IAC’S BLOG

The Idaho Association of Counties now has an official U.S. Flag Retirement Box at our Vista office location in Boise, ID. Through NACo’s Care for the Flag initiative, American flags can now be properly disposed of at IAC. This box provides a convenient and respectful solution for our members to dispose of American flags that have reached the end of their service.If you are interested in learning more about the U.S. Flag Code and proper flag retirement, please click here to…

The Idaho Association of Counties (IAC) has announced the 2026 recipients of its annual scholarship program. After a competitive review process, seven students from across Idaho were selected from a pool of 56 applicants to each receive a $1,000 scholarship. In addition, one runner-up from each district has been awarded a $500 scholarship. Award Recipients: Andrew Lehman, District 1 Shayla Tyler, District 1 Runner-Up Mick Perryman, District 2 Ella Goetz, District 2 Runner-Up Clio Lindke, District 3 Rachel Beck, District 3…

Law enforcement leaders from across Idaho came together in Coeur d’Alene April 13-15 for the Idaho Sheriffs’ Association (ISA) and Idaho Jail Administrators’ Association (IJAA) Spring Conference, bringing together more than 100 law enforcement officials for a week of collaboration and professional development. The conference also featured 56 sponsors and exhibitors from around the country, showcasing innovative tools, services, and resources designed to support modern policing and corrections. The event began with welcoming remarks from ISA President and Butte County Sheriff…

The Idaho Legislature has adjourned after one of the most contentious sessions in recent history, concluding with significant late-session drama. First and foremost, I want to thank you for your engagement this year. This year, more than ever, legislators commented to us on how frequently they heard from you regarding bills impacting your county. The information you provided was extremely helpful. Your legislators look to you for guidance on the county impact of legislation. Key IAC Initiated Legislation Enacted While the Idaho…

For counties with populations 50,000 and greater the deadline to meet new standards for website and social media accessibility is coming up  April 24, 2026. The core requirement of the new standards is to be Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA, established by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) compliant and some helpful other suggestions are as follows:  Transition from PDF to HTML/Web Forms: The article advocates for moving away from static PDF files, which are described as “ill-adapted…

Unfunded Mandate Alert: House Bill 621 to be Heard Tomorrow in House State Affairs While we are hopeful that the legislature will be able to finish its work and adjourn sine die within the next couple of days, we are not letting off the gas during these final days of the session. Tomorrow morning, House Bill 621 (Guns in Courthouses) will be heard in the House State Affairs Committee. The Idaho Association of Counties understands that the State of Idaho sets…

It is with sadness and loving support that we extend our condolences to the community of Nampa and the family of Rick Hogaboam with his sudden passing. Few people have had more of an impact in a shorter time than Rick did for clerks across the state. His heart was that of a servant and his mind was that of a trailblazer. Every one of us can easily recall a sacrifice or an act of love from Rick that made our…

The 2026 Legislative Session is likely nearing its end, potentially wrapping up by Friday, March 27th. Both chambers are advancing required appropriation bills, and the Governor signed the  2026 Rescission Act, cutting the state budget by $192.7 million. With few other key bills remaining, adjournment is on the horizon. Here is what you need to know for the week of March 23rd: While most agency maintenance budgets are progressing, the Department of Health and Welfare budget remains stalled after the Senate…

New laws, upcoming budgets, and important revenue updates – SCOI helps counties prepare for the year ahead. IAC is gearing up for the 2026 Spring County Officials Institute (SCOI), bringing essential training to six locations across Idaho. This day-long training that comes with lunch is designed to help county elected officials, departments, and staff understand the outcomes of the 2026 Legislative Session and prepare for the FY2027 budgeting process. Participants will hear directly from IAC’s Policy Team with a recap of…

In recent weeks, the Idaho Association of Counties contacted House and Senate members to express concerns about House Bill 583 on short-term rentals. While we appreciate the inclusion of some safety requirements, such as smoke detectors in guest rooms, fire extinguishers, and carbon monoxide detectors on each floor, the bill prevents counties from identifying short-term rental properties. Without a registration system, counties cannot notify owners of safety requirements or conduct inspections, making enforcement impossible. Consequently, even the permitted safeguards cannot be…

