The big six

Property tax

With growing concerns around the state about rising property taxes, especially from homeowners, a legislative interim committee held a dozen public hearings over the summer and recommended major reforms.

Where things stand: The House passed eight property tax bills including a reduction in the amount of property taxes that go to schools, replacing that money with a half-penny increase in sales tax. Representatives also voted to increase the homeowner’s exemption and to increase the “circuit breaker” tax break for the low-income elderly and disabled.

School construction

The Idaho Supreme Court in December declared the state’s system for funding school construction unconstitutional and ordered lawmakers to fix a system that now relies on local property taxpayers.

Where things stand: Republican lawmakers proposed $35 million for school construction and ongoing maintenance. Property taxes would be increased in districts that used the fund. Democrats have a different plan but lack the political power to advance it.

Prisons/Crime

Idaho’s prisons are overflowing, and the state was forced this year to ship more than 300 inmates out of state at a cost of $6 million a year. Meanwhile, Idaho lawmakers and state officials want to crack down on sex offenders after several high-profile cases and impose much longer sentences.

Where things stand: The House passed three bills cracking down on sex offenders including one that would make the death penalty an option in some murder cases that include sex crimes. The Senate passed a bill for long mandatory minimum sentences for repeat sex offenders.

Transportation/road construction

After approving the $1.2 billion “Connecting Idaho” plan last year, lawmakers now are weighing the first round of bonding to pay for the projects and several other transportation-related issues.

Where things stand: A bill to boost the speed limit for semitrucks to 75 mph on Idaho highways was withdrawn after criticism from safety advocates and others. The Republican sponsor plans to reintroduce the measure next year. The Legislature is also considering a bill that would let Idaho drivers opt against having the “Famous Potatoes” slogan on their license plates.

Budget

Idaho has a projected $214 million budget surplus, a marked contrast to recent tight years. However, many urgent needs have been delayed during the budget crunch of recent years, from building maintenance to state employee raises.

Where things stand: Some lawmakers think there is enough money in the state surplus to reduce the amount of property taxes going to schools by $125 million annually instead of recovering the money by raising the state sales tax a half-penny.

A House committee killed a proposal for a $75,000 expenditure to challenge the constitutionality of the voter-approved Indian gaming initiative.

Education

The State Board of Education wants to require more math and science for Idaho high school students to graduate, along with a senior project and other requirements. State Superintendent of Schools Marilyn Howard wants higher teacher pay.

Where things stand: The high school redesign plan remains in limbo. The Senate killed a bill to give math and science teachers extra pay. The Senate Education Committee is contemplating whether to expand the number of state charter schools to 12.