EV Charging Mandate Ban: 2025 Idaho House Bill 86
Idaho House Bill 86 blocks state and local governments from requiring electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, parking spaces, or related infrastructure in building plans. Passed with strong Republican support and signed into law on March 11, 2025, this legislation reflects a statewide shift toward limiting regulatory mandates on property developers and prioritizing local autonomy under a framework of limited government. The bill’s implications touch on property rights, environmental policy, and the balance of power between state and local authorities.
The Bill’s Purpose
House Bill 86 addresses concerns about government overreach into private property development. Sponsors argue that mandating EV infrastructure in building plans imposes unnecessary costs on businesses and homeowners, stifling economic freedom. The bill seeks to prevent state and local governments from requiring developers to include EV charging stations, designated parking spaces, or upgraded electrical systems specifically for EVs. This aligns with a broader legislative trend in Idaho to reduce regulatory burdens and uphold individual property rights.
The Core Provisions
State and Local Prohibition
The bill explicitly prohibits both the state of Idaho and any local government entity from adopting requirements that mandate the following elements in any building plan:
Electric vehicle (EV) charging stations
Designated EV parking spaces
Upgraded electrical conduits
Any other infrastructure specifically designed for EV charging station installation
Comprehensive Preemption Clause
The legislation supersedes and invalidates any existing local laws, ordinances, orders, rules, or regulations enacted by political subdivisions or municipalities that require any form of EV infrastructure in building plans. This means any city or county that previously adopted such requirements must no longer enforce them.
Amendment to Existing Code
The bill accomplishes its objectives by adding a new section (39-4109B) to Chapter 41, Title 39 of the Idaho Code, which is the Idaho Building Code Act.
Broad Application to All Building Plans
The prohibition applies universally to all building plans without exceptions or grandfathering provisions for projects already in development. The language doesn't distinguish between residential, commercial, or public buildings.
These provisions collectively represent an approach to preventing government-mandated EV infrastructure requirements in Idaho's building codes at all levels of government.
Current Status and Sponsors
Sponsors: The Business Committee introduced the bill, with Representative Joe A. Palmer (R) as the House floor sponsor and Senator Lakey (R) leading in the Senate.
Committee: House Bill 86 moved through the House Business Committee and Senate Commerce & Human Resources Committee
Current Status: Signed into law by Governor Little on March 11, 2025 as Session Law Chapter 33. The law took immediate effect due to its emergency clause
