Idaho’s 2024 Legislative Session begins on January 8 and is expected to run through March 22 (current targeted completion date). Lawmakers will consider many important policies during this time. Mountain States Policy Center is ready to help policymakers advance policies to improve Idaho’s economic outlook and opportunities for citizens.
Here are MSPC’s top recommendations for lawmakers to consider (in no particular order):
Enhance public participation in the legislative process by requiring three-day notice for public hearings.
Send voters a constitutional amendment to require a legislative supermajority vote (or voter approval) for tax increases.
Adopt revenue growth triggers to authorize automatic tax rate reductions.
Improve tax transparency with a tax transparency website, taxpayer receipt, Truth in Taxation property tax website, and gas tax transparency stickers.
Increase accountability and transparency with a Public School Transparency Act.
Stop the use of low-voter turnout special elections to propose local tax levies and bonds by moving votes to the November general election for maximum voter engagement.
Expand options for students and families with enhanced education choice opportunities by expanding eligible services for Empowering Parents grants.
End the unconstitutional use of Home Equity Theft.
Move to a 30-day filing threshold for remote income tax liability.
Oppose any breaching of the Snake River dams and efforts to reduce operational effectiveness.
Require legislative oversight of federal broadband spending and do not treat federal suggestions as mandates.
Avoid imposing a mileage tax.
As for MSPC’s role during the session, there are certain things we will (and won't) do:
We will stand for freedom, liberty and free markets through our research and recommendations;
We won't pressure lawmakers or call people names;
We will produce ideas and analysis that inform the debate - and let those ideas do the talking;
We won't attend a public hearing unless invited by lawmakers to offer testimony;
We will review various proposals and legislation, offering analysis; and
We won't grade bills or any lawmaker.
Bottom line - our focus for the 2024 Legislative Session is on the policy ideas, not the personalities.