Bill Description: House Bill 492 would grant recreation districts the authority to enter into intergovernmental agreements for, among other things, collecting and spending money from development impact fees.

Rating: -2

Does it create, expand, or enlarge any agency, board, program, function, or activity of government? Conversely, does it eliminate or curtail the size or scope of government?

House Bill 492 would amend Section 67-8204A, Idaho Code, to grant recreation districts authority to enter into intergovernmental agreements with "each other or with highway districts, fire districts, ambulance districts, water districts, sewer districts, recreational water and sewer districts, or irrigation districts for the purpose of developing joint plans for capital improvements or for the purpose of agreeing to collect and expend development impact fees for system improvements, or both, provided that such agreement complies with any applicable state laws."

The statute also authorizes these governmental entities "to enter into agreements with the Idaho transportation department for the expenditure of development impact fees pursuant to a developer's agreement under section 67-8214, Idaho Code."

This bill would expand the scope and authority of recreation districts. 

(-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?

Recreation districts exist wholly outside of the proper role of government and expanding their authority to collect impact fees is objectionable. Lawmakers and citizens alike should seek to eliminate and enfeeble taxing districts, not expand them. 

(-1)