2007 Legislation
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HOUSE BILL NO. 196 – Elections, dates, limitations

HOUSE BILL NO. 196

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H0196...............................................by REVENUE AND TAXATION
ELECTION DATES - Amends existing law relating to elections to limit the
number of elections that may be conducted in a calendar year; to specify
the dates elections may be held; to remove the exemption on the limitation
upon elections as it applies to school districts; to provide for
application to city elections; and to revise dates of elections of
political subdivisions consistent with the specified election dates.
                                                                        
02/14    House intro - 1st rdg - to printing
02/15    Rpt prt - to Loc Gov
02/23    Rpt out - rec d/p - to 2nd rdg
02/26    2nd rdg - to 3rd rdg
02/27    3rd rdg - PASSED - 40-30-0
      AYES -- Anderson, Barrett, Bayer, Bedke, Bell, Bilbao, Block, Bolz,
      Brackett, Bradford, Chadderdon, Clark, Collins, Crane, Eskridge,
      Hagedorn, Hart, Harwood, Henderson, Kren, Labrador, Lake, Loertscher,
      Marriott, Mathews, McGeachin, Mortimer, Moyle, Nonini, Patrick,
      Raybould, Roberts, Schaefer, Shepherd(8), Smith(24), Stevenson,
      Thayn, Vander Woude, Wood(35), Mr. Speaker
      NAYS -- Andrus, Black, Bock, Boe, Chavez, Chew, Durst, Edmunson,
      Henbest, Jaquet, Killen, King, LeFavour, Luker, Nielsen,
      Pasley-Stuart, Pence, Ring, Ringo, Ruchti, Rusche, Sayler,
      Shepherd(2), Shirley, Shively, Smith(30), Snodgrass, Trail, Wills,
      Wood(27)
      Absent and excused -- None
    Floor Sponsor - Lake
    Title apvd - to Senate
02/28    Senate intro - 1st rdg - to St Aff

Bill Text


                                                                        
                                                                        
  ]]]]              LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF IDAHO             ]]]]
 Fifty-ninth Legislature                   First Regular Session - 2007
                                                                        
                                                                        
                              IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
                                                                        
                                     HOUSE BILL NO. 196
                                                                        
                             BY REVENUE AND TAXATION COMMITTEE
                                                                        
  1                                        AN ACT
  2    RELATING TO ELECTIONS; AMENDING SECTION 22-4301, IDAHO  CODE,  TO  REVISE  THE
  3        DATE  OF  ELECTION  TO  ESTABLISH AND MAINTAIN A WEATHER MODIFICATION DIS-
  4        TRICT; AMENDING SECTION 31-402, IDAHO CODE, TO REVISE THE DATE OF ELECTION
  5        TO CONSOLIDATE COUNTIES; AMENDING SECTION 31-403, IDAHO  CODE,  TO  REVISE
  6        THE  DATE  OF  ELECTION REFERRED TO IN A PETITION TO CONSOLIDATE COUNTIES;
  7        AMENDING SECTION 33-308, IDAHO CODE, TO REQUIRE THAT THE DATE OF A  SCHOOL
  8        DISTRICT  ELECTION  HELD FOR THE PURPOSE OF EXCISING OR ANNEXING TERRITORY
  9        TO A DISTRICT SHALL BE HELD ON A DATE AUTHORIZED IN SECTION 34-106,  IDAHO
 10        CODE;  AMENDING  SECTION 33-312, IDAHO CODE, TO REQUIRE THAT THE DATE OF A
 11        SCHOOL DISTRICT ELECTION HELD FOR THE PURPOSE OF DIVIDING  A  SCHOOL  DIS-
 12        TRICT  SHALL  BE  HELD  SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 34-106, IDAHO
 13        CODE, AND TO MAKE TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS; AMENDING  SECTION  33-317,  IDAHO
 14        CODE, TO PROVIDE THAT AN ELECTION HELD TO AUTHORIZE A LEVY IN SUPPORT OF A
 15        COOPERATIVE SERVICE AGENCY SHALL BE HELD SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS OF SEC-
 16        TION  34-106,  IDAHO CODE; AMENDING SECTION 33-351, IDAHO CODE, TO PROVIDE
 17        THAT A SCHOOL DISTRICT ELECTION HELD ON THE QUESTION OF  CREATING  SUBDIS-
 18        TRICTS  SHALL  BE  HELD SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 34-106, IDAHO
 19        CODE; AMENDING SECTION 33-434, IDAHO CODE, TO PROVIDE THAT A  SCHOOL  DIS-
 20        TRICT  ELECTION  HELD ON THE QUESTION OF RECALLING A TRUSTEE SHALL BE HELD
 21        ON THE NEAREST DATE AUTHORIZED IN SECTION  34-106,  IDAHO  CODE;  AMENDING
 22        SECTION 33-503, IDAHO CODE, TO REVISE THE DATE OF ELECTION FOR SCHOOL DIS-
 23        TRICT  TRUSTEES  AND  TO  MAKE  A  TECHNICAL  CORRECTION; AMENDING SECTION
 24        33-802, IDAHO CODE, TO PROVIDE THAT ELECTIONS FOR CERTAIN SCHOOL  DISTRICT
 25        LEVIES  SHALL  BE  HELD SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 34-106, IDAHO
 26        CODE; AMENDING SECTION 33-804, IDAHO CODE, TO PROVIDE THAT A  SCHOOL  DIS-
 27        TRICT  ELECTION  HELD  TO AUTHORIZE A SCHOOL PLANT FACILITIES RESERVE FUND
 28        LEVY SHALL BE HELD SUBJECT TO THE  PROVISIONS  OF  SECTION  34-106,  IDAHO
 29        CODE;  AMENDING  SECTION  34-106, IDAHO CODE, TO LIMIT THE NUMBER OF ELEC-
 30        TIONS WHICH MAY BE CONDUCTED IN A CALENDAR  YEAR,  TO  SPECIFY  THE  DATES
 31        ELECTIONS  MAY  BE  HELD, TO REMOVE THE EXEMPTION ON LIMITATION UPON ELEC-
 32        TIONS AS IT APPLIES TO SCHOOL DISTRICTS, TO PROVIDE AN EFFECTIVE DATE  FOR
 33        CERTAIN  ELECTIONS  AND  TO  MAKE  TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS; AMENDING SECTION
 34        34-1401, IDAHO CODE, TO CLARIFY ADMINISTRATION OF  SCHOOL  DISTRICT  ELEC-
 35        TIONS;  AMENDING  SECTION 34-2501, IDAHO CODE, TO REVISE THE DEFINITION OF
 36        "EXPENDITURE REPORT PERIOD" AND TO MAKE  TECHNICAL  CORRECTIONS;  AMENDING
 37        SECTION  39-1330,  IDAHO CODE, TO REVISE THE DATE OF ELECTION FOR HOSPITAL
 38        DISTRICTS AND BOARD MEMBERS AND TO MAKE  TECHNICAL  CORRECTIONS;  AMENDING
 39        SECTION  40-1305,  IDAHO  CODE,  TO REVISE THE DATE OF ELECTION OF HIGHWAY
 40        COMMISSIONERS AND TO DELETE OBSOLETE LANGUAGE; AMENDING  SECTION  42-3211,
 41        IDAHO  CODE, TO REVISE THE DATE OF ELECTION FOR WATER AND SEWER DISTRICTS;
 42        AMENDING SECTION 42-4204, IDAHO CODE, TO REVISE THE DATE OF  ELECTION  FOR
 43        BOARD  OF  DIRECTORS  OF  AN  AQUIFER  RECHARGE DISTRICT; AMENDING SECTION
 44        42-5104, IDAHO CODE, TO REVISE THE DATE OF ELECTION FOR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
 45        OF A GROUND WATER MANAGEMENT  DISTRICT;  AMENDING  SECTION  50-429,  IDAHO
 46        CODE,  TO  LIMIT  THE NUMBER OF CITY ELECTIONS WHICH MAY BE CONDUCTED IN A
                                                                        
