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H 106

COUNTY FAIR BOARDS – Repeals and adds to existing law to provide for county fair boards.

68th Legislature, 1st Regular Session (2025)

House Bill 106 empowers Idaho county fair boards to gain independence from advisory roles, boosting local governance and supporting agricultural communities.

Introduced, read first time; referred to: Local Government & Taxation
#boards #commissions #counties
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Bill Summary · H 106

Summary of House Bill 106 (H 106)

Bill Overview

  • Bill Number: H 106
  • Title: COUNTY FAIR BOARDS – Repeals and adds to existing law to provide for county fair boards.
  • Introduced: January 31, 2025
  • Current Status: Introduced, read first time; referred to Local Government & Taxation
  • Classification: Bill
  • Subject: Boards, Commissions, Counties

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 106 aims to modernize the governance structure of county fair boards in Idaho by repealing an outdated provision that designates county fair boards as merely advisory bodies. The bill seeks to enhance the operational effectiveness of county fairs, which are crucial to the economic and cultural fabric of Idaho's agricultural communities.

Key Provisions

  1. Repeal of Section 22-202A:

    • The bill repeals the existing Section 22-202A of the Idaho Code, which allows county commissioners in counties with populations over 200,000 to designate county fair boards as advisory bodies.

  2. Establishment of New Provisions:

    • A new Section 22-202A is introduced, allowing fair boards that currently serve in an advisory capacity to either remain as such or petition to become independent boards.
    • The petition process requires:
      • Signatures from a majority of the advisory fair board members.
      • Submission of the petition to the county commissioners' clerk.
      • Public notice of the petition and a hearing scheduled within three to six weeks.

  3. Voting Requirements:

    • For a fair board to transition from an advisory role to an independent board, a majority vote from the county commissioners and a three-quarters (3/4) majority vote from the fair board members is required.

Impact

  • Who is Affected:

    • County fair boards across Idaho, particularly in counties with populations exceeding 200,000, will be directly impacted by this legislation.
    • The agricultural community and local economies that rely on county fairs will benefit from improved governance and operational autonomy.

  • Fiscal Impact:

    • The bill is projected to have no fiscal impact on state or local government budgets, as it does not introduce new expenditures or result in revenue loss. It simply removes an unnecessary provision from the Idaho Code.

Procedural Timeline

  • January 31, 2025: Bill introduced and referred for printing.
  • February 3, 2025: Reported out of committee with a "Do Pass" recommendation.
  • February 11, 2025: Filed for second reading.
  • February 12, 2025: Read second time and filed for third reading.
  • February 13, 2025: Passed in the House with a vote of 65-2-3.
  • February 14, 2025: Received from the House and filed for first reading in the Senate.

Conclusion

House Bill 106 represents a significant step towards enhancing the governance of county fairs in Idaho, ensuring they can operate effectively and independently. By repealing outdated provisions and establishing a clear path for fair boards to gain autonomy, the bill aims to support the agricultural economy and preserve the cultural significance of county fairs in the state.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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