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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From the Executive Director – March 20, 2023
2023 Legislative Session Winding Down As the Legislature enters week 11, all signs point to an adjournment as soon as Friday, March 24th, but more realistically sometime the week of March 27th. I don’t expect any new major pieces of legislation this week, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty of other work to be …
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House Revenue & Taxation Advance Property Tax Relief Package
The House Revenue & Taxation Committee approved House Bill 292 this morning on a 14-1 vote. The bill now advances to the floor of the House of Representatives for a full vote. The bill will likely be voted on in the next two days. House Bill 292 is the culmination of negotiations kicked off over …
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From the Executive Director: Week of March 6, 2023
Pace Picking Up at Statehouse Last week came with a flurry of activity in legislative committees and on the floor of both bodies as the session enters month three. Here is the activity from last week impacting counties: – IAC-opposed House Bill 150 was held in the House Revenue & Taxation Committee on a 12-4 …
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From the Executive Director: Week of February 27, 2023
Compromise Reached on Public Defense Legislation Late last week, stakeholders reached a tentative compromise on legislation establishing a new public defense delivery model effective October 1, 2024. Under the framework, counties will be relieved of all obligations to provide public defense. Those counties that currently contract for public defense, will continue to have contract public …
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From the Executive Director: Week of February 20, 2023
Halfway into the Session, Still No Consensus on Property Tax Relief As the Legislature approaches the halfway mark of the 2023 Legislative Session, there still isn’t consensus on property tax relief legislation. Both the House and Senate have been working seemingly nonstop since the session began to find a fix to rising residential property …
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