Idaho Legislature Grants Limited Coronavirus Liability to Counties

During the recently completed special session, the Idaho Legislature adopted temporary legislation extending immunity to businesses, churches, cities, counties, and schools from claims associated with the transmission of coronavirus. The immunity is temporary because it sunsets (expires) on July 1, 2021. Over the course of two days, five different immunity bills were introduced. While each …

State of Idaho Updates FY2021 Revenue Outlook

This past week during IAC’s biweekly conference call with Governor Little, Alex Adams, Director of the Division of Financial Management, announced that the state of Idaho was revising its revenue forecast for the current fiscal year. Unemployment is currently hovering around 5.6% and consumer spending has rebounded since April lows. Given these important indicators, the …

Legislative Working Groups Recommend Special Legislative Session

It has been a busy few weeks for interim legislative committees and working groups. Joint Education, Judiciary and Rules, and State Affairs committees have met to explore the potential of a special legislative session. Among the topics covered include liability protections for both private businesses and governmental entities, the November general election, the jurisdiction of …

Property Tax and Revenue Outlook Study Committee Meeting Recap

On Friday, the Property Tax and Revenue Outlook Study Committee held its first meeting in Boise. Transparency in local government budgeting was the primary focus of the first meeting. Committee members heard presentations from staff from Legislative Services Office and the State Controller’s Office who discussed various reporting requirements for local governments, difficulty in comparing …

CARES Act CRF Update

Last week county officials participated in two separate conference calls with staff from the Governor’s Office to discuss questions related to implementation of the Governor’s proposal to leverage Coronavirus Relief Funds to cover payroll expenses for public safety and public health personnel (known as the Idaho Local Public Safety Initiative). Due to questions raised by IAC …

State Revenues Fall Short of Forecast in Latest Idaho General Fund Revenue Report

On Friday the Division of Financial Management published its June Idaho General Fund Revenue Report. The June report is important because it reflects sales tax collections for the month of April and provides the first glimpse into the impact of COVID-19 on sales tax receipts. Sales tax revenues for the month of April came in …

Idaho Department of Administration to Purchase and Distribute Masks, Gloves, and Sanitizer to State Agencies and Local Governments

The Idaho Department of Administration recently launched a program to purchase and distribute masks, gloves, and sanitizer to state agencies and political subdivisions. The new program is intended for non-medical and non-emergency personnel. Through the program, the following items are available: Disposable and reusable masks (not N95) Nitrile gloves Sanitizer (both low and high viscosity) …

CFAC Allocates CRF Funds to Counties

The Coronavirus Financial Accountability Committee (CFAC) met last week and finalized a framework to provide reimbursement for coronavirus related expenses incurred by state agencies and local and tribal governments. Funds will be dispersed from the Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF). Under the framework adopted, state agencies are eligible for $57.7 million in reimbursements based on estimated …

Governor Little Announces Rebound Idaho Small Business Grants

On May 1st, Governor Little unveiled a plan to provide grant funding to small businesses impacted by coronavirus. Under the program, Governor Little will make up to $300 million from the Coronavirus Relief Fund available to Idaho small businesses. The program provides up to $10,000 in grant funding for Idaho small businesses and nonprofits with …

Governor Little Issues Stay Healthy Order

On May 1st, Governor Little announced that Idaho would enter Stage 1 of Rebound Idaho. Stage 1 allows most Idaho businesses, churches, and daycares to open as long as they maintain social distancing and sanitation standards. Certain businesses, like gyms, bars, nightclubs, barber shops, and beauty salons will remain closed, as well as dine-in restaurant …