2020 Idaho Legislature

Analysis: The 2020 Legislature goes from surreal to scary

While pandemic grips the world and COVID-19 cases surface in Idaho — wreaking havoc on  commerce and community events and shuttering schools across the state — it’s business as unusual at the Legislature.

Former a.g.’s push for veto of transgender bill

House Bill 500 “will have a difficult time withstanding a court challenge,” said the five former attorneys general, with a combined 28 years of experience in the office.

Statehouse roundup, 3.17.20: House breaks deadlock on higher ed budget

The movement on the budgets — especially the much-debated higher ed budget — brings the 2020 legislative session considerably closer to a conclusion.

Senate passes transgender athletics ban

The 24-11 vote means the controversial bill is one step away from Gov. Brad Little’s desk.

Statehouse roundup, 3.16.20: House kills higher education budget again

“We are going to get serious about cutting budgets,” Rep. Brent Crane said.

Video: This week’s ‘Idaho Reports’

Miss this week’s “Idaho Reports?” Catch it here.

Statehouse roundup, 3.13.20: Senators reject guns-in-schools bill

Law enforcement officials joined education lobbyists in opposition to the bill, which would have allowed employees with enhanced concealed weapons permits to carry firearms in school.

Analysis: The darkening cloud overshadowing Idaho’s higher ed budget debate

Lawmakers are haggling over a relatively small amount of money in this year’s higher education budget. As the global coronavirus pandemic worsens, next year’s decisions could be even tougher.

Statehouse roundup, 3.12.20: Clow’s bill on SDE responsibilities is on hold, but debate remains unresolved

The debate could flare up again when the SDE office budget hits the House floor.

Guns-in-school bill splits Second Amendment activists, education groups

A Senate committee could vote Friday on the bill, which would allow school employees with enhanced concealed weapons permits to carry firearms in school.