Summary of House Bill H 343
Bill Number: H 343
Title: LOCAL GOVERNMENT – Amends existing law to revise provisions regarding compensation and benefits of local boards
Status: Reported Printed and Referred to Local Government
Introduced: February 27, 2025
Classification: Bill
Subject Areas: Local Government, Compensation, Taxation, Various Local Boards
Purpose and Intent
House Bill H 343 aims to standardize the compensation and benefits for members of various local boards in Idaho. The bill seeks to protect local property taxpayers from potential abuses by special taxing districts that may offer excessive pay and benefits to board members. By ensuring consistency across different boards, the legislation intends to promote fairness and accountability in local governance.
Key Provisions
The bill proposes amendments to multiple sections of the Idaho Code, specifically targeting the following areas:
- Regional Airport Authority Board Members (Section 21-806)
- County Fair Board Members (Section 22-208)
- Fair District Directors (Section 22-306)
- Weed Control Advisory Committee Members (Section 22-2410)
- Soil Conservation District Supervisors (Section 22-2721)
- Weather Modification District Trustees (Section 22-4302)
- Pest Control District Commissioners (Section 25-2604)
- Animal Damage Control District Directors (Section 25-2612)
- Cemetery Maintenance Board Commissioners (Section 27-119)
- Fire Protection District Commissioners (Section 31-1421)
- Joint City and County Hospital Board Members (Section 31-3705)
- Ambulance Service Commissioners (Section 31-3914)
- County Housing Authority Commissioners (Section 31-4210)
- Recreation District Directors (Section 31-4305)
- Museum Board Members (Section 31-4707)
- Regional Solid Waste or Domestic Septage Disposal District Board Members (Section 31-4904)
- Community College District Trustees (Section 33-2119)
- Public Library District Trustees (Section 33-2715)
- Abatement District Trustees (Section 39-2803)
- Regional Public Transportation Authority Board Members (Section 40-2106)
- Flood Control District Commissioners (Section 42-3114)
- Water and Sewer District Board Members (Section 42-3209)
- Watershed Improvement District Directors (Section 42-3707)
- Ground Water District Directors (Section 42-5223)
- Irrigation District Directors (Section 43-319)
- Urban Renewal Agency Commissioners (Section 50-2006)
- Auditorium District Board Members (Section 67-4909)
- Port District Commissioners (Section 70-1404)
Specific Changes Include:
- Compensation: Many board members will not receive salaries but will be reimbursed for actual and necessary expenses incurred while performing their duties.
- Benefits: Members will not be entitled to retirement or health care benefits.
- Election Procedures: The bill outlines the election process for board members, including term lengths and conditions for filling vacancies.
Impact
The legislation is expected to have a positive fiscal impact on local taxpayers by reducing unnecessary costs associated with board member compensation. The fiscal note indicates that there will be no impact on the general fund, and local taxpayers could see savings in their assessments.
Procedural Timeline
- February 27, 2025: Bill introduced and referred to Joint Rules for Printing.
- February 28, 2025: Reported printed and referred to the Local Government Committee.
Contact Information
For further inquiries, individuals can contact:
- Representative Stephanie Jo Mickelsen
- Representative Clay Handy
- Phone: (208) 332-1000
This summary provides an overview of House Bill H 343, detailing its purpose, key provisions, and potential impact on local governance and taxpayers in Idaho.
