Bill Analyses and Ratings

Rating: 0

Bill Summary:

House Bill 208 updates and simplifies statutory procedures related to the consolidation of fire protection districts in Idaho. Specifically, it amends three sections of Idaho Code:

1. Section 31-1413 – Simplifies language governing how fire districts may consolidate, including procedures for public hearings, elections, and board transitions.
2. Section 31-1423 – Strips out a complex subsection concerning levy rate negotiations during consolidations and elections for approving new rates, thereby eliminating procedural requirements if levy disparities exceed 3%. The revised language streamlines how consolidated fire districts establish budgets and levies under the tax cap framework of Idaho Code 63-802.
3. Section 63-215 – Clarifies the responsibilities for filing boundary maps and legal descriptions after consolidation. The updated section improves interagency communication by requiring distribution to assessors, recorders, and affected fire districts, and mandates contact info on all filings.

The bill also declares an emergency and sets an effective date of July 1, 2025.

Reason for Rating:

H0208 is primarily administrative in nature and doesn’t clearly expand or reduce the size or power of government. It simplifies code, improves clarity, and removes outdated or duplicative language—but doesn’t notably advance or conflict with Idaho Republican Party Platform principles like fiscal restraint, local control, or limited government. Its technical nature and policy neutrality warrant a neutral rating.