Summary of August 2025 Labor Law Updates for Boise, Idaho
While August 2025 was a quiet month for Idaho employment and labor law, our Boise team at HKM Employment Attorneys were able to identify several pending rules and other administrative developments that employers, HR teams and compliance professionals in Idaho should be aware of.
Pending Rules / Administrative Developments
The Idaho Department of Labor has adopted, and is submitting for legislative review, a rewrite of the Unemployment Insurance Benefits Administration Rules (IDAPA 09.01.30, Docket No. 09-0130-2401). These rules are pending review by the 2025 Idaho Legislature, per process.
The Idaho Industrial Commission has likewise pending rulemaking under its Workers’ Compensation Law (IDAPA 17.01.01, Docket No. 17-0101-2301) as part of a ZBR (Zero Based Regulation) chapter rewrite.
These pending rules, if adopted, could affect how unemployment claims are handled and workers’ compensation rules are applied. But as of August 2025, they are not yet final.
Statutory / Legislative Proposals
There is a draft (or proposed) act under the Idaho Legislature titled “An Act Relating to the Wage Claim Act and the Employment Security Law” that would make various changes: additional procedures for wage claims, definitions of being “able and available” for suitable work, changes to what constitutes remunerated employment (including non-cash payments, board, lodging, etc.), clarifications about corporate officer exemptions, LLCs, successor employers, and reporting requirements.
Existing/Clarified Policy & Administrative Practicalities
Idaho’s Labor Laws FAQ was updated or confirmed as of about August 13, 2025. Topics included standard wage/minimum wage info, farm labor contractor licensing, what constitutes jurisdiction for wage claims, etc. No major new changes were announced there in August, mostly recapitulation of existing law.
Idaho Department of Labor Updates
The Report New Hires requirement (employers must report new employees to Idaho Department of Labor within 20 days) has a page last updated August 8, 2025. This is standard but reflects that the rule or practice is maintained.
Implications
Employers and HR in Idaho should monitor the pending rules, especially the unemployment insurance and workers’ compensation rule rewrites: once adopted, they may change process/eligibility/timelines.
The proposed wage-claim / employment security legislation, if enacted, may bring changes to what counts as “work,” what non-cash compensation is valued at, who is covered (e.g. corporate officers, LLCs), and how wage claims are administrated. Employers should be aware and possibly prepare for those changes.
Nothing in August 2025 suggests that anything drastic changed already — but the changes under consideration could require policy or compliance adjustments soon.
Conclusion: Looking Back on Idaho Labor Law Updates from August 2025
Idaho’s recent rulings on wage-and-hour violations, wrongful termination, non-compete enforcement, and disability accommodations underscore the need for knowledgeable local counsel. At HKM Employment Attorneys in Boise, our team has secured over $250 million for employees since 2003. We handle everything from unpaid wage claims, FMLA and ADA accommodations, to contract review, whistleblower protection, and hostile work environment cases, using a no‑fee‑unless‑we‑win approach and fearless advocacy. If recent court decisions in Idaho have impacted you or a loved one, contact our Boise office to explore how we can help safeguard your workplace rights.
