Rating: +1

Bill Summary:

House Bill 177, titled the Idaho Constitutional Money Act of 2025, designates gold and silver coin and specie as legal tender in the state of Idaho to the fullest extent permitted under the U.S. Constitution. The bill reaffirms the state’s Tenth Amendment authority to recognize alternative forms of payment for debts, consistent with Article I, Section 10 of the Constitution, which allows states to make gold and silver coin a tender in payment of debts.

The legislation defines key terms including “legal tender,” “specie,” and “debt,” and clarifies that while the state may choose to use gold and silver coin and specie in its own transactions, no person or entity may be compelled to accept them as payment unless both parties agree to do so. The bill includes a severability clause and declares an emergency, making the law effective July 1, 2025.

Reason for Rating:

H0177 strengthens state sovereignty and economic freedom by recognizing gold and silver as legal tender—an explicit constitutional power retained by the states. It aligns with the Idaho Republican Party Platform’s principles of limited federal control, sound money, and individual liberty. The bill does not mandate the use of gold or silver, nor does it interfere with private contracts or business operations. Instead, it gives Idahoans and the state itself the legal option to transact in precious metals, offering a hedge against inflation and fiat currency instability. For these reasons, it earns a +1 rating.