The House State Affairs Committee, which had been scheduled to hear two measures this morning regarding state takeover of federal lands, has run out of time as the House is scheduled to convene its floor session now. The committee has decided to hear from two people who came from out of town to testify on those measures; Idaho County Commissioner Jim Chmelik and Payette resident Jeff Wright, both supporting the measures. “This issue should cross party lines and bind us to a common cause,” Chmelik told the committee. "I do believe we could do a better job of it."

Committee Chairman Tom Loertscher, R-Iona, said the hearing will continue tomorrow.