Batt May Call Special Session

Republican Gov. Phil Batt says he likes the idea of special sessions of the Idaho Legislature.

He told the Idaho Press Club on Wednesday that it is “probable, even likely” that he will call a special session if necessary to deal with water matters.

Batt said special sessions last only a few days and can concentrate on a single issue.

“I’m kind of a fan of special sessions,” he said. “If it appears we need to meet again this year, I’ll do it.”

Talk of a special session centers around the Snake River Basin Adjudication, an attempt to set priorities for 150,000 state, federal and private water rights claims in Idaho.

The work has been under way for several years. Last year 5th District Judge Daniel Hurlbutt struck down the Legislature’s attempt to streamline the process. The Idaho Supreme Court is scheduled to hear arguments on the state’s appeal in April.The House voted 67-3 and sent to the Senate legislation allowing creation of groundwater districts. Sponsors said those districts could work to solve problems created when there is a shortage of irrigation water and the holder of a senior right issues a “call” for water.