Legislative Update
Rep. Sage G. Dixon – District 1
Floor Session:
Pictured above is the first page of the original Idaho State Constitution. I was privileged to view it, along with other historical documents, last Friday at the Idaho State Archives. It was a special experience to be able to see the ink on the paper of the document that provides the foundation for government in our State.
The Committee meetings are slowing down a little as we near the end of the Session, but the number of Bills on the floor is accumulating rapidly. We have started holding floor session in the afternoon as well, to catch up, and are looking at March 24th to adjourn.
Last week’s Bills are as follows: All passed unless noted, A vote of “NAY” is indicated by N
H481-(Right to try Act) allows terminal patients to try experimental medicines
H519-(Massage Therapy) defines compensation for students regarding tuition credit
H494-(Alcohol) reclassifies certain offenses as infractions, provides penalties
H503-(Trust Deeds) revise definition of a “trustee”
HCR39-(rule rejection) regarding Commission on Pardons and Parole
HCR40-(rule rejection) ISP rules governing Alcohol Beverage Control
HCR44-(rule rejection) Board of Education Rules Governing Thoroughness
HCR45-(rule rejection) Board of Education Opportunity Scholarship Program
H532-(Appropriation) additional funds for fire suppression
H496-(Cemeteries) provides a way for cemeteries to recover and resell unused plots
H524-(Animal Cruelty) adds to law for crime of torturing a companion animal N
H498-(Electronic Cigarettes) require permit and sign to sell or distribute e-cigarette N
H500-(Medicare Provider Payment) amends law to reimburse at 91% of current rate
H515-(School Districts) changes date of teacher evaluations
H527-(Community Colleges) amends law regarding out-of-district tuition
S1208-(Education) armed forces and public safety scholarship in opportunity scholarship
S1202-(State Personnel System) makes certain employees nonclassified
H503-(Trust Deeds) revises definition of “trustee”
H480-(Licensure Boards) certain board directors do not need to be licensees
H482-(Boards) amends law so that various boards serve at Governor’s pleasure
H483-(Pharmacy) adds to law to communicate information to prescriber for biologicals N
HCR47-Social Worker Recognition Month
H516-(Abortion) requires free ultrasound information be available and distributed
H504-(Public Defense) amends and adds to rules for indigent defense
H508-(Bail Enforcement Agents)requirements for bail enforcement agents, credentials N
H528-(Sexual Assault Evidence Kits) rules and duties regarding kits
H485-(Employment Security Act) amends law of base tax rate and revises formula
H501-(Worker’s Compensation Insurance) revises security instruments for insurers
H509-(Oil and Gas) regarding the Geological survey and information sharing
H514-(Education) creates office of school safety and security N H534-(Energy Tax) exempts solar energy property from property tax, taxes product
H525aa-(Dogs) regulates dangerous and at-risk dogs
HCR46-U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree
H535-(Income Taxation) capital gains deductions for cattle, horses, and breeding stock
H546-(Appropriation) Endowment Fund Investment Board
H547-(Appropriation) Lava Hot Springs
H548-(Appropriation) Public Utilities Commission
H549-(Appropriation) Public Health Districts
H550-(Appropriation) Office of Drug Policy
H551-(Appropriation) Energy Resources
H552-(Appropriation) Division of Veterans Services
H523-(Juvenile Proceedings) reporting requirements for Dept. of Health and Welfare
S1229-(Motor Vehicles) Allows heavier trucks on non-interstate highways
S1259-(Idaho Dairy Products Commission)regarding membership and nominations
S1279-(Appropriation) Benefit Hearings/ Healthcare Policy Initiatives N
S1271-(Appropriation) Dept. of Health and Welfare, Medicaid N
S1219-(Public Works Contracts) Construction contracts and bidding process
S1249-(STEM Action Center) board member travel compensation
Committee Reports:
| Education:
There was a presentation on Idaho’s SAT Scores, a number of RSs, and (5) Bills that we heard. The RSs concerned inserting Idaho history and government into our newly required civics test (this was sent straight to the second reading calendar), an innovation school act, student mobility funding structure, pupil service employees on the career ladder, and continuous improvement plans. The Bills were: H529-continuous improvement plans (sent to be amended) S1232- vocational rehabilitation S1267-Mastery-based education S1290-College and Career advisors H537-Supplemental contracts |
| Transportation & Defense:
We heard (3) Senate Bills on Wednesday: S1246-provides the means for the Board of Transportation to remove the Director S1262-amends vehicle service contract regulations S1261-extends the allowable length of automobile transport trailers and overhang requirements. |
| Business:
Only one meeting this week in which we heard (3) Senate Bills: S1221-regarding insurance producer licensing S1286-regarding surveyors, defining terms S1287-regarding surveyors, civil penalties |
I encourage you to contact me with any questions or concerns, and I am grateful for the opportunity to represent District 1 in The Idaho House of Representatives.
Lord Bless,
Sage G. Dixon
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