                                       2
                                                                        
  1        CALENDAR YEAR, TO SPECIFY THE DATES ELECTIONS MAY BE HELD, TO  PROVIDE  AN
  2        EFFECTIVE  DATE  FOR ELECTIONS AND TO MAKE TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS; AMENDING
  3        SECTION 50-803, IDAHO CODE, TO PROVIDE THAT AN ELECTION HELD ON THE  QUES-
  4        TION  OF  ADOPTING  THE  COUNCIL-MANAGER PLAN SHALL BE HELD ON THE NEAREST
  5        DATE AUTHORIZED IN SECTION 50-429, IDAHO CODE;  AMENDING  SECTION  50-806,
  6        IDAHO  CODE, TO PROVIDE FOR ELECTION OF OFFICIALS CONSISTENT WITH THE PRO-
  7        VISIONS OF SECTION 50-803, IDAHO CODE, AND TO PROVIDE  A  CODE  REFERENCE;
  8        AMENDING  SECTION 50-2104, IDAHO CODE, TO PROVIDE THAT AN ELECTION HELD ON
  9        THE QUESTION OF CONSOLIDATING CITIES SHALL BE HELD  ON  THE  NEAREST  DATE
 10        AUTHORIZED  IN SECTION 50-429, IDAHO CODE; AMENDING SECTION 50-2107, IDAHO
 11        CODE, TO PROVIDE THAT AN ELECTION OF OFFICERS OF A CONSOLIDATED CITY SHALL
 12        BE HELD ON THE NEAREST DATE AUTHORIZED  IN  SECTION  50-429,  IDAHO  CODE;
 13        AMENDING SECTION 50-2302, IDAHO CODE, TO PROVIDE THAN AN ELECTION TO ORGA-
 14        NIZE  A  CITY  SHALL  BE HELD SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 50-429,
 15        IDAHO CODE, AND TO MAKE TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS; AND PROVIDING AN  EFFECTIVE
 16        DATE.
                                                                        
 17    Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Idaho:
                                                                        
 18        SECTION  1.  That  Section 22-4301, Idaho Code, be, and the same is hereby
 19    amended to read as follows:
                                                                        
 20        22-4301.  ESTABLISHMENT -- PETITION -- ELECTION. (1)  The  county  commis-
 21    sioners  of any county shall, upon petition signed by not less than fifty (50)
 22    resident real property holders of said county, or any portion  thereof,  which
 23    may  exclude  incorporated cities, undertake the following procedure to deter-
 24    mine the advisability of resolving to establish and maintain a weather modifi-
 25    cation district within the county as may be designated in the petition.
 26        (a)  A petition to form a weather modification district shall be presented
 27        to the county clerk and recorder. The petition shall be signed by not less
 28        than fifty (50) of the resident real property holders within the  proposed
 29        district. The petition shall designate the boundaries of the district.
 30        (b)  The petition shall be filed with the county clerk and recorder of the
 31        county  in  which the signers of the petition are located. Upon the filing
 32        of the petition the county clerk shall examine the  petition  and  certify
 33        whether  the  required  number of petitioners have signed the petition. If
 34        the number of petition signers is sufficient, the clerk shall transmit the
 35        petition to the board of county commissioners.
 36        (c)  Upon receipt of a duly certified petition the board of county commis-
 37        sioners shall give notice of an election to be held, subject to the provi-
 38        sions of section 34-106, Idaho Code, in such  proposed  district  for  the
 39        purpose of determining whether or not the proposed district shall be orga-
 40        nized  and  to  elect  the  first board of trustees for the district. Such
 41        notice shall include the date and  hours  of  the  election,  the  polling
 42        places,  the  maximum  percent  of market value for assessment purposes of
 43        taxable property within the district which the proposed district  will  be
 44        permitted  to  levy,  the  general  purposes  of  the proposed district, a
 45        description of lands to be included in the proposed district, a  statement
 46        that  a  map  of  the  proposed district is available in the office of the
 47        board of county commissioners, and the names and terms of the  members  to
 48        be  elected  to the first board of trustees. The notice shall be published
 49        once each week for three (3) consecutive weeks prior to such election,  in
 50        a newspaper of general circulation within the county.
 51        (d)  The  election  shall be held and conducted consistent with the provi-
 52        sions of chapter 14, title 34, Idaho Code. The board of county commission-
                                                                        
                                       3
                                                                        
  1        ers shall appoint three (3) judges of election, one (1) of whom shall  act
  2        as clerk for the election. At such election the electors shall vote for or
  3        against  the  organization  of  the district, and the members of the first
  4        board of trustees.
  5        (e)  The judges of election shall certify the returns of the  election  to
  6        the board of county commissioners. If a majority of the votes cast at said
  7        election are in favor of the organization, the board of county commission-
  8        ers  shall  declare the district organized and give it a name by which, in
  9        all proceedings, it shall thereafter be known, and shall further designate
 10        the first board of trustees elected, and thereupon the district shall be a
 11        legal taxing district.
 12        (f)  On the first fourth Tuesday of February May, in the  second  calendar
 13        year after the organization of any district, and on the first fourth Tues-
 14        day of February May every year thereafter an election shall be held, which
 15        shall be known as the annual election of the district.
 16        At the first annual election in any district hereafter organized, and each
 17    third year thereafter, there shall be elected by the qualified electors of the
 18    district,  one (1) member of the board to serve for a term of three (3) years;
 19    at the second annual election and each third year thereafter, there  shall  be
 20    elected  one  (1)  member of the board to serve for a term of three (3) years,
 21    and at the third annual election, and each third year thereafter, there  shall
 22    be elected one (1) member of the board to serve for a term of three (3) years.
 23        Not  later than the sixth Friday before any such election, nominations may
 24    be filed with the secretary of the board and if a nominee  does  not  withdraw
 25    his  name  before  the  first  publication of the notice of election, his name
 26    shall be placed on the ballot. The board shall provide for holding such  elec-
 27    tion  and  shall  appoint  judges to conduct it. The secretary of the district
 28    shall give notice of election by publication, and  shall  arrange  such  other
 29    details  in  connection  therewith as the board may direct. The returns of the
 30    election shall be certified to and shall be  canvassed  and  declared  by  the
 31    board. The candidate or candidates receiving the most votes shall be elected.
 32        In  any election for trustees, if after the deadline for filing a declara-
 33    tion of intent as a write-in candidate, it appears that only one (1) qualified
 34    candidate has been nominated for a trustee position, it shall not be necessary
 35    for the candidate to stand for election, and the board of trustees of the dis-
 36    trict shall declare such candidate elected as trustee, and  the  secretary  of
 37    the  district  shall immediately make and deliver to such person a certificate
 38    of election.
                                                                        
 39        SECTION 2.  That Section 31-402, Idaho Code, be, and the  same  is  hereby
 40    amended to read as follows:
                                                                        
 41        31-402.  TIME FOR HOLDING ELECTIONS TO CONSOLIDATE COUNTIES. All elections
 42    for the consolidation of counties shall be held on the first fourth Tuesday in
 43    August May in the year general elections are held.
                                                                        
 44        SECTION  3.  That  Section  31-403, Idaho Code, be, and the same is hereby
 45    amended to read as follows:
                                                                        
 46        31-403.  PETITION FOR CONSOLIDATION. Not less than ninety  (90)  days  nor
 47    more  than six (6) months prior to the date specified in section 31-402, Idaho
 48    Code, a petition may be circulated in any county praying for the consolidation
 49    of such county with another county. Such petition shall  be  entitled  in  the
 50    district court of the former county, and shall be in substantially the follow-
 51    ing form:
                                                                        
                                       4
                                                                        
  1        "The undersigned qualified electors of .... County, State of Idaho, hereby
  2    petition  the  court  or  judge thereof to order an election to be held on the
  3    first fourth Tuesday in August May next hereafter to  determine  whether  said
  4    ....  County  shall  be  consolidated with .... County (naming the county with
  5    which it is desired to consolidate), under the provisions of the law  applica-
  6    ble to such elections."
  7        Such  petition may consist of any number of copies required for convenient
  8    and rapid circulation and the various copies shall be considered  as  one  (1)
  9    petition.  If  said  petition,  within  the time limits hereinbefore fixed, is
 10    signed by a number of qualified electors of the county which it is proposed to
 11    consolidate, equal in number to two-thirds (2/3) of  all votes cast therein at
 12    the last general election, such petition shall thereupon, and not  later  than
 13    eighty  (80)  days  prior to said first fourth Tuesday in August May, be filed
 14    with the clerk of the district court of such county. Such  petition  shall  be
 15    deemed a proposal to consolidate said county with the county named therein.
                                                                        
