The bill amends Section 63-602G of the Idaho Code to update the homestead property tax exemption provisions for owner-occupied homes, maintaining the existing exemption of the first $125,000 of market value or 50% of the market value, whichever is lesser. New requirements for homeowners applying for the exemption include certifying that they do not have a similar homestead exemption in any other state and providing their Idaho state-issued driver's license or identification number, or evidence of filing an Idaho individual income tax return if they lack such identification. The bill also introduces stricter measures to prevent improper claims, including penalties for claiming multiple exemptions and allowing for the recovery of improperly claimed exemptions over a maximum period of seven years.

Additionally, the bill establishes a new database for officials to verify that individuals do not claim multiple active exemptions and deletes the previous requirement that a person's residence for voting must match their homestead exemption. Instead, it requires verification of a person's residence for any declaration of candidacy for elected office to align with their active homestead exemption. The bill mandates that any increases in taxable value due to changes in the status of properties receiving the homeowner exemption must be included by the county assessor on the property roll. Declared an emergency measure, the bill takes effect immediately upon passage and approval, with retroactive applicability to January 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 63-602G