House Bill 189 Summary

• Adds Section 67-2347A to Idaho Code requiring companies with 10+ employees seeking state or local public contracts valued at $100,000 or more to provide written verification they are not boycotting fossil fuel, timber, mineral, hydroelectric, nuclear energy, agriculture, or firearms industries.

• Defines "boycott" as refusing to deal with or penalizing individuals or organizations engaged in specified business sectors without a reasonable business purpose related to financial success, risk mitigation, legal compliance, or liability limitation.

• Prohibits Idaho public entities from disfavoring companies based on their involvement in fossil fuels, timber, minerals, hydroelectric power, nuclear energy, agriculture, or firearms manufacturing and distribution.

• Allows exemptions when contract requirements conflict with public entities' constitutional or statutory duties regarding debt, fund management, or would prevent fulfilling legal obligations; requires written notification to the state board of examiners (state entities) or governing body (local entities) within 30 days.

• Becomes effective July 1, 2023, and permits companies not selected for contracts to challenge awards based on noncompliance with the statute's requirements.