HB 583: Only good for owners, unfair to everyone else

As a local short-term rental (STR) owner, I am strongly against HB 583, Rep. Redman’s third attempt to dictate how communities across Idaho manage the STR question. Idaho is a broad body politic, and as such, the needs and desires of our communities vary greatly across the state. 

Creating legislation that limits the power of these communities to manage what has become a critical issue for many hourly workers, first-time home buyers, and neighborhoods is not just a bad idea — it flies in the face of the Republican values that Mr. Redman is supposed to represent, taking control away from local municipalities, and enacting legislation that benefits a small percentage of the state, at the expense of the rest.  

Local groups, like the Vacation Rental Alliance here in Coeur d’Alene, need to work with the City and greater community to ensure that everyone’s voices are heard, and reasonable compromises are achieved. Carte blanche for STR owners, as Redman’s bill currently aims for, certainly isn’t the answer.

JONATHAN BURNS

Coeur d’Alene