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 governing body of such cities must adopt an ordinance to create these districts at least one hundred twenty (120) days prior to a general election. Additionally, cities with populations exceeding twenty-five thousand (25,000) are required to establish districts and elect councilmen accordingly.

The bill also stipulates 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. Furthermore, it mandates that council members be elected by the electors of their respective districts, with candidates required to be residents of those districts. The council of cities with fewer than twenty-five thousand (25,000) inhabitants will determine the implementation method of the ordinance at least ninety (90) days before the next general election. An emergency clause is included, making the act effective on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 50-707A