Bill to Pay Parents of Disabled Children Stalls at Idaho Statehouse

Families say they are being "told to pound sand" as legislation remains in limbo.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 6:04pm

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A bill that would allow parents of disabled children in Idaho to be paid for up to 25 hours per week of caregiving work has stalled in the state legislature, despite weeks of discussion and advocacy. Families say they are being ignored, while lawmakers cite budget constraints as the reason for not moving the bill forward.

Why it matters

The proposed legislation aims to provide much-needed financial support for families caring for disabled children, who often struggle to maintain employment due to the round-the-clock care required. The stalling of the bill highlights the challenges these families face in getting their needs addressed by policymakers.

The details

House Bill 807 would restore a program allowing parents of disabled children to be paid for their caregiving work. Despite advocacy efforts, the bill has not received a public hearing in the House Health and Welfare Committee. The committee chairman, Rep. John Vander Woude, says the bill requires more state spending that is not currently budgeted, while Democratic Rep. Ilana Rubel argues the issue is about prioritizing funds, not a lack of money.

  • The bill was introduced in the Idaho legislature in early 2026.
  • Families have been advocating for the bill for more than a year.

The players

Trixie Wade

A parent of a 10-year-old daughter with a disability who requires around-the-clock care, making it difficult for Wade to maintain employment.

Rep. John Vander Woude

The chairman of the House Health and Welfare Committee, who says the bill cannot move forward without a commitment of additional state funding.

Rep. Ilana Rubel

A Democratic state representative who has been working with the families and argues the issue is about prioritizing funds, not a lack of money.

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What they’re saying

“We become a caregiving facility, not a home. We still have to keep a roof over her head. … We still have to keep us fed. We're not lobbyists. … We don't have money behind us backing us.”

— Trixie Wade, Parent of disabled child

“It's a great idea. … When I first looked at the bill, I liked 807 … I liked the way it was structured, but it requires more spending. Unless I have a commitment from JFAC that they're willing to spend $30 million more … then there's no sense in moving the bill.”

— Rep. John Vander Woude, House Health and Welfare Committee Chairman

“I just feel it's so profoundly unfair to these families. These folks who have been working on this bill for more than one year … have just been so diligent … and they are in such dire need … and they're being told to pound sand essentially.”

— Rep. Ilana Rubel, Democratic State Representative

What’s next

The bill remains in limbo, awaiting a public hearing in the House Health and Welfare Committee. Families say they will continue advocating for the legislation.

The takeaway

This stalled bill highlights the ongoing challenges faced by families of children with disabilities in securing the support and resources they need. The debate over funding priorities underscores the difficult decisions lawmakers must make, even when there is widespread agreement on the merits of a proposal.