Logan Finney

1 month ago | blog.idahoreports.idahoptv.org | Logan Finney

by Logan Finney, Idaho ReportsThis week, the Idaho Supreme Court struck down a Lava Hot Springs ordinance that limited what kinds of short-term vacation rentals can operate in residential zones of the city. Lava Hot Springs residents with support from the Idaho Association of Realtors sued the city after being denied a business license to operate a vacation rental in the residential zone, arguing the ordinance violated Idaho’s Short-term Rental and Vacation Rental Act.

2 months ago | blog.idahoreports.idahoptv.org | Logan Finney

by Clark Corbin, Idaho Capital SunAs expected, the Idaho Legislature wrapped up its business Friday and adjourned the 2025 legislative session after 89 days at the Idaho State Capitol in Boise. The 2025 session was dominated by a series of tax cuts that also reduce the amount of state revenue that is available to pay for the state budget. – House Bill 40 lowers both the individual and corporate income tax from 5.695% to 5.3% and reduces state revenue by $253 million.

2 months ago | blog.idahoreports.idahoptv.org | Logan Finney

State lawmakers are constitutionally required each year to set a balanced budget where expenses do not exceed revenues. Following a new process in recent sessions, the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee has created basic “maintenance” budgets that extend existing spending into the next fiscal year. A follow-up “enhancement” budget covers any new spending requested by the agencies.

2 months ago | blog.idahoreports.idahoptv.org | Logan Finney

by Logan Finney, Idaho ReportsThe Senate has passed a bill to revise property tax exemptions for nonprofit hospitals. Senate Majority Caucus Chairman Ben Toews described the bill as “a collaborative effort between the Idaho Association of Counties and the Idaho Hospital Association.” It tightens the general definition of hospital while specifically designating critical access hospitals and rural emergency hospitals for the exemption.

2 months ago | blog.idahoreports.idahoptv.org | Logan Finney

by Logan Finney, Idaho ReportsThe House State Affairs Committee approved a bill Wednesday that would help protect electric utility companies from civil lawsuits related to wildfire damages. Senate Bill 1183 would establish a standard of care in state law under which electric companies would not be held liable for wildfire-related damages if they have followed their individual wildfire mitigation plans, as approved by the state’s Public Utilities Commission. Reps.