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H0498

Idaho Legislature Hiring Extra Lawyers for Federal Cases

Last scannedAug 24, 2026, 7:59 AM

In one sentence

This bill lets the leaders of Idaho's Senate and House hire private lawyers to help sue the federal government when they decide it is needed.

What it does

  • Adds a new section called Section 67-465A to Title 67, Chapter 4 of the Idaho Code.
  • Allows the President Pro Tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House to hire extra legal counsel together.
  • Permits hiring lawyers in addition to the Attorney General for cases against the federal government on behalf of the state.

Who it affects

  • The Idaho Legislature, specifically its top leadership roles.
  • Private attorneys hired by the state leaders.
  • Legal actions taken by Idaho against the federal government.

Limits and unknowns

  • The bill does not say how much money can be spent on these lawyers.
  • It is unclear if this law applies to cases that have already started before it passes.
  • The text does not explain the specific steps for choosing which lawyer to hire.

Official record

Sources

Source attached

Official summary

Legislature, private counsel

Official activity

Bill history

  1. S St Aff