Idaho Bills
632 bills · 2016 Regular Session
Appropriates $16,691,000 to the Industrial Commission for fiscal year 2017; and limits the number of authorized full-time equivalent positions to 138.25.
This is the FY 2017 appropriation to the Industrial Commission in the amount of $16,691,000 with full-timeequivalentpositionscappedat138.25. Thisbillincludesfundingforbenefitcostincreases, statewide cost allocation, a 3% CEC, and the 27th pay period. The 3% CEC is a merit-based increase in employee compensation for permanent employees to be distributed at the discretion of each director. Additionally, this bill includes funding replacement items which include office equipment, two vehicles, computer equipment, and a server. Line item 1 provides $15,200 for additional equipment which includes two printers and teleconferencing equipment. Overall, this budget is a 4.1% increase above the FY 2016 original appropriation.
62 – 5
Stating findings of the Legislature and rejecting a certain rule docket of the State Board of and State Department of Education relating to Rules Governing Thoroughness.
Rules of the State Board of and State Department of Education, Rules Governing Thoroughness, reject Docket Number 08-0203-1506, the entire rulemaking docket, to be, and declared null, void and of no force and effect.
59 – 5
Appropriates $106,070,300 to the Department of Fish and Game for fiscal year 2017; and limits the number of authorized full-time equivalent positions to 558.
This bill appropriates $106,070,300 to the Department of Fish and Game for fiscal year 2017 and caps the number of authorized full-time equivalent positions at 558. The source of funding is from hunting and fishing licenses, tags and permits; federal excise taxes on hunting and fishing equipment; federal mitigation moneys; moneys from Idaho Power and the Office of Species Conservation; and moneys from set-asides and trusts. The appropriation includes funding for the increased costs of health insurance and accounts for an increase in statewide cost allocation. It provides $5,184,500 for replacement items including vehicles, snowmobiles, ATVs, motorcycles, heavy equipment, building improvements, property maintenance, computer equipment, body armor, and radio equipment. This bill also includes an ongoing 3% merit-based increase in employee compensation for permanent employees to be distributed at the discretion of the director and accounts for the 27th payroll. The bill includes approval of fifteen line items including: 1) improving shooting ranges; 2) screening diversions and maintaining boating access; 3) managing game, increasing access, and stocking pheasants; 4) maintaining resident fish hatchery production; 5) expanding hunter education and outreach; 6) expanding wildlife monitoring and habitat management; 7) upgrading fish marking and tagging trailers; 8) supporting fish stocking and research; 9) providing for lease increases and acquisition of a seven-acre parcel in Canyon County for a new regional office; 10) approving moneys for the Clagstone Meadows Conservation Easement in Bonner County; 11) approving the rebuild of the Snake River Sockeye Salmon trap on Little Redfish Lake Creek, 12) funding salmon and steelhead habitat projects; 13) approving agency-wide fund shifts; 14) providing appropriation for sage grouse lek monitoring, and 15) authorizing ongoing funding to cover the increased costs of radio communication sites. The FY 2017 budget is a 10.8% increa
Amends existing law to provide that the Idaho Transportation Department shall provide new plates bearing the same number or, if requested by the owner, the next available number, as it applies to certain vehicles for purposes of specified provisions of law.
Provides for commercial vehicles to keep their license plate number upon renewal, or a different number upon request.
34 – 0
Amends existing law to require notice and a public hearing prior to a taxing district budgeting a forgone increase.
The purpose of this legislation is to require non-school taxing districts that elect to take a foregone property tax increase to hold a hearing in conjunction with their annual budget hearing. These districts will certify by resolution their (1) intent to take a foregone property tax increase, (2) the amountoftheforegonepropertytaxincreasetobetakenand(3)thepurposeforwhichtheforegone property tax increase is being budgeted.
Amends existing law to clarify that the Department of Administration shall offer a health savings account program, to provide for a health savings account administrator and to provide that state employers shall deposit a certain amount into a health savings account.
This legislation requires the state to offer state employees a health benefit plan that utilizes Health Savings Account (HSA's) paired with high-deductible health plans. A plan is optional to state employees. An HSA is a financial account that is designed to allow state employees to set aside money for current and future medical expenses. Health Savings Accounts, paired with high-deductible health plans, can create a win-win situation for taxpayers and public employees. The plans provide state employees more savings, choice, and control over their healthcare needs and expenses, while offering an opportunity for the state to reduce its health insurance costs for state employees.
