Gov. Butch Otter today signed SB 1141 into law, providing $52 million from the state’s current-year budget for emergency road repairs around the state. The bill includes an emergency clause making it effective as soon as it’s signed into law, so today’s signing means the money can begin being distributed around the state to help with winter- and flood-damaged roads and bridges.

The measure was among 49 bills that Otter signed into law today.. Others that the governor signed today included the budgets for the state’s four-year colleges and universities; the Department of Commerce; the state prison system; and the Idaho State Police; new legislation specifying retention requirements for sexual assault evidence contained in rape kits; a regulatory bill for Idaho’s emerging oil and gas industry; and SB 1120, legislation designed to allow speedier evictions of squatters who move into residential properties.

Also signed today: SB 1144, which adjusts Idaho’s state laws on liquor and nudity at arts performances, pursuant to a settlement in a lawsuit filed against the Idaho State Police by the Visual Arts Collective.