Rating: +1
Bill Summary:
H0102 amends Section 31-4320 of Idaho Code to revise the process for the dissolution of recreation districts. It allows a petition to dissolve a district to be initiated in one of two ways:
- By a petition signed by at least 20% of qualified electors residing within the district boundaries, or
- By a majority vote of the recreation district’s board of directors, without requiring voter signatures.
The bill also updates procedural language regarding election notices, ballot handling, and vote canvassing. Upon a successful majority vote to dissolve, the county commissioners declare the district dissolved, and the district’s property becomes county property to be sold, with proceeds used to pay claims and fund public recreation. The bill includes an emergency clause, making it effective July 1, 2025.
Reason for Rating:
H0102 promotes local control, government accountability, and fiscal responsibility, all in line with the Idaho Republican Party Platform. By simplifying the process for dissolving underused or obsolete recreation districts—especially by empowering a district’s own board to initiate the process—it removes bureaucratic barriers and allows communities to reduce the size and cost of local government. It ensures that public resources tied up in defunct districts can be repurposed transparently for broader public use. The bill encourages efficient governance without expanding state control, reinforcing conservative principles.