Senate debates at length over constitutional convention, then kills bill

Senators were locked in debate all morning over SB 1350 , the bill to set rules for Idaho delegates to an Article V constitutional convention, should one be called by the states, before voting the bill down, 12-23. The debate lasted nearly two hours, and followed lengthy committee hearings on the proposal, from Sen. Curt McKenzie, R-Nampa, and Rep. Lynn Luker, R-Boise. Concerns ranged from wanting to rein in federal spending through a balanced budget amendment to the U.S. Constitution, to fear about what else a constitutional convention might address, and whether the proposed rules adequately protected Idaho and its interests.