Committee advances bill to extend Idaho land-bank holding period amid debate over state purchases

The committee considered House Bill 129, which would extend the allowable holding period for proceeds in the state land bank from five years to ten years, and voted to send the bill to the fourteenth order for possible amendment.

Sponsor testimony: Representative John Vander Ryder (sponsor) told the committee HB 129 would give the State Land Board and the Idaho Department of Lands more time to identify and acquire suitable endowment land after the sale of state property. "That money is placed in the land bank from sale of state property," he said, and the bill would extend the period the land board can hold those proceeds before they must be transferred to the permanent endowment fund.

Supporters emphasized public-access and conservation goals. Heather Eastman, executive director of Idaho Business for the…