Tag Archives: Phil Hart

In a year of government worker raises, judges could see more, too

It’s the year of raises at the Idaho Capitol and just about everyone is getting them after years of going without. On Tuesday, the House Judiciary, Rules and Administration Committee approved 2 percent raises for state-funded judges and justices, their … Continue reading

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Idaho Democrats to push for ethics changes in 2012, though details are sketchy

Without pointing out specific occurrences, Idaho Democrats announced Thursday they would seek ethics reforms in the upcoming legislative session. Though Democrats hold just a small number of seats in the House and Senate, it seems Republicans may be willing to … Continue reading

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Some school districts required to meet finance disclosure guidelines Thursday

Some school districts in Idaho are now required to provide certain financial data on public websites as a result of a 2010 bill pushed through the Legislature, but a few officials say the task is simply extra work for employees. … Continue reading

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Idaho could follow Texas in pushing anti-TSA groping bill

Earlier this week, Texas Gov. Rick Perry reintroduced a bill that would make it a felony in his state for employees of the federal Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) to conduct pre-flight pat down searches at security check points. It looks … Continue reading

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Palmer replaces Smith as House Transportation Committee chair

Rep. Joe Palmer, R-Meridian, started the 2011 legislative session as just another member of the House Transportation Committee, but that’s not how he will end it. In a surprise move Thursday, as the Legislature finished its business for the year, … Continue reading

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House approves bill requiring certain sex offenders to check in with schools

The Idaho House of Representatives has approved a bill that would require sex offenders who plan to visit school grounds for any reason to notify schools on a yearly basis. The bill passed on a 66-3 vote, and now heads … Continue reading

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House approves four of six urban renewal reform measures

Lawmakers in the Idaho House voted to approve several measures designed to bring more transparency and oversight into urban renewal in the Gem State, but not all the bills gained favor with legislators. Representatives approved four of the six reform … Continue reading

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Bill to set sheriff candidacy requirements killed on tie votes

Lori Shewmaker, a mother of two from Boise, is not a large woman, but it’s likely she played a big role in defeating a bill that would have placed restrictions on who can run for county sheriff. Shewmaker, who is … Continue reading

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Time right to challenge Endangered Species Act, says wolf policy expert

Firebrand Jim Beers, the former federal fish and game worker now known for his anti-wolf, anti-government crusade, delivered a message of hope to a crowd 200 strong at Boise State University Wednesday night. “The possibility of reform has not been … Continue reading

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House Local Government Committee approves six urban renewal reform bills

It took them more than four hours to do it, but lawmakers on the House Local Government Committee approved a slew of bills to reform the way urban renewal agencies across the Gem State operate.  In all, six measures cleared … Continue reading

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