This morning, minority Democrats in the Idaho Legislature announced three new ethics reform proposals and called on Republicans to work with them on the bills - and by this afternoon, the Republicans had agreed. The Democrats called for requiring financial disclosure from public and elected officials in the state, something only Idaho and two other states lack; a bill to impose a one-year wait before former lawmakers or other public officials could register as lobbyists; and a whistleblower hotline law for state employees. The proposals came on the heels of the Democrats' call for Idaho to create an independent ethics commission; GOP leaders agreed, and both sides have formed a bipartisan working group to draft a consensus bill.

On Tuesday, House Speaker Lawerence Denney and Senate President Pro-Tem Brent Hill both said they'd like the working group to also consider the three issues Democrats highlighted. “I think the working group ought to discuss those things, see if they can come up with suggestions,” Hill said. "I'd just encourage it." Denney said he's open to the ideas, including the one-year lobbying restriction. “I don't have a problem with that," he said. "Let's hear it.” You can read my full story here at spokesman.com.