In a mad dash for the door, the Idaho Legislature sounded like an auction house this week. To finish work for the year, both the House and Senate suspended their rules to expedite must-pass funding bills. Other legislation, including several bills of interest to ICL, died on the vine and at least one should be considered for a veto.
The dominant story during the Legislature’s final week was the refusal to consider a meaningful solution to the 78,000 Idahoans who fall into the healthcare gap. Before they adjourned for the year, the Senate approved a solution, but today the House refused to go along.
As I conclude my first session as staff lobbyist, I thank you for your support! I was proud to carry on the 43-year tradition of serving as your voice for conservation in the Statehouse. In light of this ongoing commitment, I invite you to make a special $43 gift to honor ICL’s legislative advocacy to protect the air you breathe, the water you drink and the land you love!
Clagstone Lives!
The Clagstone Meadows Conservation Easement had a bumpy ride this week. After the House Appropriations Committee Chair, Rep. Maxine Bell (R-Jerome), pulled the funding bills for the Idaho Departments of Lands and of Fish and Game back to committee due to her concern that they lacked the votes, it looked like the $12 million deal to promote public access and conservation on 13,000 acres in Bonner County might be dead. The principal objection stemmed from a letter of opposition from the Bonner County Commission. On Tuesday morning, the Commission rescinded that letter, opening the door for the Legislature to reconsider.
In response, the Joint Finance and Appropriations Committee introduced HB 646 that simply passed federal funding through to the tune of $7.5 million-without a penny coming from Idaho’s taxpayers.
Debate on the funding bill followed the IDFG budget vote, which squeaked by 36-34. Though some moments were tense, common sense prevailed and Clagstone survived on votes of 48-21 in the House and 22-11 in the Senate.
Weigh In on SB 1338!
Despite some legislators’ zeal to seize lands from the American public, only one takeover-related bill has been forwarded to Gov. C. L. “Butch” Otter-SB 1338. That bill would allow county commissioners or sheriffs to declare public lands a nuisance and demand that the federal government develop a plan to abate the nuisance.
Ask Gov. Otter to veto SB 1338 today!
While no new authorities are bestowed on counties, the bill threatens to undermine ongoing collaborative efforts that are achieving results, reducing fire risk, restoring habitat, improving water quality and improving public access. That’s why we’re asking him to veto the bill.
Other bills and resolutions, including HB 582, HB 586 and HJM 14 from Rep. Judy Boyle (R-Midvale), either stalled before they could be considered by the Senate or were held in committee because of concerns.
Protecting Our Access to State Lands
Another resolution would have encouraged public access on state lands. Introduced by Rep. Mat Erpelding (D-Boise), HCR 53 was in response to a proposal from a millionaire’s hunting club for exclusive access to state lands in eastern Idaho. Alas, just as some takeover proposals died for lack of time for the Senate to consider, so too did HCR 53.
Hybrid Vehicle Tax Repeal Also Dies
Some last-minute action on the hybrid vehicle tax repeal, sponsored by Sen. Shawn Keough (R-Sandpoint), resulted in the repeal being combined with a phase-out of gas tax funding for Idaho State Police. Due to Senate concerns over the ISP funding phase-out, SB 1311 has joined the rank of bills that died on the vine.
Governor Signs Plastic Bag Ban Bill
Some last-minute action on the hybrid vehicle tax repeal, sponsored by Sen. Shawn Keough (R-Sandpoint), resulted in the repeal being combined with a phase-out of gas tax funding for Idaho State Police. Due to Senate concerns over the ISP funding phase-out, SB 1311 has joined the rank of bills that died on the vine.
Tie of the Week
I warned you that my ties were getting uglier and uglier. When I wore this one, I clearly impressed many of our friends in the Legislature as they averted their eyes when passing me in the halls. The best part about the tie, which might not come through in the photo-is that it’s so wide, I can hide my entire family behind it!
Until next YEAR!, Esto perpetua…