Environment
No direct effect
Neutral — no direct effect identified.
Benefits
- No material direct effect identified.
Risks
- No material direct effect identified.
StateIdahoEnacted
H 887: WATER SKIING – Amends existing law to provide an exception for water skiing.
STATE AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
H 887 status: Enacted — Reported Signed by Governor on April 2, 2026 Session Law Chapter 290 Effective: 04/02/2026 (updated Apr 2, 2026).
Source
OpenStates
Confidence
Low
Analysis basis
OpenStates summary
01
What this bill does
Official summary alongside an AI-generated read on where it stands and why.
Overall Score
53OUT OF 100
Score:53/100 civic fit
Risk:Low Risk
Impact:Low Impact 25/100
Constitutionality95%
Bipartisan70%
Public opinion50%
Bill summary
What changes
The bill amends Idaho state law to create a legal exception allowing water skiing in specific areas where it was previously prohibited.
Who is affected
Recreational boaters, water skiers, shoreline residents, and local water safety enforcement agencies.
Requirements and enforcement
Compliance with new regulatory zones where skiing is now permitted.
Costs and funding
Not stated in the available source.
When it takes effect
Effective as of April 2, 2026.
Potential benefits
Provides greater flexibility for recreational water sports and updates state law to match current recreational preferences.
Risks and tradeoffs
Potential for increased accidents, water usage conflicts, and noise disturbances in newly opened areas.
What is still unknown
The specific geographic locations impacted by the exception and the criteria used to determine safety in these previously restricted zones.
02
Impact analysis
✦ AI analysisModeled effects across six domains, estimated from bill text and comparable legislation.
Economy
No direct effect
Neutral — no direct effect identified.
Benefits
- No material direct effect identified.
Risks
- No material direct effect identified.
Society
Positive outlook
60%
Benefits
- Expanded recreational access for water sports participants.
- Increased opportunities for community leisure activities.
- Reduced ambiguity for residents regarding usage regulations.
Risks
- Potential for increased noise levels in recreational areas.
- Possible crowding in newly accessible zones.
- Conflict risks between motorized and non-motorized users.
Technology Industry
No direct effect
Neutral — no direct effect identified.
Benefits
- No material direct effect identified.
Risks
- No material direct effect identified.
Civic Accountability
No direct effect
Neutral — no direct effect identified.
Benefits
- No material direct effect identified.
Risks
- No material direct effect identified.
Public Health & Safety
Mixed / Neutral
45%
Benefits
- Establishes clear, consistent rules for water skiing activities.
- Standardizes safety expectations in previously restricted zones.
- Reduces potential for citation through clearer legislative guidance.
Risks
- Increased risk of boating-related collisions.
- Higher probability of injuries involving skiers and swimmers.
- Greater demand on local water safety and patrol services.
03
How trustworthy & consequential it is
Sourcing already shown above, this is what the analysis found worth flagging.
Source
OpenStates
Official bill text or data from OpenStates.
Confidence
Low
Information is limited or incomplete.
Analysis basis
OpenStates summary
Source used for this bill's analysis.
Source note
Localized safety and noise concerns may arise in areas where skiing was previously prohibited.
Analysis scope
Source provided is a brief summary; no full bill text was analyzed.
04
Where it stands
Official recordReported Signed by Governor on April 2, 2026 Session Law Chapter 290 Effective: 04/02/2026
- IntroducedComplete
- CommitteeComplete
- Chamber votesComplete
- Final agreementComplete
- GovernorComplete
- EnactedComplete
05
How it affects your district
✦ Personalized
Set your location
Add your district to see how this bill may affect your community and who to contact.
Your Representatives
Your representatives appear here once you add your location.
06
Take action
Contact your representatives
Let them know how you feel about this bill.
Share your view
Join the discussion and see what others are saying.
Track this bill
Stay updated on progress and changes.