Idaho Constitution Article III - Legislative Department
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).
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