Idaho Capitol Watch
SB 1398: ELECTIONS – Amends and adds to existing law to include the office of the president of the United States into the state primary election and to move the primary election date to the Tuesday following the first Monday in May.
Moves Idaho primary elections (including new presidential primary) to the Tuesday following the first Monday in May. Amends multiple election code sections to standardize dates across library districts, political subdivisions, cities, and special districts. Adds optional presidential primary with party opt-in. Declares emergency effective July 1, 2026.
Status
Transmitted to House (March 25, 2026) · Originated in the Idaho Senate · Introduced March 16, 2026
Sponsors
- STATE AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Committees
- JR for Printing
Bill history
- March 16, 2026 — Senate: Introduced; read first time; referred to JR for Printing
- March 17, 2026 — Senate: Reported Printed; referred to State Affairs
- March 23, 2026 — Senate: Reported out of Committee with Do Pass Recommendation; Filed for second reading (do_pass)
- March 24, 2026 — Senate: Read second time; filed for Third Reading
- March 25, 2026 — Senate: Read third time in full – PASSED - 23-10-2AYES – Anthon, Bernt, Blaylock, Burtenshaw, Cook, Den Hartog, Foreman, Galloway, Grow, Guthrie, Harris, Lakey, Lent, Rabe, Ricks, Ruchti, Semmelroth, Shippy, (passed)
- March 25, 2026 — House: Received from the Senate, Filed for First Reading
- March 25, 2026 — House: Read First Time, Referred to State Affairs
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