FEDERAL GUN LAWS

House measure shelved by Senate

The Senate won't vote on a bill that sought to make it a misdemeanor for Idaho law enforcement officials to enforce new federal firearms restrictions.

The bill cleared the House on a party-line vote and was awaiting a Senate State Affairs Committee hearing.

But Chairman Curt McKenzie, R-Nampa, said Thursday he won't have time to give it a public vetting.

Some were concerned it could complicate relationships between Idaho law enforcement and federal agencies that currently cooperate.

The Associated Press

BUSINESS TAX

Committee passes repeal measure

After the House passed the bill in two days, the Senate looks to be following suit after its Local Government and Taxation Committee supported it unanimously Thursday.

It exempts businesses' first $100,000 of computers, tables, chairs and other equipment from taxation. That would eliminate the business-equipment tax bill for about 90 percent of Idaho's 53,000 businesses.

The state would use $20 million in sales tax revenue - money already set aside by Gov. Butch Otter - to replace tax revenue counties, cities and school districts stand to lose.

The Associated Press

UNIVERSITY CLUBS

Faith-based groupsbill clears House

The House on Thursday voted 56-11 to pass a bill that essentially bars universities from denying recognition and funding to faith-based organizations that want to require a statement of faith from its elected leaders.

The bill was approved in the Senate earlier this month and is now headed to the governor's desk.

The Associated Press

TAX COMMISSION

House mulls limitson garnishments

Representatives are due to vote on how much money the Idaho State Tax Commission can garnish from delinquent taxpayers' wages, a measure brought by lawmakers who think the agency is too aggressive.

The House Revenue and Taxation Committee voted unanimously Thursday to limit garnishments to 25 percent.

Currently, the agency can take everything.

The Associated Press

NEW TEACHERS

Committee passes revised hiring bill

House Education Chairman Reed DeMordaunt finally won enough support in committee for his plan to redirect $12 million to school districts that could be used to hire new teachers.

The Eagle Republican on Thursday unveiled a revised version of a bill that allows districts to boost teacher salaries after they restore furlough days and staff positions lost since 2011. The revamped version passed on an 11-4 vote and now goes to the House.

The Associated Press

SCHOOLS

Financial bill clears committee

A measure that removes barriers for cash-strapped school districts to declare a financial emergency is one step closer to becoming law.

The proposal makes reopening teacher salary negotiations during tough budget years easier.

The measure cleared the Senate and on Thursday sailed through the House Education Committee.

The Associated Press