34 – 0
Amends existing law to remove reference to certain electronic copies.
Amendments made to the APA during the 2010 legislative session eliminated the statutory requirement that the Administrative Code and Administrative Bulletin be in hardcopy format and made available in printed and bound books. Since that time, the Coordinator's office has been meeting this mandate by sending the public repositories of these publications on a CD-ROM. Most repositories are now providing the website links to these publications whenever a request to view this information is made. To complicate matters, most new computers no longer have built-in CD drives.
70 – 0
Stating findings of the Legislature and authorizing the Legislative Council to appoint a committee to undertake and complete a study of the foster care system in Idaho and of the Idaho Code provisions governing the conservatorship and guardianship of adults, minors and persons with a developmental disability.
The purpose of this resolution is to authorize the Legislative Council to appoint an interim committee to undertake a thorough study of issues related to the foster care system and guardianship issues in Idaho. It authorizes the interim committee to report its findings and make recommendations to the First Regular Session of the 64th Idaho Legislature.
34 – 0
Repeals, amends and adds to existing law to revise provisions regarding the cession of certain lands for military purposes and lands in the territory of the Yellowstone National Park; to revise provisions regarding consent by the state to certain purchases of land by the government of the United States and to clarify the parameters of use of such lands; to revise provisions regarding cession of land to the government of the United States for a national veterans' sanatorium and hospital; to revise provisions regarding consent by the state to certain purchases by the government of the United States of lands for migratory labor homes projects; and to provide for limitation on the acquisition of land by the United States government.
This legislation withdraws any past consent granted by the Idaho Legislature for the federal government to acquire any additional lands within the State of Idaho in the future. Pursuant to Article I, Section 8, paragraph 17 of the United States Constitution, no additional land may be acquired within the borders of Idaho by any federal agency unless consented to by a future act of the Legislature of the State of Idaho.
Amends and adds to existing law to provide that epinephrine auto-injectors may be prescribed and dispensed to certain entities.
The purpose of this legislation is to (i) authorize certain entities to voluntarily maintain a supply of epinephrine auto-injectors for the treatment of life-threatening allergic reactions, (ii) provide requirements for training of agents of authorized entities who may administer epinephrine auto-injectors, (iii) provide protection from civil liability for entities, agents and health care practitioners when administering an epinephrine auto-injector in good faith, (iv) amend the pharmacy practice act to allow authorized entities to stock epinephrine, and (v) allow pharmacists the ability to prescribe epinephrine auto-injectors in certain circumstances.
35 – 0
Repeals and amends existing law relating to the Commission on Pesticide Management; removing reference to the commission and providing for the transfer of certain moneys.
The purpose of this legislation is to repeal Chapter 18, Title 22, Idaho Code relating to the Commission on Pesticide Management. This Commission was established in Idaho Code by House Bill 556 in 2002 to model a similar commission that had been established in the State of Washington. Private funding has solely supported this Commission. The private funding has proved to be inadequate for the Commission to perform its envisioned duties and it has been difficult to find commissioners willing to serve.
69 – 0
Repeals, amends and adds to existing law to provide for the transfer of funds to the Tax Relief Fund, to provide for its uses and to provide for exceptions, to provide for a reduction in certain income tax rates under certain circumstances; to provide for transfers from the Budget Stabilization Fund to the Tax Relief Fund; and to provide for the annual legislative review of income and sales tax exemptions, deductions and credits, and to further provide for transfers to the Tax Relief Fund.
ThislegislationestablishesasystemtosustainfundingforIdahostategovernmentgeneralservices, savemoneyintothebudgeteconomicstabilizationaccounttoavertrevenueshortfalls, andsetaside funding into a dedicated account to buy down income tax rates when financially possible. It also establishes a process to review income and sales tax exemptions.
Adds to existing law to establish the EMS Personnel Licensure Interstate Compact.