This week, keep an eye on the Senate Floor. House Bill 556 (Reimbursement for State Inmates in County Jails) is a 2026 IAC Legislative Priority. It is on the 3rd reading calendar in the Senate. The other issue to keep an eye on this week is whether state budgets pass or fail on the floors of the House and Senate. The Health and Welfare budget failed in the Senate on a 25-10 vote. Will other budget bills face a similar fate?…

Two IAC Priorities Will Soon be Up on the Senate Floor, Plus House Bill 842 Could Mean Big Changes to H0389. Today, the Senate Judiciary and Rules Committee had a bipartisan unanimous vote to support one of IAC’s priorities, House Bill 556. If passed, House Bill 556 would increase the reimbursement rate to counties for state inmates being held in county jails. The bill will now go to the Senate floor. We encourage our members (particularly County Commissioners and County Sheriffs)…

Once again, Idaho had a strong showing at the National Association of Counties (NACo) Legislative Conference held in Washington, D.C., February 20-24. Bannock County Commissioner Jeff Hough was a guest panelist for the Childcare Supply Network National Showcase, discussing trends for improving local childcare supply, accessibility and affordability. The panelists shared resources and outlined strategies to effectively and sustainably build childcare supply.  NACo Board Representative and Idaho County Clerk Kathy Ackerman was a part of a panel with Idaho Secretary of State Phil…

Immediate Action Needed on Two IAC-Opposed Bills Two IAC-opposed bills are moving quickly. We need IAC members to contact legislators in the House and Senate now to help stop them. House Bill 747: Mosquito Abatement (On House Floor) Please contact your House members today and urge a NO vote. HB 747 would fundamentally change mosquito abatement in Idaho — and not for the better. What It Does: Allows landowners to opt out of abatement with a simple note — no alternative…

How County Officials Drive Positive Community Impact Whether it be through their public service work as an elected official or participating in local organizations, seeing our elected officials be recognized for their leadership and character is always a welcome sight. The strength of the Idaho Association of Counties and our local communities lies in the individuals who step up to serve.Ben Robertson, Boundary County Commissioner, was recently recognized by the Idaho FFA Foundation for his accomplishments as a county commissioner and…

House Bill 556 passed the House floor today, representing a huge first win for counties. It was a strong 59-10-1 vote in favor of the bill. IAC extends a special thank you to the many county officials who took action in educating their House Members and encouraging their support. Getting this legislation passed through the House marks a pivotal first step toward correcting the funding gap for housing state inmates in county jails, and this success serves as a reminder of…

While we are excited that two of the Idaho Association of Counties’ legislative priorities recently passed the House and will be heard in the Senate soon, we do not want to let up on the gas on these issues. Please reach out to your Senators to encourage their support for House Bill 620 and House Bill 556. We also encourage you to keep an eye on House Bill 743, which was introduced on Friday which would allow the attorney general to…

The IAC Legislative Committee met in-person for the second time this legislative session on February 11th, 2026 at IAC’s downtown office. Those unable to attend in-person attended virtually.After the approval of the February 4th, 2026 minutes, discussion of legislation impacting county operations was underway. Many topics were discussed, ranging from fiscal transparency and public safety, to local land use planning and protecting local authority. The committee also reviewed IAC’s priorities this session, including bills such as H0556, dealing with state inmates…

IAC Priority Legislation on State Inmate Jail Reimbursements to be Heard Tuesday On Tuesday, February 17th at 1:30pm MST/12:30pm PST, the House Judiciary and Rules Committee will have under consideration House Bill 556. House Bill 556 proposes increasing the daily reimbursement rate paid by the Idaho Department of Corrections to counties for housing state-committed inmates in county jails. Currently, IDOC reimburses counties at a rate of $55 a day for the first seven days a state-committed inmate is in county custody…

State Inmates in County Jails: Action Needed This Week One of the Idaho Association of Counties’ (IAC) legislative priorities gained visibility during last Friday’s Joint Finance-Appropriation Committee (JFAC) meeting, signaling growing legislative attention to the issue of state inmates housed in county jails. During the meeting, JFAC Co-Chair Representative Tanner referenced whether or not the state should do a supplemental budget request to pay for last year’s reimbursement costs for state inmates currently held in county jails and, in some cases,…