7 Important New Idaho Laws That Start in July 2025

2025 was another busy year in the Idaho legislature. While law makers adjourned Sine Die on April 4, some of the laws that they passed this year will be taking effect soon. Take a look at seven laws and changes that become effective on July 1, 2025

Protecting the Privacy of Women

House Bill 264 or the “Protecting the Privacy of Women” bill will require certain types of public facilities like state run schools, colleges, domestic violence shelters and jails to clearly label shared areas like restrooms, locker rooms and sleeping areas male-only or female-only. Under the new law, only people of that biological sex can use those areas. 

READ MORE: New Idaho Laws That Started in January 2025

Colleges would be required to offer a private option for any student or staff who doesn’t want to use the main spaces listed above, but letting them use those facilities when other people are present won’t be an option. 

Anyone who sees someone of the opposite sex in those spaces or facilities can take legal action against the facility. There is no criminal penalty or fine for violating the law. 

The statement of purpose for HB264 reads: 

This will preserve order and dignity in restrooms, changing rooms and sleeping quarters for girls and women in facilities where they have been traditionally afforded privacy and safety, including from acts of abuse, harassment, sexual assault, and violence committed by men.

There are a few exceptions to the law. The opposite sex may be present in these spaces for maintenance, medical or law enforcement tasks or if they’re assisting a young child, disabled or elderly individuals.  It’s also acceptable in the event of emergencies or natural disasters.  

Uniform Controlled Substances

House Bill 7 or the “Uniform Controlled Substances” bill means that the state will more clearly enforce and expand punishments for a lot of different drug offenses. Those include making, selling, possessing or counterfeiting illegal drugs. Penalties range from misdemeanors and small fines to life in prison or fines of up to $25,000. 

Get our free mobile app

With dispensaries a stone’s throw away in Oregon, it’s worth noting that under this law processing more than three ounces of marijuana will be considered a penalty punishable by up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine. For individuals over 18, processing three ounces or less, that’s considered a misdemeanor with a mandatory $300 fine. They could also face one year in jail and additional $1,000 fine. 

The last piece of the puzzle? Those convicted on drug charges will have to pay back law enforcement agencies for the cost of their investigation. 

Drivers Licenses & Permits

If you’ve got a new driver in the family, they’ll have a little more flexibility starting July 1. Under House Bill 23, Class D instruction permits for teens and new drivers will be good for a full 365 days instead of 180. Aspiring motorcyclists will have more time to practice for their skills test as motorcycle permits will also be good for one year, rather than 180 days. 

Drivers 21 to 62 will also have a little more flexibility if they accidentally let their license expire. You can still renew your license without having to retake the knowledge and skills tests, as long as it has been less than 25 months since your license expired. If you renew online, you’ll save $5 on the cost of renewal. 

Cursive Handwriting

I still remember my mom telling me “you’ll have to write in cursive for the rest of your life” when I started learning it in school. While that turned out to be a lie, I do write much faster in cursive than printing. In Idaho, cursive is making a comeback in a big way. 

The effective date on Senate Bill 1044 is July 1, 2025 but this change will actually kick in at the beginning of the school year. Under the new law, Idaho schools will be required to teach cursive by the time students reach 3rd grade. The expectation is for students to be proficient by the end of 5th grade. If they’re not, a school must provide extra help until they are. 

There is no criminal, civil or financial penalty listed in the bill’s text, but it does establish obligation. 

Makeover and Glamour Photography

Every now and then, you get surprised to learn what was law in Idaho. Apparently before this legislative session, makeover or glamour photography studios had to have a special license if they offered makeup or hairstyling services with a shoot.

Starting July 1, they won’t. House Bill 122 will exempt those businesses from being regulated like a salon that needs to follow state cosmetology laws. They can do light cosmetic work to get you looking great for your photos. 

UTV Helmet Requirements

This is part update, part new law. Under House Bill 13, minors under 18 will no longer be required to wear a helmet on a UTV if the UTV has a roll cage and seat belts. Helmet rules don't apply if the UTV is being used on private land or for farming purposes. 

It does establish a new requirement that those 16 and younger must wear a seatbelt inside a UTV if it's manufactured with them and the UTV is in motion. Violating the new law could result in a $50 ticket for the minor. The driver may also be ticketed. Silver lining? Those tickets won’t add points to your license or affect your car insurance

Passing Slow Moving Vehicles

We’ve written about this before. In Idaho, it is legal to speed in a very specific situation. If you’re already driving a passenger car, motorcycle or pickup truck that’s now towing anything, you’re already allowed to speed by up to 15 mph when passing on a two-lane road where the established speed limit is 55 mph or greater. 

Starting July 1, that law expands to include drivers using a designated passing lane traveling in the same direction, outside of city limits. 

In all situations, you must drop back down to the posted speed limit as soon as it’s safe to do so.