LIMITATIONS OF POWER
Several bills attempting to limit the governor’s emergency powers have been drafted to end Idaho’s state of emergency amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The House introduced HB 98 which is an updated version of HB 16, that aims to limit the governor’s emergency powers to a maximum of 60 days. Supposedly there is a provision in the bill to protect federal emergency funding, but this is untested and not sure to be approved by the Federal Government.
Additionally, two bills, one in each body, have been introduced, HB 33 and SB 1060, that aim to limit the power of public health districts and require their orders to be approved by county commissioners. So far, the House Health and Welfare Committee Chairman hasn’t held a hearing on HB33, for which we are thankful. Unfortunately, the Senate Health and Welfare Committee might be hearing SB1060 as early as the end of this week. If you are interested in submitting public testimony on either of these bills, please send your comments to: hhel@house.idaho.gov and shel@senate.idaho.gov respectively.
The House Education Committee also introduced two bills that will have hearings this week. HB67 and HB68 are also aimed at limiting Public Health Departments authority when dealing with emergencies. Please take a moment and review them.
NEW STATE FUNDING
Currently, there is $900 million in new federal funding, which the legislature has yet to distribute. The process will involve a supplemental budget that will need to go through the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee (JFAC) and then the spending must be approved by both the House and Senate. Gov. Brad Little was responsible for distributing federal coronavirus aid during the summer, but since the Legislature is now in session, his office has no control over the schedule for its introduction. The new funding includes $851,000 for the Commission on Aging for “meals on wheels” for seniors, $164 million for rental assistance for workers who lost jobs, and $58 million for daycare centers’ operations.
REBOUND IDAHO
Last Tuesday, Gov. Little moved the state from Stage 2 to Stage 3 of the “Idaho Rebounds” plan, which eased an array of COVID-19 restrictions including allowing gatherings of up to 50 people. This decision was made due to a decline in cases and hospitalizations statewide. For more information on the Idaho Rebounds plan and the specifics of each stage go to: https://rebound.idaho.gov/stages-of-reopening/
Last Thursday the House introduced bi-partisan sponsored legislation, HB 97, to provide incentives to speed up delivery of Idaho’s coronavirus vaccinations to those who seek them. HB97 would require businesses to administer 70% of vaccination doses within two weeks of receiving them. Unused doses would immediately be sent to a different entity that could use them. The bill also includes a $5,000 fine for businesses that fail to report they’re hanging onto unused doses.
HOUSE HAPPENINGS
The House also passed HB 66 in 46-24 vote on Wednesday, which limits ballot questions regarding bond or levy elections to only the bond or levy being voted on. This means ballots would no longer be able to indicate if a measure simply reauthorized an existing levy. The bill would also create consequences for violations, including allowing courts to overturn election results. It heads to the Senate State Affairs Committee.
HB89, was introduced by Representative Chad Christensen and Senator Christy Zito, which would authorize any school staffer with an enhanced concealed weapons permit to carry a concealed gun on school property. They’d have to inform their principal or superintendent, who then would have to notify law enforcement. The bill would forbid the display of “Gun-Free School Zone” signs at any public school as well.
Also on Wednesday, HB 90 was passed the House State Affairs Committee, forbidding the renaming of any school, street, or park now named for a historical figure or event unless the Legislature passes a concurrent resolution giving permission for the change.
SENATE HAPPENINGS
Last Wednesday, the Senate voted 24-11 in favor of Senate Joint Resolution 101, a constitutional amendment to ban all psychoactive drugs not already legalized in Idaho by 2020. It is now in the House State Affairs Committee. Anyone interested in submitting testimony to that committee, please send your written testimony to hstaf@house.idaho.gov, and request the committee secretary share it with all the committee members.
That same day, the Senate also approved a new version of the Wrongful Conviction Act in a unanimous vote. This legislation, which provides compensation to people who were wrongfully convicted, was passed by both the Senate and House last year, but later vetoed by the governor.
STEPS FOR SCHOOLS
For the month of February, we are participating in the Blue Cross Steps for Schools walking challenge (Muffy’s rolling). This terrific program is put on each February by the Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health and gives elected officials a chance to be active and earn money for a school or school district. This year Rep. Toone is walking to raise money for Gooding Elementary School and Rep. Davis is rolling to raise money for Alturas Elementary. We have raised money for schools/districts each session. Good luck to our House Democratic walkers!
Steps for Schools helps remind us how important it is for us to be physically active during the session and encourage young people to be active. The money donated to the schools can be used for equipment or to support programming that encourages kids to exercise.
The Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health is a nonprofit private foundation that is dedicated to addressing the root causes to some of Idaho’s most pressing health issues.
USS IDAHO
A new nuclear submarine will bear the name USS IDAHO in 2022. There have been 4 USS Idaho’s with the last vessel christened back in 1927. The USS Idaho will bring a continued navy connection to Idaho. The crest as shown here symbolizes Idaho and all the wonders we have in our state. There are gems from Idaho shown as well as huckleberries, the syringa, the falcon, and 5 feathers representing our 5 native tribes can all be seen. Idaho’s Motto, “Esto Perpetua” or “let it be perpetual”, is perfect for a nuclear-powered submarine. A pin of this crest will be worn by sailors assigned the USS Idaho.
