A.G.’s opinion raises questions for urban renewal panel over proposed accountability measures

Sen. Dan Johnson, R-Lewiston, requested a legal opinion from the Idaho Attorney General on a question related to accountability measures a legislative interim committee is considering with regard to urban renewal agencies, and Johnson told the panel today the results were significant, pointing to conflicts between some existing laws and rules and questions about whether current practices are compliant. The panel adjourned early for the lunch hour with instructions to read the opinion; it’ll return at 12:45, and is scheduled to hear from the state Tax Commission this afternoon.

The opinion letter, from Assistant Chief Deputy Attorney General Brian Kane, concludes, “This office recommends working closely with the Idaho Tax Commission to ensure the intent of the legislature through statutory amendments is fulfilled through the practical application of those statutory amendments to Idaho’s tax system.” You can read the opinion here .