Bill description: This bill eliminates the stipulation that city initiatives and referendums be held only in odd-numbered years.

Rating: +1

Does it in any way restrict public access to information related to government activity or otherwise compromise government transparency or accountability? Conversely, does it increase public access to information related to government activity or increase government transparency or accountability? 


This bill will force the government to be more responsive to the demands of its citizens. Initiatives and referendums are an integral way of holding municipalities accountable. Presently, Idaho Code 34-1801B(2) holds that “City initiative and referendum elections shall be held on the Tuesday following the first Monday in November in odd-numbered years.” Restricting proposals to elections every other year hinders the ability of citizens to effect change in a timely way. The bill also eliminates the 180-day limit on obtaining the signatures necessary to call for a public initiative. This would allow for a more thorough process while still giving a municipal clerk time to process the ballot before the election. (+1)