After much debate, the House has passed HB 292, to make attacks on health care workers a felony with up to a five-year penalty, on a 40-27 vote. Rep. Luke Malek, R-Coeur d’Alene, sponsored the bill in response to concerns from Kootenai Medical Center in Coeur d’Alene about increasing violent attacks against workers there, along with similar concerns from others around the state in the health care industry. It requires that the attack be made with intent to trigger the enhanced penalty, to ensure that a mentally ill patient isn’t unduly penalized. Rep. Vito Barbieri, R-Dalton Gardens, spoke out against the bill/Betsy Russell, Eye on Boise. More here.

Other Eye on Boise posts today:

• IPTV GM Morrill to retire
• School safety bill goes to amending order
• JFAC: 'This may be our last meeting, we'll see'
• F&G expands hunting opportunities for wolves, elk
• Davis to Senate: March 29 adjournment is 'doable'

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