 16        SECTION  4.  That  Section  33-308, Idaho Code, be, and the same is hereby
 17    amended to read as follows:
                                                                        
 18        33-308.  EXCISION AND ANNEXATION OF TERRITORY. (1) A board of trustees  of
 19    any  school  district including a specially chartered school district, or one-
 20    fourth (1/4) or more of the school district electors, residing in an  area  of
 21    not  more than fifty (50) square miles within which there is no schoolhouse or
 22    facility necessary for the operation of a school  district,  may  petition  in
 23    writing  proposing the annexation of the area to another and contiguous school
 24    district.
 25        (2)  Such petition shall be in duplicate, one (1) copy of which  shall  be
 26    presented to the board of trustees of the district from which the area is pro-
 27    posed to be excised, and the other to the board of trustees of the district to
 28    which the area is proposed to be annexed. The petition shall contain:
 29        (a)  The names and addresses of the petitioners;
 30        (b)  A  legal description of the area proposed to be excised from one dis-
 31        trict and annexed to another contiguous district;
 32        (c)  Maps showing the boundaries of the districts as they presently appear
 33        and as they would appear should the excision and annexation be approved;
 34        (d)  The names of the school districts from and to which the area is  pro-
 35        posed to be excised, and annexed;
 36        (e)  A  description  of reasons for which the petition is being submitted;
 37        and
 38        (f)  An estimate of the number of children residing in the area  described
 39        in the petition.
 40        (3)  The board of trustees of each school district, no later than ten (10)
 41    days  after  its first regular meeting held subsequent to receipt of the peti-
 42    tion, shall transmit the petition, with recommendations, to the state board of
 43    education.
 44        (4)  The state board of education shall approve the proposal provided:
 45        (a)  The excision and annexation is in the best interests of the  children
 46        residing in the area described in the petition; and
 47        (b)  The  excision of the territory, as proposed, would not leave a school
 48        district with a bonded debt in excess of the limit then prescribed by law.
 49    If either condition is not met, the state board shall disapprove the proposal.
 50    The approval or disapproval shall be expressed in  writing  to  the  board  of
 51    trustees of each school district named in the petition.
 52        (5)  If  the state board of education shall approve the proposal, it shall
 53    be submitted to the school district electors residing in the area described in
                                                                        
                                       5
                                                                        
  1    the petition, at an election held in the manner provided in chapter  4,  title
  2    33,  Idaho  Code. Such election shall be held within on the date authorized in
  3    section 34-106, Idaho Code, which is nearest to  sixty  (60)  days  after  the
  4    state board approves the proposal.
  5        (6)  At  the  election there shall be submitted to the electors having the
  6    qualifications of electors in a school district bond election and residing  in
  7    the area proposed to be annexed:
  8        (a)  The  question  of whether the area described in the petition shall be
  9        excised  from school district no. (   ) and annexed to  contiguous  school
 10        district no. (    ); and
 11        (b)  The  question  of  assumption  of  the  appropriate proportion of any
 12        bonded debt, and the interest thereon, of  the  proposed  annexing  school
 13        district.
 14        (7)  If  a  majority of the school district electors in the area described
 15    in the petition, voting in the election, shall vote in favor of  the  proposal
 16    to  excise  and annex the said area, and if in the area the electors voting on
 17    the question of the assumption of bonded debt and interest have approved  such
 18    assumption  by the proportion of votes cast as is required by section 3, arti-
 19    cle VIII, of the constitution of the state of Idaho, the proposal shall  carry
 20    and be approved. Otherwise, it shall fail.
 21        (8)  If  the proposal shall be approved by the electors in the manner pre-
 22    scribed, the state board of education shall make an appropriate order for  the
 23    boundaries  of  the  affected  school  districts  to be altered; and the legal
 24    descriptions of the school districts shall be corrected as prescribed in  sec-
 25    tion 33-307(2), Idaho Code.
                                                                        
 26        SECTION  5.  That  Section  33-312, Idaho Code, be, and the same is hereby
 27    amended to read as follows:
                                                                        
 28        33-312.  DIVISION OF SCHOOL DISTRICT. A school district may be divided  so
 29    as  to form not more than two (2) districts each of which must have continuous
 30    boundaries, in the manner hereinafter provided, except that any district which
 31    operates and maintains a secondary school or  schools  shall  not  be  divided
 32    unless  the  two  (2) districts created out of the division shall each operate
 33    and maintain a secondary school or schools immediately  following  such  divi-
 34    sion.
 35        A  proposal  to  divide a school district may be initiated by its board of
 36    trustees and submitted to the state board of education.  Such  proposal  shall
 37    contain  all  of  the information required in a proposal to consolidate school
 38    districts as may be relevant to a proposal to divide  a  school  district.  It
 39    shall  also show the manner in which it is proposed to divide or apportion the
 40    property and liabilities of the district, the names and numbers  of  the  pro-
 41    posed new districts, and legal description of the proposed trustee zones.
 42        Before  submitting  any proposal to divide a school district, the board of
 43    trustees shall hold a hearing or hearings on the proposal within the district.
 44    Notice of such hearing or hearings shall be posted by the clerk of  the  board
 45    of  trustees in not less than three (3) public places within the district, one
 46    (1) of which places shall be at or near the main door  of  the  administrative
 47    offices  of  the  school  district, for not less than ten (10) days before the
 48    date of such hearing or hearings.
 49        The state board of education may approve or disapprove any  such  proposal
 50    submitted  to it, and shall give notice thereof in the manner of a proposal to
 51    consolidate school districts; except, that the state board of education  shall
 52    not approve any proposal which would result in a district to be created by the
 53    division  having  or assuming a bonded debt in an amount exceeding the limita-
                                                                        
                                       6
                                                                        
  1    tions imposed by law, or which would leave the area of any city or village  in
  2    more than one (1) school district.
  3        If  the  state board of education shall approve the proposal to divide the
  4    district, notice of the election shall be published,  the  election  shall  be
  5    held  subject  to the provisions of section 34-106, Idaho Code, and conducted,
  6    and the ballots shall be canvassed, according to the  provisions  of  sections
  7    33-401--  through 33-406, Idaho Code. The division shall be approved only if a
  8    majority of all votes cast at said special election  by  the  school  district
  9    electors residing within the entire existing school district and voting in the
 10    election  are in favor of the division of such district, and a majority of all
 11    votes cast at said special election by the qualified voters within  that  por-
 12    tion of the proposed new district having a minority of the number of qualified
 13    voters, such portion to be determined by the number of votes cast in each area
 14    which is a contemplated new district, are in favor of the division of the dis-
 15    trict,  and  upon  such approval two (2) new school districts shall be thereby
 16    created. The organization and division of  all  school  districts  which  have
 17    divided since June 30, 1963, are hereby validated.
 18        If  the  division be approved, as herein provided, the board of canvassers
 19    shall thereupon notify the state board of education and the  trustees  of  the
 20    district  which  has  been  divided.  The state board shall give notice to the
 21    board of county commissioners of any county in which the  newly  created  dis-
 22    tricts may lie.
                                                                        
 23        SECTION  6.  That  Section  33-317, Idaho Code, be, and the same is hereby
 24    amended to read as follows:
                                                                        
 25        33-317.  COOPERATIVE SERVICE AGENCY -- POWERS --  DUTIES  --  LIMITATIONS.
 26    (1)  Two  (2)  or more school districts may join together for educational pur-
 27    poses to form a service agency to purchase materials and/or  provide  services
 28    for  use  individually  or in combination. The cooperative service agency thus
 29    formed shall be empowered to adopt bylaws, and act as  a  body  corporate  and
 30    politic with such powers as are assigned through its bylaws but limited to the
 31    powers  and  duties of local school districts. In its corporate capacity, this
 32    agency may sue and be sued and may acquire, hold and convey real and  personal
 33    property necessary to its existence. The employees of the service agency shall
 34    be extended the same general rights, privileges and responsibilities as compa-
 35    rable employees of a school district.
 36        (2)  A  properly  constituted  cooperative service agency may request from
 37    its member school districts funding to be furnished  by  a  tax  levy  not  to
 38    exceed  one-tenth  of  one  percent  (.1%) for a period not to exceed ten (10)
 39    years by such member school districts. Such levy  must  be  authorized  by  an
 40    election  held subject to the provisions of section 34-106, Idaho Code, and be
 41    conducted in each of the school districts pursuant to  chapter  4,  title  33,
 42    Idaho Code, and approved by a majority of the district electors voting in such
 43    election.  Moneys  received  by  the  member school districts from this source
 44    shall be transferred to the cooperative service agency upon receipt of billing
 45    from the agency. Excess revenue over billing must  be  kept  in  a  designated
 46    account  by the district, with accrued interest, and may only be spent as bud-
 47    geted by the agency.
 48        (3)  For the purpose of constructing and maintaining facilities of a coop-
 49    erative service agency, in addition to the levy authorized in  subsection  (2)
 50    of this section, a properly constituted cooperative service agency may request
 51    from  its  member school districts additional funding to be furnished by a tax
 52    levy not to exceed one-tenth of one percent (.1%) for a period not  to  exceed
 53    ten  (10)  years.  Such levy must be authorized by an election held subject to
                                                                        
