Rating: –1

Bill Summary:

Senate Bill 1071 amends Idaho Code §§49-306 and 49-2447 to create a checkbox on Idaho driver’s license applications that allows individuals to make a voluntary $2 donation toward promoting vision screening, treatment, and eye health in Idaho. While the bill’s language was amended to refer to donations going to an “Idaho-based, certified eye bank organization,” there is only one such organization in the state — Envision Sight — which effectively makes this a single-recipient program. The organization receiving the funds must submit an annual report to the Legislature. The bill does not create a mandate and includes an emergency clause, becoming effective July 1, 2025.

Reason for Rating:

Although the program is voluntary and seeks to support a worthy cause, S1071 violates key principles in the Idaho Republican Party Platform by granting preferential treatment to a private nonprofit organization through state law. The platform explicitly opposes using government policy to give special advantages to any private entity, yet this bill uses state infrastructure — the driver’s license system — to facilitate donations to a single, preselected nonprofit without competitive process or equal access for others.

This is a textbook example of legislative favoritism and sets a dangerous precedent for future misuse of state platforms to promote politically connected or ideologically aligned private entities. The bill also undermines free enterprise and fair competition by creating a government-endorsed monopoly in charitable fundraising. Because it erodes principles of equal protection, free markets, and limited government, S1071 earns a negative rating.