NOVEMBER REPORT
There’s an election going on – just in case you haven’t noticed. Ok, seriously, it’s a frantic time of year for the team here at BB&A. In the last month, we’ve been tracking campaign spending, who’s giving, who’s spending. We’ve been watching the competitive and intriguing races in several legislative districts across the state and monitoring contests for the President and Congress. We’re poised to stay up late Tuesday night, monitor results, and begin thinking strategically about what the new legislative landscape means for the upcoming session. In addition to this monthly report, you will also receive an Idaho-centric election memo next week.
Keep in mind that things don’t slow down when the dust settles on the General Election. The opposite is true. The weeks between the election and the start of the 2025 Legislature are some of the most important for us. Here’s why:
Legislative Leadership: The persuasion game intensifies among the contenders vying for the top four majority leadership positions in each chamber.
House Majority: Speaker Mike Moyle is expected to keep his role as House Speaker. House Majority Leader Jason Monks, who stepped into the role mid-session last year, is also expected to retain his title. Assistant Majority Leader, vacated by the retirement of Sage Dixon, is an open and competitive position. The majority Caucus Chair is currently held by Dustin Manwaring, who needs to win Tuesday and potentially deal with a contender for his post.
Senate Majority: With the May primary election loss of veteran Senator and current Pro Tem Chuck Winder, all four positions in majority leadership are up for grabs, with several of those roles potentially filled by Senators new to the leadership role if selected by their peers. This has created chaos, and plenty of senators are flexing their political muscles to vie for these key positions in leadership and chairmanships.
Committee Chairs: Once leadership has been determined in early December, committee chairmanship appointments follow. We anticipate some turnover in the House and Senate committees. The committee Chair serves an important role, and we will be working closely with them after the shuffle, as it creates new opportunities to work with them in their new roles.
The next few weeks are also critical because state agencies are wrapping up proposed legislation and budget requests. We have been – and will continue to be – in close communication with agency heads to review legislation and budgets to determine how it impacts your priorities and goals for the session. We’re also communicating regularly with the Governor’s staff as the final budget and legislative priorities are woven into the State of the State Address, which kicks off the 2025 first regular legislative session.
So, what does this all mean to you? In simplest terms, it’s time for us to sit down to wrap up planning and strategy before the session begins on Jan. 6th. The new leadership and committee heads will wield significant influence over legislative priorities, budgetary decisions, and the success or failure of proposed administrative rules. We will be ready and want to ensure you are, too. It’s time to set expectations, plan for achieving goals, and figure out how best we can help in the execution and communication of your plans for next year. Meanwhile, don’t forget to VOTE!
NOVEMBER 2024 MONTHLY NOTES
On Oct. 15, Idaho Sportsmen attended an after-hours event for natural resource agency leadership and staff. This provided an excellent time to network and continue developing relationships with key leaders in the outdoors space. The event was attended by representatives from Fish & Game, natural resource staff from all four congressional members, the Office of Energy & Mineral Resources, the Office of Species Conservation, the Governor’s Natural Resource Policy Advisors, Water Resources, and the Idaho Department of Lands.
Executive Director of Idaho Sportsmen, Benn Brocksome, reviewed and graded the ORFAC project proposals. Final decisions will be made in the next few weeks.
BB&A also attended the Oct. 28 meeting of the Natural Resources Interim Committee. Here are some key updates from several agencies:
Idaho Fish and Game staff opened by talking about the Committee on Non-resident Advisory Group. The panel has met four times and received more than 300 comments on recommendations/alternatives. As a reminder, any modifications would need a rule or statutory change. Executive Director of Idaho Sportsmen, Benn Brocksome, is a member of the 24-person committee.
IDFG Deputy Director Jon Rachael covered some wildlife management issues in 2024. He started with the obvious challenges caused by the intense wildfire season and mentioned the increase in grizzly depredations on cattle. Staff also discussed the Chronic Wasting Disease issue the agency is trying to manage currently in north Idaho, specifically Boundary County.
Idaho Department of Lands Director Dustin Miller provided a snapshot of the wildfire season. He said nearly 1 million acres burned in Idaho this season.
Department of Agriculture Director Tewalt advised on the latest news surrounding the Quagga mussel treatment. The agency has treated 8.6 miles with an expected 20-mile dissipation area downstream. It’s been reported that a second round of treatment is planned specifically for deep pools. Fish mortality is being characterized as limited.
Sen. Burtenshaw asked about the checking process for out-of-state watercraft. Tewalt said buildings are now under construction to serve as check and wash stations. There will also be comprehensive record keeping of zip codes for all out-state watercraft.