In 2012, the National Association of State EMS Officials convened a workgroup to explore an EMS licensure interstate compact. The result of a two year drafting process is the Recognition of EMS Personnel Licensure Interstate Compact (REPLICA). The Idaho EMS bureau was chosen to represent state EMS officials on the REPLICA drafting team. Being a member of the drafting team presented a unique opportunity to assure that the compact is a good fit for Idaho's needs. REPLICA is similar to compacts that exist for Physicians, Nursing, driver's licenses and others. The requirements that an individual must meet in order to obtain a license to practice EMS vary considerably from state to state. This variability between states makes state-to-state EMS licensure reciprocityvirtuallyimpossible. Thetworequirementsthathaveproventobethebiggestchallenges to reciprocity are the certification examination and the criminal history background check. The lack of standardization amongst states on just these two requirements makes it difficult for the EMS bureau to assure that an out-of-state EMS provider meets the minimum requirements for EMS personnel licensure in Idaho. In order to assure that out-of-state licensure candidates meet the minimumrequirements,theymustsubmittoafullbackgroundcheckaswellaspassthecertification examination before they are issued an Idaho EMS license. REPLICA allows for the Idaho EMS bureautoparticipateintherulesandgovernanceoftheCommissionthatmanagesREPLICA.Some of the benefits of Idaho's membership in REPLICA include legal recognition for licensed EMS personnel from Idaho and other member states to legally provide EMS at large-scale emergencies such as wild land fires; allowing licensed EMS personnel from communities along the Idaho border to legally provide EMS in both bordering member states without having to maintain licensure in both states; and providing licensure reciprocity for EMS personnel who move to Idaho from a member state without having to undergo a
63 – 4
Appropriates an additional $2,897,000 for the Permanent Building Fund for fiscal year 2016; authorizes the allocation of funds for specific projects for fiscal year 2016; appropriates $26,729,700 from the Permanent Building Fund for fiscal year 2017; authorizes the allocation of funds for specific projects for fiscal year 2017; provides legislative intent relating to utilization of matching funds; exempts the appropriation from certain provisions; and provides legislative intent relating to reallocation of project savings.
This is a FY 2016 supplemental appropriation to the Permanent Building Fund in the amount of $2,897,000 for three capital projects, as listed in the
63 – 4
Stating findings of the Legislature and honoring Idaho Power Company on its hundredth anniversary.
RecognizingandhonoringIdahoPowerCompanyforits100yearsofserviceinIdaho. IdahoPower Company, headquartered in Boise, Idaho, and locally operated since 1916, is an electric utility that employs more than 2,000 people who serve about 520,000 customers throughout a 24,000-square mileareainsouthernIdahoandeasternOregon. IdahoPower'sresidential,businessandagricultural customers pay among the nation's lowest rates for electricity, while the company maintains one of the smallest carbon footprints in the nation.
Repeals and amend sexisting law to provide financial support for communication services to consumers at just and reasonable rates.
The purpose of the proposed legislation is to expand the definition and purpose of the existing universalservicefundwhichhasexistedsince1988. Theexistingfundprovidesfinancialassistance for the purpose of providing funding for basic telecommunication services in high cost areas. This legislation will extend universal service funding to high cost areas for broadband and internet communication services in addition to the funding now provided to some companies for basic telephone services. Revenue for the fund will be provided by a surcharge on the end users of communication services, which surcharge cannot exceed twenty cents per month. The fund will continue to be administered by the Idaho Public Utilities Commission.
Mathew Erpelding · HD-019A
Appropriates $39,630,900 to the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation for fiscal year 2017; limits the number of authorized full-time equivalent positions to 150.89; permits the department to exceed the 10% transfer limitations between programs for certain project grants; and provides carryover authority for the Capital Development Program.
