This bill amends Section 50-707A of the Idaho Code to revise the provisions regarding the election of councilmen by districts. Specifically, it lowers the population threshold for cities to establish council districts from one hundred thousand (100,000) inhabitants to twenty-five thousand (25,000) inhabitants based on the most recent federal decennial census. The bill stipulates that any city with fewer than twenty-five thousand inhabitants may, by ordinance, provide for districts and the election of councilmen by those districts. Additionally, it requires that districts be established no later than one hundred twenty (120) days prior to the general election following the establishment of election precincts.

The bill also outlines that each district must consist of one or more contiguous election precincts and should aim to contain an equal number of people based on the most recent census. Furthermore, it mandates that council members be elected by the electors of their respective geographic districts, with candidates required to be residents of those districts. For cities with fewer than twenty-five thousand inhabitants that choose to establish districts, the council must determine the implementation method at least ninety (90) days before the next general election. The act declares an emergency and is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 50-707A