Bill description: SB 1368 expands the transparency of Idaho’s Roadless Rule Implementation Commission.

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? 

Idaho’s Roadless Rule Implementation Commission was created to provide a local perspective for federal projects in Idaho’s roadless areas. According to this bill’s statement of purpose, there are 9.3 million acres of roadless forest area in Idaho.

SB 1368 specifies several new powers for the commission, almost all of which revolve around its duty to work with the U.S. Forest Service to coordinate and propose projects in these areas. The new powers include the authority to “coordinate and advise on activities related to shared stewardship, good neighbor authority, forest health, and the protection of communities at risk from wildfire.” The bill also states that the commission would be supported by the governor’s office, which will support it by “working with the United States forest service staff to propose and support projects within and adjacent to Idaho roadless areas, coordinate commission meetings, and other tasks as assigned.”

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

SB 1368 reduces the size of the Idaho Roadless Rule Implementation Commission from 15 members down to somewhere between 9 and 12 members. 

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The bill also sets terms for members of the commission at 4 years. Currently, there are no terms of service set. 

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The bill also requires the commission to submit an annual report to the Senate Resources and Conservation Committee at the Legislature each year, describing what it has done the previous year.

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