Highlights from 02--19-2013
RESORT TOWNS
Lawmaker: Relax liquor rules
An eastern Idaho lawmaker says many restaurants in tiny resort cities like Driggs are suffering because they can't sell cocktails.
Republican Rep. Marc Gibbs of Grace began his bid to change that Tuesday, convincing the House State Affairs Committee to at least consider his bill to loosen up alcohol rules governing eateries in tourist towns.
Idaho allows just two liquor licenses in Driggs - population 1,600 - which is below the Grand Targhee ski resort.
According to Gibbs' bill, restaurants in Driggs and other Idaho resort towns that derive 60 percent of their revenue from food could get a license allowing them to sell cocktails when meals are served.
Gibbs acknowledges his bill faces stiff resistance in temperance-minded Idaho, where many lawmakers worry about increasing the availability of alcohol.
The Associated Press
MONEY FOR SCHOOLS
House approves restoring $30M
Idaho representatives voted unanimously Tuesday in favor of the legislation that aims to put back money that was lost when voters repealed the 2011 Students Come First laws last fall. Rejection of those laws translated to a midyear funding cut to schools at a time when districts were counting on that money to make ends meet this year.
Eagle Republican Rep. Reed DeMordaunt said the measure includes dollars to pay for new teachers who were hired at the start of the school year. The restored money also will be used to cover technology and professional development expenses.
The proposal now goes to the Senate for consideration.
The Associated Press
OIL AND GAS REGS
Senate backs new oversight commission
It voted 35-0 in favor of SB 1049, which sets up a new governor-appointed oil and gas commission. That role currently is filled by the members of the state Land Board, who are the state's top five elected officials.
Under the bill, which now moves to the House, the five-member commission would include one person knowledgeable in gas and oil; one in geology; one in water; one land owner with surface and mineral rights in the area where oil and gas exploration is being conducted; and one land owner without such rights.
Montana's Board of Oil and Gas Conservation has identical membership requirements, but with an additional member to represent the public, and another must be an attorney.
Betsy Z. Russell,Spokesman-Review
FOOD STAMP DAY
Senate panel passes measure to stagger release dates
Big Idaho grocers finally convinced the Health and Welfare Committee to support staggering food stamp benefits, an effort to avoid the current first-of-the-month onslaught that stores complain interrupts their supply chain, creates chaos in the aisles and results in food waste.
The committee voted 6-3 Monday to pass the bill. It calls for a multi-day issuance, to occur over the first 10 days of every month
The bill now goes to the full Senate.
A similar bill passed the House last year, but failed in this committee.
This time supporters, including Sen. Lee Heider of Twin Falls, were swayed by concerns of many grocers who call the existing system a logistical nightmare.
Foes including Sen. Jim Guthrie of McCammon, a small grocery store owner, said there were better alternatives.
The Associated Press
JUROR PAY
House panel OKs $50 a day
After 45 years of paying jurors no more than $10 daily, Idahoans called for jury duty could soon be paid up to $50 for each day they serve in court.
The House Judiciary, Rules and Administration Committee voted unanimously to advance legislation Tuesday that gives county commissioners the option to boost juror pay. People who serve a half day would get $25, up from $5 under current law.
Coeur d'Alene Republican Rep. Kathy Sims said many counties have trouble attracting jurors at current rates, which she said hardly covers the cost of gas for people driving from rural areas to court. She said the measure gives counties flexibility to make the change if they have room in their budgets.
The bill now moves to the full House for debate.
The Associated Press
