City Council

PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING March 3rd, 2025 Recreation Center 12:00 Noon Members in Attendance: B. Combo, B. Lee, B. Nitschke, T. Hersh, M. Hill, C. White, J. Walker, N. Birch, B. Stevens, L. Burtenshaw Members Not in Attendance: T. Hobson Call to Order B. Combo called the meeting to order at 12:05 pm. Approval of Minutes J. Walker moved to approve the February 3rd minutes. C. White seconded. All were in favor. Director’s Report – P. Holm P. Holm reported the following: • P. Holm and board members discussed items included on the report he sent prior to the meeting. Two items in particular were guidelines for streetscapes and a conversation he had with a representative from a company called RentFun that operates locker type systems that can vend recreation equipment like kayaks. P. Holm likes the idea of having rentable kayaks at Gem Lake and/or John’s Hole. Commission Reports Golf Advisory – T. Hersh T. Hersh reported the following: • He voiced his support for the promotion of Sean Thompsen at Pinecrest Golf Course who will be replacing Tim Reinke. • He mentioned that Tyson Bowen, a golf professional for Parks and Recreation has left to go work for a new company in Idaho Falls called The Tee Box which caters to golfers. • T. Hersh suggested we hold a big retirement for T. Reinke as he has been our golf professional since 1984. • If the weather stays mild, he believes the golf courses will open by the end of March. Last year the courses didn’t open until the second week of April. Shade Tree - M. Hill No updates. Bonneville County – J. Walker J. Walker reported the following: • The county is still grooming 250 miles of trails. • The snowpack is at 110% right now. • Craig Daniels, the county Parks and Recreation director, has postponed his retirement to help complete the campground project. School District 91 – N. Birch N. Birch reported the following: • The district is starting spring sports and team tryouts will be conducted the first week of March. • Winter sports are ending. • Each District 91 high school had a student win in the wrestling state championship. School District 93 – T. Hobson (absent) National Trends on Aging – C. White C. White reported the following: • C. White discussed his research on major trends in seniors and outdoor recreation. He found trends in seniors engaging in adventure travel, social activities like group hikes, luxury camping (glamping), wellness retreats, etc. Trends show seniors are becoming more proactive about staying fit and active. • He also showed stats on outdoor recreation participations rates by age groups and dates from 2013 to 2022, participation by generation, and stats showing popular activities for seniors such as wildlife viewing and fishing. His findings show that in recreation, participation by groups older than 65 years had an average annual growth rate over the past four years of 7.1%, the highest of any age group in outdoor recreation. The takeaway of his findings is that outdoor recreation participation is growing for seniors. • C. White discussed a recent ride along the greenbelt on his E-bike and the speed of which he noticed scooters, hoverboards, and other bikes traveling on the pathway. This observation was followed by further group discussion about whether a speed limit on greenbelt pathways is feasible without a way to enforce it. There was also a suggestion to install guidance signs with safety tips. L. Burtenshaw reported that she has received numerous complaints from citizens concerned about this issue, and that some of them do not even visit the greenbelt anymore. • Following this conversation, it was agreed that we will look further into this issue and come up with some ideas for future discussion. Sports Tourism – B. Combo/B. Lee They will have an update next month. Park Conditions and Needs – B. Nitschke B. Nitschke reported the following:  • B. Nitschke’s major efforts have been focused on the June 9th, 2024, near fatal lion incident. He has been able to set up a website to memorialize his report and facilitate its distribution to a much wider audience. The purpose of his report entitled “Idaho Falls Zoo - None Dare Call It Safe” A Volunteer’s Experiences and Musings about Management Failures and Fiascos at the Idaho Falls Zoo” was to not only improve the safety at the local zoo but zoos worldwide. • He reviewed the January 29th, 2025, Incident Investigation Report and the Lion Incident Executive Summary prepared by David Pennock & Katie Barry. He identified several problems. He stated it was not prepared by independent safety experts, it did not identify the root causes, it did not establish a baseline safety basis, it did not explain why they did what they did, they did not say how much safer the zoo is now, they did not provide evidence of the changes in the procedures, etc. They are doing things like installing additional lighting at the zoo which might be a good idea for several reasons but has nothing to do with this incident and future prevention. It was not clear who reviewed or approved it. • He identified five major management failures prior to the incident such as the following. #1. Zoo management failed to properly identify, characterize and manage the risks posed by apex predators. #2. Failure to recognize the total and complete unreliability of administrative controls for high hazard/dangerous situations. #3 Failure to learn from past incidents at the zoo and other zoos #4 Failure to assign a qualified, experienced person to the apex predator keeper position #5 Failure to staff the emergency response capability • B. Nitschke would like the commission to read his report and compare it to the report prepared by the zoo staff. The commission can then decide if recommendations should be made to the City Council. P. Holm said he will e-mail both reports to the commissioners for their review. Adjournment at 1:18 pm. Next meeting – April 7th, 2025 Recorded by: Tracy Sessions, Executive Assistant Parks & Recreation Dept.  