Bill Description: House Bill 147 would increase the bonding capacity for school districts, thereby allowing for higher property taxes and significantly more government spending and debt.

Rating: -2

Does it increase government spending (for objectionable purposes) or debt? Conversely, does it decrease government spending or debt? 

Currently, Section 33-1103, Idaho Code, allows a school district to issue bonds "in an amount not to exceed five percent (5%) of the market value for assessment purposes thereof, less the aggregate outstanding indebtedness."

House Bill 147 would increase this bonding capacity from 5% to 8%, thereby allowing up to a 60% increase in the amount of debt a school district could assume.

(-1)

Does it directly or indirectly create or increase any taxes, fees, or other assessments? Conversely, does it eliminate or reduce any taxes, fees, or other assessments?

Increasing bonding capacity means allowing for increased government debt, and this debt is paid for by increasing property taxes. While this bill does not directly increase taxes, it does so indirectly by allowing school districts to assume more debt and impose correspondingly higher taxes on property owners.

(-1)