LAST WEEK'S HIGHLIGHTS
State health insurance exchange: The Senate Commerce and Human Resources Committee voted 8-1 to send along Gov. Otter's proposal.
National Guard Youth Challenge: The joint budget committee approved $1.39 million for the boot camp-style residential program in Pierce. The money allows it to hire staff and order modular housing units for 120 high school dropouts ages 16 to 18. The program will create 50 jobs in Clearwater County.
Idaho Leadership in Nuclear Energy Commission: The Idaho Senate Resources and Environment and House Environment Energy and Technology committees received the LINE Commission's report, which said creating a nuclear advisory council would keep the state and Idaho National Laboratory at the forefront of the nation's energy discussion. The report did not recommend changes to the 1995 Settlement Agreement banning storage of nuclear waste, but said future changes might be in order.
Cursive handwriting: House Education Committee members unanimously approved standards for students statewide, sending it to the full House.
Hunting, fishing licenses: The bill to allow Idaho Fish and Game to sell three-year hunting, fishing or combination licenses passed the Senate. The proposal aims to draw more revenue.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR THIS WEEK
Budgets: Next week, members of JFAC will conclude its scheduled budget hearings from state departments and agencies, including hearings for the Department of Labor, Idaho Transportation Department and Department of Commerce. It will also pick the revenue number on which 2014 budgets will be built.
Listening sessions: On Monday, a second hearing on education is set for 4-6 p.m. in the Capitol Auditorium. Sen. John Goedde, chair of the Senate's education committee, said the Idaho Education Association requested a later session so more teachers could attend.