This bill appropriates $3,336,700 from the General Fund, $31,396,400 from dedicated funds, and $4,897,800fromfederalfundsforatotalof$39,630,900totheDepartmentofParksandRecreation for fiscal year 2017. It caps the number of authorized full-time equivalent positions at 150.89. It includesfundingfortheincreasedcostsofhealthinsuranceandaccountsforanincreaseinstatewide cost allocation. This bill includes an ongoing 3% merit-based increase in employee compensation for permanent employees to be distributed at the discretion of the director and provides for the 27th payroll. It includes $2,405,900 in dedicated funding for park repairs and replacement items. The bill funds twelve line items. The first approves $78,700 and one position from park entry and camping fees for an interpretive education coordinator. The second provides $1,000,000 from the Recreational Fuels Capital Improvement Fund to match $600,000 from the Permanent Building Fund to construct a visitor center for Cascade State Park. The third is $650,000 from park entry and camping fees to construct five new deluxe cabins at Ponderosa State Park. Fourth is $38,000 fromrentalsandvendorfeestoinstallanewdoubleCXTvaulttoiletatHeyburnStatePark. Fifthis $38,000fromparkentryandcampingfeestoconstructanewdoubleCXTvaulttoiletatWinchester Lake State Park. Sixth is $30,000 from park entry and camping fees to construct an entry kiosk at the Ranch Unit of Castle Rocks State Park. The seventh is $50,000 from the Recreational Fuels Capital Improvement Fund to develop a day use area in the Sage Flat at Harriman State Park. The eighth is $10,000 from the Public Recreation Enterprise Fund to purchase and install a storage building at Bruneau Dunes State Park. The ninth is $35,000 from the Public Recreation Enterprise Fund to purchase and install two camper cabins at Castle Rocks State Park. The tenth is $2,100,000 from the Recreational Vehicle Registration Fund to develop a new 50-site campground loop at Farragut State Park. The el
60 – 8
Appropriates and transfers $750,000 from the Economic Recovery Reserve Fund to the Charter School Debt Reserve Fund for fiscal year 2017.
This is an FY 2017 appropriation and one-time transfer of $750,000 from the Economic Recovery Reserve Fund (ERRF) to the Charter School Debt Reserve Fund in the amount of $750,000 to be used in accordance with Section 33-5217, Idaho Code. The Charter School Debt Reserve Fund wascreatedthroughH309(2015Session)toassistqualifyingcharterschoolsinobtainingfavorable financing for facility improvements and construction.
66 – 1
Amends and adds to existing law to implement the Primary Care Access Program.
The purpose of this legislation is to provide primary care access and care coordination to Idahoans with incomes under 100 percent of the federal poverty level and who are not eligible for Medicaid, the Affordable Care Act's Advanced Payment of Tax Credit, or an employer-sponsored or other government-subsidized healthcare plan. This population has historically sought occasional care through hospital emergency rooms, clinics providing low-cost or free care, or not sought care at all until they are seriously ill. That has resulted in high costs to the State due to increased demand on county indigent and State catastrophic health programs. The legislation would improve the quality of healthcare in Idaho by providing the "Gap" population with regular preventive primary care and care management for chronic conditions. It requires citizens to contribute financially for their clinical services and encourages citizens to take personal responsibility for their own health. Thelegislationincludesafive-yearsunsetclause, enablingtime-certainevaluationoftheprogram's effectiveness.
Appropriates an additional $30,667,900 to the Department of Health and Welfare for the Division of Medicaid; and reduces the appropriation by $9,000,600 to the Department of Health and Welfare for the Division of Medicaid for a net appropriation increase of $21,667,300 for fiscal year 2016.
This is the fiscal year 2016 supplemental appropriation bill for the Department of Health and Welfare for the Division of Medicaid. This bill provides a net decrease of $1,085,500 from the General Fund but a net increase of $21,667,300 from all fund sources. Specifically the bill realigns the appropriation for the CHIP program between the General Funds, federal funds, and dedicated funds. This realignment returns $7,605,000 from the Basic Plan and Medicaid Administration and Medical Management Programs to the General Fund to align with current federal law that places the CHIP program at 100% federally funded. This bill also provides an additional $4,067,300 to the Coordinated Plan to pay the premiums and a small portion of the medical bills of Idahoans that are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid. To stay in compliance with a federal court order, this bill provides an additional $17.6 million in the Enhanced Plan to keeptheparticipantsintheDevelopmentallyDisabledWaiverProgramattheirhighestbudgetsince 2011. Finally, this bill provides a shift in the Medicaid Administration and Medical Management Program of $1,281,600 from trustee and benefit payments to operating expenditures to account for an increased contract rate for the Medicaid Management Information System (MMIS) pharmacy portion and to meet federally required reporting and data safeguarding requirements.
47 – 23
Proposing an amendment to Article I of the Constitution of the State of Idaho by the addition of a new Section 24 regarding the rights and responsibilities of the sexes.
