2021 Idaho Legislature
Senate kills Strong Students grant bill … maybe
Tuesday’s razor-thin vote might not be the final word. The Senate could reconsider its vote.
State Board approves extra COVID funds to help schools
Members also unanimously approved the contract for new BSU head football coach Andy Avalos.
The Legislature is coming back — and things will get hectic
When lawmakers recessed in the midst of a Statehouse coronavirus outbreak, they left behind plenty of unfinished business.
‘It’s a complicated issue:’ Lawmaker reflects on demise of teacher insurance bill
The House had passed Rep. Rod Furniss’ bill, which would have allowed school districts to use career ladder dollars to cover the costs of putting teachers under the state insurance plan. The Senate Education Committee killed the bill on March 15.
Analysis: An unprecedented legislative session will come to an unpredictable finish
No one seems to know what to expect when lawmakers return to Boise in April. But important — and even historic — education legislation hangs in the balance.
Legislative roundup, 3.18.21: Rural teacher certification bill held in committee
Also, one more member of the House Education Committee tested positive for COVID-19, bringing the total up to three.
Senators kill ‘shall-to-may’ bargaining bill
The bill would have given school boards the option of negotiating with teachers unions. A bipartisan coalition of Senate Education Committee members killed the proposal.
Legislative roundup, 3.15.21: Mask mandate ban heads to House; Clow absent with coronavirus
House Education Committee Chairman Lance Clow, R-Twin Falls, is at least the fourth legislator to contract coronavirus this legislative session.
Legislative roundup, 3.12.21: A reworked tax bill makes its debut
The $389.4 million proposal could set the stage for a late-session tax debate, with implications for school funding.
‘We are left with no other option:’ Lawmakers cut into Boise State’s budget
The $409,000 move is designed to cut spending on social-justice initiatives that have left Boise State University’s political standing “in the ditch,” said Sen. Carl Crabtree, R-Grangeville. House conservatives considered the cut inadequate.