Board of Directors Meeting Minutes March 11, 2025 | 9:00 a.m. | Willard Arts Center Board of Directors Attendees: Brandi Newton, Jake Durtschi, Chip Langerak, Kevin Cutler, Lisa Farris, Shanon Taylor IFDDC Staff: Bryan Chaffin, Kerry Hammon, Lacey Marie, and Juan Hernandez Guest: Antonio Mesa (Pachanga’s), Jordan Rechenmacher and staff from the Idaho Falls Sanitation Division Topics Discussed: • Chip: Review and approve the meeting minutes from February 11, 2025. Approved and seconded. None opposed. • Brandi: Financial Review o Motion to approve. Approved and seconded. None opposed. • Bryan: Introduction of employees from the City of Idaho Falls Sanitation Division who are here to review the new process for the downtown dumpsters. • Bryan: Director’s Report o We have narrowed down Pay-to-Park vendors and will decide within the next month. o We currently have 44 wreath/flower basket/flowerpot sponsorships. Kerry will do additional outreach. o Now that we’ve found the original artwork for the brochure, we can move forward with updating it. • Bryan: Event Update o Winter Brew: We had a lot of people attend the event. There were no issues, and everyone appeared to be having a great time. o Paddy’s on Park planning is in full swing. New this year, IFDDC will be selling merchandise at Paddy’s on Park. • Lisa Farris: Façade improvements o We have approximately $75,000 available for façade improvements. C21 High Desert and the new tattoo artist both applied. Bybee’s chose not to use the grant money for their signage. The meeting was adjourned at 10:01 a.m. The next board meeting will be Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. at the Willard Arts Center. Reviewed & approved by Bryan Chaffin and the Board of Directors. Respectfully submitted by Kerry Hammon, IFDDC Operations Manager.  City of Idaho Falls CATHERINE McCLURE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT/GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS ADMINISTRATOR 208.612.8101 | cmcclure@idahofalls.gov Idaho Legislature Adjourns for the Session The legislature officially adjourned Saturday April 5th. The session saw 488 bills proposed by the House and 220 bills proposed by the Senate. New laws of most significant for the City of Idaho Falls: • HB 436 - Urban Renewal Legislation, allows for the dissolution of agencies by a city council, fire districts can opt out of new districts and districts with one major industrial payor can extend the length of time the district operates. • HB 40 - Reduction of Tax Rate, reduces the income tax rate to 5.3% • HB 144 - Small seller sales tax, eliminates the requirement for sellers with less than $5,000 per year in sales from being required to register for a permit or collect the sales tax. • HB 180a, Broadband Permitting, requires local governments to process broadband permitting in a specific period of time, if not completed in the timeframe than project is deemed approved. • HB 206, EMS Services, moves the Emergency Medical Services Bureau (EMS) from the Department of Health and Welfare (DHW) and relocates it into the Idaho Military Division (IMD), which already coordinates emergency management with state and local government through the Office of Emergency Management. • HB266a, Virtual Inspections, modernizes Idaho's building inspection process by authorizing live virtual inspections, improving efficiency in permitting and compliance • HB 243a, Childcare Licensing Reform, creates a number of changes in how childcare is regulated in Idaho both at the state and local level. • 1083a, Domestic Wells, amends Idaho Code regarding Domestic Use Exemption and the use of water in subdivisions. Amends section 42-227 to provide that, in subdivisions within an area that has been designated as a Ground Water Management Area, Critical Ground Water Area, or Moratorium Area, the Domestic Use Exemption will only apply to in-home or stock watering purposes. All other uses, including irrigation, will require an Application for Permit. Amends section 31-3805 to require that community wells within municipal service areas or areas of impact be compatible with the municipal system and that surface water be used for irrigation when available. • SB 1144, Highway Configuration/Bike Ped, creates new regulatory requirements for how bike and pedestrian amenities can be added to roadways.  City of Idaho Falls CATHERINE McCLURE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT/GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS ADMINISTRATOR 208.612.8101 | cmcclure@idahofalls.gov • SB 1164, City Permitting Processes, creates a timeline cities must adhere to for reviewing commercial and residential building permits to determine the completeness of applications. Legislation that didn't pass: The data center legislation that would have limited the sales tax exemption to seven years passed the House but did not go to a third reading in the Senate. Additionally, efforts to modify the Idaho Launch program were not passed. Full funding for an additional year of Launch was approved in the Workforce Development Council budget. Bills regarding local option tax, hospitality tax structures and liquor licenses were all introduced throughout the session. Idaho Legislative Tracking 4/11/2025 Bill Number Context Status AIC Bill Tracker This bill increases ballot initiative vote count thresholds for statewide elections to 60% H0002 from the current 50% +1. It currently has 11 legislative co-sponsors in the Idaho House Referred to State Affairs and Senate. The Attorney General has concurrent jurisdiction to investigate and, if necessary, prosecute elected county officials for state crimes committed when acting in their official capacity. H006 This legislation expands the Attorney General's jurisdiction to include elected city officials. LAW