HB 471: Politicizing Ada County Highway District — 2025
ICL's position: Oppose
Current Bill Status: Dead
Issue Areas: Air quality, Clean Air, Elections, Public Safety, Transportation
House Bill 471 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 shorten commissioner terms to two years and require them to run in countywide races rather than being elected district by 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.