Housing

signed · Idaho · Senate Mar 26, 2026

S 1347: IDAHO HOUSING AND FINANCE ASSOCIATION – Amends existing law to revise provisions regarding reporting requirements for the Idaho Housing and Finance Association.

This bill requires the Idaho Housing and Finance Association to submit annual reports on how it uses federal housing and homelessness assistance funds. Starting July 1, 2026, the association must detail spending, outcomes, and specific data about individuals and households served under two federal programs: the Continuum of Care program and the Emergency Solutions Grant program. The reports will include information on funding amounts, expenses, services provided, and where participants ended up after receiving assistance, while ensuring all personal information is removed to protect privacy. These reports must be sent to the governor and state legislature and made available on a public website by February of each year.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill requires reporting on federal housing and homelessness assistance funds, increasing transparency and accountability for housing programs.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Homelessness

signed · Idaho · House Apr 1, 2026

H 843: TAXATION – Amends existing law to eliminate proration of the homestead property tax exemption.

This bill eliminates the proration of Idaho's homestead property tax exemption, allowing homeowners to receive the full exemption amount for the entire tax year if they qualify. It applies to owners who use their primary residence as their main dwelling and meet specific eligibility requirements, including uniform property appraisal certification by the state tax commission. Under the new rules, the exemption is calculated based on the full market value reduction rather than being divided by the number of days the property is occupied, and applications must be submitted by the end of the county's business year to receive the full benefit. The law also clarifies that if a homeowner's eligibility status changes during the year, taxes will be prorated only for the period after the status change occurs.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill eliminates proration of homestead property tax exemption, providing tax relief to homeowners and reducing their tax burden.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill strengthens homeowner tax benefits by eliminating proration, making housing more affordable for qualifying homeowners.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Tax Incentives Homeownership Property Taxes

in committee · Idaho · House Mar 17, 2026

H 904: PROPERTY SALES – Amends and adds to existing law to prohibit the purchase of single-family homes by foreign persons.

This bill prohibits foreign persons from purchasing or acquiring controlling interests in single-family homes in Idaho starting July 1, 2026, and also restricts foreign governments and state-controlled enterprises from owning certain types of land like agricultural and forest land. It defines "foreign persons" to include non-U.S. citizens, foreign corporations, foreign governments, and various business entities acting on their behalf, while exempting U.S. citizens and legal residents. If a foreign person acquires a restricted property after the effective date, they must sell it within 180 days, and the attorney general can initiate legal action to force a sale through judicial foreclosure if they do not comply. The bill also establishes a whistleblower program that allows individuals to report violations and receive a 30% reward from the proceeds of any forced property sales, while protecting those who do not investigate foreign ownership status from liability.

Topics ✗ HousingOpposes HousingBill restricts foreign persons from purchasing single-family homes, limiting housing market access and potentially reducing housing availability.90% confidence ✗ ImmigrationOpposes ImmigrationBill restricts foreign persons from purchasing homes, limiting immigrant property ownership rights and access to housing.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Mortgages

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passed · Idaho · Senate Mar 23, 2026

S 1353: HOUSING – Adds to existing law to establish provisions regarding regulation of twin homes and duplexes.

This bill requires cities in Idaho with populations over 10,000 to allow twin homes and duplexes in residential zones where single-family homes are permitted, unless those areas are designated as historic districts. The law mandates that local governments update their land use regulations by February 1, 2027, to permit these housing types, remove lot size restrictions that would block their construction, and limit parking and fee requirements to levels comparable to single-family homes. Cities must approve twin homes and duplexes through administrative processes similar to single-family dwellings, provided they meet standard infrastructure and safety requirements, while retaining the ability to adopt less restrictive rules or maintain protections for public health and safety.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill mandates cities to allow twin homes and duplexes, increasing housing supply and affordability while removing restrictive lot size and parking requirements.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Land Use Zoning

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in committee · Idaho · House Mar 25, 2026

H 947: PROPERTY SALES – Amends and adds to existing law to prohibit the purchase of single-family homes by institutional investors.

This bill prohibits institutional investors, such as corporations and LLCs, from purchasing single-family homes in Idaho starting July 1, 2026, with the goal of keeping homes in the hands of individual Idaho citizens. The law defines institutional investors as profit-seeking entities with multiple members and excludes home builders, family trusts, and nonprofits from this restriction. If an institutional investor acquires a single-family home after the effective date, they must sell the property within 180 days or face judicial foreclosure proceedings initiated by the state attorney general. The bill also includes provisions protecting individuals from liability when determining whether a buyer qualifies as an institutional investor.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill prohibits institutional investors from buying single-family homes to keep them with individual citizens, directly supporting affordable housing and property access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mortgages

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in committee · Idaho · House Feb 17, 2026

H 701: HOUSING – Adds to existing law to provide for limitations on rental application fees.

