Clarity for homeowners' exemptions, caregivers, veterinarians
Michelle Stennett
March 5, 2022
"Good men are bound by conscience and liberated by accountability."
--Wes Fesler
This week there was a flurry of activity on bills I am sponsoring or co-sponsoring.
Two bills I am co-sponsoring have passed the House and are now before the Senate. These bills are aimed at clarifying that residency for purposes of the homeowner's exemption and voting and candidacy are the same and at ensuring that homeowners can only claim one homeowner's exemption.
H548 provides that the residence where a person claims a homestead exemption is also considered their residence for voting purposes. It provides a mechanism for the Tax Commission to create a database of all exemptions claimed so the Secretary of State can verify residency for purposes of voter registration and candidacy.
H564 allows the Tax Commission to disclose relevant information to the county assessors to assure that residents of Idaho receive only one homeowners' exemption. It also provides for an appeal process for homeowners who are denied a homeowners' exemption.
I am sponsoring S1353 to make sure that patients or residents of hospitals, nursing facilities, group homes, and other similar health care facilities have the right to be visited by one caregiver. The caregiver must follow safety and other protocols imposed by the facility. During the pandemic many facilities understandably limited visitation, but it is important to ensure that patients or residents have someone present to provide essential information and input about care. This bill passed out of committee and is now waiting on a Senate floor vote.
Unfortunately, S1344 was defeated in the Senate Agriculture Committee on a tied vote, but is being reconsidered with changes. This bill would provide a modest $250,000 per year for up to 10 applicants to help rural veterinarians, who work with agricultural production animals (such as sheep or cattle), repay $25,000 per year toward their educational loans, for up to three years with a four year commitment.
Rural agricultural production animal veterinarians are in severe shortage. Idaho does not have a veterinarian school and struggles to be competitive with other states.
The bill is fully supported by relevant industry groups: Department of Agriculture, Idaho Wool Growers Association, Idaho Cattlemen Association, Idaho Dairymen Association, Idaho Farm Bureau, and Idaho Food Producers.
Respectfully,
Michelle