This bill amends Idaho law to revise how Community Infrastructure Districts can be formed, allowing cities and counties to create special zones for planning infrastructure before development begins. The key provision requires that any district be approved by local government bodies and must follow existing land use planning rules, while also specifying that only publicly owned infrastructure can be financed through these districts. The legislation creates a legal framework for advance payment of development impact fees and provides additional financing tools to help new growth pay for itself more quickly.
H 766 amends Idaho Code to revise the definition of "governmental entity" in development impact fee law. The bill explicitly specifies that cities, counties, single countywide highway districts, fire protection districts, and ambulance service districts are authorized to adopt development impact fee ordinances. This change directly affects these local government units by clarifying their authority to impose fees on developers to fund public infrastructure. The bill does not alter fee calculation methods, project requirements, or infrastructure types covered - only the list of entities permitted to implement the fee system.
This bill requires Idaho to suspend driver's licenses for individuals who are 60 days or more behind on unpaid fines for moving traffic violations. It creates a new legal provision that allows courts to notify the Department of Transportation when a driver fails to pay an infraction penalty, triggering an automatic suspension without a prior hearing. To restore driving privileges, drivers must pay all outstanding fines and fees, and the law includes an appeal process through district court as well as limited exceptions for medical emergencies and employment-related travel.
H 664 would remove a lower speed limit for large trucks in Idaho. Currently, trucks with five or more axles and a gross weight over 26,000 pounds must travel 10 miles per hour slower than other vehicles on most roads. The bill changes the law so these trucks can travel at the same speed limits as passenger cars and smaller trucks, without the 10 mph reduction. This change would take effect on July 1, 2026.
Idaho's S 1340 amends traffic laws to require drivers on multilane highways to use the right-hand lane unless passing, preparing for a left turn, or overtaking slower vehicles. It specifically prohibits driving in the left lane when not passing, and mandates that vehicles moving slower than normal traffic must stay in the right lane to avoid impeding faster vehicles. Violations - including driving slowly in the left lane - carry a $75 fine under amended sections 49-630 and 49-655 of the Idaho Code. The law takes effect July 1, 2026, and includes signage requirements to inform drivers.
