2022 Legislative Session Takeaway

The Idaho Legislature adjourned last week sine die, marking the end of a session that will be remembered as one of the most important sessions for counties in recent history. Idaho counties scored major wins that reform public defense delivery (H0735), repeal the county medically indigent program (H0735), increase transportation funding (H0772, S1359), transfer funding …

What to Watch: Week of March 21

This week will likely be the final week of the 2022 Legislative Session. Even though we are in the home stretch, IAC is still monitoring around a dozen bills. The bills highlighted below are still alive and need IAC members to be actively engaged, particularly with the Senate and in the case of one bill, …

Busy Legislative Week Ahead

The Legislature is barreling towards adjournment later this week, with Friday, March 25th as the targeted day of adjournment. As the session winds down, there are a number of bills to be on the lookout for, including additional transportation funding. The biggest issue outstanding for counties is House Bill 735. House Bill 735 is set to …

What to Watch: Week of March 14

This week we encourage IAC members to reach out to your Senators to express support for House Bill 735, the public defense spending bill and to keep an eye on the appropriation bills to determine whether or not the legislature will adjourn soon. Public Defense Funding House Bill 735, sponsored by Representatives Jon Weber (District …

From the Executive Director: Week of March 14

Major Property Tax Legislation Held House Bill 741, legislation to raise the sales tax from 6% to 7.85% and properties receiving the homestead exemption from paying most nonschool property taxes, will not move forward this session.The legislation proved to be too complex and too big of a change in tax policy to advance this late …

From the Executive Director: Week of March 7

House Introduces Major Property Tax Reform Legislation On Friday, March 4th, the House Revenue and Taxation Committee introduced House Bill 741 exempting owner-occupied residential property from paying most property tax levies. House Bill 741 is sponsored by House Majority Leader Mike Moyle (District 14, Ada County) and Senate Local Government and Taxation Committee Chair Jim …

From the Executive Director: Week of February 28

Major Property Tax Relief Legislation on Tap for Introduction After weeks of speculation and the cancelation of multiple introductory hearings, major property tax relief legislation is set to be unveiled later this week. While an introductory hearing has yet to be set, legislators are tying up loose ends in preparation of making the bill public. …

From the Executive Director: Week of February 21

Major Property Tax Relief Package on Tap The House Revenue and Taxation Committee is poised to introduce a property tax relief package that will alter how local governments are funded. Under the framework, anyone who owns a residential property and receives the homestead exemption would be exempt from paying nonexempt property taxes to counties, cities, …

2022 IAC Midwinter Legislative Conference Recap

The Idaho Association of Counties (IAC) hosted its 2022 Midwinter Legislative Conference at the Riverside Hotel in Boise at the beginning of February. The four-day conference brought Idaho’s county elected officials and staff together for workshops, district and committee meetings, award announcements, a tour of the Idaho State Capitol, and the opportunity to connect with …

From the Executive Director: Week of February 14

As we enter the sixth week of the 2022 Legislative Session, the number of introduced bills has increased significantly. In spite of these increases, very few bills have advanced having an impact on counties. The chart below is a good comparison of recent bill introduction history through the first five weeks of the legislative session. …