Amends and adds to existing law to provide for the adjustment of line license tax allocations, the expenditures of reclamation funds, voluntary contributions, the establishment of an advisory committee, the responsibilities of the department of lands, and the setting of reclamation priorities.
MINES AND MINING -- Amends and adds to existing law to provide for the adjustment of line license tax allocations, the expenditures of reclamation funds, voluntary contributions, the establishment of an advisory committee, the responsibilities of the department of lands, and the setting of reclamation priorities.
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
The changes in this bill provide additional monies from the Idaho Mine License Tax for the use in the Abandoned Mine Land Fund and provides for voluntary contributions to the Abandoned Mine Land Fund. Voluntary contributions from mining companies can be considered as part of the required environmental or natural resource requirements for new or expanded mining operations. The bill also specifies what percentage of funds must be spent on direct reclamation activities. The bill requires the Idaho Department of Lands to prioritize abandoned mine sites as to actions needed, to provide an annual report of how funds were expended (by eligible site) and actual progress made (by eligible site). Finally, the bill creates an advisory committee to provide guidance to the department of Lands on priorities of eligible sites for reclamation and planned reclamation actions.
HOW THEY VOTED
House Third Reading
YEA (65)
NAY (0)
ABSENT / NOT VOTING (5)
Senate Third Reading
YEA (35)
NAY (0)
LATEST ACTION
Reported Signed by Governor on March 14, 2025 Session Law Chapter 79 Effective: 07/01/2025
BILL INFO
- Session
- 2025
- Chamber
- house
- Status date
- Mar 17, 2025