                                       7
                                                                        
  1    the provisions of section 34-106, Idaho Code, and be conducted in each of  the
  2    school  districts pursuant to chapter 4, title 33, Idaho Code, and approved by
  3    sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66 2/3%) of the district electors voting  in
  4    such election. Electors of the districts may approve continuation of such levy
  5    for  an  additional ten (10) years at an election held for that purpose. There
  6    is no limit on the number of elections which may be held for  the  purpose  of
  7    continuing the levy authorized under this subsection (3) for an additional ten
  8    (10) years. The administration and accounting of moneys received by imposition
  9    of the levy shall be the same as provided in subsection (2) of this section.
                                                                        
 10        SECTION  7.  That  Section  33-351, Idaho Code, be, and the same is hereby
 11    amended to read as follows:
                                                                        
 12        33-351.  SUBDISTRICTS -- AUTHORITY TO ESTABLISH -- ELECTION. The board  of
 13    trustees  of  any  school district which operates two (2) or more high schools
 14    may at any time, on its own motion or  upon  the  filing  with  the  board  of
 15    trustees of a petition so requesting signed by not less than fifty (50) school
 16    electors,  call  an election to submit to the qualified electors of the school
 17    district the question of the creation of one or more school subdistricts. Such
 18    election shall be called, the election shall be held subject to the provisions
 19    of section 34-106, Idaho Code, and shall be conducted pursuant to  the  provi-
 20    sions  of  chapter 4, title 33, Idaho Code. The proceedings calling such elec-
 21    tion shall set forth the boundaries of each proposed  school  subdistrict  and
 22    shall  provide for the submission of the question of the creation of each such
 23    school subdistrict to the qualified electors of the school district and to the
 24    qualified electors residing within the proposed boundaries of each such school
 25    subdistrict. No proposition for the creation of a school subdistrict shall  be
 26    determined to have carried unless such proposition shall receive a majority of
 27    the  votes  cast on such proposition by the qualified electors residing within
 28    the boundaries of the school district and a majority of the votes cast on such
 29    proposition by the qualified electors residing within the  boundaries  of  the
 30    proposed school subdistrict. Whenever the creation of more than one (1) school
 31    subdistrict  is  submitted at the same election, separate ballots and separate
 32    propositions shall be used in voting on the question of creating  each  school
 33    subdistrict.
                                                                        
 34        SECTION  8.  That  Section  33-434, Idaho Code, be, and the same is hereby
 35    amended to read as follows:
                                                                        
 36        33-434.  FIXING DATE FOR RECALL ELECTION -- NOTICE. If, at the  conclusion
 37    of  the verification and canvass, it is found that a petition for recall bears
 38    the required number of signatures of certified legal voters, the clerk of  the
 39    school board shall promptly certify the petitions as sufficient and fix a date
 40    for  the  special  election  to  determine  whether  or not the school trustee
 41    charged shall be recalled and discharged from  office.  The  special  election
 42    shall  be  held on the date authorized in section 34-106, Idaho Code, which is
 43    nearest to but not less than fourteen (14) days nor more than forty-five  (45)
 44    days  from  the certification. Notice shall be given in the manner as required
 45    by law for all other school elections as provided  in  section  33-402,  Idaho
 46    Code.
                                                                        
 47        SECTION  9.  That  Section  33-503, Idaho Code, be, and the same is hereby
 48    amended to read as follows:
                                                                        
 49        33-503.  ELECTION OF TRUSTEES -- UNIFORM DATE. The election of school dis-
                                                                        
                                       8
                                                                        
  1    trict trustees including those in charter districts  shall  be  on  the  third
  2    fourth  Tuesday in May. Notice and conduct of the election, and the canvassing
  3    of the returns shall be as provided in  sections  33-401  --  through  33-406,
  4    Idaho  Code. In each trustee zone, the person receiving the greatest number of
  5    votes cast within his zone shall be declared by the board of trustees  as  the
  6    trustee elected from that zone.
  7        If  any  two  (2)  or  more  persons  have an equal number of votes in any
  8    trustee zone and a greater number than any other nominee  in  that  zone,  the
  9    board of trustees shall determine the winner by a toss of a coin.
                                                                        
 10        SECTION  10.  That  Section 33-802, Idaho Code, be, and the same is hereby
 11    amended to read as follows:
                                                                        
 12        33-802.  SCHOOL LEVIES. Any tax levied for school purposes shall be a lien
 13    on the property against which the tax is levied. The board of  trustees  shall
 14    determine  the levies upon each dollar of taxable property in the district for
 15    the ensuing fiscal year as follows:
 16        (1)  Bond, Interest and Judgment Obligation Levies. Such levies  as  shall
 17    be  required to satisfy all maturing bond, bond interest, and judgment obliga-
 18    tions.
 19        (2)  Budget Stabilization Levies. School  districts  not  receiving  state
 20    equalization  funds  in  fiscal year 2006 may authorize a budget stabilization
 21    levy for calendar year 2006 and each year thereafter. Such  levies  shall  not
 22    exceed  the  difference  between  the amount of equalized funds that the state
 23    department of education estimates the school district will receive  in  fiscal
 24    year 2007, based on the school district's fiscal year 2006 reporting data, and
 25    the  combined amount of money the school district would have received from its
 26    maintenance and operation levy and state property  tax  replacement  funds  in
 27    fiscal year 2007 under the laws of the state of Idaho as they existed prior to
 28    amendment  by the first extraordinary session of the fifty-eighth Idaho legis-
 29    lature. The state department of education shall notify the state  tax  commis-
 30    sion  and  affected  counties and school districts of the maximum levy amounts
 31    permitted, by no later than September 1, 2006.
 32        (3)  Supplemental Maintenance and Operation Levies. No levy in  excess  of
 33    the  levy  permitted  by  this  section shall be made by a noncharter district
 34    unless such a supplemental levy in a specified amount and for a specified time
 35    not to exceed two (2) years be first authorized through an election held  sub-
 36    ject  to the provisions of section 34-106, Idaho Code, and pursuant to chapter
 37    4, title 33, Idaho Code, and approved by a majority of the  district  electors
 38    voting  in  such  election. A levy approved pursuant to this subsection may be
 39    reduced by a majority vote of the board of trustees in the second year.
 40        (4)  Charter District Supplemental Maintenance and Operation. Levies  pur-
 41    suant  to  the  respective charter of any such charter district shall be first
 42    authorized through an election held  subject  to  the  provisions  of  section
 43    34-106,  Idaho  Code,  and  pursuant  to  chapter 4, title 33, Idaho Code, and
 44    approved by a majority of the district electors voting in such election.
 45        (5)  The board of trustees of any school district that has, for  at  least
 46    seven  (7) consecutive years, been authorized through an election held subject
 47    to the provisions of section 34-106, Idaho Code, and pursuant  to  chapter  4,
 48    title  33,  Idaho  Code, to certify a supplemental levy that has annually been
 49    equal to or greater than twenty percent (20%) of the total general maintenance
 50    and operation fund, may submit the question of an indefinite term supplemental
 51    levy to the electors of the school district. Such question shall clearly state
 52    the dollar amount that will be certified annually and that the  levy  will  be
 53    for an indefinite number of years. The question must be approved by a majority
                                                                        
