ID H0277

Amends Idaho Code Section 42-238 to enhance well driller licensing requirements and well construction standards for protecting groundwater resources from waste and contamination.

Requires well drillers to pass written or oral examinations, submit references demonstrating drilling experience, and comply with continuing education requirements not to exceed 20 hours per licensing period.

Mandates that well construction standards include approved sealing materials, required annular space, and specific sealing depths of at least 18 feet for surface seals to prevent contamination from surface waters and movement between aquifers.

Establishes penalties for drilling without a license (criminal misdemeanor) and enforcement mechanisms allowing the director to revoke or refuse license renewal for violations, with costs of remedial work charged against the driller's bond up to the full bond amount.

Creates "areas of drilling concern" designation process allowing the director to impose additional bonding, experience, equipment, and pre-approval requirements for wells in sensitive aquifer areas, subject to public hearings with newspaper notice.