House Business Committee backs bill letting sole owners sell homestead property without spouse's signature

The House Business Committee voted to send House Bill 150 to the floor with a do-pass recommendation after a public hearing and questions from committee members on the measure’s effects on community property and potential unintended consequences.

Representative John Shirts, sponsor of the bill, told the committee that the measure is intended to protect owners who bought property before marriage. “House bill 150 is a pro property rights bill,” said Representative John Shirts, who represents the Western Treasure Valley, District 9. Shirts said the bill would allow a spouse who owns property in their sole and separate name to sell it when the other spouse is unreachable or refuses to sign, while leaving community-property rights unaffected.

Bob Rice, president of the Idaho Land Title Association, testified in support and said the current rule can block sales and refinancing in…