AIC Tracker The purpose of this legislation is to take advantage of the expertise the Attorney General's Office has developed for investigating and prosecuting cases involving public corruption. This legislation amends Idaho Code section 37-2732 regarding controlled substances. A mandatory minimum fine is added for first time convictions of marijuana possession of H0007 LAW three (3) ounces, or less, of net weight. Minors are exempt from a minimum fine for misdemeanor possession. This legislation expands on current code where foreign governments will now be prohibited from purchasing any Idaho forest land, in addition to the already prohibition in purchasing agricultural land, water rights, mining claims or mineral rights. Any foreign adversary is also under the same prohibitions, but under this legislation, the foreign H0012 Referred to State Affairs adversary that owns any of these lands or resources must sell within 180 days of notice. If they do not sell, the land or resources will be sold by judicial foreclosure. Also, no foreign adversary may purchase or lease any property within the certain geographic boundaries to establish secure military operations areas. It requires state agencies to review their titles and chapters of Idaho Code for H0014 unnecessary, obsolete, and outdated provisions, and to report to the Legislature by LAW September 1, 2025, their recommendations for the removal of such provisions. The proposal aimsto improve and stabilize the market through the creation of an Idaho Wildfire Risk Mitigation and Stabilization Pool and board. It is modeled after mitigation Referred to Business H0017 pools and programs in other states. It will provide grants to assist consumers in hardening Committee their homes for the risk of fires, and also look for other ways to utilize the non-general fund sources to stabilize the property insurance market in Idaho. Thislegislation preemptslocal governmentsfrom imposing any requirementsto install or Referred to Business H0018 maintain EV charging stations or parking spaces at their facilities Committee House Bills Idaho Legislative Tracking 4/11/2025 This bill establishes labeling requirements for alternative animal protein products sold in Idaho, such as lab-grown meat and insect-based proteins. It mandates clear front-of- Referred to Agricultural H0024 package disclosures, specifies ingredient listing standards, and outlines penalties for non- Affairs compliance, with enforcement managed by the Idaho Department of Agriculture This legislation gradually increases the amount for the Transportation Expansion Congestion Mitigation program (“TECM”) over a period of 3 years. Additionally, it H0025 LAW AIC Tracker ensures that local units of government continue to receive $45 million dollars for local roads every year. The purpose of this legislation is to prevent the State of Idaho, it's political subdivisions, H0032 or any state officers from mandating the use of face masks, face shields, or other face LAW coverings as a means to prevent or slow the spread of a contagious or infectious disease This proposed legislation allows for electronic publication on the state controller’s website for public notices (including public works projects) and other publications required by law. It directs the state controller to facilitate electronic publications in a H0033 staggered implementation schedule. It also directs the state controller to create the LAW ability for users to subscribe and receive push notifications – including those filtered to a geographic location. Finally, it clarifies that notices sent through mail may be included in a regular mailing such as a utility billing. Idaho Parental Choice Tax Credit - tax credit up to $5,000 for a parent/guardian for an H0039 eligible student K-12 grade. Ran through the Tax Commission, maximum of $50 Million Referred to Rev and Tax expense from general fund, $125K programming and coding costs, 2 FTEs hired at Tax. First, it reduces Idaho’s flat income tax rate on individuals and corporations from 5.695% to 5.3%. Second, it expands Idaho’s income tax exemption on U.S. military pension income to include certain disabled veterans under age 62, all veterans aged 62-64, and H0040 LAW undisabled veterans under age 62 who are also employed and earn sufficient income to owe federal income taxes. And third, it removes capital gains and losses for both precious metal bullion and monetized bullion from the calculation of state income taxes. A government entity may only display US Government flags - state, city flag, military flags, H0045 Referred to State Affairs POW flag and official tribal flags. House Bills Idaho Legislative Tracking 4/11/2025 Thislegislation increasesthe professionalservicesfee limit from $50,000 to $100,000 before requiring a formal request for qualification process. This requested revision is Referred to Commerce H0051 commensurate with the significant inflationary increases related to the construction and Human Services industry. This legislation increases the estimated project cost dollar limit from $100,000 to H0052 $200,000 at which point the bid process changes from an informal bid to a formal LAW AIC Tracker written competitive bid process. This legislation increases the estimated project cost dollar limit from $25,000 to $50,000 H0056 LAW before requiring a written competitive bid process referred to Health and H0058 Medicaid Expansion repeal act Welfare Currently the grocery tax credit is $120.00 per person or $140.00 for individuals 65 and older. This legislation will increase the grocery tax credit for all individualsto $155.00 starting in the fiscal year of 2026. Additionally, this legislation will give Idaho income tax H0061 Referred to Rev and Tax filers the option to take the $155 tax credit per person, or to receive a full refund of all taxes paid on groceries up to $250.00 per person by itemizing their grocery