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H 191

IDAHO WATER RESOURCE BOARD – Amends existing law to provide term limits for board members.

68th Legislature, 1st Regular Session (2025)

House Bill 191 sets term limits of two four-year terms for Idaho Water Resource Board members, promoting accountability and fresh perspectives in water management.

Reported Printed and Referred to Resources & Conservation
#boards #government #naturalresources #water
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Bill Summary · H 191

Summary of House Bill 191: Idaho Water Resource Board Term Limits

Bill Number: H 191
Introduced: February 10, 2025
Status: Reported Printed and Referred to Resources & Conservation
Classification: Bill
Subject: Boards, Government, Natural Resources, Water

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 191 aims to amend existing law regarding the Idaho Water Resource Board by establishing term limits for its members. The intent of this legislation is to promote governance accountability and ensure a rotation of perspectives within the board, which is responsible for overseeing water resource management in Idaho.

Key Provisions

  • Term Limits: The bill stipulates that members of the Idaho Water Resource Board may serve a maximum of two four-year terms. This change is designed to prevent long-term incumbency and encourage new appointments.

  • Board Composition: The Idaho Water Resource Board will continue to consist of eight appointed members, with specific requirements regarding their qualifications and political party representation:

    • No more than four members can belong to the same political party.
    • Members must be qualified electors of Idaho with active participation in reclamation, water use, or conservation.

  • Appointment Process: All members are appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the senate. The bill maintains the existing structure for geographic representation, ensuring that members come from various districts across the state.

  • Technical Corrections: The bill also includes technical corrections to existing statutes to clarify the language and provisions related to board operations.

  • Emergency Clause: The bill declares an emergency, making it effective on July 1, 2025, to ensure timely implementation of the term limits.

Impact

  • Affected Parties: The legislation will directly impact the members of the Idaho Water Resource Board, as well as the governor and the state senate involved in the appointment process. It may also influence stakeholders in water management and conservation efforts across Idaho.

  • Fiscal Note: According to the fiscal note attached to the bill, there will be no fiscal impact on state or local government revenues or expenditures as a result of this legislation.

Legislative Actions

  • February 10, 2025: Bill introduced and referred to the Joint Rules Committee for printing.
  • February 11, 2025: Reported printed and referred to the Resources & Conservation Committee for further consideration.

This summary provides an overview of House Bill 191, highlighting its purpose, key provisions, and potential impacts on governance within the Idaho Water Resource Board.

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

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