Idaho House OKs task force to study state's broadband system 

Here’s a news item from the Associated Press: BOISE, Idaho (AP) — The Idaho House has unanimously approved a new task force to recommend changes to the state's piecemeal broadband system. The action comes after district judge ruled the state's $60 million public schools broadband contract illegal, leaving individual school districts to find their own replacements for broadband access. Republican Rep. Wendy Horman from Idaho Falls says the goal is to explore all possible options without presuming any outcomes. The plan could cost up to $100,000. The committee will report back to next year's Legislature. House Minority Leader John Rusche from Lewiston, who ultimately voted yes, raised concerns that lawmakers shouldn't look for a solution before outlining the problem. The plan now goes to the Senate side for approval.

Incidentally, the Senate passed its own broadband study resolution last night, SCR 131. The new one from the House is HCR 26; it’s more limited than the Senate’s version.