Idaho Lawmakers Seek Report on Immigration Status of HIV Program Participants

The state's budget committee added a condition requiring the health department to provide data on the immigration status of those using HIV prevention services.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 5:58am

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The Idaho Legislature's budget-writing committee voted to approve $478,700 in federal funds for the state's HIV surveillance and prevention program, but added a new requirement that the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare create a report detailing the immigration status of individuals using the HIV prevention services. The committee's co-chair cited concerns over an uptick in HIV cases and whether unauthorized immigration was driving the increase, though the Senate minority leader argued against discriminating based on immigration status.

Why it matters

This move by Idaho lawmakers raises concerns about potential discrimination against immigrants seeking critical public health services. It also highlights the ongoing political tensions around immigration and access to healthcare programs.

The details

The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee (JFAC) voted 14-4 to approve the funding for the HIV program, but added the new reporting requirement on immigration status. JFAC Co-Chair Rep. Josh Tanner referenced a federal judge's decision requiring Idaho to continue providing HIV treatment to unauthorized immigrants, and said the state is seeing an uptick in HIV cases that may be driven by illegal immigration. Senate Minority Leader Melissa Wintrow argued against discriminating based on immigration status, saying 'disease knows no immigration status,' but was not recognized to speak further before the vote.

  • The JFAC committee voted on the new reporting requirement on March 31, 2026.
  • The full state budget, including the HIV program funding, will next be voted on by the Idaho House and Senate.

The players

Josh Tanner

A Republican state representative and co-chair of the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee in Idaho.

Melissa Wintrow

The Democratic Senate Minority Leader in Idaho.

Idaho Department of Health and Welfare

The state agency that will be required to create a report on the immigration status of HIV prevention program participants.

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What they’re saying

“It is concerning when we have seen from the illegal population within our state.”

— Josh Tanner, State Representative and JFAC Co-Chair

“I need to say, I think it's really important that we are not discriminating against people based on a disease and an infection. And disease knows no immigration status.”

— Melissa Wintrow, Senate Minority Leader

What’s next

The full state budget, including the HIV program funding and new reporting requirement, will next be voted on by the Idaho House and Senate.

The takeaway

This decision by Idaho lawmakers raises concerns about potential discrimination against immigrants seeking critical public health services, and highlights the ongoing political tensions around immigration and access to healthcare programs. It remains to be seen how the full legislature will respond to the new reporting requirement.