The Idaho Democratic Party announced late this afternoon that Secretary of State Lawerence Denney has agreed to make changes to 22 billboards posted statewide to advertise the upcoming March 8 GOP and Constitution Party presidential primary election, in response to the Dems’ complaint and threat...
Idaho Sen. Mary Souza has brought back her “parental rights” bill, with one change: An added paragraph defining “reasonable accommodation.” The bill still permits parents to withdraw their child from any program or activity to which they object; requires schools to develop parental involvement plans…
The first campaign finance report from Gov. Butch Otter’s new political action committee, OtterPAC, shows the PAC raised $44,490 from 19 donors in 2015, and spent $2,479, according to Melissa Davlin and Seth Ogilvie of Idaho Public TV’s “Idaho Reports.” Donations ranged from $100 to…
The House Local Government & Taxation Committee has split along party lines to approve a minimum-wage pre-emption bill, HB 463, barring any local ballot measures or ordinances aimed at raising the minimum wage. Idaho’s minimum wage is $7.25 per hour, mirroring the federal minimum. Pam…
An array of agriculture groups, from the Food Producers to the Idaho Cattle Association to the Idaho Dairymen’s Association, testified in favor of new animal-cruelty legislation in a House committee this afternoon, as did veterinarians and animal advocates. The bill, HB 524, defines “companion animals”…
After an emotional hearing marked by wrenching stories about a vicious dog attack on a little girl, including comments from the child’s father and grandparents, the House Agriculture Committee has voted to send HB 525, Rep. Mike Moyle’s dangerous dog bill, to the House’s amending...
Asked about the proposed constitutional amendment to remove the Attorney General from the state Land Board and replace him with the state treasurer, Idaho state Treasurer Ron Crane was surprised. “I would defer to the wisdom of the Legislature. I’m willing to serve in that...
The Idaho Senate has voted 27-7 in favor of repealing the new $75 annual extra registration fee for hybrid vehicles, but only after a lengthy debate in which numerous senators discussed the type of vehicles they drive, from a Mustang to a Jeep Rubicon to…
Idaho Gov. Butch Otter has endorsed Ohio Gov. John Kasich for president and joined Kasich’s campaign as a national co-chair. "There's simply no substitute for executive experience,” Otter said in a statement. “Gov. Kasich has proven himself to be a leader who can effectively balance…
Idaho House members questioned and debated the stuffing out of an early-reading bill today, then stuffed it all back in and passed it with just one “no” vote. HB 451 was the only bill the House got to during its hour-long floor session today. Rep....
Idaho Attorney General Lawrence Wasden issued the following statement today on the proposed constitutional amendment to remove him from the state Land Board and replace him with the state treasurer: “It’s up to the Legislature to determine whether this is an appropriate policy direction for…
Rep. Terry Gestrin, R-Donnelly, reports that a 60- to 85-foot-tall tree will be cut from the Payette National Forest next November to serve as the “People’s Christmas Tree” and be displayed at the U.S. Capitol; he proposed a resolution today encouraging Idahoans to participate in…
The budget set by JFAC this morning for Idaho Public TV for next year contains an uncharacteristic 30.6 percent increase in state general funds – but the big boost is almost entirely because of some major equipment replacements that add up to $835,800 in one-time-only…
Rep. John VanderWoude, R-Meridian, wants to change the Idaho Constitution to remove the Attorney General from the state Land Board and replace him with the state treasurer. VanderWoude brought his proposed constitutional amendment to the House State Affairs Committee this morning, which voted unanimously to…
As budget-setting continues in the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee today, JFAC has drawn the line at putting state general funds into the National Guard “Youth Challenge” program, which it launched several years ago with the promise that it wouldn’t seek general funds. Guard officials said they’ve…
News, happenings and more from the Idaho Legislature and the state capital.