This bill limits rental application fees charged by landlords or property managers in Idaho. It prohibits charging fees to more than two applicant households per rental unit at the same time and requires landlords to disclose screening criteria upfront. Fees must match actual screening costs, can only be charged to applicants needing background checks, and cannot be charged if no fees are collected. The law takes effect July 1, 2026, directly affecting renters who pay application fees and landlords who collect them.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingLimits excessive rental application fees, requiring transparency and capping fees to protect tenants from unfair costs, aligning with tenant protection indicators.95% confidence

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in committee · Idaho · Senate Feb 12, 2026

S 1279: HOUSING – Adds to existing law to establish provisions regarding starter home subdivisions.

S 1279 prohibits restrictive covenants (like neighborhood rules in homeowner agreements) that block "starter home subdivisions" - defined as new single-family home developments on at least 4-acre lots - starting July 1, 2026. It requires local governments to allow these subdivisions in residential zones and sets specific limits: minimum lot sizes under 1,000 sq ft, small setbacks (15 ft front/rear, 5 ft sides), and density of at least 12 homes per acre. The bill also bans local governments from charging higher fees for these subdivisions compared to standard single-family developments. It does not override safety/environmental laws or affect rules in place before 2026.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingProhibits restrictions on starter home subdivisions, mandates local governments to allow density of 12+ homes/acre, increasing affordable housing supply through development requirements.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Property Development Zoning

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in committee · Idaho · House Feb 17, 2026

H 705: LAND USE PLANNING – Adds to existing law to establish provisions allowing for multifamily residential housing developments in areas zoned for commercial use.

Idaho's H 705 allows apartment buildings in areas currently zoned for commercial use (like stores or offices), requiring cities and counties to update zoning rules to permit this without extra hurdles. It mandates that such developments follow the same design and parking rules as other commercial projects - limiting parking to one space per apartment unit unless safety or infrastructure issues require more. Projects meeting local standards must be approved automatically, without discretionary review, and local governments cannot create rules that make these developments financially unviable. This bill directly affects local governments (who must amend zoning) and developers seeking to build apartment complexes near jobs and services in existing commercial zones.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingRemoves zoning barriers for multifamily housing in commercial zones, enabling increased housing supply and affordability without discretionary delays.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Land Use Property Development Zoning

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failed · Idaho · House Mar 25, 2026

H 760: TAXATION – Amends existing law to revise provisions regarding a certain property tax exemption for low-income housing.

Idaho's H 760 revises property tax exemptions for low-income housing owned by nonprofit organizations. It requires qualifying nonprofits to meet specific criteria, including federal 501(c)(3) status and ensuring no private benefit from tax exemptions. The bill mandates that 55% of units must rent to residents earning ≤60% of local median income, 20% to those earning ≤50%, and 25% to those earning ≤30%, with annual compliance reports to counties. It also adds protections preventing evictions for three months after certified medical emergencies and prohibits the exemption for properties with financing closed by July 1, 2026, unless undergoing rehabilitation.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill tightens property tax exemption criteria for low-income housing nonprofits, ensuring tax benefits serve intended residents and promoting fiscal accountability through strict income requirements and compliance reporting.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingMandates 55% units for ≤60% AMI, requires 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and ensures tax exemptions directly advance affordable housing access per income thresholds.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Tax Incentives Affordable Housing Property Taxes Renters

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in committee · Idaho · Senate Feb 12, 2026

S 1277: ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS – Amends and adds to existing law to revise provisions regarding prohibitions against restrictive covenants banning accessory dwelling units and to establish provisions regarding accessory dwelling units in the Local Land Use Planning Act.

This bill (S 1277) prohibits homeowner associations and restrictive covenants from banning accessory dwelling units (ADUs) - secondary housing units like in-law suites or backyard cottages - starting July 1, 2026. It requires local governments to allow up to two ADUs on residential lots (one for properties ≤1 acre, two for larger lots) and bans restrictions on parking, fees, size (minimum 1,000 sq ft), setbacks, and height. The law also mandates that ADU projects be approved administratively without discretionary review and allows affected parties to sue for violations. It directly affects homeowners, associations, and local zoning authorities by standardizing ADU rules statewide.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill explicitly removes barriers to ADU construction, mandates local approval of up to two ADUs per lot, and increases housing supply through secondary units - directly advancing affordable housing development.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Homeownership Land Use Zoning

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