In the end, there was no decision from the House Judiciary Committee today on HB 500, the tribal law enforcement bill - other than to put a decision off for six days, in hopes of the two sides reaching a cross-deputization agreement between now and then. But committee members made it clear they were ready to do something: Two motions were pending to move the bill on to the House's amending order for technical amendments suggested by both Rep. Lynn Luker, R-Boise, and some of those who testified today. "I just wish you guys wouldn't even be here today, and you would just sit down and come to an agreement," said Rep. Raul Labrador, R-Eagle. "And I'm troubled with some of the emails I have received - it seems that there's something deeper than just a difference of opinion. I don't understand why we have public safety officers that are just sitting there waiting for a long time for another public safety officer to respond to a call. I don't understand why we're allowing crimes to occur in the community and nothing's being done about it. It just really troubles me."

Rep. Donna Boe, D-Pocatello, suggested passing the bill with an enactment date in 2011, to see if that would spur the county to the negotiating table. Rep. Steve Kren, R-Nampa, said, "I'm content with moving this bill forward with the amendments to give some time for some last-minute negotiations, if you will."

The motion to hold off for six days passed on a 10-5 vote, with those objecting holding out for moving forward now. Afterward, House Judiciary Chairman Jim Clark, R-Hayden Lake, said, "I think it was a great hearing, lots of information, both sides of the issue. It's still alive. I think we're going to get something out of it - I don't know what."