Legislative roundup: Data center bill advancing to Idaho House; tobacco, affordable housing bills introduced – Idaho Press

Legislative Roundup: Proposal for Data Center Bill Progressing to Idaho House; Tobacco and Affordable Housing Bills Introduced

A bill that would authorize the creation of a data center in Idaho is advancing through the Idaho legislature. The measure, which has been approved by the Senate and is now under consideration in the House, would allow an Idaho-based company to construct a data center. It would also provide tax incentives to the company in exchange for the creation of the facility.

In addition, two other bills were recently introduced in the Idaho legislature. One bill seeks to raise the legal age to purchase tobacco products from 18 to 21. The other bill aims to increase the availability of affordable housing in the state.

The data center bill, if passed, would authorize the state to enter into agreements with an Idaho-based company to construct the facility. The bill would also provide the company with certain tax incentives, including a reduction in sales taxes on construction materials and equipment.

The tobacco bill, which was introduced in the Senate, would raise the legal age to purchase tobacco products from 18 to 21. The bill would also create a grant program to help fund smoking cessation and prevention programs.

The affordable housing bill, which was introduced in the House, seeks to address the state’s shortage of affordable housing. It would provide funding for the construction of new housing units and expand existing housing programs.

The legislature is expected to take up these bills in the coming weeks. It remains to be seen whether they will pass or be defeated.