SB 1356: Politicizing Ada County Highway District (2026)

Summary: Requires ACHD Commissioners to declare party affiliation, participate in the primary election, and represent every person in all of Ada County.

ICL’s Position: Oppose

Current Bill Status: Senate Floor

Issue Areas: Transportation, Clean Air, Air Quality, Elections, Public Safety

Senate Bill 1356, sponsored by Senator Den Hartog (R-Meridian), is the legislature’s latest attempt to politicize the Ada County Highway District (ACHD), Idaho’s most populous road district. If passed, it would make ACHD the only highway district in Idaho with partisan elections. Additionally, it would require ACHD Commissioners to run in countywide races rather than being elected district by district but still require them to live within their district.

The bill is a response to ongoing disputes between some legislators, notably Reps. Mike Moyle (R-Star) and Joe Palmer (R-Meridian), and ACHD over transportation and road funding priorities.

The problem is that instead of improving our transportation infrastructure, this bill is simply an attempt to undermine local control and duly-elected highway commissioners. In addition, the changes would add complexity, reduce clarity, and risk creating unequal representation across Idaho’s most heavily traveled roadways.