Rating: –1

Bill Summary:

House Bill 173 makes several changes to Idaho’s existing laws governing the Alfalfa and Clover Seed Commission. First, it increases the number of commission members from six to seven by adding another grower representative. This expansion modifies the makeup of a state-managed body that oversees regulation and promotion efforts related to alfalfa and clover seed production in Idaho.

The bill also significantly raises the assessment (a mandatory per-pound fee) on alfalfa and clover seed sold in Idaho from one-quarter cent ($0.0025) to one full cent ($0.01) per pound. This fourfold increase affects all seed labeled and sold as Idaho-grown. Additionally, it alters the language concerning future increases to allow the commission to raise the assessment to the full one-cent level following a favorable review—removing the previous cap of half a cent.

Finally, the bill includes technical corrections and declares an emergency, putting the act into effect on July 1, 2025.

Reason for Rating:

This bill represents an expansion of government authority over a specific agricultural sector. While the fee is framed as industry-funded and used for research and market promotion, it remains a state-enforced mandate. The Idaho Republican Party Platform opposes government-imposed financial burdens on producers, even for promotional purposes, unless they are entirely voluntary. Increasing the assessment by 300% and raising the cap for future hikes grants more power to a state-sanctioned body without corresponding mechanisms for taxpayer or individual grower relief.

Moreover, the platform emphasizes minimizing state involvement in business decisions and promoting free-market mechanisms. This bill undermines both by strengthening a quasi-governmental entity and expanding its taxing authority. Therefore, H0173 is appropriately rated –1 under the Idaho Republican Platform.