Bill Summary
The bill maintains the existing emergency communications fee at $1.00 per month per access line and specifies that these fees must be paid to the county treasurer within fifteen days after each quarter’s end. It clarifies that these fees can only be used for specific purposes related to emergency communication systems, such as equipment and training costs. Telecommunications providers are allowed to retain 1% of collected fees for administrative expenses and can list the fee separately on customer bills. Additionally, it establishes a new fee of twenty-five cents per service line, which can be authorized by county commissioners to fund grants for system improvements.
Overall Summary
The bill aligns positively with fiscal responsibility by maintaining existing fees and specifying their use, ensuring transparency and accountability in government spending. It supports local governance by allowing county commissioners to authorize additional fees for specific improvements, promoting local control and responsiveness. The bill also enhances emergency communication services, which is crucial for public safety and aligns with the principles of effective government operation.
Reason for Rating
ARTICLE I. RESPONSIBILITY IN GOVERNMENT (Rating: 1)
The bill maintains fiscal responsibility by not increasing existing fees and clearly delineating their use, which aligns with the principles of responsible government spending and transparency.
ARTICLE II. CITIZEN INVOLVEMENT IN GOVERNMENT (Rating: 0)
The bill does not directly address citizen involvement in government processes, thus it is neutral in relation to this metric.
ARTICLE III. EDUCATION (Rating: 0)
The bill does not pertain to educational policies or systems, making it neutral with respect to this metric.
ARTICLE IV. AGRICULTURE (Rating: 0)
This bill does not impact agricultural policies or practices, so it is neutral in this context.
ARTICLE V. WATER (Rating: 0)
The bill does not involve water management or policy, resulting in a neutral rating for this metric.
ARTICLE VI. NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT (Rating: 0)
The bill does not address issues related to natural resources or environmental policies, hence it is neutral regarding this metric.
ARTICLE VII. ENERGY (Rating: 0)
There are no changes related to energy policies or practices in this bill, so it receives a neutral rating.
ARTICLE VIII. IDAHO NATIONAL LABORATORIES (Rating: 0)
The bill does not impact the operations or policies of the Idaho National Laboratories, thus it is neutral in this area.
ARTICLE IX. PRIVATE PROPERTY RIGHTS (Rating: 0)
This bill does not affect private property rights, resulting in a neutral rating for this metric.
ARTICLE X. STATE AND FEDERAL LANDS (Rating: 0)
The bill does not address state or federal land management, so it is neutral with respect to this metric.
ARTICLE XI. WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT (Rating: 0)
There are no provisions in the bill related to wildlife management, making it neutral in this context.
ARTICLE XII. ECONOMY (Rating: 0)
The bill does not directly impact broader economic policies or business environments, thus it is neutral regarding this metric.
ARTICLE XIII. HEALTH AND WELFARE (Rating: 0)
The bill does not address health and welfare policies, resulting in a neutral rating for this metric.
ARTICLE XIV. AMERICAN FAMILY (Rating: 0)
This bill does not involve family or social policies, so it is neutral in relation to this metric.
ARTICLE XV. OLDER AMERICANS (Rating: 0)
The bill does not address issues specifically affecting older Americans, hence it receives a neutral rating.
ARTICLE XVI. LAW AND ORDER WITH JUSTICE (Rating: 0)
There are no changes in the bill that relate to law enforcement or judicial processes, making it neutral for this metric.
ARTICLE XVII. NATIONAL DEFENSE – SECURING THE BORDER (Rating: 0)
The bill does not pertain to national defense or border security, resulting in a neutral rating.
ARTICLE XVIII. ELECTION OF JUDGES AND IDAHO SUPREME COURT JUSTICES (Rating: 0)
This bill does not involve the election or appointment of judges, so it is neutral with respect to this metric.
ARTICLE XIX. RELIGIOUS LIBERTY (Rating: 0)
The bill does not impact religious freedoms or the exercise of religion, thus it is neutral in this area.
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