Bill Description: House Bill 20 would modify a law saying that load-carrying trucks must cover their loads in a way that would apply to more trucks.

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Does it give government any new, additional, or expanded power to prohibit, restrict, or regulate activities in the free market? Conversely, does it eliminate or reduce government intervention in the market?

In Idaho, most trucks carrying things like dirt, sand, or gravel are required to cover their loads if those items are susceptible to being "dropped, spilled, leaked or otherwise escaping." House Bill 20 would amend Section 49-613, Idaho Code, to broaden these requirements to state that any load susceptible to being "blown" must also be covered. The current law has an exception saying, "covering of such loads is not required if six (6) inches of freeboard is maintained." This bill would repeal this exemption. 

The bill adds a new subsection saying anyone guilty of violating the covering requirement "shall be guilty of an infraction punishable by a fixed penalty of two hundred dollars ($200)."

Additionally, the bill requires the Idaho transportation department to "notify all law enforcement agencies in Idaho" about the new law and work with the Idaho trucking association to "notify and provide educational materials to the trucking industry" regarding the updated requirements and penalties.

This bill imposes more demanding regulations and harsher penalties on the free market. It also requires government to use resources to provide notifications about and enforce the new law. 

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