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IdahoH 05112026 regular legislative sessionHouseWALLET

PRIVATE FOREST LAND – Amends existing law to revise the surcharge associated with improved forest land.

Sponsored By: RESOURCES AND CONSERVATION COMMITTEE

Signed by Governor

PRIVATE FOREST LAND

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.

What forest landowners pay for protection

Beginning July 1, 2026, the state can add an extra assessment if a district’s fire losses exceed its budget. The director needs board approval, and the total stays within the legal maximum. Liability is calculated separately for each forest protection district and only for that district’s fire work. If the state must protect your land, the per-acre cost is capped at $0.65 for owners with 26 or more acres. Owners with 25 acres or fewer pay at least the per-acre rate times 25 acres. Participating owners cannot be billed other fire-protection charges, except under section 38-122 or for proven negligence.

New fund to replace wildfire equipment

Beginning July 1, 2026, the state creates a Wildfire Equipment Replacement Fund. It pays to replace big wildfire gear. The Department of Lands sets reimbursement rates when this gear is used for non-preparedness work. Those reimbursements, and other money, go into the fund.

Higher wildfire surcharge on improved lots

Beginning July 1, 2026, the state board can charge up to $100 per improved forest lot for wildfire readiness. This replaces the old $40 cap. You pay this in addition to other forest protection assessments. If you own more than one improved lot, you pay it for each lot.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • RESOURCES AND CONSERVATION COMMITTEE

    Affiliation unavailable

Cosponsors

  • Judy Boyle

    Republican • House

  • James W. “Jim” Woodward

    Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 72 • No: 31

Senate vote • 3/10/2026

Senate Floor Vote

Yes: 26 • No: 9

House vote • 2/4/2026

House Floor Vote

Yes: 46 • No: 22

Actions Timeline

  1. Reported Signed by Governor on March 17, 2026 Session Law Chapter 27 Effective: 07/01/2026

    3/18/2026

  2. Delivered to Governor at 2:30 p.m. on March 13, 2026

    3/16/2026

  3. Returned Signed by the President; Ordered Transmitted to Governor

    3/13/2026Senate

  4. Signed by President; returned to House

    3/12/2026Senate

  5. Received from the House enrolled/signed by Speaker

    3/12/2026Senate

  6. Reported Enrolled; Signed by Speaker; Transmitted to Senate

    3/12/2026House

  7. Returned from Senate Passed; to JRA for Enrolling

    3/11/2026House

  8. Read third time in full – PASSED - 26-9-0

    3/10/2026Senate

  9. Read second time; filed for Third Reading

    2/27/2026Senate

  10. Reported out of Committee with Do Pass Recommendation; Filed for second reading

    2/26/2026Senate

  11. Introduced, read first time; referred to: Resources & Environment

    2/5/2026Senate

  12. Received from the House passed; filed for first reading

    2/5/2026Senate

  13. Read Third Time in Full – PASSED - 46-22-2

    2/4/2026House

  14. U.C. to hold place on third reading calendar one legislative day

    2/3/2026House

  15. Read second time; Filed for Third Reading

    2/2/2026House

  16. Reported out of Committee with Do Pass Recommendation, Filed for Second Reading

    1/30/2026House

  17. Reported Printed and Referred to Resources & Conservation

    1/23/2026House

  18. Introduced, read first time, referred to JRA for Printing

    1/22/2026House

Bill Text

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