expenses on their annual income tax returns. H0063 Foreign countries may not purchase forest land or any state assets. Referred to State Affairs This legislation provides an additional $100 million of property tax relief to Idahoans. $50 million of property tax relief will be provided through the School Facilities Fund as H0074 established in HB 292 of the 2023 legislative session. An additional $50 million in property Referred to Rev and Tax tax relief will be provided in the homeowner property tax relief account that was also established in HB 292 of the 2023 legislative session. This bill would create a fund to support public education facilities. Moneys in the fund Referred to Education H0075 shall be distributed as a need-based grant to school districts for the purposes of financing Committee construction, remodel, and maintenance of school facilities Allows cities to enter into the health insurance pool with the Office of Government H0084 Referred to State Affairs Insurance to provide insurance to employees to reduce costs. House Bills Idaho Legislative Tracking 4/11/2025 Prevents local governments from requiring electric vehicle charging stations in new H0086 LAW parking lots The Idaho Parental Choice Tax Credit legislation provides for a refundable tax credit up to $5,000 for a parent, guardian or foster parent who incurs qualified education expenses for an eligible student. “Qualified expenses” include kindergarten through H0093 LAW twelfth grade tuition and fees related to attending a nonpublic school, tutoring, taking assessments used to determine college admission, costs for textbooks, curriculum, and transportation costs for the purpose of receiving academic instruction. This legislation provides for an alternate first step for a recreation district to be dissolved by allowing a majority of the district’s board to submit a petition to the county. Currently, the HB102aaS LAW AIC Tracker only path is to file a petition signed by at least 20% of the qualified electors in the district. In either route, the dissolution would still go before the voters. Requires that use of AI in communications used in trade or commerce be disclosed to the H00127 Printing consumer. H00140 Exempts Idaho from Daylight Savings Time Printing Periodic growth in budget numbers due to inflationary pressures and economic activity naturally require adjustments in nominal statutory thresholds such as, in this case, audit HB0142 LAW AIC Tracker requirements. This legislation adjusts those nominal values to be more reflective of the original real dollar threshold amounts. This legislation eliminates the requirement to get a permit or collect the sales tax H0144 LAW for sellers that have sales less than $5,000 per year Referred to Business HB154 Virtual inspections Committee passed House, Senate H0166 Electronic notification on the state controller's website for public notices AIC Tracker state affairs H0167 Adds use of Eminent Domain for electric distribution and transmission lines Referred to State Affairs House Bills Idaho Legislative Tracking 4/11/2025 This legislation expands the Broadband Advisory Board to include one nonvoting broadband experienced member appointed by the speaker of the house of Referred to Environment, H0170 representatives and one nonvoting broadband experienced member appointed by the Energy and Tech president pro tempore of the senate. It also provides for an independent third party to conduct any grant award process. This legislation changes the scope of County-based and City-based commerce authority. It includes the opportunity for authorities to help fund facilities that may encompass utility HB171a,aas LAW AIC Tracker services, including water and sewer facilities. It does exclude all electrical energy facilities and transmittal. This legislation fully repeals Chapter 18, Title 49, in Idaho Code and creates a new chapter relating to the towing and storage of motor vehicles. This legislation aims to offer clear HB174aas LAW AIC Tracker guidance and promote consistency among Idaho Law enforcement, towing companies, lenders and the Idaho Transportation Department. This bill seeks to resolve that problem by requiring local permitting agencies to make decisions on broadband and other telecommunication projects within a set period of H0180a time. The agencies are not required to approve the projects, but they are required to LAW make decisions. If they fail to make decisions within the set timeline, the projects are deemed approved This language revises the allocation of nonresident deer and elk tags, specifically setting aside a percentage for outfitted hunters. The bill establishes a structured allocation Referred to Resources H0192 system for tags in both general and controlled hunts, ensuring a proportion of and Conservation nonresident tags are reserved for outfitted clients. Additionally, it mandates recalculations of outfitter allocations every two years based on historical use. House Bills Idaho Legislative Tracking 4/11/2025 This bill moves the Emergency Medical Services Bureau (EMS) from the Department of Health and Welfare (DHW) and relocates it into the Idaho Military Division (IMD), which already coordinates emergency management with state and local government through the Office of Emergency Management. All existing EMS programs at DHW (except the Public Health Preparedness and Response Program) will be moved effective July 1, 2025. The DHW HB206 LAW AIC Tracker Director and the Adjutant General at the Military Division will work together to coordinate the transfer of EMS services. The law sunsets the EMS program’s rulemaking authority on and after July 1, 2027, and expresses the intent of the legislature that the EMS program propose the codification of any necessary EMS rules in the chapter created in this bill before the adjournment sine die of the first regular session of the 69th Idaho Legislature. Requires