From the Executive Director – Week of March 18, 2024
House Ways & Means Committee Introduces New Assessment Burden of Proof Legislation On Friday, March 15th, the House Ways & Means Committee introduced House Bill 717. House Bill 717 is a mashup of House Bill 701 and House Bill 625. House Bill 701 is sponsored by Representative Ned Burns and seeks to codify a uniform …
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From the Executive Director – Week of March 11, 2024
House Introduces Legislation to Tax Rate Regulated Utilities Based on Kilowatt Hours Sold The House Revenue and Taxation Committee introduced legislation last week to exempt the real and personal property of rate regulated electric utility companies from taxation. In lieu of paying property taxes, the three electric companies (Avista, Idaho Power, and Rocky Mountain Power) …
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From the Executive Director – Week of February 26, 2024
Through seven weeks, the Legislature is on pace to eclipse the number of bills introduced in a single session since 2019. As of February 23rd, 717 pieces of legislation have been drafted, with 430 bills and 33 resolutions or memorials introduced. After seven weeks in 2023, 570 pieces of legislation had been drafted, with 338 …
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House Bill 521 Advances to House Floor
House Bill 521 was sent to the floor this morning with a “do pass” recommendation. It will likely be voted on by the full House of Representatives later this week. It is an important bill for counties. While the bill itself is a tax relief bill that provides new and increased state funding for school …
From the Executive Director – Week of February 5, 2024
I want to thank everyone for attending IAC’s Midwinter Legislative Conference. While there wasn’t a lot of activity at the Capitol, there was plenty to discuss with your legislators. I hope each of you had the opportunity to meet with your legislators while you were in town to discuss the legislative issues most important to …
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From the Executive Director – Week of January 22, 2024
We are one week out from IAC’s largest annual event: the IAC Midwinter Legislative Conference. The timing of the conference is perfect this year, as things begin to heat up in the Statehouse. We’re also holding the conference downtown at the Boise Center for the first time; an easy four blocks from the Idaho Capitol. …
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From the Executive Director – Week of January 15, 2024
With the first week of the 2024 Legislative Session in the books, expect bill introductions to pick up over the next couple of weeks. While significant legislation impacting counties has yet to be introduced, bills regarding investigations of county officials (H0390), limiting public health district authority (H0392), and limitations on vacating public roads providing access …
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From the Executive Director – Week of January 08, 2024
As the 2024 Legislative Session kicks off in Boise under a blanket of much needed snow, there is plenty to monitor. To help the members stay on top of everything in Boise, IAC is rolling out a new bill tracker and legislative alert tool (member notification) powered by FastDemocracy as well as an updated IAC …
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House Bill 236 and Next Steps
Governor Little recently held a ceremonial bill signing for House Bill 236, capping off a two-session process to transition from a county-based public defense system to a state-based public defense system. While House Bill 236 was actually signed in March, the Governor wanted to recognize the efforts of county officials and public defenders in coming …
2023 Legislative Session a Success for Counties
With the 2023 Legislative Session largely in the rearview mirror, counties across the state will enter 2024 in a stronger position. 2023 has been a good year for counties. Not only will county property taxpayers see real property tax relief, but counties will also receive funding enhancement for transportation and public defense services. Additionally, the …
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