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 vote. House Bill 150 is sponsored by Representative Rick Cheatum (Bannock County). The bill would have required counties to remit penalties and interest to taxing districts. Bonneville County Commissioner Bryon Reed and Kootenai County Treasurer Steve Matheson both provided compelling testimony against the bill.

– IAC-opposed House Bill 101 failed to advance out of the House Revenue & Taxation Committee on a tie vote. House Bill 101 is sponsored by Representative Brandon Mitchell (Latah County). The bill would prohibit counties from prorating the homeowners exemption. Because no motion received a majority vote, the bill is still in committee. IAC staff are working with stakeholders on potential compromise legislation.

– IAC supported legislation establishing a state-based judicial district public defense system was introduced last week and will likely receive a full hearing later this week in the House Judiciary & Rules Committee. House Bill 236 is sponsored by Representative Jon Weber (Madison County) and Representative David Cannon (Bingham County).

– IAC-supported Senate Bill 1073 was sent to the Senate 14th Order for possible amendments. Senate Bill 1073 is sponsored by Senator Todd Lakey.  Senate Bill 1073 updates area of city impact planning statutes.

– IAC priority legislation, including House Bill 70 and House Bill 85 have both advanced out of committee in the Senate and are awaiting floor votes by the Senate.

– Numerous elections bills (too many to list) have been introduced and are at various stages in the legislative process.

On the property tax front, the long-awaited property tax relief bill is still a work in progress. Legislators continue working with stakeholders like IAC on a compromise framework. Stay tuned to your inbox for additional information on legislation impacting counties. As we learn more, we will circulate legislative alerts.