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Bill

H 33

PUBLIC NOTICES – Amends and adds to existing law to provide for the electronic publication of public notices on the State Controller’s website and to revise provisions regarding publication by first class mail.

68th Legislature, 1st Regular Session (2025)

House Bill 33 allows public notices in Idaho to be published electronically, enhancing accessibility, reducing costs for governments, and improving transparency for citizens.

Reported Printed and Referred to State Affairs
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Bill Summary · H 33

Summary of House Bill 33 (H 33)

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 33 (H 33) aims to modernize the publication of public notices in Idaho by allowing for electronic publication on the State Controller’s website. This bill seeks to enhance accessibility and efficiency in disseminating public information while potentially reducing costs for state and local governments.

Key Provisions

The bill introduces several significant changes to existing law:

  1. Electronic Publication:

    • Allows individuals, governmental entities, and businesses to publish required notices electronically on the State Controller's website instead of in traditional newspapers.
    • Notices published electronically will have the same legal standing as those published in print, provided all requirements are met.

  2. Implementation Schedule:

    • The State Controller is tasked with implementing this electronic publication system in phases, with a complete rollout expected by January 1, 2027.
    • The system will include features for users to subscribe to notifications and filter them by geographic location.

  3. Mail Publication Revision:

    • Updates the provisions regarding the publication of notices by first-class mail, allowing notices to be included with regular mailings (e.g., utility bills) if the mailing cost is less than traditional publication fees.

  4. Compliance Requirements:

    • Governmental entities must still adhere to advance notice requirements and agenda stipulations when publishing notices electronically.

  5. Cost Implications:

    • The initial development cost for the electronic publication system is estimated at $570,000, with ongoing operational costs of approximately $300,000 annually.
    • The bill is projected to save state agencies and local governments at least $1 million annually in publication fees.

Affected Parties

  • Governmental Entities: Cities, counties, and other local government bodies will benefit from reduced publication costs and improved efficiency in disseminating public notices.
  • Businesses and Individuals: Those required to publish notices will have a more accessible and potentially cost-effective option for compliance.
  • General Public: Enhanced access to public notices through electronic means will improve transparency and engagement with government activities.

Procedural Aspects

  • Introduced: January 21, 2025
  • Status: Reported Printed and Referred to State Affairs on January 22, 2025.
  • Emergency Clause: The bill includes a declaration of an emergency, indicating its intended prompt implementation.

Conclusion

House Bill 33 represents a significant shift towards digital governance in Idaho, aiming to streamline the process of public notice publication while ensuring that all legal requirements are met. By facilitating electronic access to public information, the bill seeks to enhance transparency and reduce costs for government entities and taxpayers alike.

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

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