From the Executive Director: Week of February 6, 2023
I’d like to start by thanking all of Idaho’s county elected officials and county staff who attended last week’s IAC Midwinter Legislative Conference. Turnout from the membership was strong making for a successful event. I hope each of you had an opportunity to tour the Capitol, sit in on committee meetings, and meet with your …
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What to Watch: Week of January 30, 2023
This week will be busy in the statehouse as we gather for IAC’s Midwinter Legislative Conference. The wheels of government in the Legislature are beginning to turn, so we should see multiple IAC policies along with two IAC priorities receive introductory hearings before the week is over. Legislative committees use introductory hearings to determine whether …
From the Executive Director: Week of January 23, 2023
Property Taxes, Property Taxes, Property Taxes Everyone in the Capitol is talking about property taxes, leading to a sense of urgency to finally address rising property taxes. While in previous years budget caps have been the primary means of attempting to control rising property taxes, legislators this year appear to be focusing on more targeted …
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IAC Legislative Committee Meets in Person for the First Time in 2023
IAC’s Legislative Committee held their first in-person meeting of 2023 this week in Downtown Boise. Members who couldn’t attend in person participated remotely. Property tax relief remains a focus of the 2023 legislative session and a priority for Idaho’s counties. “We have a hardworking committee with clear legislative priorities,” said Twin Falls County Commissioner Don …
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From the Executive Director: Week of January 16, 2023
Legislative Session Off to Slow Start The 2023 Legislative Session is off to a slow start. This shouldn’t be a surprise given the massive turnover, changes in committee chairs, and changes in leadership. To date, only six legislative bills have been introduced. The Legislature has also been slow to take up rules while committees like …
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What to Watch: Week of January 16
This Friday, the IAC Policy Staff will be kicking off our weekly IAC Legislative Policy Updates. This meeting is for county elected officials only. We will meet via Zoom at 10 a.m. PST / 11 a.m. MST. Expect an update on the 2023 IAC Legislative Package, including priorities and policies. We also plan to provide …
From the Executive Director: Week of January 9, 2023
Legislature Convenes with a Focus on Property Taxes As the 67th Idaho Legislature convenes in Boise, property tax relief will quickly come into focus. Some legislators, like Representative Bruce Skaug (Dist. 10, Canyon and Ada Counties) and Senator Scott Grow (Dist. 14, Ada and Gem Counties) have been working with county officials on solutions to …
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IAC Legislative Committee Sets 2023 Priorities
Last Wednesday, the IAC Legislative Committee met in Boise to set priorities for the upcoming legislative committee. The membership approved sixteen legislative resolutions at the IAC Annual Conference. IAC Affiliates agreed to take the lead on seven resolutions, leaving nine for the legislative committee to consider for prioritization. After a robust, thorough discussion regarding all …
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Gov. Little’s Signing of H735 Provides Historic Public Defense Funding & Ongoing Property Tax Relief
The Idaho Association of Counties (IAC) applauds Legislative Leaders and Governor Little for taking bold action on public defense reform by passing House Bill 735. “House Bill 735 provides historic reform regarding how public defense is funded,” says Seth Grigg, IAC Executive Director. “Instead of counties footing the bill using property tax dollars, state sales …
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, …