Doyle Beck, Legislative District Chair 32, contributor
Things are starting to move faster at the Legislature, and I encourage you to pay close attention, not necessarily to what you read in the media but to the actual bills being introduced and considered by our lawmakers.
Here is a link to all the bills being considered. It is updated every day the Legislature is in session. Here is a link to the Idaho Freedom Foundation's bill analysis page and scorecard. Here is the same information only from the view of the big business lobby, the Idaho Association of Commerce and Industry.
Now, today I want to tell you about Senate Bill 1057. This bill would require every cell phone and tablet in the state to come preloaded with an automatically activated pornography filter. The Freedom Foundation's Wayne Hoffman has written an article explaining why he believes this bill is bad for families and privacy. Meanwhile, Trent Clark has written an article in support. Read up and decide what you think, then let your legislators know.
On Wednesday or Thursday, the Senate will consider Senate Bill 1038, which would create a universal education choice program in Idaho much like what other Red states are doing. If you still haven't weighed in on this bill, now is the time to do so.
Lawmakers are starting to set budgets for state agencies. If you'd like lawmakers to vote for smaller or bigger government, or to get a handle on certain spending that you find objectionable, or perhaps you want certain increases in agency appropriations, now is the time to let that be known as well.
Finally, if there's legislation you want to hear more about, let me know and I'll be sure to include it in my next update.