This bill amends Section 40-203 of the Idaho Code, which governs the abandonment and vacation of county highways and public rights-of-way. Key changes include the clarification that a board of county or highway district commissioners must follow a specific procedure to abandon or vacate highways, including public hearings and notifications to affected parties. The bill emphasizes the importance of maintaining public access to state and federal lands, stipulating that no highway or public right-of-way can be vacated if it has been legally determined to provide such access unless a similar replacement right-of-way is established.

Additionally, the bill introduces new provisions regarding the abandonment process, including the requirement for a formal determination by the commissioners that retaining the highway is not in the public interest. It also specifies that any abandonment must not leave adjoining properties without access to established highways. The bill declares an emergency, making it effective on July 1, 2025, and includes various technical corrections to improve clarity and enforceability.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 40-203, 40-203A