public comment time in general or on each agenda item for all public meetings. H0228 Referred to State Affairs Also requires that all public meetings be accessbile via phone or online, video conference. All hunts will be capped at 10% nonresident participation. This legislation also seeks to Referred to Resources HB232 deregulate the outfitting industry by ending the allocation of elk and deer tags, and and Conservation providing them a marketing opportunity to tag buyers who opt in. Childcare Licensing bill, • Clarifies the definition of "supervision" so there is a common standard across the state; • Provides clarity to new providers who apply to the Department of Health and Welfare for a license; • Recognizes the diverse types of providers by allowing for age-appropriate, community- H0243a LAW appropriate and provider-appropriate approaches to ratios of adults to children; • Requires a review of existing administrative rulesfor the childcare program and tells DHW to bring legislation in 2026 to put the rules into code. • Eliminates the current two-tier regulatory system for childcare, placing licensing responsibility at the state level. House Bills Idaho Legislative Tracking 4/11/2025 The purpose of this legislation is to allow state and local governments additional time to respond to requests for public records from nonresidents, and to allow a different fee schedule to fulfill nonresident fee requests. Nonresident public recordsrequests would need HB253aaS,aaS LAW AIC Tracker to be fulfilled within 30 days,subject to extension for unusual or exigent circumstances. The fee schedule for nonresident record requests would be allowed to be commensurate with actual costs of the agency from start to finish of request fulfillment. URA modifications bill, opt out for Fire and Ambulance districts, allows City Councils to H0255 Referred to Rev and Tax disolves urban renewal agencies This language revises the allocation of nonresident deer and elk tags, specifically setting aside a percentage for outfitted hunters. The bill establishes a structured allocation Referred to House H0262 system for tags in both general and controlled hunts, ensuring a proportion of Resources and nonresident tags are reserved for outfitted clients. Additionally, it mandates Conservation recalculations of outfitter allocations every two years based on historical use. This bill modernizes Idaho's building inspection process by authorizing live virtual inspections, improving efficiency in permitting and compliance. It allows state and local government inspectors to conduct live virtual inspections, using electronic or visual aids, reducing delays while maintaining safety standards. However, virtual inspections are restricted for structural assessments of buildings three stories or higher to ensure structural integrity. Additionally, the bill establishes inspection timeliness requirements. If an H0266a, aaS LAW AIC Tracker inspection request is not completed within 15 business days, the permit holder may hire a third-party inspector, with costs reimbursed by the responsible government entity. It also provides a fee refund mechanism, ensuring that if an inspection fails but no reason is provided within three days, the permit holder receives a 10% refund of applicable fees. These provisions promote accountability, efficiency, and fairness in Idaho's building inspection system. Referred to Commerce H0269 Effectively sunsets Idaho Launch in 2025 and Human Services Requires out-of-state small brewers to have a physical presnence in Idhao. Wholesalers H0276 are required to have physical warehouses in the state for distribution. Any brewer with LAW less than 30,000 barrels of beer per year. House Bills Idaho Legislative Tracking 4/11/2025 There has been notable escalation of direct assault on peace officers in Idaho. The title of this legislation will memorialize two Idaho officers that were lost in the line of duty of protecting us all. Criminals need to know that the most extreme penalties will be applied if they assault peace officers in Idaho. We need to step up and do what we can to protect our peace officers against the criminality that is escalating in the state. The current law for committing battery with intent to commit a serious felony, the punishment shall be imprisonment in the state Referred to Judiciary, H0281 prison not to exceed twenty-five (25) years. Idaho needs to send a clear message to criminals AIC Tracker Rules & Administration that assault on our peace officers will bring the most severe punishment. This legislation will now make a crime against a peace officer, where punishment shall be a fixed term of imprisonment of fifteen (15) years with a possible maximum term of life. Currently, if the death penalty is not sought, the court shall impose a life sentence with a minimum of confinement of not less than ten (10) years. In the case of murder of a peace officer, this legislation will put the minimum of not less than thirty-five (35) years. State based agricultural Guest Worker program. This legislation creates a state-based, year-round agricultural guest worker program. The federal government's failure to find a resolution to this issue requires that states seek state-based solutions. The Department of Labor is assigned responsibility for implementing and administering a guest-worker program to provide year-round agricultural labor. Defined agricultural work Referred to Agricultural H0297 includes farming, ranching, dairy operations, and processing of agricultural products. Affairs Eligible individuals must reside in Idaho, have never been refused admission to the country or deported previously, complete a background check and submit fingerprints, and verify no prior felony convictions. Employers must also register with the department to employ guest workers. Referred to H0300 Dig Once - requirement on broadband infrastructure considerations