Bill Description: House Bill 585 would allow a permit holder seeking a required government inspection of electrical, plumbing, or HVAC work to hire a third-party inspector if a government inspector fails to complete the inspection within 48 business hours.

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

House Bill 585 would create sections 54-1004A, 54-2626A, and 54-5020A Idaho Code, dealing with inspections for work performed by electricians, plumbers, and HVAC technicians, respectively. 

These new sections would say that if a permit holder requests a required government inspection and that inspection is not performed within 48 business hours, the permit holder is authorized to hire a third-party inspector to perform the inspection. The government entity that failed to perform the requested inspection will also be required to refund anything the permit holder paid to the government for the inspection that did not take place. 

The bill would also say that if a government inspector fails to provide the reason for a failed inspection within 3 business days, the government entity responsible owes the permit holder a 10% refund for the fees, or the portion thereof, paid by a permit holder for the inspection.

These changes may serve to reduce inefficiencies and increase accountability related to required government inspections.

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