IdahoIdaho would arrange liability coverage for private polling places
Private polling places could receive proof of election-day liability coverage, while election workers and location providers would have stated liability limits.
What it does
Election workers, volunteers, and groups providing private nonprofit polling places would receive the liability limits described in the bill while workers are on the premises.
Private polling places could receive proof of general liability coverage for election-related risks, if counties and the Secretary of State meet the required deadlines and eligibility checks.
Using property with certain tax exemptions as a polling place or for another legally allowed election purpose would not affect its tax-exempt status.
Argument forPrivate polling places could have general liability coverage for election-day risks, which may make it easier for them to host voters.
Argument againstPrivate facilities might lack proof of coverage if counties miss the deadlines or the Secretary of State cannot verify them in time.
More detail
The bill would apply the existing personal civil liability limits to election workers and volunteers, and to entities providing private nonprofit polling places. It covers election workers or volunteers conducting an election at a private nonprofit polling place, the entity providing the location, and election-related activity while workers or volunteers are on the premises. The limits would not cover willful or wanton conduct, fraud, knowing violations of law, or the other listed exceptions. The limits would apply during the time election workers or volunteers are on the premises.
The Secretary of State would set up a program to provide proof of self-funded general liability coverage for certain private polling places. The coverage would apply to election-related risks at private facilities designated as polling places for elections under Idaho election law. Counties must submit a list of facilities needing proof at least 60 days before an election. The Secretary of State must verify the facilities and send the list to the Department of Administration at least 45 days before the election. Coverage would apply on election day, from when election workers receive access to the facility until they leave.
The bill would state that certain tax-exempt property can be used for election purposes without losing its exemption. The property must be used as a polling place or for another election purpose authorized by law. This applies to property receiving an exemption under sections 63-602B, 63-602C, or 63-602E of Idaho law.
Where do you stand?
Choose your position
Tell your reps
Take a position to see your representatives and ways to contact them.
Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed 1st Chamber
- Passed 2nd Chamber
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Mar 30Recommitted to State AffairsLatest
- Feb 25Referred to 14th Order for amendment
- Feb 19Read second time; filed for Third ReadingMinor
- Feb 18Reported out of Committee with Do Pass Recommendation; Filed for second readingMinor
- Feb 16Introduced, read first time; referred to: State AffairsMinor
- Feb 16Received from the House passed; filed for first reading
- Feb 13Rules Suspended: Ayes 68 Nays 0 Abs/Excd 2, read in full as required – PASSED - 68-0-2AYES – Barbieri, Beiswenger, Berch, Bingham, Boyle, Bruce, Burgoyne, Cannon, Cayler, Cheatum, Church, Cornilles, Crane(12), Crane(13), Dygert, Egbert, Ehardt, Ehlers, Erickson, Fuhriman, Furniss, Galaviz, Gannon, Garner, Green, Hall(Stone), Handy, Harris, Hawkins, Haws, Healey, Holtzclaw, Hostetler, Leavitt, Manwaring, Marmon, Mathias(Carlson), McCann, Mendive, Mickelsen, Miller, Mitchell, Monks, Nelsen, Palmer, Petzke, Pickett, Pohanka, Price, Rasor, Raybould, Raymond, Redman, Rubel, Sauter, Scott, Shepherd, Shirts, Skaug, Tanner(13), Tanner(14), Thompson, Vander Woude, Veile, Weber, Wheeler, Wisniewski, Mr. SpeakerNAYS – NoneAbsent – Alfieri, HillFloor Sponsor - RaybouldTitle apvd - to SenatePassed 1st Chamber
- Vote recorded Rules Suspended: Ayes 68 Nays 0 Abs/Excd 2, read in full as required –. Result: pass.Lower
- Feb 13Read second time; Filed for Third ReadingMinor
- Feb 12Reported out of Committee with Do Pass Recommendation, Filed for Second ReadingMinor
- Feb 11Reported Printed and Referred to State Affairs
- Feb 10Introduced, read first time, referred to JRA for PrintingIntroduced
Civil Rights & Voting