IDAHO
House panel kills chairman’s bill
Five committee Republicans join three Democrats to oppose a bill pushed by Chairman Rep. Reed DeMordaunt, R-Eagle.
Personal property tax bill sails to House floor
Drafted by counties — with the blessing of the Idaho School Boards Association and the Idaho Association of School Administrators — a new personal property tax repeal bill is gathering steam.
State releases charter school study
The new report highlights policy issues — but purposely does not examine effectiveness of charter schools compared to traditional schools.
Charter bills face a Senate floor showdown
Lawmakers have been working behind the scenes to amend the two controversial charter schools bills. Senate Education Committee Chairman John Goedde says there could be a variety of amendments up for debate.
House Ed introduces five new bills
Two new bills were fast-tracked, which skips the public hearing process but could increase their chance of working through the Legislature before adjournment.
Statehouse roundup, 3.15.13
The House sent three Senate bills relating to education to Gov. Butch Otter for final consideration Friday.
Task force coming to a town near you
The governor’s Task Force for Improving Education set dates and a timeline for making recommendations to lawmakers and policy makers by the end of this year.
Tax panel OK’s private school scholarship credits
Sen. Bob Nonini touts the income tax credit program a money-saver that will encourage school choice. The Idaho School Boards Association, the Idaho Association of School Administrators and the Idaho Association oppose the bill.
Campus religious groups bill clears committee
Sen. Curt McKenzie, R-Nampa, says his bill would protect student faith groups on college campuses. Opponents say the bill carves out a special exemption for them.
Statehouse roundup, 3.14.13
The personal property tax parlor game continues. And legislative action — on teacher salary money, school labor issues and a school security bill, and more.