All Roll Calls
Yes: 101 • No: 0
IdahoH 06542026 regular legislative sessionHouse
POLICE DOGS – Amends existing law to define “electronic storage detection dog.”
Sponsored By: JUDICIARY, RULES AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE
Signed by Governor
POLICE DOGS
Your PRIA Score
Score Hidden
Personalized for You
How does this bill affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this bill and every other piece of legislation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Protections for police device-detection dogs
The law defines "electronic storage detection dog" as a dog trained to find electronic devices by scent. These dogs now count as police dogs and get the same protections, on or off duty. Hurting or killing one is a felony: up to 5 years in prison, a fine up to $10,000, or both. Injuring, harassing, or interfering is a misdemeanor: up to 1 year in jail, a fine up to $1,000, or both. Offenders must pay vet bills, replacement costs, and the officer’s lost time. Beginning July 1, 2026, these rules apply to dogs used by peace officers, including corrections officers, and by certified handlers under a peace officer’s supervision.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
JUDICIARY, RULES AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE
Affiliation unavailable
Cosponsors
James D. Ruchti
Democratic • Senate
Michael Leman Veile
Republican • House
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 3/24/2026
House Floor Vote
Yes: 34 • No: 0
House vote • 2/23/2026
House Floor Vote
Yes: 67 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Reported Signed by Governor on March 26, 2026 Session Law Chapter 179 Effective: 07/01/2026
3/30/2026Returned Signed by the President; Ordered Transmitted to Governor
3/26/2026HouseReported Enrolled; Signed by Speaker; Transmitted to Senate
3/25/2026HouseRead third time in full – PASSED - 34-0-1
3/24/2026HouseRead second time; filed for Third Reading
3/18/2026HouseReported out of Committee with Do Pass Recommendation; Filed for second reading
3/17/2026HouseReceived from the House passed; filed for first reading
2/24/2026SenateRead Third Time in Full – PASSED - 67-0-3
2/23/2026HouseU.C. to hold place on third reading calendar until Monday, February 23, 2026
2/20/2026HouseRead second time; Filed for Third Reading
2/19/2026HouseReported out of Committee with Do Pass Recommendation, Filed for Second Reading
2/18/2026HouseReported Printed and Referred to Judiciary, Rules & Administration
2/13/2026HouseIntroduced, read first time, referred to JRA for Printing
2/12/2026House
Bill Text
Bill Text
Related Bills
H 0889 — STATE PROCUREMENT – Amends, repeals, and adds to existing law regarding the procurement of property by the State of Idaho.
S 1435 — APPROPRIATIONS – HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES – Relates to the maintenance appropriations to the Department of Health and Welfare and the State Independent Living Council for fiscal year 2027.
S 1429 — APPROPRIATIONS – HEALTH AND WELFARE – BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES – Relates to the appropriation to the Department of Health and Welfare for the Behavioral Health Services Division for fiscal years 2026 and 2027.
S 1410 — MEDICAID – Adds to existing law to provide legislative approval for the Department of Health and Welfare to submit a state plan amendment regarding change in encounter rate due to change in scope of services.
S 1439 — EDUCATION – Amends existing law to revise provisions regarding the Model School Facility Council.
S 1433 — APPROPRIATIONS – HEALTH AND WELFARE – MEDICAID – Relates to the appropriation to the Department of Health and Welfare for fiscal years 2026 and 2027.