Bill Analyses and Ratings
Bill Information: H0566 – Repeal of State Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund
Bill Summary
House Bill 566 repeals five sections of Idaho Code (67-4245 through 67-4249) that established and governed the State Trust for Outdoor Recreation Enhancement (STORE). The repealed sections include the fund’s short title, legislative intent, creation and administration provisions, project management requirements, and rulemaking authority. The bill also amends Section 67-4223 to remove language authorizing the Park and Recreation Board to “receive and expend funds from the STORE,” eliminating all statutory references to this funding mechanism. The Legislature justifies these changes under the Idaho Code Cleanup Act, declaring the provisions “obsolete, outdated, or unnecessary” following comprehensive review.
Overall Assessment
This bill eliminates an entire outdoor recreation funding program by repealing the State Trust for Outdoor Recreation Enhancement and all associated administrative provisions. The Legislature characterizes this as a code cleanup effort to remove obsolete provisions and streamline state law. The repeal removes a funding source that previously supported outdoor recreation projects, though the bill provides no information about the fund’s current status or why it became unnecessary.
Rating Breakdown
ARTICLE I. RESPONSIBILITY IN GOVERNMENT (1)
Section 1 explicitly invokes the Idaho Code Cleanup Act, stating the Legislature's intent to ensure state laws are "streamlined, up-to-date, and essential for the citizens of Idaho." The bill repeals five entire code sections (67-4245 through 67-4249) identified as "obsolete, outdated, or unnecessary" following comprehensive review. This represents a legislative effort to eliminate unnecessary government programs and reduce statutory complexity.
ARTICLE II. CITIZEN INVOLVEMENT IN GOVERNMENT (0)
The bill repeals an outdoor recreation trust fund and removes associated administrative provisions. It does not address elections, voting procedures, citizen participation in government, or any matters related to civic engagement.
ARTICLE III. EDUCATION (0)
The bill concerns the elimination of a state outdoor recreation fund. It contains no provisions related to schools, curriculum, educational standards, parental rights in education, or any educational policy matters.
ARTICLE IV. AGRICULTURE (0)
The bill repeals provisions governing an outdoor recreation trust fund. It does not address farming, ranching, agricultural education, agricultural water rights, or any matters related to Idaho's agricultural sector.
ARTICLE V. WATER (0)
While outdoor recreation may involve water resources, the bill simply eliminates a funding mechanism without addressing water rights, water appropriation, dam management, or any water policy issues.
ARTICLE VI. NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT (0)
The bill repeals a recreation fund but does not establish new environmental regulations, address natural resource management policies, or change how Idaho manages its natural resources. The changes are purely administrative, removing obsolete statutory provisions.
ARTICLE VII. ENERGY (0)
The bill eliminates an outdoor recreation trust fund. It contains no provisions related to energy production, energy independence, hydroelectric power, nuclear energy, or any energy policy matters.
ARTICLE VIII. IDAHO NATIONAL LABORATORIES (0)
The bill concerns the repeal of outdoor recreation fund provisions. It does not address the Idaho National Laboratory, nuclear research, technology development, or any INL-related matters.
ARTICLE IX. PRIVATE PROPERTY RIGHTS (0)
The bill repeals a state recreation fund and associated provisions. It does not address private property rights, eminent domain, regulatory takings, or property development regulations.
ARTICLE X. STATE AND FEDERAL LANDS (0)
While the STORE fund may have supported projects on public lands, the bill does not address federal land ownership, state administration of federal lands, land transfers, or public land management policies.
ARTICLE XI. WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT (0)
The bill eliminates an outdoor recreation funding mechanism. It does not address wildlife management, Fish and Game Department policies, hunting regulations, fishing regulations, or predator control.
ARTICLE XII. ECONOMY (0)
While repealing a government program reduces state expenditures, the bill does not directly address commerce, industry regulation, small business policy, labor laws, or transportation infrastructure.
ARTICLE XIII. HEALTH AND WELFARE (0)
The bill repeals outdoor recreation fund provisions. It does not address healthcare policy, health insurance, patient rights, welfare programs, or any health and welfare matters.
ARTICLE XIV. AMERICAN FAMILY (0)
The bill concerns the elimination of a state recreation fund. It does not address family values, marriage, abortion, parental authority, or any family-related policy matters.
ARTICLE XV. OLDER AMERICANS (0)
The bill repeals outdoor recreation fund provisions. It does not address senior services, policies affecting older Americans, or programs specifically designed for seniors.
ARTICLE XVI. LAW AND ORDER WITH JUSTICE (0)
The bill eliminates a recreation trust fund. It does not address gun rights, criminal justice, drug policy, incarceration, law enforcement, or state sovereignty matters.
ARTICLE XVII. NATIONAL DEFENSE – SECURING THE BORDER (0)
The bill repeals outdoor recreation fund provisions. It does not address national defense, veterans' affairs, military installations, the National Guard, or border security.
ARTICLE XVIII. ELECTION OF JUDGES AND IDAHO SUPREME COURT JUSTICES (0)
The bill concerns the repeal of a recreation fund. It does not address judicial selection, judicial elections, or constitutional interpretation by the courts.
ARTICLE XIX. RELIGIOUS LIBERTY (0)
The bill eliminates an outdoor recreation trust fund. It does not address religious freedom, free exercise of religion, conscience protections, or the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.