Highlights from 03-04-2013

CAMPUS GROUPS

Committee backs religious officers bill

Campus religious groups would be allowed to restrict leadership positions to people truly committed to their faith under a bill approved Monday. The vote in the Senate State Affairs Committeewas along party lines.

Several Boise State University students affiliated with two campus Christian clubs argued religious groups by nature must have leaders who believe in the tenets of the faith.

Specifically, the bill would prohibit any of Idaho's four public universities from enforcing policies to deny religious student groups benefits afforded to other campus clubs based on the religious club's mandate that leaders "adhere to its sincerely held religious beliefs or standards of conduct."

But officials from Idaho's colleges said the legislation is unnecessary and creates the likelihood for discrimination against groups that don't want or need faith statements from leaders.

The Associated Press

HEALTH INSURANCE

House kicks off exchange debate

Gov. Butch Otter's plan for a state-based insurance exchange, an issue senators debated for six hours last month, promises to be no less contentious among representatives.

The House Health and Welfare Committee introduced the bill Monday.

It combines legislation that passed the Senate 23-12 on Feb. 21, with additional oversight provisions demanded by representatives.

Otter and Idaho Senate leaders approve of the changes.

A public hearing is now set for 7 a.m Thursday in the Capitol auditorium.

The Associated Press

SALES TAX

Girl Scouts look to end cookie tax

More money from the sale of Thin Mints and Tagalongs by Girl Scouts would go back to troops under a tax break proposal making its way through the House.

The House Revenue and Taxation Committee voted Monday to introduce legislation to end the 6 percent state sales tax charged on Girl Scout cookies.

That tax - 22 cents per box - generates about $140,000 annually.

Lobbyist Julie Hart said 48 other states already exempt the annual cookie sale from state sales taxes.

The Associated Press

WILDERNESS TRAILS

Disaster resolution heads to Senate

Idaho lawmakers want to get the federal government's attention by urging the U.S. Forest Service to declare the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness a disaster area.

The measure passed the House along party lines 57-13 Monday.

The problem, some argue, is wildfires, high winds and neglect have led to the degradation of the 2.3 million-acre backcountry preserve. Trails are blocked by snags, making it tougher for hikers, sportsmen and other recreationists to enjoy it.

The Associated Press