Idaho Lawmakers eye plan for taxing exempt properties

BOISE, Idaho (AP) - Legislation for a constitutional amendment introduced Monday could end up reducing some property taxes by removing exemptions for others.

The House Revenue and Taxation Committee gave the OK for the resolution that would allow legislation to bring into the property tax pool government properties leased by third parties.

Democratic Rep. John Gannon as an example says taxing those properties in Boise could result in a 2% reduction overall for city residents and about 1% for the county.

Specifically, the constitutional amendment would require any new revenue be used to reduce levy rates on all properties in the district.

The resolution will have to pass both the House and Senate with a two-thirds majority and then be approved by voters.

Property taxes have been among the top issues this legislative session. Some residents have said they're being priced out of their homes as values increase and property taxes go up.