                                       9
                                                                        
  1    of the district electors voting on the question in an election held subject to
  2    the  provisions  of  section  34-106,  Idaho Code, and pursuant  to chapter 4,
  3    title 33, Idaho Code. The levy approved pursuant to  this  subsection  may  be
  4    reduced by a majority vote of the board of trustees during any fiscal year.
  5        (6)  A  charter   district may levy for maintenance and operations if such
  6    authority is contained within its charter. In  the  event  property  within  a
  7    charter   district's  boundaries  is  contained  in  a revenue allocation area
  8    established under chapter 29, title  50, Idaho Code, and such revenue  alloca-
  9    tion  area has given notice of termination thereunder, then, only for the pur-
 10    pose of determining the levy described in this subsection,  the  district  may
 11    add  the  increment  value,  as defined in section 50-2903, Idaho Code, to the
 12    actual or adjusted market value for assessment purposes  of  the  district  as
 13    such value existed on December 31 of the previous year.
                                                                        
 14        SECTION  11.  That  Section 33-804, Idaho Code, be, and the same is hereby
 15    amended to read as follows:
                                                                        
 16        33-804.  SCHOOL PLANT FACILITIES RESERVE FUND LEVY. In any school district
 17    in which a school plant facilities reserve fund has been  created,  either  by
 18    resolution  of  the  board  of  trustees  or by apportionment to new districts
 19    according to the provisions of section 33-901, Idaho Code,  to  provide  funds
 20    therefor  the  board of trustees shall submit to the qualified school electors
 21    of the district the question of a levy not to exceed four-tenths of  one  per-
 22    cent (.4%) of market value for assessment purposes in each year, as such valu-
 23    ation  existed on December 31 of the previous year, for a period not to exceed
 24    ten (10) years.
 25        The question of a levy to be submitted to the electors of the district and
 26    the notice of such election shall state the dollar amount proposed to be  col-
 27    lected each year during the period of years in each of which the collection is
 28    proposed  to  be  made, the percentage of votes in favor of the proposal which
 29    are needed to approve the proposed dollar amount to be collected, and the pur-
 30    poses for which such funds shall be used. Said  notice  shall  be  given,  the
 31    election  shall  be  held  subject  to the provisions of section 34-106, Idaho
 32    Code, and conducted and the returns canvassed as provided in chapter 4,  title
 33    33,  Idaho  Code; and the dollar amount to be collected shall be approved only
 34    if:
 35        1.  Fifty-five percent (55%) of the electors voting in such  election  are
 36    in  favor  thereof  if  the  levy will result in a total levy for school plant
 37    facilities and bonded indebtedness of less  than  two-tenths  of  one  percent
 38    (.2%)  of  market  value  for assessment purposes as such valuation existed on
 39    December 31 of the year immediately preceding the election;
 40        2.  Sixty percent (60%) of the electors voting in  such  election  are  in
 41    favor thereof if the levy will result in a total levy for school plant facili-
 42    ties  and  bonded  indebtedness of two-tenths of one percent (.2%) or more and
 43    less than three-tenths of one percent (.3%) of  market  value  for  assessment
 44    purposes as such valuation existed on December 31 of the year immediately pre-
 45    ceding the election; or
 46        3.  Two-thirds  (2/3) of the electors voting in such election are in favor
 47    thereof if the levy will result in a total levy for  school  plant  facilities
 48    and bonded indebtedness of three-tenths of one percent (.3%) or more of market
 49    value  for assessment purposes as such valuation existed on December 31 of the
 50    year immediately preceding the election.
 51        If the question be approved, the board of trustees may make a levy, not to
 52    exceed four-tenths of one percent (.4%) of market value  for  assessment  pur-
 53    poses  as  such valuation existed on December 31 of the previous year, in each
                                                                        
                                       10
                                                                        
  1    year for which the collection was approved, sufficient to collect  the  dollar
  2    amount  approved  and  may  again submit the question at the expiration of the
  3    period of such levy, for the dollar amount to be collected during  each  year,
  4    and the number of years which the board may at that time determine. Or, during
  5    the period approved at any such election, if such period be less than ten (10)
  6    years  or  the  levy  be  less than four-tenths of one percent (.4%) of market
  7    value for assessment purposes as such valuation existed on December 31 of  the
  8    previous year, the board of trustees may submit to the qualified  school elec-
  9    tors  in  the same manner as before, the question whether the number of years,
 10    or the levy, or both, be increased, but  not  to  exceed  the  maximum  herein
 11    authorized.  If  such  increase  or increases be approved by the electors, the
 12    terms of such levy shall be in lieu of those approved in the  first  instance,
 13    but disapproval shall not affect any terms theretofore in effect.
 14        Any bonded indebtedness incurred in accordance with the provisions of sec-
 15    tion  33-1103,  Idaho  Code,  subsequent to the approval of a plant facilities
 16    reserve fund levy shall not affect the terms of that levy for any time  during
 17    which such levy is in effect.
                                                                        
 18        SECTION  12.  That  Section 34-106, Idaho Code, be, and the same is hereby
 19    amended to read as follows:
                                                                        
 20        34-106.  LIMITATION UPON ELECTIONS. On and after  January  1,  1994  2008,
 21    notwithstanding  any  other provisions of the law to the contrary, there shall
 22    be no more than four two (42) elections conducted in any county in any  calen-
 23    dar  year,  except  as  provided in this section, and except that elections to
 24    fill vacancies in the United States house of representatives shall be held  as
 25    provided in the governor's proclamation.
 26        (1)  The dates on which elections may be conducted are:
 27        (a)  the first Tuesday in February of each year; and
 28        (b)  tThe fourth Tuesday in May of each year; and
 29        (c)  the first Tuesday in August of each year; and
 30        (db)  tThe Tuesday following the first Monday in November of each year.
 31        (ec)  In addition to the elections specified in paragraphs (a) through and
 32        (db)  of  this  subsection  (1),  an emergency election may be called upon
 33        motion of the governing board of a  political  subdivision.  An  emergency
 34        exists  when  there  is  a great public calamity, such as an extraordinary
 35        fire, flood, storm, epidemic, or other disaster, or if it is necessary  to
 36        do  emergency  work  to  prepare for a national or local defense, or it is
 37        necessary to do emergency work to safeguard life, health or property. Such
 38        a special election, if conducted by the county clerk, shall  be  conducted
 39        at the expense of the political subdivision submitting the question.
 40        (2)  Candidates  for  office elected in February, May or August shall take
 41    office on the date specified in the certificate of election but not more  than
 42    sixty (60) days following the election.
 43        (3)  Candidates  for  office elected in November shall take office as pro-
 44    vided in the constitution, or on January 1, next succeeding the November elec-
 45    tion.
 46        (4)  The governing board of each political subdivision subject to the pro-
 47    visions of this section, which, prior to January 1, 1994  2008,  conducted  an
 48    election  for members of that governing board on a date other than a date per-
 49    mitted in subsection (1) of this section, shall establish as the election date
 50    for that political subdivision the date authorized in subsection (1)  of  this
 51    section  which  falls nearest the date on which elections were previously con-
 52    ducted, unless another date is established by law.
 53        (5)  The secretary of state is authorized to provide  such  assistance  as
                                                                        
                                       11
                                                                        
  1    necessary,  and  to prescribe any needed rules, regulations or interpretations
  2    for the conduct of elections authorized under the provisions of this section.
  3        (6)  School districts governed by title 33, Idaho Code,  and  wWater  dis-
  4    tricts governed by chapter 6, title 42, Idaho Code, are exempt from the provi-
  5    sions of this section.
  6        (7)  Initiative,  referendum and recall elections conducted by any politi-
  7    cal subdivision shall be held on the nearest date authorized in subsection (1)
  8    of this section which falls more than forty-five (45) days after the clerk  of
  9    the  political  subdivision  orders that such initiative, referendum or recall
 10    election shall be held.
                                                                        
