2017 Idaho Legislature

Safe routes to schools: What happens next?

House Minority Leader Mat Erpelding says the bill could free up $3.7 million for projects near schools. The Idaho Transportation Department is still trying to get a handle on the implications of the last-minute bill.

Otter stays silent — for now — on the 2017 session

Gov. Butch Otter canceled a post-session news conference Thursday, citing laryngitis. But at some point, he will have the last word on repealing the state’s grocery tax.

Statehouse roundup, 3.28.17: Legislature passes highway plan

Meanwhile, one new education bill emerged in the final throes of the 2017 session — a bill that could free up money for sidewalks and bike lanes near schools.

Statehouse roundup, 3.27.17: Grocery tax repeal passes House

The Legislature’s 11th-hour endgame hinges on taxes and transportation. Education issues are all but resolved for 2017.

Statehouse roundup, 3.24.17: House picks up pace

The Legislature finished its work for the week. But not for the year.

The 2017 Legislature: The long list of unresolved K-12 issues

Wondering what’s on the K-12 agenda for the 2018 legislative session? Just look at what wasn’t settled in 2017.

Statehouse roundup, 3.22.17: Senate passes education budgets, grocery tax repeal

All told, it took the Senate 43 minutes to endorse nearly $1.7 billion in K-12 spending. The budgets passed unanimously.

Statehouse roundup, 3.21.17: Ybarra’s rural initiative dead for session

Lawmakers and education leaders will meet informally to discuss rural education issues, and perhaps come up with a proposal for the 2018 legislative session.

Funding formula committee makes one lineup change

Sen. Lori Den Hartog, R-Meridian, will replace Sen. Steven Thayn. R-Emmett, on the committee that could recommend changes to Idaho’s public school funding formula.