Bill Description: House Bill 360 would impose a new fee on vehicle owners when they register through an electronic vehicle credential (EVC) provider. 

Rating: -2

Analyst Note: House Bill 360 is unusual, for it amends a section of code that does not yet exist but will be created should Senate Bill 1102 become law. 

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 360 would amend Section 49-401C, Idaho Code, (created by Senate Bill 1102) by adding a requirement that "an EVC provider shall charge a twenty-nine-dollar ($29.00) convenience processing fee for each transaction."

The bill goes on to say, "Such convenience processing fees shall be submitted by an EVC provider to the department. The department shall deposit such moneys into the strategic initiatives program fund."

According to the bill's Fiscal Note, this fee is expected to redistribute more than $6 million of Idahoans' hard-earned dollars to the state government.

(-1)

Does it give government any new, additional, or expanded power to prohibit, restrict, or regulate activities in the free market? Conversely, does it eliminate or reduce government intervention in the market?

In addition to imposing a new fee on Idahoans, House Bill 360 artificially inflates the price of the EVC providers' services, which devalues their product, and compels these providers to collect an objectionable fee. 

(-1)