Here's a news item from the Associated Press: BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Legislation aimed at allowing private schools to compete in state and district athletic events passed the Idaho House today, 59-7. The bill directs Idaho's Department of Education to outline new accreditation requirements for…
The House Judiciary Committee has voted to approve a 2 percent pay increase next year for Idaho's judges and high court justices, the same amount set for state employees and the state's full-time commissioners, and the judges' first pay raise in four years. Supreme Court…
Here's a news item from the Associated Press: BOISE, Idaho (AP) — After a unanimous House vote, Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter's pen stroke is all that stands between finally declaring the telegraph obsolete in Idaho. Tuesday's 63-0 vote is part of the Idaho Supreme Court's…
The "Add The Words" campaign, which has pushed unsuccessfully this year for lawmakers to consider legislation adding the words "sexual orientation" and "gender identity" to the Idaho Human Rights Act to ban discrimination on that basis in housing and employment, will hold a vigil on…
The Senate, which has been at ease most of the day today for a closed-door GOP caucus, has just returned to the floor, midway through the noon hour. Senate Majority Leader Bart Davis thanked the minority party, saying, "I appreciate your patience," and asked to…
The House has voted 61-3 in favor of HCR 47, to build a new state parking garage within the Capitol Mall, using savings from refinancing existing state bonds, and expand parking options for members of the public visiting the Statehouse during the legislative session. "We've…
After his addresses to the House and Senate, U.S. Congressman Raul Labrador told reporters he's sincere in his call for bipartisanship. "I actually worked with Democrats very closely when I was here," he said. "I served on the Judiciary Committee - there were a lot…
U.S. Congressman Raul Labrador told the Senate today that since he's been in Washington, D.C., "My appreciation for the Idaho Legislature has only grown more." Addressing those lawmakers who are retiring this year, he said, "If you are anything like me, you will miss this…
HB 645, to grant 2 percent salary increases to Idaho's full-time commissioners - public utilities commissioners, state tax commissioners and industrial commissioners - has passed the House, but only on a 39-22 vote. "It's something we've agreed to, to give all state employees that 2…
The House has just agreed by unanimous consent, at the request of Rep. John Rusche, D-Lewiston, to return HB 486a, the tanning-bed bill, to general orders for amendment. Yesterday, Rusche's amendment to his own bill failed amid procedural questions, as a competing amendment was ruled…
Here's a news item from the Associated Press: BOISE, Idaho (AP) — A state lawmaker wants to help charter schools with costs of securing a facility for their classrooms. Under legislation Rep. Reed DeMordaunt introduced Tuesday, charter schools that raise money for buildings by issuing…
A quirk of SB 1349, the controversial measure to require Idaho women to undergo an ultrasound before they could have an abortion, could mean substantial costs to the women involved, and could require some to undergo two ultrasounds, the Twin Falls Times-News reports in a…
Sen. Sheryl Nuxoll, R-Cottonwood, pitched her non-binding memorial, SJM 104, to the House State Affairs Committee this morning to oppose an Obama Administration rule regarding contraception coverage in health insurance policies. "It is a matter of science that some forms of birth control can be…
The Senate convened early today, at 9 a.m., but will soon go at ease for a majority party caucus, without having considered any bills; the Senate will be back at 11 a.m. to hear from Congressman Raul Labrador, who also will speak to the House…
News, happenings and more from the Idaho Legislature and the state capital.
