2019 Idaho Legislature
Statehouse roundup, 3.12.19: ‘There’s a lot for everybody to learn, and that is what’s happening now’
Lawmakers are still trying to understand the complexities of rewriting the K-12 funding formula, House Speaker Scott Bedke said Tuesday. Meanwhile, legislative leaders are at loggerheads over Medicaid expansion — and a controversial bill that would tighten the initiative process.
Statehouse shakeup: One funding formula bill dies, a second makes its debut
A divided House Education Committee killed Chairman Lance Clow’s version of a funding formula rewrite. Now, the focus shifts to the Senate, where a second bill could get a hearing later this week.
Statehouse roundup, 3.11.19: House Education kills Ybarra’s teacher pipeline proposal
In other news, a Boise senator unveils a college scholarship bill — but it won’t come to the Legislature until the 2020 session.
Statehouse roundup, 3.7.19: House abruptly kills State Board budget
House conservatives poked holes in the relatively small $6.4 million budget. House Democrats used the vote to register concerns over the push to rewrite the public school funding formula.
Statehouse roundup, 3.8.19: Legislators prepare to introduce funding formula bill — or bills
The House Education Committee is scheduled to hold an introductory hearing on a funding formula rewrite Monday morning.
Statehouse roundup, 3.6.19: House passes sex ed opt-in bill
If the bill is signed into law, sex education courses would not be offered to Idaho students unless their parents specifically opt them in to the course in advance.
Immunization opt-in bill, guns-in-schools bill dead for session
The House had passed the bill requiring schools and child-care centers to provide immunization opt-in information along with state immunization information. A divided House State Affairs Committee introduced the guns-in-schools bill last week.
Statehouse roundup, 3.4.19: Legislators debate confidential funding formula draft bill
Legislators discussed a confidential draft bill; the public and news media has no access to it. Also in legislative news, a bill to boost minimum teacher salaries sails through a Senate committee.
Statehouse roundup, 3.1.19: On party-line vote, sex ed bill heads to House floor
In arguing for her opt-in bill, Rep. Barbara Ehardt said she was troubled by the tone of the opposition, which surfaced during a public hearing Tuesday. “Parents were pitted against the state.”
Idaho immunization rates drop — as opt-out numbers surge
Idaho’s immunization opt-out rates are at an all-time high — and that’s “concerning” to the head of the state’s immunization program. And the Legislature is making it easier for parents to opt out.