Here's a link to my full story at spokesman.com on today's arrests in "Add the 4 Words" protests. In all, there were 25 arrests, including six people who were arrested twice. The protesters called for adding the words “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” to the…
After more testimony and a wrap-up from NRA lobbyist Dakota Moore, the hearing on HB 243, the bill to revamp Idaho's concealed-weapons bill, wrapped up this afternoon without a vote. The House State Affairs Committee opted to delay a vote, to be scheduled later at…
A second group of nine protesters was arrested around 11 a.m. today, again blocking the entrances to the Legislature's bill drafting office, and a third just now, doing the same; all are pushing for consideration of legislation to add the words "sexual orientation" and "gender...
After lots of debate this morning, the House has passed SB 1044, Sen. Jim Guthrie’s bill to forbid the use of eminent domain for greenways or trails unless they’re along a public road. The vote was 54-15; the bill, which previously passed the Senate 20-13,…
Legislation requiring all Idaho school districts to develop processes by which parents can withdraw their children from any “activity, class or program” that the parents believe “impairs the parents’ firmly held beliefs, values or principles” passed the Senate his morning on a 23-12 vote, after...
Emergency legislation to override the city of Boise’s ability to regulate Uber and other ride-sharing services passed the House today on a 56-12 vote; HB 262 now moves to the Senate side. The bill, proposed by a lobbyist for Uber, which has been battling with...
On a 25-10 vote, the Idaho Senate has endorsed legislation banning local government ordinances regulating the carrying or use of knives, despite an Idaho Attorney General’s opinion that SB 1092 as written conflicts with an existing state law that says schools can regulate knives on…
After much testimony this morning on HB 243, the concealed-carry gun bill, the House State Affairs Committee has run 40 minutes past its scheduled ending time – and the rest of the House is waiting for the committee members on the floor – so Chairman…
On a voice vote, the Senate State Affairs Committee has agreed to send HB 154, the chemical abortion bill, to the Senate’s 14th order for amendments. First, Sen. Cherie Buckner-Webb, D-Boise, moved to hold the bill in committee, killing it, “As it restricts a woman’s…
Two big hearings are happening simultaneously this morning: A hearing in the Lincoln Auditorium on HB 154, the House-passed bill to add new restrictions on abortions performed by medication rather than by surgery, which is being considered by the Senate State Affairs Committee; and a...
Nine people have been arrested in an “Add the 4 Words” protest in which they were blocking the entrances to the Legislature’s bill-drafting offices this morning. The arrests happened quietly and without incident, reported Lt. Brad Doty of the Idaho State Police. “They’re very calm...
“Add the 4 Words” protesters are blocking all entrances to the bill drafting office of the Idaho Legislature this morning, with one holding a sign saying, “Open for Add the Words Bill Only.” “People are welcome to leave this office, and we will make way...
Bogus Basin abruptly closed for the season Saturday afternoon as rain fell on the already slushy snow. An announcement posted on the non-profit ski resort’s website just said, “We are closed. See you next season!” Resort spokeswoman Susan Saad told the Idaho Statesman, “Rain did…
Idaho’s Fish & Game Commission is urging lawmakers to approve their long-pressed “price lock” fee legislation – HB 32, which has been held in the House Resources Committee since early in the session – without imposing unwanted new mandates to allow private sales of certain...
Gambling in Idaho has evolved from legal slot machines in the 1940s and ‘50s to a state lottery, tribal gambing, and this year’s fight over “instant racing” machines at race tracks. The AP takes a look at that evolution in an article by reporter Kimberlee...