Bill Description: House Bill 157 reduces vehicle registration fees for Idahoans stationed out-of-state while serving in the military. 

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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?

House Bill 157 creates Section 49-402F, Idaho Code, to reduce by half the vehicle registration fee for one vehicle "owned by an active duty military member who is stationed outside of Idaho at the time of registration renewal."

This fee reduction will save an estimated total of $68,000 for the individuals who qualify for it. 

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Does it increase government redistribution of wealth? Examples include the use of tax policy or other incentives to reward specific interest groups, businesses, politicians, or government employees with special favors or perks; transfer payments; and hiring additional government employees. Conversely, does it decrease government redistribution of wealth?

Giving individuals who are working out-of-state a reduction on registration fees makes sense because they are not using Idaho roads while working elsewhere. This is true for many Idahoans, however, not just military members. Every year, thousands of Idahoans travel to other states for work. They go to Alaska to fish, North Dakota to work in the oil industry, California to fight fires, and to many other places to do all manner of important work. Numerous bills have been introduced in the Legislature this session stressing that all jobs are essential. 

Laws that extend special favors, tax breaks, or fee reductions only to a small minority of individuals are carve-outs that reward some people at the expense of others. 

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