Transportation and defense Property Tax Relief - $100 Million in funding for the School Facilities Fund and H0304 LAW Homeowners Property Tax Relief. This bill moves 19 sections of IDAPA 16.06.03 relating to Daycare Licensing into code. H0312 Thisinsertsinto statute a long-standing administrative rule and returns legislative authority LAW AIC Tracker to the elected lawmakers House Bills Idaho Legislative Tracking 4/11/2025 Data center - Most businessesin Idaho pay a salestax on business purchases and deduct the expense on income tax returns. In 2019, data centers that cost at least $250 million and provide at least 30 jobs received a full sales tax exemption for their servers and related consumer equipment. The exemption never ends so future expenses are exempt. Data centers use a lot of water and electric resources and do not create many jobs except H0315 Did not pass the Senate during construction. This legislation provides that the exemption is good for 7 years after the exemption is first issued. Those who presently have the exemption are not affected. After 7 years the sales tax revenues must be remitted by the data center owners to the tax relief fund for the benefit of the people of Idaho. - Amended to include anyone with exemption prior to March 1, 2025 is grandfathered in. excise tax on height for wind energy - $25K per foot for wind turbins. Would eliminate H0317 Referred to rev and tax utility scale wind projects. Any transmission project with eminent domain needs would be required to sell and offer 3/4 of power generated to Idaho Customers, Draft legislation This proposed legislation would replace the property tax on electric utilities with a tax H0329 based on kilowatt hours sold. It also would replace the property tax on gas companies with LAW AIC Tracker a tax based on therms sold. New legislative limitations on medicaid. Amends, repeals, and adds to existing law to provide that legislative approval is required for certain state plan amendments and H0345 LAW waivers and to provide legislative approval for certain state plan amendments and waivers. H0364 Creates a state DOGE task force Did not pass Senate Adds to existing law to require taxing districts to hold a hearing and provide certain H0369 notices to taxpayers before increasing the budget from property tax revenue from the Sent to Rev and Tax previous year. House Bills Idaho Legislative Tracking 4/11/2025 Provides for a local option tax up to 2% as approved by voters. Equivalent amount of H0375 funds must be deducted from property tax budget. Tax is only able to be in effect for four Printed years. Legislation sunsets auditorium districts by 2031. The purpose of this legislation is to bring Idaho Statute 34-1702 into line with Idaho Statute 50-707A. Statute 50-707A(4) requires that when Idaho cities reach a population greater than H0377 100,000 inhabitants as of the last decennial census, that districts within the city shall be LAW AIC Tracker established, and one candidate residing in each district shall be elected to the city council. This legislation establishes that a recall petition against a city council member may be filed with the county clerk that is signed by twenty percent (20%) of registered electors that were eligible to vote in the city council member's district in the last election. Creation of a Idaho Wildfire Risk Mitigation Fund - provide grants for consumers to H0384 Referred to Business AIC Tracker mitigate fire risk. This legislation establishes a county property tax relief fund and authorizes the board of county commissioners to seek voter approval to establish a county option transient room sales tax. If approved by county voters, a local sales tax of up to 3% on hotel, motel, H0388 Referred to Rev and Tax vacation rental, and private campground rentals would be assessed. At least 50% of tax revenues will be directed to provide property tax relief, with no more than 50% of tax revenues dedicated to public safety services. Entities that need more than 30MW of power must pay full cost of energy generated and H0395a Did not pass Senate may obtain energy from a third party. This legislation updates the existing requirement that all secondary students demonstrate that they have met the state civics and government standards through the successful completion of the civics test as a graduation requirement. Rather than taking a “civics test” determined at the local level and based on the 100-question naturalization assessment, the H0397 new “civics test” will be developed by the State Department of Education and approved by LAW AIC Tracker the State Board of Education. This legislation outlines the components of the Idaho content standards in American government that must be included in this new test. This requirement would apply to all secondary students beginning in the 2026-2027 school year. Students graduating prior to January 1, 2029 who have satisfied the previous civics requirement prior Amends existing law to revise provisions regarding a property tax exemption for certain HB406 Referred to Rev and Tax low-income housing owned by nonprofit organizations. House Bills Idaho Legislative Tracking 4/11/2025 This legislation amends the Community Infrastructure District (CID) Act to allow a district to be formed within a county with the approval of the county. Additionally, thislegislation HB407 Referrred to Rev and Tax allows a CID for the purposes of financing for fire protection and emergency medical service. Such financing is limited to 5 years Amends and adds to existing law to provide for the dissolution of urban renewal agencies and termination of urban renewal plans and to allow fire protection districts and HB436 LAW ambulance service districts to opt out of certain urban renewal financing provisions. Allows life extension of district with one main industrial user. COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE DISTRICTS – Amends