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IdahoS 12692026 regular legislative sessionSenate

CLOUD SEEDING – Amends and adds to existing law to revise provisions regarding cloud seeding programs.

Sponsored By: RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE

Signed by Governor

CLOUD SEEDING

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.

Public input on Idaho cloud seeding

The Idaho Water Resource Board must hold public meetings when discussing or acting on Idaho cloud seeding programs. People can submit written comments or speak at those meetings. The Board must also assess basins with depleted or insufficient water supplies. It must work with affected stakeholders to carry out cloud seeding where beneficial.

Some cloud seeding activities are exempt

Cloud seeding to increase rainfall, reduce hail, disperse fog, or prevent frost is exempt from this chapter's provisions. The law does not change any federal permitting or reporting requirements that apply.

Limits on cloud seeding legal claims

Cloud seeding generally cannot support liability claims when Idaho funds any part of the project or the Board authorizes it. This limit includes claims for trespass and public or private nuisance. Claims involving gross negligence, meaning very serious carelessness, or willful misconduct, meaning deliberate wrongdoing, remain allowed.

New rules for cloud seeding operators

Independent cloud seeding operators in Idaho must follow the conditions in the Idaho Water Resource Board's authorization. During authorized operating periods, operators must send monthly reports to the Board. Reports must cover locations, flight paths, activities, materials used, pauses, and operating methods. Failure to meet reporting or disclosure rules suspends authorization until the Board confirms compliance.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE

    Affiliation unavailable

Cosponsors

  • Ben G. Fuhriman

    Republican • House

  • Tammy Nichols

    Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 65 • No: 37

House vote • 3/17/2026

House Floor Vote

Yes: 40 • No: 28

Senate vote • 3/3/2026

Senate Floor Vote

Yes: 25 • No: 9

Actions Timeline

  1. Signed by Governor on 03/20/26 Session Law Chapter 86 Effective: 07/01/2026

    3/23/2026

  2. Reported delivered to Governor at 4:34 p.m. on 03/19/26

    3/23/2026

  3. Reported signed by the Speaker & ordered delivered to Governor

    3/19/2026

  4. Received from Senate; Signed by Speaker; Returned to Senate

    3/19/2026House

  5. Reported enrolled; signed by President; to House for signature of Speaker

    3/18/2026Senate

  6. Returned From House Passed; referred to enrolling

    3/18/2026Senate

  7. Rules Suspended: Ayes 66 Nays 0 Abs/Excd 4, read in full as required – PASSED - 40-28-2

    3/17/2026House

  8. Read second time; Filed for Third Reading

    3/17/2026House

  9. Reported out of Committee with Do Pass Recommendation, Filed for Second Reading

    3/16/2026House

  10. Read First Time, Referred to Environment, Energy & Technology

    3/4/2026House

  11. Received from the Senate, Filed for First Reading

    3/4/2026House

  12. Read third time in full – PASSED - 25-9-1

    3/3/2026Senate

  13. Read second time; filed for Third Reading

    2/27/2026Senate

  14. Reported out of Committee with Do Pass Recommendation; Filed for second reading

    2/26/2026Senate

  15. Reported Printed; referred to Resources & Environment

    2/11/2026Senate

  16. Introduced; read first time; referred to JR for Printing

    2/10/2026Senate

Bill Text

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