This year’s legislative session brought several statutory updates that will directly influence agency operations, HR practices, and statewide compliance expectations. While many bills are technical or agency‑specific, several have broad implications for workforce management, policy updates, and operational planning.

• Military Leave Expansion (H0544) Paid military leave for state employees increases from 120 to 160 hours. Agencies will need to update policies and ensure supervisors understand the new entitlement.
• Restroom & Changing Room Requirements (H0752) New misdemeanor and felony provisions require agencies to review restroom and changing‑room designations, update signage, and prepare for increased employee‑relations questions. DHR will issue guidance to support compliance and communication.
• Organizational Shifts & Consolidations Several bills—including the creation of the Office of Species, Minerals & Energy Coordination (H0737), the transfer of the State Historic Preservation Office (H0898), and the consolidation of the STEM Action Center into the Workforce Development Council (H0761)—may require updates to reporting structures, classification alignment, and staffing transitions. DHR will support affected agencies through these changes.
• PERSI‑Related Updates New laws expand catastrophic injury benefits for public safety officers (H0642), allow certain retirees appointed to elective office to continue receiving benefits (S1261), and permanently remove the sunset on retiree reemployment provisions (S1276).

As implementation on these bills begins, DHR will continue to provide agencies with clear guidance, updated policies, and communication tools to support compliance and ensure a smooth transition across the statewide HR system.

We are also moving forward with two important statewide policy updates: Criminal History Background Check Policy and the Statewide Housing Policy. Both policies are designed to strengthen compliance, improve consistency across agencies, and ensure we are meeting state and federal requirements.

• Criminal History Background Check Policy This updated policy standardizes how agencies evaluate and conduct background checks for employees, contractors, and volunteers. It outlines risk‑based position classifications, procedures for obtaining required disclosures and consents, and statewide guidance for evaluating results. Appeals processes, recordkeeping requirements, and alignment with federal and state regulations—such as the FCRA and Idaho Code 67‑3008(6)—are also clearly defined.
• Statewide Housing Policy The new housing policy ensures compliance with IRS rules for employer‑provided housing. Agencies will assess whether housing is mandatory or voluntary, determine fair market value, and implement a standard rental rate for seasonal housing where market value cannot be established. A statewide rollout timeline has been set, and agencies will be responsible for creating internal procedures and ensuring alignment by the end of the year.

Thank you for your partnership as we implement these updates. Additional resources and guidance will be provided, and your feedback during this transition will be essential.