 11        SECTION 13.  That Section 34-1401, Idaho Code, be, and the same is  hereby
 12    amended to read as follows:
                                                                        
 13        34-1401.  ELECTION  ADMINISTRATION.  Notwithstanding  any provision to the
 14    contrary, the election official of each political subdivision shall administer
 15    all elections on behalf of any political subdivision, subject  to  the  provi-
 16    sions  of this chapter, including all special district elections and elections
 17    of special questions submitted to the electors as provided  in  this  chapter.
 18    School  districts  governed  by title 33, Idaho Code, and water districts gov-
 19    erned by chapter 6, title 42, Idaho Code,  irrigation  districts  governed  by
 20    title 43, Idaho Code, ground water districts governed by chapter 52, title 42,
 21    Idaho  Code,  and municipal elections governed by the provisions of chapter 4,
 22    title 50, Idaho Code, are exempt from the  provisions  of  this  chapter.  All
 23    school  district elections shall be conducted pursuant to chapter 4, title 33,
 24    Idaho Code, except that they shall be governed by the  election  dates  autho-
 25    rized  in  section  34-106,  Idaho Code. All municipal elections shall be con-
 26    ducted pursuant to the provisions of chapter 4, title 50, Idaho  Code,  except
 27    that  they  shall  be  governed  by  the elections dates authorized in section
 28    34-106, Idaho Code, the registration procedures prescribed in section 34-1402,
 29    Idaho Code, and the time the polls are open pursuant to section 34-1409, Idaho
 30    Code. For the purposes of achieving uniformity, the secretary of state  shall,
 31    from  time  to time, provide directives and instructions to the various county
 32    clerks and political subdivision election officials. Unless a specific  excep-
 33    tion  is provided in this chapter, the provisions of this chapter shall govern
 34    in all questions regarding the conduct of elections on behalf of all political
 35    subdivisions. In all matters not specifically covered by this  chapter,  other
 36    provisions of title 34, Idaho Code, governing elections shall prevail over any
 37    special provision which conflicts therewith.
 38        A  political subdivision may contract with the county clerk to conduct all
 39    or part of the elections for that political subdivision. In the event of  such
 40    a  contract,  the county clerk shall perform all necessary duties of the elec-
 41    tion official of a political subdivision including, but not limited to, notice
 42    of the filing deadline, notice of the election, and preparation of  the  elec-
 43    tion calendar.
                                                                        
 44        SECTION  14.  That Section 34-2501, Idaho Code, be, and the same is hereby
 45    amended to read as follows:
                                                                        
 46        34-2501.  DEFINITIONS. As used in this act, the following terms  have  the
 47    following meanings:
 48        (a)  "Board"  means  the  state  board  of  examiners  provided in section
 49    67-2001, Idaho Code.
 50        (b)  "Committee" means the state central committee as provided in  section
 51    34-504, Idaho Code.
                                                                        
                                       12
                                                                        
  1        (c)  "Election  campaign fund" or "fund" means the fund created by section
  2    34-2502, Idaho Code.
  3        (d)  "Political party" means an affiliation  of  electors  representing  a
  4    political  group  under  a  given  name as authorized by section 34-501, Idaho
  5    Code:
  6        (1)  "Major political party" means a political party  which  at  the  last
  7        general  election  polled  for  any one (1) of its candidates for state or
  8        national elective office more than ten per cent percent (10%) of the  vote
  9        cast for the office.
 10        (2)  "Minor  political  party"  means  a political party which at the last
 11        general election polled for any one (1) of its  candidates  for  state  or
 12        national  elective  office  more than three per cent percent (3%) but less
 13        than ten per cent percent (10%) of the vote cast for the office.
 14        (3)  "New political party" means an affiliation of electors who shall file
 15        with the secretary of state a petition that they desire recognition  as  a
 16        political party, which said petition shall meet the requirements as other-
 17        wise prescribed by law in section 34-501, Idaho Code.
 18        (e)  "General election" means the national, state and county election held
 19    on the first Tuesday succeeding the first Monday of November of each even num-
 20    bered year.
 21        (f)  "Qualified election expense" means an expense:
 22        (1)  iIncurred  by  the state central committee in furthering the election
 23        of a candidate for office or attempting to influence any election;
 24        (2)  iIncurred within the expenditure report period  as  defined  in  this
 25        act,  or  incurred  before the beginning of such period to the extent such
 26        expense is for property, service, or facilities used during such period;
 27        (3)  nNeither the incurring nor payment of which constitutes  a  violation
 28        of any of the laws of the United States or of the state of Idaho.
 29        (g)  "Expenditure  report period" means from the day following the primary
 30    election (the fourth Tuesday succeeding the first Monday of August May in each
 31    even numbered year) to the thirtieth day following the general election.
                                                                        
 32        SECTION 15.  That Section 39-1330, Idaho Code, be, and the same is  hereby
 33    amended to read as follows:
                                                                        
 34        39-1330.  BIENNIAL  ELECTION  OF  BOARD MEMBERS -- TERMS OF OFFICE. On the
 35    first fourth Tuesday of February May in the second  calendar  year  after  the
 36    organization  of any district, and on the first fourth Tuesday of February May
 37    every second year thereafter, an election shall be held which shall  be  known
 38    as  the  biennial  election  of the district. Prior to January 1, 1997 2008, a
 39    board may, by resolution adopted at a regular meeting of the board,  designate
 40    the fourth Tuesday in May as the election date of the district.
 41        At  the  first  biennial  election in any district hereafter organized and
 42    each sixth year thereafter there shall be elected by the qualified electors of
 43    the district three (3) members of the board to serve for a  term  of  six  (6)
 44    years;  at  the  second biennial election and each sixth year thereafter there
 45    shall be elected two (2) members of the board to serve for a term of  six  (6)
 46    years;  at  the  third  biennial election and each sixth year thereafter there
 47    shall be elected two (2) members of the board to serve for terms  of  six  (6)
 48    years.
 49        thirty  (  )  sixty ( ) Nominations may be filed with the secretary of the
 50    board not later than the sixth Friday preceding the  election  for  which  the
 51    nomination  is  made,  and  if a nominee does not withdraw his name before the
 52    first publication of the notice of election, his name shall be placed  on  the
 53    ballot.  The  board shall provide for holding such elections and shall appoint
                                                                        
                                       13
                                                                        
  1    judges to conduct it; the secretary of the district shall give notice of elec-
  2    tion by publication and shall arrange such other details in connection  there-
  3    with  as  the board may direct. The returns of the election shall be certified
  4    to and shall be canvassed and declared by the board. The candidate  or  candi-
  5    dates  according to the number of directors to be elected, receiving the  most
  6    votes shall be elected. Any new member of the board shall qualify in the  same
  7    manner as members of the first board qualify.
  8        In  any election for director, if after the deadline for filing a declara-
  9    tion of intent as a write-in candidate, it appears that only one (1) qualified
 10    candidate has been nominated for a director's position, it shall not be neces-
 11    sary for the candidate to stand for election, and the board  of  directors  of
 12    the  district shall declare such candidate elected as a director, and the sec-
 13    retary of the board of the district shall immediately make and deliver to such
 14    person a certificate of election.
                                                                        
 15        SECTION 16.  That Section 40-1305, Idaho Code, be, and the same is  hereby
 16    amended to read as follows:
                                                                        
 17        40-1305.  ELECTION  OF HIGHWAY COMMISSIONERS -- TERM OF OFFICE. (1) On the
 18    first fourth Tuesday of August May of the next odd-numbered year following the
 19    appointment of the first highway district  commissioners,  commissioners  from
 20    subdistricts  one and two shall be elected for a term of two (2) years. There-
 21    after the term of office of all commissioners shall be four (4) years. Highway
 22    district commissioners elected prior to January 1, 1994, for a term to  expire
 23    on  January  1,  1996, shall continue in office until October 1, 1995. Highway
 24    district commissioners elected prior to January 1, 1994, for a term to  expire
 25    on  January 1, 1998, shall continue in office until October 1, 1997. Elections
 26    for commissioners of each of the subdistricts shall continue on  the  schedule
 27    previously established.
 28        (2)  Alternative election of highway commissioners -- Term of office.
 29        (a)  Notwithstanding subsection (1) of this section, highway district com-
 30        missioners  may,  upon  the  unanimous  agreement of the existing board of
 31        highway district commissioners,  adopt  an  alternative  term  of  office,
 32        whereby  a single highway district commissioner shall be elected each year
 33        for three (3) years and in the fourth year no election shall be held.
 34        (b)  An election pursuant to paragraph (a) of  this  subsection  shall  be
 35        conducted in the following manner:
 36             (i)   The  commissioner representing subdistrict one shall be elected
 37             for a term of four (4) years upon  the  expiration  of  the  existing
 38             term;
 39             (ii)  The  commissioner representing subdistrict two shall be elected
 40             for a term of five (5) years upon  the  expiration  of  the  existing
 41             term; and
 42             (iii) Each  year  thereafter,  one (1) commissioner shall be elected,
 43             except for the fourth year when no election shall be held.
 44        (c)  If an alternative election is held pursuant to this  subsection,  the
 45        highway  district  shall  not revert to the former manner of elections and
 46        terms of office until eight (8) years after such election.
 47    Each highway commissioner shall be elected on a district wide basis.
                                                                        
