HB 642 Summary

• Restructures the Idaho State Soil and Water Conservation Commission from 5 members to 7 members appointed by the governor, with one member from each of six geographic divisions plus one at-large member, effective July 1, 2022.

• Establishes commissioner term limits of two consecutive 5-year terms, with initial terms staggered by division length (2, 3, or 4 years) to ensure rotation of positions.

• Requires geographic divisions of the Idaho Association of Soil Conservation Districts to submit lists of up to three candidates for vacant commission positions, giving the governor discretion in final appointment selections.

• Repeals Section 22-2719 relating to the creation of soil conservation districts and removes the definition of "petition" from the definitions section.

• Makes act effective July 1, 2022, and declares an emergency to allow immediate implementation.