criminals without inadvertently affecting law-abiding citizens.
We are also reviewing a bill that would expand the definition of “reckless driving” to include speeding at 20 mph or more over the limit in school and construction zones. Currently, reckless driving requires a showing of “willful or wanton disregard” for safety. This bill would make the speed itself strictly liable as a reckless driving offense in these specific zones, which carries harsher penalties than a standard speeding ticket, including potential jail time and license suspension.
Protecting our children and road workers is paramount, and excessive speed in these zones is undeniably dangerous. My focus in reviewing this bill will be on due process. We must ensure that the zones are clearly marked and that the penalties are proportionate to the offense. We want to deter dangerous driving, not create a trap for unwary drivers.
The pressure in this building is immense, but your support keeps me grounded. Please do not hesitate to reach out with your questions or concerns regarding legislation.
In Liberty,
Rep. Vito Barbieri
Throughout the 2026 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.
