IAC’S BLOG

It may feel like the 2026 legislative session just ended, but here at the Idaho Association of Counties, we are already looking towards the 2027 session, and we know that many of our members are as well. Preparing early gives everyone more time to collaborate, gather input, and strengthen proposals—leading to better outcomes for counties across Idaho. By starting the process now, we can ensure that ideas are fully developed and have broad support before being submitted. Last year, we transitioned…

The National Association of Counties (NACo) Annual Conference is a fantastic opportunity for county elected officials from across the nation to gather each year. NACo’s Annual Conference includes a variety of committee and caucus meetings, educational workshops, general sessions, and much more. According to John David Davidson, Blaine County Treasurerand IAC Naco representative, the NACo Annual Conference provides the chance for elected officials to “gather, share ideas and insights, and to learn from one another”, ultimately learning how to “appropriately face…

As one of the fastest growing states in the nation year after year, one challenge that continues to emerge is ensuring census numbers at the county level keep up with the actual growth. Last fall at IAC’s Annual Conference, many county officials participated in a workshop about a recently conducted study by the University of Idaho’s McClure Center about census trends in Idaho. During that presentation multiple county officials voiced concerns over inaccuracies in their counties. Expressing that they had concerns…

The Idaho Association of Counties (IAC) is pleased to announce that the 2026 IAC Salary and Benefits Survey is now published and available for member use! This annual publication provides vital information for counties as the upcoming budget cycle approaches. This report provides objective, comparative data directly from Idaho’s counties that are essential for responsible fiscal management and accurate personnel cost estimates. Access to this information can help county officials and department heads gain a clearer understanding of the competitive labor…

IAC has officially concluded the 2026 Spring County Officials Institute (COI) tour! Building on the success of last fall’s expanded format, this year’s training was once again held in six locations across Idaho to reduce travel demands for members and increase accessibility statewide. More than 250 county elected officials, department leaders, and staff members attended the day-long trainings. Following the 2026 Legislative Session, this spring’s agenda focused on legislation impacting county government and helping counties prepare for the FY27 budget season….

The Idaho Association of Counties now has an official U.S. Flag Retirement Box at our Vista office location in Boise, ID. Through NACo’s Care for the Flag initiative, American flags can now be properly disposed of at IAC. This box provides a convenient and respectful solution for our members to dispose of American flags that have reached the end of their service.If you are interested in learning more about the U.S. Flag Code and proper flag retirement, please click here to…

The Idaho Association of Counties (IAC) has announced the 2026 recipients of its annual scholarship program. After a competitive review process, seven students from across Idaho were selected from a pool of 56 applicants to each receive a $1,000 scholarship. In addition, one runner-up from each district has been awarded a $500 scholarship. Award Recipients: Andrew Lehman, District 1 Shayla Tyler, District 1 Runner-Up Mick Perryman, District 2 Ella Goetz, District 2 Runner-Up Clio Lindke, District 3 Rachel Beck, District 3…

Law enforcement leaders from across Idaho came together in Coeur d’Alene April 13-15 for the Idaho Sheriffs’ Association (ISA) and Idaho Jail Administrators’ Association (IJAA) Spring Conference, bringing together more than 100 law enforcement officials for a week of collaboration and professional development. The conference also featured 56 sponsors and exhibitors from around the country, showcasing innovative tools, services, and resources designed to support modern policing and corrections. The event began with welcoming remarks from ISA President and Butte County Sheriff…

The Idaho Legislature has adjourned after one of the most contentious sessions in recent history, concluding with significant late-session drama. First and foremost, I want to thank you for your engagement this year. This year, more than ever, legislators commented to us on how frequently they heard from you regarding bills impacting your county. The information you provided was extremely helpful. Your legislators look to you for guidance on the county impact of legislation. Key IAC Initiated Legislation Enacted While the Idaho…

For counties with populations 50,000 and greater the deadline to meet new standards for website and social media accessibility is coming up  April 24, 2026. The core requirement of the new standards is to be Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA, established by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) compliant and some helpful other suggestions are as follows:  Transition from PDF to HTML/Web Forms: The article advocates for moving away from static PDF files, which are described as “ill-adapted…

