LAST WEEK’S HIGHLIGHTS
Panel gives the state oversight of gas industry: The House Resources and Conservation Committee on Thursday voted 16-0 to limit local governments’ authority over oil and natural gas drilling, after energy-industry representatives raised concerns they could be regulated out of business by cities or counties. According to the industry-sponsored bill, local governments would be prohibited from passing ordinances prohibiting natural gas and oil extraction. The vote came despite overwhelming testimony from those who fear drilling will disrupt their lives and the environment.
Tax meeting: The House Revenue and Taxation and the Senate Local Government and Taxation committees teamed up Wednesday in a rare joint session to gather input as they consider Gov. Butch Otter’s proposal to dedicate $45 million to tax cuts.
Senate nixes special protections for gays and lesbians: Senate Republicans refused to consider updates to Idaho’s Human Rights Act to protect gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people from discrimination. The move prompted outrage from a near-capacity crowd of about 300 people in the Capitol auditorium on Friday. Majority Caucus Chairman John McGee, R-Caldwell, said he believes most Idaho residents abhor discrimination, but he was concerned this bill carved out unnecessary exceptions for a special group, to little effect. Said Sen. Nicole LeFavour, D-Boise, Idaho’s only openly gay lawmaker: “I think this is political. But to allow politics to intercede when you know something is right or wrong, that is the most sinister statement you can make. Especially when you know people are living in fear.”
WHAT TO WATCH FOR THIS WEEK
Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee: The budget-writing panel wraps up its daily budget request hearings Wednesday. On Thursday and Friday, House and Senate committees are scheduled to offer reports to JFAC. After the committees complete their reports, JFAC members will move into full budget-setting mode Feb. 20. That transition will mark the first indication that the 2012 session is winding down.
House State Affairs Committee: A blue heeler representing a red state? The panel on Monday will debate a proposal to designate the blue heeler as the state dog.
FOR THE COMPLETE AGENDA, GO TO LEGISLATURE.IDAHO.GOV/SESSIONINFO/AGENDA.HTM
Compiled from Statesman staff, The Associated Press and the Idaho Falls Post Register.