 48        SECTION 17.  That Section 42-3211, Idaho Code, be, and the same is  hereby
 49    amended to read as follows:
                                                                        
 50        42-3211.  ELECTIONS  -- TERMS OF OFFICE. (1) Except as provided in subsec-
 51    tion (2), of this section, oOn the first fourth Tuesday in  February  May,  in
                                                                        
                                       14
                                                                        
  1    the  second  calendar  year after the organization of any district, and on the
  2    first fourth Tuesday  in February May every second year thereafter an election
  3    shall be held, which shall be known as the biennial election of the district.
  4        (2)  In districts created under section  42-3202B,  Idaho  Code,  biennial
  5    elections shall also be held on the first fourth Tuesday in August May.
  6        (3)  At  the  first biennial election in any district hereafter organized,
  7    and each sixth year thereafter, there shall be elected by the qualified  elec-
  8    tors  of  the district, one (1) member of the board to serve for a term of six
  9    (6) years; at the second biennial election and  each  sixth  year  thereafter,
 10    there  shall be elected two (2) members of the board to serve for terms of six
 11    (6) years, and at the third biennial election, and each sixth year thereafter,
 12    there shall be elected two (2) members of the board to serve for terms of  six
 13    (6) years.
 14        Not later than 5:00 p.m. on the sixth Friday preceding the election, nomi-
 15    nations may be filed with the secretary of the board and if a nominee does not
 16    withdraw  his name before the first publication of the notice of election, his
 17    name shall be placed on the ballot. The board shall provide for  holding  such
 18    election and shall appoint judges to conduct it. The secretary of the district
 19    shall  give  notice  of  election by publication, and shall arrange such other
 20    details in connection therewith as the board may direct. The  returns  of  the
 21    election  shall  be  certified  to  and shall be canvassed and declared by the
 22    board. The candidate or candidates, according to the number of directors to be
 23    elected, receiving the most votes, shall be elected. Any  new  member  of  the
 24    board shall qualify in the same manner as members of the first board qualify.
 25        In  any election for director, if after the deadline for filing a declara-
 26    tion of intent as a write-in candidate, it appears that the number  of  quali-
 27    fied candidates who have been nominated is equal to the number of directors to
 28    be  elected,  it  shall not be necessary for the candidates to stand for elec-
 29    tion, and the board of directors shall  declare  such  candidates  elected  as
 30    directors,  and  the  secretary  of  the  district  shall immediately make and
 31    deliver to such persons certificates of election signed by him and bearing the
 32    seal of the district.
                                                                        
 33        SECTION 18.  That Section 42-4204, Idaho Code, be, and the same is  hereby
 34    amended to read as follows:
                                                                        
 35        42-4204.  BOARD  OF DIRECTORS -- COMPOSITION -- APPOINTMENT OF FIRST BOARD
 36    -- ELECTION OF SUBSEQUENT BOARDS. (1) The board of directors  of  the  aquifer
 37    recharge  district  shall  consist of five (5) members. Each member shall be a
 38    water user, or representative of a water user within the district. The members
 39    of the board shall be as follows:
 40        (a)  one (1) member shall be a member of  a  lateral  ditch  water  user's
 41        association, canal company, irrigation district or similar organization;
 42        (b)  one  (1)  member  shall  be an owner or operator of a commercial fish
 43        hatchery licensed in accordance with the provisions  of  section  22-4602,
 44        Idaho Code;
 45        (c)  one (1) member shall be a farmer or rancher who is an appropriator of
 46        groundwater  and whose diversion thereof is accomplished primarily through
 47        the operation of a well or wells;
 48        (d)  one (1) member shall be a member of the city council of a  municipal-
 49        ity within the district;
 50        (e)  one  (1) member shall be generally representative of the interests of
 51        water users within the district.
 52        (2)  The first board of directors shall be appointed by  the  director  of
 53    the  department of water resources. Water users within the district, or groups
                                                                        
                                       15
                                                                        
  1    thereof, may submit  to the director, or the director may  solicit  therefrom,
  2    the  names  of  qualified  individuals to be considered for appointment to the
  3    board.
  4        (3)  The term of office of the directors shall be  determined  by  lot  so
  5    that  three  (3)  members  shall serve for a term of two (2) years and two (2)
  6    members shall serve for a term of one  (1)  year.  Thereafter,  members  shall
  7    serve two (2) year terms and shall be elected as hereinafter provided.
  8        (4)  On  the first fourth Tuesday in February May following the expiration
  9    of the term of those members serving for one (1) year, and on the first fourth
 10    Tuesday in February May of each year thereafter, an election shall be held  in
 11    accordance  with  the provisions of chapter 14, title 34, Idaho Code, at which
 12    directors to succeed those whose terms have  expired  will  be  elected.  Each
 13    director  so  elected shall possess the qualifications required of all members
 14    of the board and in addition shall possess the qualifications of the  director
 15    whom he is to succeed in office.
 16        In  any election for director, if after the deadline for filing a declara-
 17    tion of intent as a write-in candidate, it appears that only one (1) qualified
 18    candidate has been nominated for a directors position, it shall not be  neces-
 19    sary for the candidate to stand for election, and the board of trustees of the
 20    district  shall  declare such candidate elected as director, and the secretary
 21    of the district shall immediately make and deliver to such person  a  certifi-
 22    cate of election.
                                                                        
 23        SECTION  19.  That Section 42-5104, Idaho Code, be, and the same is hereby
 24    amended to read as follows:
                                                                        
 25        42-5104.  BOARD OF DIRECTORS -- COMPOSITION -- APPOINTMENT OF FIRST  BOARD
 26    --  ELECTION  OF  SUBSEQUENT  BOARDS. (1) The board of directors of the ground
 27    water management district shall consist of  three  (3)  members.  Each  member
 28    shall be a water user, or representative of a water user within the district.
 29        (2)  The  first  board  of directors shall be appointed by the director of
 30    the department of water resources. Water users within the district, or  groups
 31    thereof,  may  submit  to the director, or the director may solicit therefrom,
 32    the names of qualified individuals to be considered  for  appointment  to  the
 33    board.
 34        (3)  The  term  of  office  of the directors shall be determined by lot so
 35    that one (1) member shall serve for a term of three (3) years, one (1)  member
 36    shall  serve for a term of two (2) years, and one (1) member shall serve for a
 37    term of one (1) year. Thereafter, members shall serve a three  (3)  year  term
 38    and  shall be elected as hereinafter provided. If a vacancy occurs, the direc-
 39    tor shall appoint a successor to serve the remainder of the term.
 40        (4)  On the first fourth Tuesday in February May following the  expiration
 41    of  the  term  of the member serving for one (1) year, and on the first fourth
 42    Tuesday in February May of each year thereafter, an election shall be held  at
 43    which  a  director  to succeed the one whose term has expired will be elected.
 44    Each director so elected shall be a water user or a representative of a  water
 45    user within the district.
 46        In  any election for director, if after the deadline for filing a declara-
 47    tion of intent as a write-in candidate, it appears that only one (1) qualified
 48    candidate has been nominated for a directors position, it shall not be  neces-
 49    sary  for  the  candidate to stand for election, and the board of directors of
 50    the district shall declare such candidate elected as director and  the  secre-
 51    tary  of the district shall immediately make and deliver to such person a cer-
 52    tificate of election.
                                                                        
