Everything you need to know about House Bill 898

What is HB 898?

House Bill 898 proposes removing the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) from the Idaho State Historical Society and placing it under the proposed Office of Species, Minerals, and Energy Coordination (OSMEC) — an office designed to advocate for the development of Idaho’s mineral and energy resources. This change would place a regulatory oversight office within an agency dedicated to promoting development projects, creating a clear conflict of interest that undermines the integrity of historic preservation in Idaho.

SHPO is Idaho’s only statewide historic preservation office. Its staff of archaeologists, architectural historians, and cultural resource professionals provide essential expertise, manage federal preservation funding, and ensure compliance with federal historic preservation law.

You might be asking yourself… what is shpo?

SHPO refers to both the State Historic Preservation Officer and the State Historic Preservation Office. The State Historic Preservation Officer is appointed by the governor. This is a figurehead role and this role is not involved in the day to day operations of the Office. Currently, the State Historic Preservation Officer also serves as the Executive Director of the Idaho State Historical Society.

What is the Idaho State Historical Society?

The Idaho State Historical Society (ISHS) is a state agency whose mission is to preserve and promote Idaho history. It is comprised of the Idaho State Archives, the Idaho State Museum, the State Historic Preservation Office, and historic sites.

How does SHPO benefit Idaho?

The SHPO provides local voice to federal action through its multiple programs and partnerships across the state. These programs have widespread impact—adding value and benefit to nearly every community or county in Idaho.

In 2025, SHPO staff made 65 on-site technical assistance and consultation visits outside of Boise. Twenty-six (26) communities and fifteen (15) counties participate in Idaho’s Certified Local Government (CLG) Program. The Idaho SHPO distributes approximately $100,000 per year to these local partners.

Over the past decade, the SHPO has reviewed approximately 1,000 projects each year, assisting state and federal partners in the identification and evaluation of historic and archaeological sites. During project consultation, SHPO is allowed a 30-day review timeline. The SHPO’s current average review time is six (6) days.

What are the legally mandated responsibilities of the SHPO?

The SHPO is responsible for the duties outlined within the National Historic Preservation Act. These main responsibilities include (1) assistance with and review of federal projects, giving state and local voice to federal action, (2) maintaining an inventory of historic properties and the National Register of Historic Places for Idaho, (3) and assisting local communities in the preservation of their historic places.

What programs does the SHPO administer?

The SHPO administers (1) the Certified Local Government (CLG) program, (2) the National Register of Historic Places, (3) the federal tax credit program, (4) the easement program, (5) Section 106, (6) the collections of the Archaeological Survey of Idaho, (7) preservation planning, and (8) technical assistance.

What is Section 106?

Section 106 refers to 36 CFR Part 800 of the National Historic Preservation Act. It requires federal agencies to consider the effects on historic properties of projects they carry out, assist, fund, permit, or license. For more information: https://www.achp.gov/protecting-historic-properties/section-106-process/introduction-section-106

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to Brittney Scigliano, Board President.📨 brittney@preservationidaho.org