Rating: –1

Bill Summary:

Senate Bill 1016 revises multiple sections of Idaho Code related to brand inspection and livestock identification under Title 25. The bill significantly increases fees for brand registration, brand renewal, ownership transfers, brand inspections, and livestock dealer licenses. For example, brand renewal fees increase from $125 to $200, dealer license fees triple from $100 to $300, and daily inspection minimums at livestock auctions double from $50 to $100. The bill also raises hourly inspection and travel rates for off-site inspections and investigative work. All collected fees are deposited into the State Brand Account, which remains continuously appropriated for enforcement and administrative operations.

Additionally, the bill voids certain existing administrative rules under IDAPA 11.02.01 and includes an emergency clause, making it effective July 1, 2025.

Reason for Rating:

This bill conflicts with the Idaho Republican Party Platform’s principles of limited government, low fees, and support for agriculture and rural economies. While brand inspection services are necessary for livestock management and theft prevention, S1016 imposes sweeping fee increases across the board without offering new services, structural reforms, or justification for the hikes. These increases burden small ranchers and livestock producers, undercutting the platform’s stated support for family farms and rural business. Rather than reducing bureaucracy or introducing market competition, the bill preserves a government monopoly and expands its cost footprint. For these reasons, the bill earns a negative rating.