Bill Tightening Loophole On Cities’ Borrowing Advances

A bill by Rep. Mark Stubbs, R-Twin Falls, to tighten a loophole that now lets cities or counties borrow money without an election passed the House on Friday.

Currently, a county or city can file a petition in the District Court asking to use public funds for projects like a new city hall or other public building. A hearing is held on the proposal, then the judge can decide - without a public vote - to finance the bond.

Stubbs’ bill would require courts to notify interested people of hearing dates on any such petition.

It also would repeal a clause in the law that said, “This chapter shall be liberally construed.”

Stubbs’ bill was sent to the House floor Tuesday by the House Judiciary and Rules committee.

, DataTimes