Idaho: New Distracted Driving Law, Update to Workers’ Comp Exemption Deadline

July brings two new updates for Idaho employers with regard to driving and workers’ compensation coverage.

Cell Phone Use and Distracted Driving Prohibitions. Effective July 1, 2020, an individual may not operate a motor vehicle while using a mobile electronic device.  Exceptions to this new law are for public or consumer-owned utility employee or contractors acting within the scope of their employment when responding to a utility emergency. Infractions are punishable by monetary fines; however, infractions will not be issued until January 1, 2021.  Warnings may be given after July 1, 2020, with fines following infractions after the new year.

Unemployment and Workers’ Compensation.  Also effective July 1, 2020, the Idaho Code has been updated to add a “good cause” provision to the unemployment and experience rate calculation.  Situations “with good cause but for reasons not attributable to such covered employer” have been added to the list under which no charge will be made to the covered employer’s account.

Additionally, the deadline to submit forms to exempt corporate officers from workers’ compensation coverage has been changed.  Employers must submit the exemption forms by March 31^st.  The forms remain in effect for at least two calendar years.