Category Archives: Headlines
Early graduation bill gets nod from House
Early graduation proposal headed to governor The plan proposed by Rep. Branden Durst, D-Boise, and Rep. Steven Thayn, R-Emmett, to allow high school students to graduate up to three years early from high school and receive a state-funded scholarship for … Continue reading
Legislature approves voter ID requirement
Voters in Idaho will likely need to bring photo identification when they head to the polls in November. The Idaho Senate approved a plan requiring voters to show ID to poll workers when they vote, though it would allow people … Continue reading
Wasden files lawsuit over Land Board’s decision on lakefront leases
Idaho Attorney General Lawrence Wasden is asking the Idaho Supreme Court to block a recent decision by the Land Board to raise lease rates on state-owned property on Payette Lake and Priest Lake. Wasden’s lawsuit contends that the leases should … Continue reading
Longer maximum sentence for child abuse not coming this year
A proposal to increase the maximum sentence for felony child abuse in Idaho won’t become law this year. The Idaho Senate and House both passed proposals that would increase potential jail time for abusing a child, but lawmakers won’t settle … Continue reading
Hart’s silver plan fails in Senate
A proposal that would allow Idahoans to use a new silver medallion to pay their state taxes and give tax exemptions for some silver operations was rejected by a Senate panel Wednesday. Rep. Phil Hart, R-Athol, said the plan would … Continue reading
Immunity for rescue workers legislation headed to governor
On a 34-0 vote, the Idaho Senate approved legislation that would offer immunity from lawsuits to volunteer search and rescue workers. The proposal cleared the House on a 63-0 vote March 11. Read the text of the legislation, which heads … Continue reading
Extra fees for guilty offenders a vote away from passage
Offenders found guilty of crimes or infractions in Idaho courts could face an extra fine that would prevent courts across the state from closing. People convicted of felonies would pay an additional $100 to the court, misdemeanor offenders $50, and … Continue reading
Small business investment bill clears House
Small businesses struggling to get cash for development have friends in the Idaho House. Lawmakers in the House voted 64-2 Wednesday to approve a bill that is designed to create jobs by encouraging investments in small business. The legislation, the … Continue reading
Universities and colleges get House permission to go it alone on certain purchases
Certain institutions of higher education in Idaho may soon get the freedom to go it alone on purchasing special equipment for school programs. The House voted unanimously to approve a measure brought by Rep. Scott Bedke, R-Oakley, that he says … Continue reading
Transportation budgets sail through Senate
The Idaho Senate approved the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD)’s next budget and bonding plan with little discussion and broad support. ITD would see a $483.6 million budget for road construction and other programs. Funding from ITD comes primarily from state … Continue reading