Tag Archives: Erik Simpson
Wind energy: Opponents stress problem with subsidies; proponents insist it is a property rights issue
During the 2012 legislative session, Rep. Erik Simpson, R-Idaho Falls, proposed legislation putting a two-year wind moratorium on wind projects in the state so the issue could be better studied by the Legislature. House Bill 561 was held for four … Continue reading
Outgoing legislator calls wind energy production tax a big mistake
What a difference a few years make. In 2007, the Idaho Legislature unanimously passed and the governor approved House Bill 189 removing the property tax for wind projects, replacing it with a 3 percent production tax. The legislation was a … Continue reading
Enforcement a challenge with texting while driving ban
“This legislation will save lives.” Those words came in a press release last week from the Idaho Transportation Department regarding the 2012 Legislature passing legislation that bans texting while driving. That claim, founded or not, has been a feather in … Continue reading
Unfinished business for one legislator: wind moratorium and guns on campus
Rep. Erik Simpson, R-Idaho Falls, has been the voice behind two of the bigger issues during the last two legislative sessions—the right for Idahoans to carry concealed weapons on college campuses, as well as a two-year wind moratorium so that … Continue reading
House votes to ban tanning for some minors, sends bill to the Senate
After weeks of debate on the issue, the Idaho House of Representatives voted Tuesday 39-30 to ban tanning for some minors, sending the legislation on to the Senate for consideration. The bill, sponsored by House Minority Leader John Rusche, D-Lewiston, … Continue reading
After fervent debate, youth tanning ban bill sent back to committee for more hearings
A bill that would ban minors from using tanning beds is headed back to committee when lawmakers voted, after some tense debate Thursday, to send it there for more deliberation. Legislators voted 42-26 to send it back to the House … Continue reading
House panel defeats bill denying state worker raises, supports 2 percent wage hikes
In quick action Thursday, the House Commerce and Human Resources Committee killed a bill that would have denied state workers raises in the next fiscal year. A second measure, basing raises on merit alone, was altered to match a prior … Continue reading
New GOP caucus could leave out some Republican state lawmakers
After six Idaho stops by Republican candidates last week, it’s clear that the Gem State is relevant in the GOP’s presidential selection process. While party chiefs essentially made Idaho a player in the GOP presidential sweepstakes, the change might leave … Continue reading
Bill would address youth concussions, but lawmakers have reservations about the plan
Rep. Erik Simpson, R-Idaho Falls, introduced a bill Tuesday to address youth concussions inIdaho, but it may have been the easiest hearing he will see as his legislation wends its way through the Capitol. The bill was introduced unanimously in … Continue reading