Committee refers H 549 on hospital-district dissolution rules to 14th Order after debate over petition thresholds

Representative Faye Thompson, yielding time from Senator Kohl, presented H 549 to remove the property-owner signature requirement to dissolve hospital districts and instead require signatures from qualified electors (a 10% threshold). Thompson said the change would reduce administrative burden and verification costs, particularly where many property owners are non-resident.

Tom Grote of McCall testified in support, saying the change would make the petition process feasible and allow citizens to challenge or dissolve hospital districts via a public vote. Toni Lawson, representing the Idaho Hospital Association, testified in opposition, arguing that a 10% threshold would make hospital districts more vulnerable compared with other special districts that often require higher thresholds.

Committee members questioned whether the threshold should be increased to align with other districts; Representative Thompson said she would accept whatever adjustment the Committee preferred. Senator Harris moved, and Vice Chairman Bernt seconded, to send H 549 to the 14th Order of Business for possible amendment; the motion carried by voice vote.

The referral signals the Committee intends to consider raising the petition threshold or otherwise amending the bill before it advances.