Rep. Mack Shirley, R-Rexburg, told the Senate Education Committee this afternoon that he's reached agreement with the Idaho Library Association on amendments to HB 205, the bill to require Idaho libraries to filter Internet access for adults. The changes, Shirley said, "are actually huge, but minor in wording," and "should accomplish what we're trying to resolve." The changes including changing "shall" to "may" in a portion directing libraries on exactly how they must comply, and an effective date of October 2012 to allow libraries time to acquire technology and develop procedures. John Watts, lobbyist for the libraries, said, "This is an unfunded mandate," but he said libraries are willing to comply with the compromise.

Sen. Dean Mortimer, R-Idaho Falls, said, "I want to again applaud the libraries and also Rep. Shirley and the Citizens for Decency and all of those that have worked so diligently to make sure that we've got this protection for our youth." He moved to send the bill to the Senate's amending order, and the motion passed.