Rating: +1

Bill Summary:

House Bill 415 adds a new section to Idaho Code to prohibit any entity that is established, chartered, or primarily governed by another U.S. state from acquiring, holding, or operating ownership interests in Idaho’s electrical transmission infrastructure. This includes transmission lines, substations, and other associated facilities. The bill does not restrict private-sector ownership, including investor-owned utilities, electric cooperatives, or independent energy developers, as long as they are not directly controlled by another state government.

To enforce this restriction, the Idaho Public Utilities Commission (PUC) is authorized to verify ownership records and ensure compliance. Any entity found in violation is required to divest its ownership interests within two years of the bill’s passage. Contracts for the provision of energy transmission services are still allowed, provided they do not involve direct ownership. The bill takes effect immediately upon becoming law.

Reason for Rating:

House Bill 415 supports the Idaho Republican Party Platform’s core commitments to state sovereignty, energy independence, and resistance to external government influence over Idaho’s infrastructure. By preventing outside state-controlled entities from owning critical energy assets, the bill reinforces Idaho’s right to control its own energy future while preserving free-market participation for private and cooperative energy providers. It imposes no new taxes, regulations, or government expansion—only a strategic guardrail against ideological or political interference from other states. For these reasons, H0415 is rated +1.