Rusche Weekly Newsletter
Here are some of the more interesting or significant bills passed
Agriculture
- Changes to the Sheep, Wheat and Barley Commissions
- Animal cruelty and cock-fighting felony offenses defined (S 1303aaH)
- Liability protection for canal owners and operators (S 1383aa)
Commerce
- Statewide Video franchising capability (H539)
- IGEMS, the technology transfer and start-up development program funded $5 M
Justice
- Minor changes to problem solving courts and the assessment process
- Changes in the death warrant process and executions
- Certain non-threatening sexual offenders (statutory rape) can petition for exemption from the sexual offender registry
Education
- Funding for and a plan for accelerated Jr and Sr. High classes (8 in 6 program, H426aaS)
- Charter school cap removed, unlimited charter development now legal
- The Luna Laws were modified somewhat-pay for performance, salary based apportionment (H698)
Energy
- Update to drilling laws and rules, first in over 30 years
- Central State authority for planning and siting of wells (H464), limiting local control
Governmental
- No presidential primary (both major parties do caucuses)
- No “camping” on state property (H404 currently in federal court, H693), the “anti Occupy” bills
Health and Social Services
- Developed a mechanism to award incentive grants to rural physicians (without money for funding)
- Revised the Prescription Drug Monitoring Plan to better understand prescription drug abuse
- Modified CAT (indigent fund) coverage and processes
- Eliminated “economic credentialing of physicians (H541)
- Developed a pseudoephedrine tracking program (a precursor of methamphetamine, S1309)
Natural Resources
- Developed the Idaho State Parks Passport program (H446)
- Wolf tags are incorporated into the Sportsman’s Pak
- Authorized the “Governor’s Wildlife Partnership Tags” for auction (S1256aaH)
- Restricts winter feeding funds to the purchase of food (S1321aa)
Taxation
- Revised energy efficiency upgrade tax credit rules (H485aa)
- Allows tax deduction of up to $250 for classroom supplies purchased by elementary and secondary teachers
- Reduced the income tax rate on the highest earning Idahoans from 7.8% to 7.4%, reduced top corporate rate from 7.6% to 7.4%.
Transportation
- Online system for auto insurance verification authorized
- Special license plates are now limited to government or public agencies or foundations.
- Texting while driving is prohibited (S1274aaH)
You can read the actual bills at the Legislative Bill Center.
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