Idaho Capitol Watch
HB 638: ELECTIONS – Amends and adds to existing law to provide for a presidential primary election.
Establishes presidential primary election on first Tuesday in March of presidential years. Amends existing election code sections for definitions, dates, party affiliation changes, ballot preparation, voting eligibility, and audits. Requires $50,000 filing fee for candidates. State assumes all costs.
Status
Transmitted to Senate (March 10, 2026) · Originated in the Idaho House · Introduced February 12, 2026
Sponsors
- STATE AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Committees
- JRA for Printing
Bill history
- February 12, 2026 — House: Introduced, read first time, referred to JRA for Printing
- February 13, 2026 — House: Reported Printed and Referred to State Affairs
- March 5, 2026 — House: Reported out of Committee with Do Pass Recommendation, Filed for Second Reading (do_pass)
- March 6, 2026 — House: Read second time; Filed for Third Reading
- March 9, 2026 — House: Read Third Time in Full – PASSED - 45-23-2AYES – Alfieri, Barbieri, Beiswenger, Berch, Bingham, Boyle, Burgoyne, Cannon, Church, Cornilles, Crane(12), Crane(13), Dygert, Ehlers, Fuhriman, Galaviz, Gan (passed)
- March 10, 2026 — Senate: Received from the House passed; filed for first reading (passed)
- March 10, 2026 — Senate: Introduced, read first time; referred to: State Affairs
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