This bill amends Section 50-707A of the Idaho Code to revise the provisions regarding the election of councilmen by districts. The key change is that cities with fewer than twenty-five thousand (25,000) inhabitants, rather than the previous threshold of one hundred thousand (100,000), may establish districts for the election of councilmen. The bill stipulates that upon adopting an ordinance to create these districts, the city must establish the territory of the council districts at least one hundred twenty (120) days prior to each general election. Additionally, it mandates that each district must consist of one or more contiguous election precincts and should aim to have an equal population based on the most recent federal decennial census.

The bill also outlines that council members will be elected by the electors of their respective geographic districts, and candidates must reside in the district they wish to represent. For cities with fewer than twenty-five thousand (25,000) inhabitants that choose to establish districts, the council is required to determine the implementation method of this ordinance at least ninety (90) days before the next general election. The bill declares an emergency, making it effective on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 50-707A