existing law to provide that a HB437 community infrastructure district may be formed within a county with the approval of the Sent to General Orders county. EDUCATION – Amends existing law to revise provisions regarding the Idaho Launch Grant HB447 Referred to Education Program and the In-Demand Careers Fund. HB 461 Amends the Launch program to focus on 2 year schools and specific 4 year degrees Did not pass Senate House Bills 2024 Idaho Legislative Tracking 4/11/2025 Context Status AIC Bill Tracker This bill clarifies that projects being constructed within the State of Idaho are governed by Idaho law and procedures. This important distinction protects Idaho companies from being forced to include irrelevant LAW standards or requirements established by other states in their Idaho work. It also ensures that Idaho companies maintain the right to pursue relief in Idaho should it be necessary to do so Streamlines licensing of hospitals - if a facility is licensed by CMS they will be deemed licensed by State of LAW Idaho This legislation provides that if a lawsuit alleging nuisance is filed against a lawfully conducted agricultural operation and the agriculture operator prevails, then they are entitled to recover their attorney's fees. It LAW also provides fines and penalties for filing multiple meritless complaints with applicable state and local agencies. Revision on process for commercial use of state lands. Will require compliance with local zoning authority. Did not pass House Revenues generated are not exempt from public disclosure Recognizing that computation is a form of personal expression, this legislation protects free speech by prohibiting governmental entities from regulating artificial intelligence in various ways thereby keeping the Referred to State Affairs development of the technology open to everyone This legislation clarifies current statute to ensure that persons may contract with non-franchised solid LAW AIC Tracker waste providers for temporary waste collection containers Amends existing law to provide that cities with 25,000 residents or less may provide for election of councilmen by districts and that cities with greater than 25,000 residents shall provide for the election of Referred to State Affairs councilmen by districts. This legislation amends Idaho Code regarding Domestic Use Exemption and the use of water in subdivisions. Specifically, the legislation: 1. Amends section 42-111 to allow multiple exempt domestic uses to be combined into a single well. This only applies to in-home water use. 2. Amends section 42-227 to provide that, in subdivisions within an area that has been designated as a Ground Water Management Area, Critical Ground Water Area, or Moratorium Area, the Domestic Use Exemption will only apply to in- LAW AIC Tracker home or stockwatering purposes. All other uses, including irrigation, will require an Application for Permit. 3. Creates section 42-1701B to provide a streamlined process for ensuring compliance with domestic use exemption requirements. 4. Amends section 31-3805 to require that community wells within municipal service areas or areas of impact be compatible with the municipal system and that surface water be used for irrigation when available. Senate Bills 2024 Idaho Legislative Tracking 4/11/2025 Context Status AIC Bill Tracker This legislation repeals the existing Idaho Waste Tire Disposal Act and replaces it with the Idaho Waste Tire and Recycling Act. The revised act removes dated and obsolete sections of the Waste Tire Disposal Act and establishes a new waste tire recycling fee of fifty cents ($.50) for three (3) years for each tire sold in the State. Fees collected from the sale of new tires are collected and deposited into the fund by the State Tax Commission. The fund is to be administered by the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality for a pilot project that has three purposes: (1) to clean up abandoned waste tire piles located in various locations Referred to Health & Welfare AIC Tracker throughout the State; (2) to provide for partial reimbursement for the costs of transporting, processing, and recycling waste tires generated within the State; and, (3) provide funding to the Department of Environmental Quality to administer the act. Monies in the fund may only be expended subject to legislative appropriation. The fee has a three-year sunset clause. The act requires the department to annually provide for a detailed report on the project for three (3) years. To date, the department has identified 22 abandoned waste tire piles across the State. This bill expands opportunities for Idaho credit unions to accept additional state deposits beyond the federally insured amount of $250,000 set by the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund. Currently, Idaho Code limits credit unions’ ability to take State deposits beyond this federally insured amount, with the cap originally established in 1986. Expanding this opportunity will allow funds to remain in the state to LAW AIC Tracker be reinvested in Idaho communities and Idaho citizens. Additionally, the bill requires credit unions that accept deposits greater than the insured amount to collateralize all funds beyond the insured limit. This collateral will protect taxpayer dollars by ensuring that State funds are secured. The collateral will be negotiated between the credit union and the public entity Appropriations bill for economic development activities including Dept of Commerce LAW Appropriations for Workforce Dev Council including Launch LAW This bill updates the procurement statutes regarding the bid thresholds for public works construction projects and procuring personal property orservicesin politicalsubdivisions. The adjustmentsto these LAW AIC Tracker thresholdsreflect the effects of inflation and the rising costs associated with construction projects. This legislation addsthe