Bill > H0720

This bill amends existing Idaho law concerning the election of city council members, referred to as "councilmen," by districts. Previously, cities with fewer than 100,000 residents could choose to elect council members by district, while cities with more than 100,000 residents were required to do so. This bill changes the threshold, allowing cities with 25,000 residents or less to provide for district elections by ordinance, and mandating that all cities with more than 25,000 residents must elect their council members by district. The bill also specifies that districts must be contiguous, contain roughly equal populations, and that council members elected by district must reside within their respective districts. Finally, it declares an emergency and sets an effective date of July 1, 2026.

Government Affairs

State Affairs Committee (House)

https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2026/legislation/H0720/