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H 241

PUBLIC HEALTH DISTRICT BOARDS – Amends existing law to revise provisions regarding the composition of public health district boards.

68th Legislature, 1st Regular Session (2025)

House Bill 241 ensures public health boards in Idaho are composed of elected officials, enhancing accountability and representation for residents' health services.

Reported Printed and Referred to Health & Welfare
#boards #districts #health
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Bill Summary · H 241

Summary of House Bill 241 (H 241)

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 241 (H 241) aims to amend existing laws regarding the composition of public health district boards in Idaho. The primary intent of the bill is to ensure that members of these boards are elected officials rather than county staff or unelected residents. This change is designed to enhance accountability and representation within public health governance.

Key Provisions

The bill proposes several significant changes to Section 39-411 of the Idaho Code, including:

  1. Composition of Health District Boards:

    • For districts with fewer than eight counties, the board will consist of seven members, each appointed by the county commissioners.
    • For districts with eight or more counties, the board will have between eight and nine members, with each county appointing at least one member.

  2. Qualifications for Board Members:

    • All members must be:
      • Citizens of the United States
      • Residents of Idaho and the respective public health district for at least one year
      • Qualified electors
      • Currently elected county officials (except for one designated physician seat)
    • At least one member must be a physician licensed by the Idaho State Board of Medicine.

  3. Appointment and Removal:

    • The appointment of the physician member requires confirmation by a majority vote of all county commissioners in the district.
    • Members can be removed by a two-thirds majority vote of the county commissioners.

  4. Term Length:

    • Board members will serve a term of two years, with provisions for reappointment and filling vacancies.

  5. Leadership Selection:

    • The board will annually select a chairman, vice chairman, and trustee.

  6. Emergency Declaration:

    • The bill declares an emergency, allowing it to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Impact

  • Affected Parties: The legislation will directly impact public health district boards, county commissioners, and the residents of Idaho who rely on public health services.
  • Fiscal Note: The bill is projected to have no fiscal impact, meaning it will not increase or decrease revenue or expenditures at either the state or local government levels.

Legislative Timeline

  • Introduced: February 14, 2025
  • Reported Printed and Referred to Health & Welfare: February 17, 2025

This summary provides an overview of House Bill 241, highlighting its purpose, key provisions, and potential impacts on public health governance in Idaho.

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

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