BOISE — A bill seeking to address the division between local government concerns and the rights of rental property owners was the subject of a divided hearing in the House Business Committee on Monday as homeowners and property managers voiced competing concerns.
Rep. Jordan Redman, R-Coeur d’Alene, who sponsored House Bill 583, said the intention of the bill is to ensure property owners can use their homes for temporary lodging without facing “undue regulation and burdens” from local jurisdictions. The bill would primarily impact short-term rental property owners and marketplaces, such as Airbnb and Vrbo, by limiting when they can be regulated or taxed.
The bill — which was voted to be sent for debate on the House floor — represents the third such attempt from Redman to change how local governments can regulate the short-term rental properties in their communities.
“This measure strikes the balance between fostering economic opportunity for Idahoans, particularly in the tourist communities, while maintaining neighborhood integrity,” Redman said.
Under the bill, counties and cities may only enact ordinances on short-term rentals to address the following:…