Kevin’s blog

The Idaho Farm Bureau says it has been working on a bill to tighten the initiative and referendum process since 2012 — before Idaho voters passed Propositions 1, 2 and 3. The House could vote on the idea this week.

Monday starts Week 11 of the legislative session, with plenty of unfinished business on the docket. Get ready for the week with this preview.

A new bill to repeal the tax on business equipment and supplies clears its first hurdle. It’s another partial repeal, similar to one proposed 11 days ago by cities, counties, school boards and school administrators.

No hearing Friday on repealing the personal property tax, the tax on business equipment, supplies and furnishings. No hearing planned for Monday, either. What gives?

The state is off the hook in a lawsuit that challenges student fees — and, at its core, questions whether Idaho is meeting its constitutional mandate to fund public education.

As lawmakers debate a big change in Idaho’s property tax structure — repealing the “personal property tax” on business supplies and equipment — voters said yes to $107.8 million in property tax levies for schools.

A bill requiring school districts to write safety and security plans also contains an exemption to Idaho’s public records law. An Idaho media group wants some general information made public.

The plot is thickening in the Senate on two public schools budget bills: the 2012-13 midyear funding fix and the 2013-14 budget proposal.

A look at the school budgets, the legislative endgame and the education task force. Notes from Monday’s interview with House Speaker Scott Bedke.

Applications for the Albertson Foundation grants are due April 5. Friday was the deadline for interested bidders to submit letters of intent.