2022 Legislative Session Takeaway

The Idaho Legislature adjourned last week sine die, marking the end of a session that will be remembered as one of the most important sessions for counties in recent history. Idaho counties scored major wins that reform public defense delivery (H0735), repeal the county medically indigent program (H0735), increase transportation funding (H0772, S1359), transfer funding responsibility for involuntary commitment expenditures to the state (S1327), and reduce county property taxes (H0735).

IAC staff have relied on the IAC Legislative Committee and membership to review and provide direction on legislation to help staff in securing the best possible outcome on behalf of counties. Without the efforts of the membership, the gains IAC has made on behalf of counties would not have been possible. Thank you for your continued efforts in collaborating with your legislators. Your efforts not only benefit your constituents back home but also strengthen the position of IAC with your legislators.

IAC appreciates the efforts of the Governor’s Office and Legislators in advancing IAC’s 2022 priorities. In particular, Jared Larson with the Governor’s Office, Representative Mike Moyle (Ada County), Representative Jon Weber (Madison County), Senator Kelley Anthon (Cassia and Minidoka Counties), Senator Jeff Agenbroad (Canyon County), and Senator Todd Lakey (Canyon County) were key partners in ensuring House Bill 735 became law. Representatives Moyle and Weber were our House sponsors and made sure H0735 passed in the House. Senators Anthon and Agenbroad sponsored important amendments in the Senate which ensured passage of H0735 in the Senate, and Senator Lakey was H0735’s senate sponsor.

IAC policy staff will provide in-depth trainings on how these and other bills will impact counties at upcoming IAC Spring County Officials Institutes. Trainings will be held as follows:

• May 3^rd in Boise at the Riverside Hotel
• May 10^th in Coeur d’Alene at the Best Western Coeur d’Alene Inn
• May 24^th in Twin Falls at the Canyon Crest Event Center
• May 25^th in Idaho Falls at the Residence Inn

IAC members are encouraged to attend these trainings as many of the bills passed this year will impact how counties budget for the coming fiscal year. You can register for the upcoming IAC Spring County Official Institutes by clicking here.

The conclusion of the 2022 Legislative Session also sets the stage for important policy discussions over the summer. IAC will be involved in at least three working groups during the season. The working groups will include:

• Collaborating with the Governor’s Office and legislators in developing an alternative public defense model,
• Collaborating with legislators in further exploring alternative revenue sources for counties, and
• Collaborating with legislators, cities, and developers in updating Idaho’s area of city impact statutes.

IAC policy staff will be reaching out to county officials to participate in these summer working groups after the May primary. IAC members will play a critical role in working on these important policy issues in the interim.