Idaho Governor Vetoes Five Bills After Legislative Session Ends

Little's vetoes prevent lawmakers from overriding his decisions before next session

Apr. 10, 2026 at 1:25am

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A serene, photorealistic painting of the Idaho state capitol building in Boise, with the structure bathed in warm, golden light and surrounded by deep shadows, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation about the state's political dynamics.Governor Little's late-session vetoes underscore the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches in Idaho's political landscape.Boise Today

Idaho Governor Brad Little vetoed five bills on Wednesday, the day after the state legislature adjourned for the year. The vetoes included two budget-related bills that would have transferred funds and altered the state's rainy day savings account. Little said the vetoes were necessary to avoid future budget hardships. With the legislature out of session, Little's vetoes cannot be overridden until lawmakers return next year.

Why it matters

The governor's vetoes demonstrate his willingness to exert executive power and check the legislature, even after the session has ended. The budget-related vetoes in particular suggest tensions between Little and the legislature's budget committee over fiscal management. The inability of lawmakers to override the vetoes until next year also highlights the governor's authority in the state's political system.

The details

Little vetoed five bills on Wednesday, including two that would have made changes to the state budget and rainy day fund. One bill would have transferred funds between accounts, while another would have lifted the cap on the Budget Stabilization Fund. Little said these moves would create future budget hardships. The governor also vetoed bills related to telephone service, day care supervision, and virtual currency kiosks. This was the most vetoes Little has issued in a single year as governor.

  • Little vetoed the bills on Wednesday, April 9, 2026.
  • The Idaho Legislature adjourned for the year on April 2, 2026, preventing them from overriding the vetoes.

The players

Brad Little

The Republican governor of Idaho, now in his eighth year in office.

Josh Tanner

A Republican state representative who co-chairs the legislature's budget committee and has publicly criticized Little's budget proposals.

Mike Moyle

The Republican Speaker of the Idaho House of Representatives.

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What they’re saying

“The Twenty-Seventh Payroll Fund was specifically established in statute to prepare for years in which that state incurs an additional payroll cycle. Idaho will face such a year in fiscal year 2028. Redirecting these funds now undermines their intended purpose and would place the state in a difficult position when those obligations come due. Preserving these funds today avoids more disruptive or costly decisions in the next budget cycle.”

— Brad Little, Governor of Idaho

What’s next

The Idaho Legislature will have the opportunity to attempt to override Governor Little's vetoes when they reconvene for the 2027 legislative session.

The takeaway

Governor Little's vetoes demonstrate his willingness to exert executive authority and check the legislature, even after the legislative session has ended. The inability of lawmakers to override the vetoes until next year highlights the governor's power in Idaho's political system.