Cursive, and more: Legislative roundup, 2/28

Mark it down. Idaho’s cursive writing resolution is on the books.

After brief debate — or, shall we say, cursory debate? — the Senate approved House Concurrent Resolution 3, which requests that the State Board of Education write rules to require cursive instruction in elementary schools.

Rep. Linden Bateman, R-Idaho Falls, a semi-retired teacher, has led the push for the cursive resolution. Sen. Bob Nonini, R-Coeur d’Alene, carried the bill on the Senate side Thursday morning — and Nonini said Bateman’s cursive crusade has prompted him to practice his penmanship. “It is a good exercise for all of us.”

The Senate approved HCR 3 on a voice vote. It has already passed the House — and unlike bills, concurrent resolutions do not require the governor’s support. That means Thursday’s Senate vote is the final word on HCR 3.

In other Statehouse bulletins:

Worker’s compensation. A bill that would ensure worker’s compensation coverage for college students is headed to Gov. Butch Otter’s desk. “Under current Idaho law, postsecondary students receiving education credits for completing a work experience project are not covered under the university or college worker’s compensation policy with the State Insurance Fund,” reads the statement of purpose for House Bill 82, which passed the Senate Thursday, 33-0.

 

Kevin Richert

Kevin Richert

Senior reporter and blogger Kevin Richert specializes in education politics and education policy. He has more than 30 years of experience in Idaho journalism. He is a frequent guest on "Idaho Reports" on Idaho Public Television and "Idaho Matters" on Boise State Public Radio. Follow Kevin on Twitter: @KevinRichert. He can be reached at [email protected]

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