Idaho Constitution – Article III: Legislative Department

Article III of the Idaho Constitution outlines the structure, powers, and procedures of the Legislative Department of the state government. Below is a summarized overview of its key sections:

🔷 Section 1: Legislative Power Vested

The legislative power is vested in a bicameral legislature:

Senate

House of Representatives

🔷 Section 2: Sessions of Legislature

The legislature meets annually, beginning on the Monday on or nearest January 9th.

Special sessions can be called by the Governor.

🔷 Section 3: Members — Qualifications

Senators must be at least 21 years old, a citizen of the U.S., and have resided in the district for 1 year.

Same requirements apply to Representatives.

🔷 Section 4: Apportionment

Legislative districts must be apportioned based on population.

Redistricting is done by a commission, as defined in later constitutional amendments.

🔷 Section 5: Senators and Representatives — Number

The legislature determines the number of Senators and Representatives.

Each legislative district must have one Senator and two Representatives.

🔷 Section 6: Election and Terms

Members of the House serve 2-year terms.

Senators also serve 2-year terms.

🔷 Section 8–9: Legislative Proceedings

Legislature is responsible for setting its rules and disciplining members.

A quorum is required for business (majority of members).

Votes on bills must be recorded in a journal.

🔷 Section 15: Style of Laws

The enacting clause for all laws is:
“Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Idaho.”

🔷 Section 16–20: Legislative Process

Bills must be read on three separate days in each house unless waived by a two-thirds vote.

No bill may be passed containing more than one subject, which must be expressed in the title.

The Governor has veto power, including line-item veto on appropriations.

🔷 Section 22: Impeachment

The House has power to impeach state officers.

Senate tries impeachments; a two-thirds vote is required for conviction.

🔷 Section 24: Bribery and Corruption

Laws must be enacted to prevent abuse, including bribery in legislative processes.

🔷 Section 28: Local and Special Laws Prohibited

The legislature is prohibited from passing certain special or local laws (e.g., for corporations, changing county seats, or regulating interest rates).