Unfunded Mandate Alert: House Bill 621 to be Heard Tomorrow in House State Affairs While we are hopeful that the legislature will be able to finish its work and adjourn sine die within the next couple of days, we are not letting off the gas during these final days of the session. Tomorrow morning, House Bill 621 (Guns in Courthouses) will be heard in the House State Affairs Committee. The Idaho Association of Counties understands that the State of Idaho sets…

It is with sadness and loving support that we extend our condolences to the community of Nampa and the family of Rick Hogaboam with his sudden passing. Few people have had more of an impact in a shorter time than Rick did for clerks across the state. His heart was that of a servant and his mind was that of a trailblazer. Every one of us can easily recall a sacrifice or an act of love from Rick that made our…

The 2026 Legislative Session is likely nearing its end, potentially wrapping up by Friday, March 27th. Both chambers are advancing required appropriation bills, and the Governor signed the  2026 Rescission Act, cutting the state budget by $192.7 million. With few other key bills remaining, adjournment is on the horizon. Here is what you need to know for the week of March 23rd: While most agency maintenance budgets are progressing, the Department of Health and Welfare budget remains stalled after the Senate…

New laws, upcoming budgets, and important revenue updates – SCOI helps counties prepare for the year ahead. IAC is gearing up for the 2026 Spring County Officials Institute (SCOI), bringing essential training to six locations across Idaho. This day-long training that comes with lunch is designed to help county elected officials, departments, and staff understand the outcomes of the 2026 Legislative Session and prepare for the FY2027 budgeting process. Participants will hear directly from IAC’s Policy Team with a recap of…

In recent weeks, the Idaho Association of Counties contacted House and Senate members to express concerns about House Bill 583 on short-term rentals. While we appreciate the inclusion of some safety requirements, such as smoke detectors in guest rooms, fire extinguishers, and carbon monoxide detectors on each floor, the bill prevents counties from identifying short-term rental properties. Without a registration system, counties cannot notify owners of safety requirements or conduct inspections, making enforcement impossible. Consequently, even the permitted safeguards cannot be…

This week, keep an eye on the Senate Floor. House Bill 556 (Reimbursement for State Inmates in County Jails) is a 2026 IAC Legislative Priority. It is on the 3rd reading calendar in the Senate. The other issue to keep an eye on this week is whether state budgets pass or fail on the floors of the House and Senate. The Health and Welfare budget failed in the Senate on a 25-10 vote. Will other budget bills face a similar fate?…

Two IAC Priorities Will Soon be Up on the Senate Floor, Plus House Bill 842 Could Mean Big Changes to H0389. Today, the Senate Judiciary and Rules Committee had a bipartisan unanimous vote to support one of IAC’s priorities, House Bill 556. If passed, House Bill 556 would increase the reimbursement rate to counties for state inmates being held in county jails. The bill will now go to the Senate floor. We encourage our members (particularly County Commissioners and County Sheriffs)…

Once again, Idaho had a strong showing at the National Association of Counties (NACo) Legislative Conference held in Washington, D.C., February 20-24. Bannock County Commissioner Jeff Hough was a guest panelist for the Childcare Supply Network National Showcase, discussing trends for improving local childcare supply, accessibility and affordability. The panelists shared resources and outlined strategies to effectively and sustainably build childcare supply.  NACo Board Representative and Idaho County Clerk Kathy Ackerman was a part of a panel with Idaho Secretary of State Phil…

Immediate Action Needed on Two IAC-Opposed Bills Two IAC-opposed bills are moving quickly. We need IAC members to contact legislators in the House and Senate now to help stop them. House Bill 747: Mosquito Abatement (On House Floor) Please contact your House members today and urge a NO vote. HB 747 would fundamentally change mosquito abatement in Idaho — and not for the better. What It Does: Allows landowners to opt out of abatement with a simple note — no alternative…

How County Officials Drive Positive Community Impact Whether it be through their public service work as an elected official or participating in local organizations, seeing our elected officials be recognized for their leadership and character is always a welcome sight. The strength of the Idaho Association of Counties and our local communities lies in the individuals who step up to serve.Ben Robertson, Boundary County Commissioner, was recently recognized by the Idaho FFA Foundation for his accomplishments as a county commissioner and…