H0280 – Amendment to Legislative Page Program Nepotism Rules

Oct 9, 2025

Bill Summary

The bill amends Section 18-1359 to allow relatives of legislators, within the second degree of blood or marriage, to participate in the legislative page program despite existing nepotism restrictions. This change specifically exempts these individuals from the prohibition against being appointed to positions within the legislative branch that are paid with public funds.

Overall Summary

The bill’s changes primarily focus on increasing opportunities for youth involvement in government, specifically through the legislative page program, by relaxing nepotism restrictions. This aligns positively with promoting citizen involvement and education, although it may raise concerns about fiscal responsibility and government transparency.

Rating: 2

Reason for Rating

ARTICLE I. RESPONSIBILITY IN GOVERNMENT (Rating: 0)

The bill does not directly impact fiscal responsibility, taxation, or the size of government as outlined in the metric. It focuses on employment exemptions within the legislative branch, which does not directly relate to the broader fiscal and governmental concerns mentioned.

ARTICLE II. CITIZEN INVOLVEMENT IN GOVERNMENT (Rating: 1)

The amendment promotes citizen involvement by allowing more individuals, specifically relatives of legislators, to participate in the legislative page program, aligning with the encouragement of citizen engagement in government.

ARTICLE III. EDUCATION (Rating: 1)

By allowing more students to participate in the legislative page program, the bill supports educational opportunities and civic engagement for youth, aligning with the emphasis on education and parental choice in educational activities.

ARTICLE IV. AGRICULTURE (Rating: 0)

The bill does not address issues related to agriculture, so its impact is neutral concerning this metric.

ARTICLE V. WATER (Rating: 0)

The bill does not address water management or policy, so its impact is neutral concerning this metric.

ARTICLE VI. NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT (Rating: 0)

The bill does not address environmental or natural resource management, so its impact is neutral concerning this metric.

ARTICLE VII. ENERGY (Rating: 0)

The bill does not address energy policy or resources, so its impact is neutral concerning this metric.

ARTICLE VIII. IDAHO NATIONAL LABORATORIES (Rating: 0)

The bill does not impact the operations or policies related to Idaho National Laboratories, so its impact is neutral concerning this metric.

ARTICLE IX. PRIVATE PROPERTY RIGHTS (Rating: 0)

The bill does not address private property rights, so its impact is neutral concerning this metric.

ARTICLE X. STATE AND FEDERAL LANDS (Rating: 0)

The bill does not address state or federal land management, so its impact is neutral concerning this metric.

ARTICLE XI. WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT (Rating: 0)

The bill does not address wildlife management, so its impact is neutral concerning this metric.

ARTICLE XII. ECONOMY (Rating: 0)

The bill does not directly impact economic policies or business environments, so its impact is neutral concerning this metric.

ARTICLE XIII. HEALTH AND WELFARE (Rating: 0)

The bill does not address health care or welfare policies, so its impact is neutral concerning this metric.

ARTICLE XIV. AMERICAN FAMILY (Rating: 0)

The bill does not address family values or structures, so its impact is neutral concerning this metric.

ARTICLE XV. OLDER AMERICANS (Rating: 0)

The bill does not address issues specifically related to older Americans, so its impact is neutral concerning this metric.

ARTICLE XVI. LAW AND ORDER WITH JUSTICE (Rating: 0)

The bill does not address law enforcement or judicial processes, so its impact is neutral concerning this metric.

ARTICLE XVII. NATIONAL DEFENSE – SECURING THE BORDER (Rating: 0)

The bill does not address national defense or border security, so its impact is neutral concerning this metric.

ARTICLE XVIII. ELECTION OF JUDGES AND IDAHO SUPREME COURT JUSTICES (Rating: 0)

The bill does not address the election of judges or justices, so its impact is neutral concerning this metric.

ARTICLE XIX. RELIGIOUS LIBERTY (Rating: 0)

The bill does not address religious liberty or the free exercise of religion, so its impact is neutral concerning this metric.

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