This bill amends various sections of the Idaho Code concerning the designation, abandonment, and validation of highways and public rights-of-way. It introduces a requirement for county or highway district commissioners to hold a public hearing and record a survey with a legal description for each segment acquired from privately owned lands when establishing an interest in real property for highway purposes. Additionally, it mandates that payment must be demonstrated when land is acquired from private parcels and emphasizes the need for commissioners to confirm that no legal abandonment has occurred before designating a new highway or public right-of-way on the official map.

The bill also outlines the procedures for the abandonment and vacation of highways or public rights-of-way, ensuring that no property is left without access to an established highway. It includes a verification process to confirm that a road was legally designated prior to any abandonment and details the validation process, allowing residents or property holders to petition for validation. The commissioners are required to provide a detailed analysis supported by findings of fact and conclusions of law. Importantly, the bill establishes that counties or highway districts have no obligation to maintain or construct highways or rights-of-way within the system, while also declaring an emergency situation that will cause the act to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 40-202, 40-203, 40-203A