Idaho2026Active
H0503
Moving the Soil and Water Conservation Commission to a New Department
Last scannedAug 24, 2026, 7:59 AM
In one sentence
This law moves the Idaho State Soil and Water Conservation Commission from the Department of Agriculture to the Department of Water Resources.
What it does
- Changes the location where the commission is established within state government to the Department of Water Resources.
- Keeps the commission as a nonregulatory agency with seven members appointed by the governor and confirmed by the senate.
- Requires that one member be chosen from each of six specific divisions of the Idaho Association of Soil Conservation Districts and one at-large member.
- Sets term lengths for commissioners, allowing them to serve two full five-year terms after their initial appointment or reappointment.
- Allows the commission to hire staff, enter contracts, acquire property, and request help from other state agencies or universities.
Who it affects
- The Idaho State Soil and Water Conservation Commission
- The Idaho Department of Water Resources
- Members appointed by the governor to serve on the commission
Limits and unknowns
- The official text provided ends abruptly while describing duties related to forest lands, rangelands, and agricultural lands.
- The law does not specify how much money will be given to the commission for its operations.
Plain language
Terms to know
- Nonregulatory agency
- A group that performs functions and provides advice but does not have the power to make or enforce laws.
- Quorum
- The minimum number of members, which is a majority, who must be present for the commission to hold a meeting and vote on matters.
Official record
Sources
Official summary
Soil and water conservation cmsn
Official activity
Bill history
- LAW