Idaho Legislative Session
The Idaho Legislative Session began Monday, January 8, with Governor Little's State of the State address. IDL has several pending rules this session, however, we have no proposed legislation this session. The IDL Legislative Update will be available each week as we follow the session noting hearings and legislation that we will be following.
Rulemaking Presentations
On Monday, February 5, IDL will present five sets of proposed rule changes to the Senate Environment & Resources Committee.
Information about IDL's rulemaking and proposed legislation is available on our 2024 Legislative Priorities webpage.
Rules of Practice and Procedure Before the State Board of Land Commissioners
IDAPA 20.01.01 - Pending Rule
IDAPA 20.01.01 protects citizens’ due process rights by governing the practice and procedure in contested cases before the State Board of Land Commissioners and the Idaho Department of Lands.
This rule chapter implements the following statutes: Idaho Code 58-104 State Land Board – Powers and Duties and Idaho Code 67-5206(5)(b) – Promulgation of Rules Implementing Administrative Procedure Act.
Rules Governing Dredge and Placer Mining Operations
IDAPA 20.03.01 - Pending Fee Rule
The Idaho Department of Lands administers IDAPA 20.03.01, Rules Governing Dredge and Placer Mining Operations under the authority of the Idaho Dredge and Placer Mining Protection Act (Title 47, Chapter 13, Idaho Code).
IDAPA 20.03.01 allows responsible resource extraction while protecting the lands, streams and watercourses of the state.
Rules Governing Administration of the Reclamation Fund
IDAPA 20.03.03 - Pending Fee Rule
The Idaho Department of Lands administers IDAPA 20.03.03, Rules Governing Administration of the Reclamation Fund under the authority of Title 47, Chapter 18, Idaho Code.
IDAPA 20.03.03 provides consistent guidance in how Idaho’s Reclamation Fund (Fund) is implemented. The Fund is a type of state bond pool created in 2002 to provide an alternative form of performance bond or financial assurance as required by Idaho mining regulations. The Fund is to be used by the Department to complete reclamation in the event an operator is unable to so.
Rules Governing Navigable Waterways Mineral Leasing
IDAPA 20.03.05 - Pending Fee Rule
The Idaho Department of Lands manages the beds of navigable waterways to provide for their commercial, navigational, recreational or other public use. IDAPA 20.03.05, Riverbed Mineral Leasing in Idaho establishes a consistent process to authorize mineral exploration and extraction on state-owned navigable rivers and collect rents and royalties.
Rules Pertaining to the Recreational Use of Endowment Land
IDAPA 20.05.01 - Pending Rule (New Chapter)
This is negotiated rulemaking for a new rule chapter: Rules Pertaining to the Recreational Use of Endowment Land (IDAPA 20.05.01).
Senate Bill 1049 was designed to curb the abuse or misuse of endowment land, preserving its revenue-generating potential for the beneficiaries. The legislation, which was signed into law, created a new section of Idaho Code that became effective on July 1, 2023.
The law requires rulemaking to specify prohibited activities that are subject to a warning ticket for minor first offenses, with second violations under the statute being punished with an infraction and $250 fine.
Watch the committee hearing:
Anna Maria Mancini preparing legislative books for IDL staff
From the Governor's Office: Executive Branch Protocols for 2024 Legislative Session
IDL received guidance from the Governor that outlines how agencies should respond to information requests from the Legislature and what protocol must be followed prior to testifying before the Legislature. The Legislature convenes on Monday, January 8.
The memo underscores the importance of a cohesive Executive Branch stance on legislative issues that aligns closely with the Governor's agenda. Agencies are instructed to:
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Promptly respond to information requests from the Legislature, ensuring immediate communication with their Governor's Office liaison and DFM analyst following such requests. If you receive a request for information, reach out to Sharla Arledge immediately to coordinate the agency's response.
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Seek prior written or email approval from their Governor's Office contact before testifying on non-Executive Branch legislation. Before you provide in-person or written testimony on any matter before the Legislature, you must obtain permission from Director Miller.