                                       16
                                                                        
  1        SECTION 20.  That Section 50-429, Idaho Code, be, and the same  is  hereby
  2    amended to read as follows:
                                                                        
  3        50-429.  GENERAL  AND SPECIAL CITY ELECTIONS. (1) A general election shall
  4    be held in each city governed by this title, for officials as  in  this  title
  5    provided,  on  the Tuesday following the first Monday of November in each odd-
  6    numbered year. All such officials shall be elected and hold  their  respective
  7    offices  for  the  term  specified  and until their successors are elected and
  8    qualified. All other city elections that may be held under authority  of  gen-
  9    eral law shall be known as special city elections.
 10        (2)  On  and  after January 1, 1994 2008, notwithstanding any other provi-
 11    sions of law to the contrary, there shall be no more than four two (42)  elec-
 12    tions  conducted  in any city in any calendar year, except as provided in this
 13    section.
 14        (3)  The dates on which elections may be conducted are:
 15        (a)  The first Tuesday in February of each year; and
 16        (b)  The fourth Tuesday in May of each year; and
 17        (c)  The first Tuesday in August of each year; and
 18        (db)  The Tuesday following the first Monday in November of each year.
 19        (ec)  In addition to the elections specified in subsections paragraphs (a)
 20        through and (db) of this subsection (3),  an  emergency  election  may  be
 21        called upon motion of the city council of a city. An emergency exists when
 22        there  is  a  great public calamity, such as an extraordinary fire, flood,
 23        storm, epidemic or other disaster, or if it is necessary to  do  emergency
 24        work  to prepare for a national or local defense, or it is necessary to do
 25        emergency work to safeguard life, health or property. Such a special elec-
 26        tion, if conducted by the city clerk, shall be conducted at the expense of
 27        the political subdivision submitting the question.
 28        (4)  The secretary of state is authorized to provide  such  assistance  as
 29    necessary,  and  to prescribe any needed rules or interpretations for the con-
 30    duct of elections authorized under the provisions of this section.
                                                                        
 31        SECTION 21.  That Section 50-803, Idaho Code, be, and the same  is  hereby
 32    amended to read as follows:
                                                                        
 33        50-803.  TIME FOR HOLDING SPECIAL ELECTION ON PROPOSITION. Within ten (10)
 34    days  after the filing of such petition or resolution with the city clerk, the
 35    mayor shall, by proclamation, establish a date for holding a special  election
 36    on  the  question of adopting the council-manager plan, such date to be deter-
 37    mined as follows:
 38        (1)  when the petition or resolution is filed with the city clerk during a
 39    year when no general city election is to be held, such election shall be  held
 40    within  on the date authorized in section 50-429, Idaho Code, which is nearest
 41    to but not less than sixty (60) days following filing of such petition or res-
 42    olution;
 43        (2)  when the petition or resolution is filed with the city clerk during a
 44    year when a general city election is to be held, such election shall  be  held
 45    not  less  than  sixty (60) days prior to on the date for holding general city
 46    elections.
                                                                        
 47        SECTION 22.  That Section 50-806, Idaho Code, be, and the same  is  hereby
 48    amended to read as follows:
                                                                        
 49        50-806.  ELECTION  OF OFFICIALS FOLLOWING ADOPTION -- DETERMINING SUCCESS-
 50    FUL  CANDIDATES -- DESIGNATION OF SEATS. (1) When the proposition submitted to
                                                                        
                                       17
                                                                        
  1    the electors under section 50-803, subsection (1), Idaho Code, received a fav-
  2    orable vote is held,  officials  shall  be  elected  at  a  special  the  same
  3    election,  called  for  that purpose, to be held not more than sixty (60) days
  4    following the date on during which the proposition was  is  submitted  to  the
  5    voters;  when  the proposition submitted to the electors under section 50-803,
  6    subsection (2), Idaho Code, received a favorable vote is held, officials shall
  7    be elected at the succeeding same general city election.  If  any  proposition
  8    submitted to the electors under section 50-803, Idaho Code, fails to receive a
  9    favorable  vote,  the  election  of  officials  at  the same election shall be
 10    declared null and void.
 11        Determination of successful candidates at  either  a  special  or  general
 12    election  shall  be  as  herein provided: A. When the council is to consist of
 13    five (5) members, the three (3) receiving the largest number of votes shall be
 14    declared elected to serve four (4) year terms or so much thereof  as  remains,
 15    and two (2) to serve two (2) year terms or so much thereof as remains; B. When
 16    the  council  is  to  consist of seven (7) members, the four (4) receiving the
 17    largest number of votes shall be declared elected to serve four (4) year terms
 18    or so much thereof as remains, and three (3) to serve two (2) year terms or so
 19    much thereof as remains. At each general city election thereafter,  councilmen
 20    shall be elected to fill the unexpired terms.
 21        (2)  By  ordinance,  the city may assign a number to each council seat. In
 22    that event candidates will file  for  a  designated  seat  and  the  candidate
 23    receiving  the  largest number of votes for the seat he has filed for shall be
 24    declared elected.
                                                                        
 25        SECTION 23.  That Section 50-2104, Idaho Code, be, and the same is  hereby
 26    amended to read as follows:
                                                                        
 27        50-2104.  JOINT  SESSION -- RESOLUTION SPECIFYING TIME OF ELECTION. When a
 28    majority of the governing bodies of each of the cities desires  consolidation,
 29    or petitions signed by the requisite number of qualified electors in each city
 30    have  been  duly received and recorded by each city, a joint resolution signed
 31    by the respective mayors, shall set a time for a special election to  be  held
 32    in each of the cities desiring consolidation, which dates shall be on the date
 33    authorized  in section 50-429, Idaho Code, which is nearest to but is not less
 34    than sixty (60) days nor more than ninety (90) days following such joint meet-
 35    ing and which resolution shall be recorded in the record of proceeding of each
 36    of the cities.
                                                                        
 37        SECTION 24.  That Section 50-2107, Idaho Code, be, and the same is  hereby
 38    amended to read as follows:
                                                                        
 39        50-2107.  ELECTION  OF OFFICERS OF CONSOLIDATED CORPORATIONS. In the event
 40    that the majority of the votes cast by the electors of each and all such  cit-
 41    ies  proposed to be consolidated shall favor consolidation, and all other acts
 42    and proceedings for consolidation of such cities  into  one  (1)  consolidated
 43    corporation  shall  have been severally, duly and regularly done and performed
 44    as hereinbefore provided, thereupon such city shall proceed to call a  special
 45    election  to  be held in all the cities so proposed to be consolidated for the
 46    election of officers of the new corporation. Such election shall  be  held  on
 47    the  date  authorized  in section 50-429, Idaho Code, which is nearest to, but
 48    not less than sixty (60) days nor more than ninety (90) days after the  filing
 49    of  such  original abstract in the office of the secretary of state, provided,
 50    that should the time for holding general city elections be within one  hundred
 51    twenty  (120)  days  of  the  time as herein provided for holding said special
                                                                        
                                       18
                                                                        
  1    election, officials of the newly consolidated city shall be  elected  at  said
  2    general election.
                                                                        
  3        SECTION  25.  That Section 50-2302, Idaho Code, be, and the same is hereby
  4    amended to read as follows:
                                                                        
  5        50-2302.  PETITION FOR ORGANIZATION UNDER GENERAL LAWS --  ELECTION.  Upon
  6    receipt  of a petition signed by registered qualified electors equal in number
  7    to twenty-five per cent percent (25%) of the total number  of  voters  casting
  8    ballots  at the last preceding general city election, the governing body shall
  9    by resolution issued within ten (10) days after filing of said petition,  sub-
 10    mit the question of organizing as a city, under this act chapter, and the gen-
 11    eral  laws of the state of Idaho, at a special election to be held, subject to
 12    the provisions of section 50-429, Idaho Code, at the time  specified  therein,
 13    and within which is nearest to sixty (60) days after said petition is filed.
                                                                        
 14        SECTION 26.  This act shall be in full force and effect on and after Janu-
 15    ary 1, 2008.

Statement of Purpose / Fiscal Impact



                    STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

                          RS16913

The purpose of this proposal is to consolidate elections for
all purposes on two dates during the year.  

It is recognized that voters have a hard time remembering
when they should plan on being at the polls to vote.  Also, some
organizations have become very resourceful in encouraging voters
in favor of their position to attend the polls while ignoring
voters that may be in opposition to their position.  

This legislation provides that all issues before the voters
shall be submitted either on the 4th Tuesday in May or the
Tuesday following the first Monday in November.

It is expected that providing consistency in the election
dates will increase voter participation. 


                        FISCAL NOTE

None to the General Fund. Some savings on the local level
should result from fewer and consolidated elections.


Contact:
Name:  Rep. Lake 
Phone: 332-1000
Rep. Roberts
Rep. Moyle


STATEMENT OF PURPOSE/FISCAL NOTE                         H 196