Highlights from 03-13-2013

BUSINESS EQUIPMENT

House to weigh new property tax bill

The tax committee put off voting on a pair of competing bills targeting repeal of the state's personal property tax on businesses to consider a third measure.

An industry group said that an unspecified repeal gambit will be introduced in the House panel on Friday.

With lawmakers approaching the 2013 session's end, legislative leaders say, there's no guarantee that anything will be done on the tax front this year.

(Twin Falls) Times-News

TEACHER CONTRACTS

Senate panel delays two union bills

The measures are being pushed by the Idaho School Board Association to give districts more leverage in contract and salary negotiations.

One piece of legislation debated in the Senate Education Committee on Wednesday would limit terms and conditions of teacher contracts to one year, which school districts say is critical to managing their yearly budgets. A second bill would give districts permission to reduce salaries and shorten contracts.

Committee chairman Sen. John Goedde of Coeur d'Alene indicated that he will bring the bills back for discussion and a vote.

The Associated Press

WILDERNESS TRAILS

Senate OKs bill urging feds to act

A resolution asking the federal government to help clean up networks of trails damaged by years of wildfires has blazed through the Senate.

On Wednesday the senators approved a measure imploring the U.S. Forest Service to declare the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness' trail system a natural resources disaster area. The House passed the measure earlier this month.

Supporters say wildfires and erosion have slowly degraded trails in the 2.3 million-acre preserve.

Ketchum Democratic Sen. Michelle Stennett said calling the region a disaster area could hurt local outfitters and tourism groups.

The Associated Press

'HISTORICAL' RACING

Betting bill passes Senate committee

Legislation that would legalize machines that allow gambling on previously run horse races is heading into the final turn.

The Senate State Affairs Committee voted Wednesday to approve a bill allowing wagering using video terminals that store clips of tens of thousands of races. Idaho racetracks already use live and broadcast betting.

Backers say the measure would help horse racing groups boost revenue to help save their industry, which has suffered as other entertainment options have gained popularity.

But Jonathan Krutz, a member of the Stop Predatory Gambling Foundation, said the terminals simply mimic slot machines, which are illegal in Idaho except on reservations.

The machines would be allowed at tracks in Ada County, Coeur d'Alene and Idaho Falls.

The Associated Press

TEEN TANNING

House makes new run at regulation

A year ago, a bill to crack down on tanning beds died in the Senate. A renewed effort said to be aimed at preventing skin cancer has cleared the House Health and Welfare Committee, which passed it 8-2 on Wednesday.

This measure would prohibit the use of ultraviolet tanning devices for any child younger than 16. It also would require parental consent for teens who are 16 or 17.

If the measure clears the House, it will go to the Senate Health and Welfare Committee, which is where last year's measure died.

The Associated Press