Doyle Beck, LD 32, contributor
Senate Bill 1038, creating a universal school choice program for Idaho students, failed to pass the Senate on Monday. It is expected that additional school choice legislation will be introduced in the House, so the battle on this issue may not yet be over.
In other developments, legislation to make sure Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) investing doesn't take hold in the state is on the way to the House floor for consideration. House Bills 189, 190, and 191 would prevent ESG in several instances. The Idaho Freedom Foundation has rated all the bills favorably. The Idaho Association of Commerce and Industry spoke in opposition to the legislation calling it "dangerous and unworkable." Also of note: the Senate will vote soon on Senate Bill 1078, which would give the secretary of state the new responsibility of creating a voter guide. Here's what the IFF has to say about it. The House is expected to vote soon on a bill to create a new crime of "critical infrastructure trespass." IFF has misgivings about the legislation, which is House Bill 167. IACI supports the legislation. Finally, a House vote could come soon on House Bill 111, which would give students the day off on election day out of concerns regarding school safety. Here is IFF's take on it.
Nick Contos, Chairman BCRCC, contributor
This is legislation presented by Julianne Young, State GOP Liaison, which limits the city's ability to annex. This new bill would require permission from EVERY landowner and the county planning and zoning.
Testimonies are being taken on Thursday. To learn how to testify remotely, or find information on current bills, visit https://www.bonnevillegop.com/bill-tracker
Jayne Wolf, LGC Co-Chair, contributor
HB 167, the bill that will create a massive amount of “gun-free” zones in Idaho, will be heard on the House floor.
The bill creates “gun-free” zones by giving “No Guns” signs the force of law in Idaho where they currently do not have the force of law.
The bill appears to violate Idaho’s firearm preemption law by letting “government buildings” post “No Firearms Allowed” signs.
Under Firearm Preemption, cities and counties are not allowed to regulate the carrying of firearms. This creates a clear problem with our current law if HB 167 is passed.
Kathy Kula, LGC Co-Chair, contributor
Update on the H58 bill. Vote consolidation. It it going to the 14th order where things can be added or taken away as written. It will then go to the setup floor. Wendy Horman who originally sponsored the bill for the March and August dates to be added is now in support of this bill to take them away.