Highlights from 03-08-2013

TAX ON EQUIPMENT

IACI introduces new repeal plan

The Idaho Association of Commerce and Industry told a House panel its $120 million proposal to eliminate the state’s business personal property tax by 2020 will protect local governments’ funding while stimulating the economy.

The measure was introduced Friday morning in the House Revenue and Taxation Committee.

It has Gov. Butch Otter’s backing.

This introduction comes a day after the Idaho Association of Counties unveiled a competing bill that would cost the state $20 million but still eliminate the tax for most small businesses.

Both measures are now due a full hearing Tuesday, though the committee won’t vote the same day.

Not everybody voted to introduce IACI’s bill.

Rep. JoAn Wood of Rigby fears Idaho’s economy is still too fragile to commit to chipping $120 million into tax relief.

The Associated Press

TEACHER CONTRACTS

House panel OKs negotiations bill

A disputed measure pushed by the Idaho School Board Association that gives school districts more leverage in contract talks with teachers has passed a House panel.

The bill, advanced on a party-line, Republican-led vote by the House Education Committee Friday, gives school boards power to end contract negotiations by June 10 if talks with their local teachers union stall.

The Idaho Education Association says the measure inappropriately undermines teachers’ bargaining abilities.

The proposal would be limited to one year, a concession aimed at giving stakeholders an opportunity to study its success.

Eagle Republican Rep. Reed DeMordaunt said he's forming a legislative task force to carry out that evaluation.

Associated Press

TEACHER PAY

Bill on unpaid leave sent to floor

School districts could have more power to put teachers on unpaid administrative leave under a revised version of a bill sponsored by the Idaho School Board Association.

The House Education Committee passed legislation Friday that gives districts the ability to place teachers on leave without pay if they’re in jail or facing a criminal court order.

Teachers under internal investigation by their district could be placed on paid leave.

The bill now heads to the House for debate.

The Associated Press