Week 3 – 4
Hello from the capitol!
Here is a brief snapshot of what is happening under the dome…
SB1016
This bill places government restriction on public works contractors, denying them the ability to provide access to multiple-occupancy restrooms, multiple-occupancy shower facilities and changing rooms on any basis other than biological sex. In short, this bill prohibits a transgender individual from using a bathroom that does not match their biological sex as recorded on their birth certificate and it would also prevent a person from using a restroom that is not clearly marked for male or female.
This bill passed the Senate on party lines, 28-7, and is now headed to the House.
SB1005
To provide for certain disclosures by licensed daycare facilities to parents or guardians relating to immunizations.
I voted “no” on this in committee but changed my vote on the floor out of respect for the numerous comments from constituents in favor of it.
I do believe that this legislation places an undue burden on small, private businesses.
HB19
This bill barely made it off the House floor (36-34). This is the Education Savings Account bill, better known as the Idaho Launch Program. Once it got off the House floor it headed to the Senate to be assigned to Committee. It was assigned to Commerce and Human Resources. This was promptly met with an objection, asking that the bill be sent to the Education Committee. This objection was objected to. The senate was called “at ease” and the majority party headed off to caucus. One and a half hours later we re-convened, a vote was taken, and the bill was sent to Commerce and Human Resources.
I believe that this bill will make it to the Senate floor where it will meet with stiff resistance. My prediction is that it will pass, barely. I will keep you posted.
Senate Joint Resolution 101
This piece of legislation would amend the Idaho constitution, making it almost impossible for Idahoans to place an initiative on a ballot. This proposal aims to silence your voice and is a good example of government overreach and bad legislation. I have received hundreds of requests to deny this and will be voting “no” when that opportunity arrives.
SB1038
Education Savings Accounts. The Senate Education Committee is in the process of hearing public comment on this topic. They listened for three hours on Tuesday afternoon/evening and recessed until Wednesday. There is still 60+ people signed-up to comment. ESA’s are vouchers. Make no mistake about it. If this bill passes, it will devastate Idaho’s public education system. This bill will take much needed public funding away from our public school system and allow that money to be used to fund private education, erase the line between church and state with tax dollars going to religious schools. This bill does not provide for accountability or transparency of how the money is spent or the progress of the student.
On the lighter side
An upcoming Visit from the Wood River Valley
Monday, February 20th, is President’s Day. It is also Senate Memorial Day, a day that recognizes Senators who have passed away during the previous year. I am co-chair of this committee, and I am proud to announce that RL Rowsey, Max Stimac, and Colla Voche will be performing on the Senate floor. I believe that this will be the high point of the session!
HB 18 Passes both the House and the Senate!
This bill removes the sunset clause of Idaho Code 72-451 which was introduced and passed in 2019 as enumerated in 2019 Idaho Session Law, Chapter 68; making this statute permanent. Idaho Code 72-451 identifies Post Traumatic Stress Injury (PTSI) as an occupational injury that affects Idaho’s first responders (as defined in statute). If a first responder has “clear and convincing” evidence of a physiological injury, the treatment would be handled through worker’s compensation.
Stay tuned for more information. Things are starting to move very quickly.
