Several MSPC policy recommendations were enacted this year

Lawmakers across our region were very busy during the 2026 Legislative Sessions. More than 2,300 combined bills were introduced in Washington (1,157), Idaho (817), and Wyoming (335). There wasn’t a legislative session this year in Montana. Several of Mountain States Policy Center’s (MSPC) recommendations were among those to make it across the finish line.

Before the sessions started, MSPC provided policymakers with copies of our Policy Manual (more than 80 recommendations) and Fact Book to help inform the public debate. Our experts also testified several times at the request of lawmakers this year. In early January, we released our regional statewide polls and highlighted dozens of our top recommendations for lawmakers to consider this year. Among the policies were:

• Pro-market housing reforms;
  

• A free-market legislative framework for short-term rentals to protect property rights and expand housing opportunities; and
  

• Portable benefits reform for the self-employed.

  
  

Here are the MSPC recommendations that were approved this year in each state.

Idaho (12)

• HB 516: Prohibiting the use of taxpayer resources for public teacher unions (Pending action by Governor Little)
  

• HB 539: Guidelines for the approval of temporary agency rules
  

• HB 583: Short-term rentals reform
  

• HB 645: Authorizing portable benefits for the self-employed
  

• HB 706: Allowing single stairway residential building exceptions (Pending action by Governor Little)
  

• HB 731: Opting Idaho into the federal education tax credit scholarship program
  

• HB 894: Allowing recording of public meetings
  

• HB 913: Medicaid expansion work requirements (Pending action by Governor Little)
  

• HJM 19: Supports federal efforts to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education
  

• SB 1347: Homeless funding accountability
  

• SB 1352: Allowing starter home subdivisions
  

• SB 1354: Allowing accessory dwelling units

Wyoming (4)

• HB 2: Fast-track housing permits  
  

• HB 178: Prohibiting the use of taxpayer resources for public teacher unions (Vetoed by Governor Gordon)

  
  

• SF 41: Authorizing portable benefits for the self-employed
  

• SF 57 - Transparency in hospital service pricing

Washington (3)

• HB 2418: Permit reviews
  

• HB 1345:  Allowing accessory dwelling units outside of urban growth areas
  

• Soda tax proposal not adopted (HB 2734)

Thank you to lawmakers and their families for the hard work and sacrifices made to serve the public during the legislative process. A big thank you also to MSPC’s supporters for making our work possible to help policymakers advance these important reforms.