HB 247 Summary

• Allows Idaho citizens to use initiative and referendum processes to reduce the property tax base budget of cities and counties, providing taxpayers with new tools to directly address property tax levels.

• Amends Section 34-1801B to explicitly permit city residents to propose initiatives or referendums on a city's property tax base budget, requiring 20% of qualified electors' signatures with a one hundred eighty (180) day deadline.

• Amends Section 34-1801C to explicitly permit county residents to propose initiatives or referendums on a county's property tax base budget, requiring 20% of qualified electors' signatures with the same signature deadline.

• Amends Section 63-802 to require voter approval by simple majority whenever a taxing district's proposed budget would increase the property tax levy rate, with ballot descriptions showing the tax increase per $100,000 of taxable assessed value.

• Effective July 1, 2023, with an emergency declaration allowing immediate implementation.