The purpose of this bill is to amend the Idaho Constitution to affirm the equal application of the Constitution to all persons regardless of their sex. The Equal Rights Amendment was written in 1923 by Alice Paul, suffragist leader and founder of the National Woman's Party. After women's right to vote was guaranteed by the 19th Amendment in 1920, she proposed the ERA as the next step in confirming "equal justice under law" for all citizens. The ERA was introduced into every Congress between 1923 and 1972, when it was passed and sent to the states for ratification. In 1972 when Congress sent the ERA to the states for ratification, Idaho was very supportive of the bill and passed it. However, five years later, Idaho rescinded the amendment by changing the rules from a 2/3rd majority to a single vote in a closed-door session. In 2015 the Institute for Women's Policy Research (IWP) released its "Status of Women in the States" report where Idaho received an "F" on our report card, ranking 50th among the states and D.C. Among the rankings, Idaho receives F and D grades in employment and earnings, reproductive rights, political participation, and poverty and opportunity. On pay alone, if the current trend continues, women will not see equal pay until 2074. The purpose of this bill is to affirm equal protection so all of our citizens can thrive. We need creative solutions that fully invest in Idaho's future, of which women are vital to its growth. We want to ensure that women earn equal pay; that women are equally represented in elected positions and board appointments; that women experience a welcoming place in the workforce free of sexual harassment; that women experience increased access to reproductive health care and maintain control over their reproductive health care choices; and that we create compassionate communities where women will not experience the same epidemic rates of violence.
Melissa Wintrow · SD-019
Amends existing law to revise provisions regarding pecuniary benefits to public servants and to remove a certain exception.
This legislation clarifies Idaho statutes regarding the acceptance of gifts by government officials and public servants. It would be illegal for any government official or public servant to accept a gift from anyone doing business or wanting to do business with the government. It would also prohibit state legislators from accepting gifts above a set dollar amount, even if the gifts are not directly connected with a legislator's vote or action. Current state law allows legislators to accept gifts so long as the gift is not connected with an official action. This is an impossible standard to prove and it diminishes public confidence in the Legislature.
Adds to existing law to provide actions for a protection order and an ex parte temporary protection order against harassment and stalking; and to provide that certain fees shall be waived.
This legislation permits a victim of malicious harassment, stalking or telephone harassment, as defined in Idaho law, to file a civil petition in court seeking a protective order on behalf of himself, his children or his ward. The court may grant the petition and issue a protective order if it is shown that such conduct occurred within ninety (90) days immediately preceding the filing of the petition and that such conduct is likely to occur in the future thereby causing irreparable injury. The protective order may not exceed one (1) year and may (a) Direct the respondent to refrain from such conduct; (b) Order the respondent to refrain from contacting the protected person; and (c) Grant such other relief and impose such other restrictions as the court deems proper, including a requirement that the respondent not knowingly remain within a distance of up to 1,500 feet of the protected person. Other provisions include (i) permitting the order to be renewed in one (1) year increments for good cause shown; (ii) waiving the court filing fee so Idaho continues to receive federal victim services funding; and (iii) making it a misdemeanor to violate a protective order.
69 – 1
Amends existing law to provide that a property owner may petition the city council for detachment of agricultural lands from the city and to provide procedures.
This legislation would permit a landowner to petition the city council to be de-annexed if it is determined that his or her property is greater than five acres and is used for agricultural purposes.
Stating findings of the Legislature and recognizing the need for managed recharge of the ESPA and resolving that the state establish certain managed recharge goals.
The purpose of this Resolution is: 1) to establish an Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer managed recharge goal of 250,000 acre-feet on an average annual basis; 2) to direct the development of the capacity necessary to achieve the ESPA recharge goal on or before December 31, 2024; and 3) to provide LegislativeapprovaltoincreasetheESPACAMPPhaseImanagedrechargefrom100,000acre-feet to 250,000 acre-feet average annual managed recharge. As more fully described in the Resolution, these measures are necessary to address the declining ground water levels in the Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer. Since 1952 the total volume of water stored in the Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer have decreased by an average of 216,000 acre-feet and spring flow discharges in the Thousand Springs reach are nearing 1912 measured flows. In absence of implementation of a managed recharge program across the Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer, there will be inadequate water supplies to provide a reasonably safe supply for all water users, which will lead to more protracted litigation andincreasingeconomicharmtotheStateofIdaho. Whilemanagedrechargewillnotaloneresolve the decline in the ground water levels, it is one of the measures that will be required to stabilize and enhance ground water levels in the Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer.
69 – 0