Also, IDL employees visiting the Idaho Capitol on official business need to clear their visit in advance with Director Miller.
FY2023 Annual Report Now Available Online
IDL's FY2023 Annual Report is now available online. Printed copies will be delivered to Land Board members and staff soon.
The communications team greatly appreciates all who helped contribute and confirm the information published in the report, and encourages every employee to make it their go-to source for information and facts about our agency.
Phillips Announces Retirement from State Service
Scott Phillips, IDL’s Policy and Communications Chief, announced his retirement from state service. His last day will be January 19.
Joining IDL three and a half years ago, Scott brought a vision that would transform our communication landscape. His tenure has been marked by significant milestones including securing hazard pay for IDL wildland firefighters and launching popular communications products like Wildfire Alerts and the bi-weekly Director’s Update newsletters. These products enhanced our outreach capabilities while helping citizens and policymakers understand our agency’s accomplishments. His philosophy of demonstrating "proof of performance" has helped secure vital funding for fire program modernization and built confidence among Legislators in agency operations.
For nearly two decades Scott was engaged in IDL and natural resource issues while working for a governor, two state controllers and a superintendent of public instruction. But in his own words, “working for IDL, alongside our great, committed team, has been the high point of my career.”
As he steps into the next chapter of his life, Scott is not one to rest on his laurels. His plans include delving into the world of real estate investing and, most importantly, spending quality time fishing with his wife!
On behalf of IDL, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Scott Phillips for his years of service to the people of Idaho.
Winter Storm Warning
IDL's Safety Officer sent out a Safety Bulletin this week giving employees a heads up regarding winter storm warnings.Tips were also provided to assure safe travel that included:
- Your gas tank is full
- Your windshield wiper fluid is full and wiper blades are good
- You have a flashlight with new batteries
- You have a blanket and food supplies
An explanation was provided on the difference between watches, advisories and warnings.
New Deadlines for Land Board Materials
To allow sufficient time for final preparation and required legal review, IDL staff will be submitting all memos, attachments and other documents to by the close of business on the Friday that falls approximately 10 calendar days prior to the Land Board staff briefing. This allows IDL to provide the documents to Land Board staff one week before the Land Board staff meeting.
It is understood that certain financial reports are dependent on end of month data and cannot always be completed by the deadline. Those items will be submitted as far in advance of the Land Board staff briefing as possible.
It is also understood that this deadline may result in Land Board agenda items being delayed by a month.
Any changes to Land Board materials resulting from the staff briefing must be completed and submitted to Renee (landboard@idl.idaho.gov) as soon as possible but no later than 12 p.m. MT the following day (Wednesday). Revised materials will be provided to Land Board members/staff by close of business on Wednesday following the staff briefing.
NASTL's 2024 Summer Conference in Idaho
The National Association of State Trust Lands will hold its 2024 Summer Conference in Coeur d'Alene this year. IDL will be hosting the event and is currently in the planning stages.
A logo has been developed for the Summer Conference.
IDL previously hosted this event in 2016 at the Schweitzer Mountain Resort near Sandpoint.
University of Idaho Becomes Tree Campus USA
With a long and much anticipated effort, the University of Idaho has applied for recognition from the Arbor Day Foundation as a Tree Campus USA Higher Education Institution.
In 2023, the University established a Campus Tree Advisory Committee that will be headed and organized by the office of sustainability. The advisory committee worked together to develop a "Campus Tree Care Plan" which defines design standards, and lays out policies for tree planting, maintenance, and removal standards and identifies acceptable species to be planted on university properties.
Students planting trees along a creekbed in the palouse countryside. Photo courtesy of University of Idaho.
Employees Leaving IDL
We wish departing team members the very best in their new endeavors.
- Scott Phillips, Boise Staff Office
In Case You Missed It
Here's a recap of other recent IDL newsletters you may find interesting:
One Team One Voice Webpage
Did you miss some important news? Are you curious about knowing what's happening across IDL? Our One Team, One Voice webpage contains an archive of IDL's newsletters covering:
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