Idaho legislators recently passed House Bill 53, amending the state’s unemployment insurance law to prevent and deter fraud. The bill was signed by the governor on March 11, 2025, and becomes effective July 1, 2025.
H.B. 53 updates Idaho’s statute that applies to those who commit unemployment insurance fraud by defining “willful” and “knowingly making a false statement,” which will help when determining unemployment insurance fraud. The measure also creates a crime for unemployment insurance identity theft and higher penalties for those who repeatedly engage in unemployment insurance fraud.
The Idaho Legislature expects the bill to save money by helping ensure that unemployment insurance is not fraudulently paid. The legislature estimates that in fiscal year 2026, there will be a savings of $152,000.
Idaho started its legislative session on January 6, and it is set to end in April. Employers Council will continue to monitor employment-related bills passed in Idaho. If you have any questions, please contact us at info@employerscouncil.org.
Erika Paulus is an attorney for Employers Council.