IDAHO

Bills dealing with leaves of absence and negotiation deadlines are headed to the House floor with a recommendation for approval.

The Idaho Association of Commerce and Industry bill is starkly different, and much more far-reaching, than a version supported by the state’s school boards and school administrators.

Members of the Senate Education Committee bristle over a $21 million piece of the $1.3 billion public schools budget, with a few sharp words for legislative budget-writers.

The Idaho Association of School Administrators and the Idaho School Boards Association support a bill that would partially repeal the unpopular tax on business equipment and supplies.

Budget writers approved a 3.8 percent general fund increase, resulting in a total spending increase of 4.4 percent.

A two-year, $3.2 million levy wasn’t enough to erase Nampa’s deficit. So next week, the district will float its second supplemental levy in seven months.

For the second time in as many days, the Idaho House passes a significant charter school bill. This one would allow Idaho colleges, universities and some nonprofits to authorize new charter schools.

Open contract negotiations, kindergarten visits, funding for the Idaho Digital Learning Academy. And more. Here’s a look at Wednesday’s legislative action on education issues.

Republicans on a key Senate committee OK’d a bill to tighten Idaho initiative and referendum rules — and said the Students Come First repeal had nothing to do with their vote.