Senate Bill 1294 Summary

• Allows the Idaho Rural Development Partnership to reside within the Idaho Department of Commerce or another executive branch department designated by the governor, with that agency managing budget and staffing.

• Reduces board of directors membership by decreasing representation from multiple constituencies, including state legislators from 4 to 2, federal agencies from multiple to 4, tribal representatives from multiple to 2, local government representatives from 4 to 2, business representatives from 2 to 1, and rural leaders from 5 to 2.

• Removes the position of executive director as a separate statutory role and consolidates cochair duties to include managing partnership budget and staff, including hiring decisions subject to board approval.

• Repeals sections 67-9008, 67-9009, and 67-9010 related to executive director, general membership, and employee performance evaluations, and repeals Chapter 90 of Title 67 entirely, effective January 1, 2027.

• Sections 1-8 become effective July 1, 2024, with the full chapter repeal taking effect January 1, 2027.