Highlights from 02-07-2013

DRONES

Senate backs effort to get tests in Idaho

Senators voted 28-6 in favor of encouraging the state’s application to become one of six national unmanned aircraft test sites for the Federal Aviation Administration.

Opponents included Sen. Les Bock, D-Boise, who raised privacy concerns.

Sen. Chuck Winder, R-Boise, said a separate measure regarding privacy is on its way from the Senate State Affairs Committee.

“I think the growing technology that we face in this world is an ever-present threat to our privacy,” Bock said, “and quite frankly, no amount of other resolutions saying that our privacy is going to be protected makes me feel comfortable.”

Winder told the Senate that the Idaho Department of Commerce and state colleges and universities are involved in the project, which he called “the wave of the future” and “a tremendous economic development opportunity for Idaho.”

Betsy Z. Russell,Spokesman-Review

MENTAL HEALTH

Otter wants broader look at services

Department of Correction Director Brent Reinke appeared before the budget committee the day after his department withdrew its request for a $70 million, bond-funded secure facility — something Otter had advocated in his State of the State speech.

He said reaction from legislators and mental health advocates was that a “systemic” approach was needed more than a secure mental facility.

“What I’ve asked for is an opportunity to be able to retool this, bring back a plan for next year,” Reinke said.

Betsy Z. Russell

FISH AND GAME

Panel: No support for appointee

The Senate Resources & Environment Committee sent Joan Hurlock’s nomination to the full Senate without a recommendation.

Hurlock, of Buhl, was appointed by Otter to the Fish and Game Commission last summer. On Monday, the committee heard some testimony arguing that she wasn’t qualified.

Sens. Dean Cameron, R-Rupert; Lee Heider, R-Twin Falls; Jeff Siddoway, R-Terreton; Steve Bair, R-Blackfoot; and Monty Pearce, R-New Plymouth, voted not to recommend her.

Melissa Davlin, Times-News

EX-LAWMAKER’S ARREST

Jorgenson held after scuffle at restaurant

An employee of Mike Jorgenson’s eatery says he was the victim of a physical encounter. Jorgenson was arrested for investigation of misdemeanor battery.

Benjamin Chavez said Jorgenson grabbed him and threw him to the ground during a dispute about money. A bartender told police that he pulled Jorgenson off Chavez during the altercation.

Jorgenson told deputies that Chavez fell down when Jorgenson grabbed his jacket and told him to get out of the restaurant.

Coeur d'Alene Press

SALES TAX

Bill aids centers that don’t do abortions

The House Revenue and Taxation Committee signed off on legislation Wednesday that would define those centers as “health-related entities” and exempt them from the tax.

The bill now goes to the full House for debate.

Sponsors say the exemption will cost the state less than $10,000 yearly. McCammon Republican Rep. Kelly Packer said some pregnancy centers thought they were initially eligible for tax breaks and are now being asked to pay several years’ worth of back taxes.

The bill got a cold reception from Boise Democrat Grant Burgoyne, who said he disagrees with changing the tax code on behalf of one specific nonprofit.

Spokesman-Review

TITLE FEES

Boost would pay for database upgrades

Law enforcement groups are proposing a $4 increase in title transfer fees to improve Idaho’s criminal history and motor vehicle database.

The legislation would raise about $2 million per year, according to Blackfoot Police Chief Dave Moore, who heads the board that oversees the Idaho Public Safety and Security Information System. It’s a central clearinghouse for all law enforcement inquiries regarding Idaho criminal history reports, driver’s license information and motor vehicle information.

William L. Spence, Lewiston Tribune

EMINENT DOMAIN

Bill addresses landowner costs

The House Judiciary, Rules and Administration Committee voted to introduce a measure presented by Hayden Republican Rep. Ed Morse that is designed to make sure that citizens can recoup legal and other expenses incurred during the complex negotiations that take place with agencies in eminent domain cases.

The bill has early bipartisan support.

AP

SEX TRAFFICKING

Prostitution bill would toughen law

A measure to make it a felony to engage in prostitution with a minor has cleared an initial hurdle in the Senate Judiciary and Rules Committee.

The statute would be strengthened in other ways, too, such as making all cases a felony when a minor is used for commercial sex.

Also, exchanging sex for material goods such as food and shelter would become a criminal offense.

It also seeks the forfeiture of profits when minors are used for commercial sex. And those convicted for using juveniles would be required to register as sex offenders.

AP

ANIMAL ABUSE

Bill again aims to create felony

The House Agriculture Committee voted to introduce Chairman Ken Andrus’ measure to define animal torture and make a third offense of harming a pet a felony.

Andrus, R-Lava Hot Springs, said the torture provision was in one of two animal cruelty bills considered last year, but ended up missing from the House-Senate compromise bill that passed.

Last year, an initiative to define animal torture and make it a felony on a first offense nearly qualified for the ballot but fell short because of invalidated signatures.

Betsy Russell