This bill amends Section 31-1409 of the Idaho Code to update the residence qualifications for fire protection district commissioners. The new provisions stipulate that every commissioner, whether appointed or elected, must be an elector residing within the fire protection district for at least one year prior to their appointment or election. Additionally, they must reside in the specific subdistrict they represent for at least ninety consecutive days before their appointment or election. The term of office for fire protection commissioners will now commence on the second Monday of January following the general election, rather than each general election.

The bill also outlines the process for filling vacancies on the fire protection district board of commissioners. If a vacancy occurs, the fire protection board is responsible for filling it within sixty days of learning about the vacancy. The bill mandates that a notice of the vacancy be published, including details about the meeting to vote on the appointment and the deadline for interested residents to submit requests. Furthermore, if more than fifty percent of the commissioner seats are vacant, remaining board members or any elector can petition the county commissioners to make necessary appointments to fill the vacancies. An emergency clause is included, allowing the act to take effect immediately upon passage and approval.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 31-1409