Rep. Heather Scott, R-Blanchard, presented her first three proposed bills today, all dealing with Fish & Game issues. The House Resources Committee agreed to introduce all three, but members had lots of questions and concerns about the proposals. One would repeal an existing law that...
Hundreds of students and families are gathered on the steps of the Statehouse to celebrate School Choice Week with an annual rally and signature yellow scarves. Speakers at the rally include West Ada 2015 teacher of the year Shawna Exline and Superintendent of Public Instruction…
The Senate has voted unanimously, 33-0, in favor of SB 1201, which transfers $29 million in savings from the Catastrophic Health Care fund back to the state’s general fund. Sen. Dan Schmidt, D-Moscow, told senators that the fund’s costs had been climbing significantly, year after…
When Idaho legalized slot machine-like “instant racing” machines in 2013 to benefit the state’s horse industry, it earmarked portions of the proceeds to go to four recipients, including the Idaho Horse Council. But Sen. Jim Rice, R-Caldwell, told the Senate State Affairs Committee this morning…
The Idaho Legislature's Joint Millennium Fund Committee narrowly recommended funding four new community recovery centers Tuesday, including one in Lewiston, reports Bill Spence of the Lewiston Tribune, but the proposal still faces significant hurdles. The centers are intended to provide a safe, supportive environment for…
Amid lots of questions, the House State Affairs Committee has agreed to introduce a bill proposed by Rep. Greg Chaney, R-Caldwell, to require community college trustees to be from five designated zones within the community college district, though they’d run at-large. Rep. Melissa Wintrow, D-Boise,…
Rep. Hy Kloc, D-Boise, got an enthusiastic reaction from the House State Affairs Committee for his resolution, co-sponsored by Sen. Chuck Winder, R-Boise, to celebrate the 130th anniversary of the unveiling of the Statue of Liberty. Kloc distributed a copy of a ship’s manifest from…
Dramatic developments overnight on the occupation of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge by armed militants, as one of the occupiers was killed during a traffic stop and eight more, including the group's leader Ammon Bundy, were arrested. The AP has a full report here. The…
University of Idaho President Chuck Staben is making his budget presentation to the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee, as a week of education budget hearings continues; lawmakers heard yesterday from the presidents of BSU and ISU; today’s schedule also includes a budget presentation from Lewis-Clark State College…
News, happenings and more from the Idaho Legislature and the state capital.
