In the classic Western The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, Clint Eastwood rides through a lawless frontier where everyone’s motives are questionable and danger lurks behind every dusty corner. Sometimes, being at the Capitol during the legislative session can feel a bit like that. You see a mix of the heroic, the misguided, and the downright confounding. In the spirit of that film, and the clarity it brought to complicated times, I’m launching a three-part series to sum up this year’s legislative session: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly.
We’ll start with The Good because, despite the noise, this year saw real cooperation including bipartisan wins, practical problem-solving, and moments where the government worked the way it should and the people’s work was accomplished. Not because of party pressure or political posturing, but because people sat down, listened to each other, and found common ground. I saw it happen across the aisle and in committee meetings. And I want you to know, it’s still possible.
A story that sticks with me starts with a simple question: How do we protect Idaho’s seniors from financial scams? The answer wasn’t political, it was practical. House Bill 323, now law, gives banks the ability to pause suspicious transactions and alert trusted contacts. No headlines. Just quiet, effective protection for our most vulnerable. That’s good.
I also watched lawmakers from very different backgrounds come together on House Bill 134, expanding breast cancer screenings for those at higher risk due to genetics, past radiation, or dense tissue. MRIs and ultrasounds can catch cancer early—and we acted. That’s not partisan, it’s human. House Bill 146 passed, requiring Aircraft Detection Lighting Systems on wind turbines. These sensors activate red lights only when aircraft are nearby, reducing light pollution and protecting wildlife. It’s a smart, fast-moving fix that balances safety with Idaho’s natural beauty.
Another example of real change came in the form of Senate Bill 1101. In data found by the Office of Performance Evaluations, Idaho autopsied just 3.9% of deaths from 2018 to 2022, and only 49% of child deaths from external or unknown causes. This bill reforms the roles Idaho coroners play in death investigations. With strong bipartisan support, it sets clearer standards, training, and oversight for coroners across the state. That means more answers for grieving families and more accountability in our system. That’s good government at work.
Here’s the truth: “The Good” doesn’t come from just passing bills. It comes from the tone we set, the priorities we elevate, and the people for whom we choose to fight. It comes from remembering that we represent real folks, not just ideologies. This year, we chose to protect consumers. We expanded fairness and access to health care. We respected science and safety. And, critically, we worked together to get it done. In today’s political climate, that’s not a small thing.
Of course, the story isn’t all bright skies and quiet victories. There were moments this session that continued to move us in the wrong direction. We passed policies that ignored evidence, undermined trust, or weakened our institutions. That’s where we’re headed next time, in Part 2: The Bad. The Good is still out there. It’s in the lawmakers who show up to listen. It’s in the advocates who never give up. And it’s in the people who raise their voices, stay engaged, and keep Idaho moving forward.
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