term "imminent danger" as a clarifying condition for policing agenciesto take someone into custody if there is reason to believe they have a neurocognitive disorder and they present LAW AIC Tracker an imminent danger to themselves or others. Senate Bills 2024 Idaho Legislative Tracking 4/11/2025 Context Status AIC Bill Tracker This legislation calls for an additional $30 million in ongoing investments for water infrastructure. These funds will continue a statewide approach to responsible water management that maintains and secures Idaho's water. Projects include but are not limited to aquifer recharge, groundwater management, development and rehabilitation of water storage and conveyance system, water supply and delivery Referred to Resources & Conservati AIC Tracker improvements, and emergency water infrastructure repairs. No more than 50% of the funds may be used in on one of the four water board districts unless there are no competing applications in other districts during the fiscal year. Annual reports to the Governor and Legislature are required, and funds may be combined with other sources to leverage additional funding. The purpose of this legislation is to allow established caterers in Idaho to obtain liquor licenses for individual catered events, regardless of local population-based liquor license caps. This bill defines "established caterers" as businesses that have operated for at least five years and cater at least 25 events per year. It Referred to State Affairs ensures that liquor sales at catered events are conducted in compliance with local licensing authority regulations and that such licenses are used strictly for catering purposes, not for operating a bar or lounge. This legislation will allow the Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Council the ability to certify individuals previously convicted of certain felonies. Currently anyone ever convicted of any felony shall not be certified by POST. This legislation will allow the POST Council to review and make decisions on LAW AIC Tracker certification on individuals not convicted of felonies listed in Idaho Code § 18-310 (2). This will change it from “shall not be certified” to “may not be certified” for other felonies. Senate trans 1144 - bike ped infrastructure bill LAW This is a trailer bill to H 0206 (Emergency Medical Services Bill). This bill removes the requirement of a LAW AIC Tracker county-endorsed application. This legislation clarifies existing Idaho law protecting the private property rights of Idaho homeowners by ensuring the right to rent their property is maintained. This legislation protects property owners by allowing local governments to regulate short-term rentals only in cases where it is in the interest of B5public health Failed on the Senate Floor and safety. In addition, the legislation calls for safety disclosures by property owners and allows for local jurisdictions to license short-term rentals Thislegislation limitsregulation by local government on short term rentalsin Idaho thereby providing Senate Loc. Gov increased lodging availability for tourists to Idaho and increased revenue for Idaho's tourist industry Requires cities to approve completeness of building permit applications in 20 days for commercial and 10 LAW days for residential. LIQUOR – Adds to existing law to establish provisions regarding licenses issued to city restaurants. Referred to State Affairs Senate Bills Bill Number Context Status AIC Bill Tracker The proposed legislation intends to establish a Legislative Interim Committee on housing which will complete a comprehensive review of local land use regulations and their impact on housing Signed by Speaker Moyle and SRC103 affordability and availability. This effort will include evaluating city comprehensive plans and zoning AIC Tracking delivered to Secretary of State and ultimately seek to identify opportunities to reduce regulatory building costs and waiting times, and provide greater flexibility in housing development. The Legislature calls on state agencies, the Governor, and municipal governments to collaborate and advance local interests by recognizing that Idaho’s cities are economic and service hubs for the majority of our residents, maintain critical infrastructure and public safety resources, and drive SRC107 innovative solutions to community-specific challenges; the Legislature further encourages Referred to Local Government AIC Tracking collaboration that respects local decision-making and promotes policies addressing housing, transportation, and public safety while upholding the ability of municipal governments to effectively meet the unique needs of their communities This concurrent resolution encourages cities, counties, and other local governing bodies to support young entrepreneurs by reducing regulatory barriers that may discourage minors from starting small businesses. The resolution recognizes that youth-run businesses - such as lemonade stands, lawn care services, and craft sales - teach valuable real-world skills, instill a strong work ethic, and foster community engagement. By simplifying processes and eliminating permitting and licensure feesfor these small ventures, local governments can promote entrepreneurship, innovation, and economic Signed by President and HCR011 AIC Tracking participation among young Idahoans. deliverd to Secretary of State The resolution further emphasizes that hard working and enterprise are foundational to the American dream and that empowering youth to start businesses contributes to the long-term prosperity of communities. It calls on local governments to adopt policies that encourage youth entrepreneurship while maintaining appropriate public health and safety standards. Additionally, it suggests that cities and counties provide opportunities for youth entrepreneurs to showcase their products and services through community events, fairs, and markets.