>>> PRESENTATION OF IDAHO REPORTS ON IDAHO PUBLIC TELEVISION IS MADE POSSIBLE THROUGH THE GENEROUS SUPPORT OF THE LAURA MOORE CUNNINGHAM FOUNDATION, COMMITTED TO FULFILLING THE MOORE AND BETTIS FAMILY LEGACY OF BUILDING THE GREAT STATE OF IDAHO, BY THE FRIENDS OF IDAHO PUBLIC TELEVISION, AND BY THE CORPORATION FOR PUBLIC BROADCASTING.

>>> I BELIEVE IN PERSONAL RIGHTS.

>> I CANNOT BELIEVE THAT'S WHERE WE ARE.

>> I TOO CAN'T BELIEVE THAT WE'VE GOTTEN TO THIS POINT.

>> MORE THAN ONE LAWMAKER USED THE PHRASE "I CAN'T BELIEVE WE'RE HERE."

DURING THE LEGISLATIVE DEBATE THIS WEEK.

DISCUSSION ON THE FLOOR RANGED FROM COVID VACCINES TO BUSINESS INTERESTS.

LATER IDAHO REPORTERS WILL FILL YOU ON WHAT WE MIGHT EXPECT OUT OF THIS LEGISLATIVE SESSION.

I'M LOGAN FINNEY, FILLING IN FOR MELISSA DAVLIN.

"IDAHO REPORTS" STARTS NOW.

♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ >>> HELLO AND WELCOME TO "IDAHO REPORTS."

THE IDAHO LEGISLATURE FOCUSED A LOT THIS WEEK ON WHAT THEY DO AND DON'T BELIEVE AROUND EMPLOYER/EMPLOYEE RIGHTS.

LATER IN THE SHOW, BETSY RUSSELL OF THE IDAHO PRESS, JAMES DAWSON OF BOISE STATE PUBLIC RADIO, AND BILL SPENCE OF THE LEWISTON TRIBUNE JOIN ME TO DISCUSS LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS ON PROPERTY TAXES, PRIVATE MILITIAS, AND MUCH MORE.

BUT FIRST, ON THURSDAY IDAHO'S U.S.

SENATOR JIM RISCH ISSUED A STATEMENT CONDEMNING RUSSIAN PRESIDENT VLADIMIR PUTIN INVASION OF UKRAINE.

RISCH IS THE RANKING MEMBER OF THE SENATE FOREIGN RELATIONS COMMITTEE AND SAID, QUOTE, ANYONE WHO IS SURPRISED BY PUTIN'S DEADLY ATTACK ON A SOVEREIGN NATION HAS NOT BEEN PAYING ATTENTION.

THESE ARE THE ACTIONS OF A MADMAN, END QUOTE.

RISCH PLANS TO PROPOSE A BILL CALLED THE NEVER YIELDING EUROPE'S TERRITORY ACT, OR NYET ACT, THAT WOULD IMPOSE SANCTIONS ON RUSSIA AND PROVIDING $500 MILLION IN FOREIGN MILITARY FINANCING FOR UKRAINE OF THE THAT WOULD INCLUDE $250 MILLIONH $100 MILLION FOR EMERGENCY LETHAL ASSISTANCE FOR CRITICAL CAPABILITIES, LIKE AIR DEFENSE, ANTIARMOR, AND ANTISHIP CAPABILITIES.

WHEN THE U.S. SENATE RECONVENES ON MONDAY, RISCH SAID HE WILL DO ALL HE CAN TO HAVE THE BILL PICKED UP BY THE BODY.

RISCH SAID, QUOTE, DIPLOMACY HAS FAILED.

THOSE OF HOUSE CALLED FOR MORE DEFINITIVE ACTION FROM THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION AND OUR ALLIES HAVE UNFORTUNATELY BEEN PROVEN RIGHT.

WE CANNOT AFFORD TO WAIT ANY LONGER.

WE MUST TAKE MORE DECISIVE ACTION, END QUOTE.

IN LEGISLATIVE NEWS, ON MONDAY THE HOUSE PASSED A BILL FROM REPRESENTATIVE DOUG OKUNIEWICZ, THAT WOULD PROHIBIT UNAFFILIATED VOTERS FROM CHOOSING A POLITICAL PARTY THE DAY OF THE PRIMARY ELECTION.

MORE THAN 300,000 VOTERS IN IDAHO ARE STEJERED AS UNAFILL IT WITHED -- UNAFFILIATED.

>> THEY CAN WAIT UNTIL ELECTIN DAY TO CHANGE THEIR AFFILIATIONS.

ALL THIS PROPOSE DOES IS TREAT THE UNAFFILIATED VOTERS EXALT THE SAME WAY AS THE OTHER FOUR GROUPS.

THE ONLY DIFFERENCE BEING THAT NOW EVERYONE WILL HAVE TO -- WILL HAVE THE SAME DEADLINE TO CHANGE THEIR POLITICAL AFFILIATION.

SO THE BILL IS ABOUT CONSISTENCY, SIMPLIFICATION OF OUR ELECTION LAWS, AND FAIRNESS.

>> TO SAY TO THE UNAFFILIATE THAT YOU HAVE GOT TO SIGN UP RIGHT NOW BECAUSE YOU MUST KNOW WHO YOU'RE GONNA VOTE FOR IS DISENFRANCHISING THEM.

I DON'T BELIEVE THAT THAT'S WE NEED TO DO.

THE PARTIES ALL KNOW WHO THEY'RE GONNA VOTE FOR.

I BET I COULD GO AROUND THE ROOM AND EVERYONE WOULD TELL ME WHO THEY'RE VOTING FOR.

BUT I DON'T BELIEVE THESE OTHERS DO, SO I ASK FOR YOUR THE RED LINE.

>> IF AN INDIVIDUAL IS UNSURE WHETHER THEY ALIGN WITH THE VALUES OF A PARTY PLATFORM, THAT THEY MAY NOT BE THE RIGHT VOTER TO BE SELECTING THE CANDIDATE TO REPRESENT THOSE VALUES.

>> I THINK IT WOULD BE SOMETHING THAT WOULD BE A LITTLE BIT DISENCHANTING FOR A NEW VOTER FOR THEM TO SHOW UP ON PRIMARY ELECTION DAY, HAVING FULLY UNDERSTOOD AND NOT REALIZING THAT THERE WAS A RULE THAT MADE THEM DECLARE THEIR PARTY A FEW MONTHS AGO.

I DON'T THINK WE'RE CREATING A SPECIAL CLASS OF UNAFFILIATED VOTERS.

IF SOMEBODY AFFILIATES WITH A POLITICAL PARTY A, B, C, OR D, THEY'VE DONE IT.

THEY KNEW WHAT THEY ARE DOING.

WE HAVE PEOPLE WHERE LEARNING.

WE WANT PEOPLE TO VOTE.

WE WANT TO GIVE PEOPLE ACCESS TO THE BALLOT.

>> THE BILL NARROWLY PASSED THE HOUSE IN A 36-32 VOTE AND IT NOW MOVES TO THE SENATE.

IF PASSED INTO LAW, THAT NEW PARTY REGISTRATION DEADLINE WOULD BE NEXT ON MARCH 11TH.

>>> ON TUESDAY THE HOUSE REVIEWED HB581 FROM REPRESENTATIVE CHARLIE SHEPARD, WHICH WOULD PROHIBIT EMPLOYERS FROM SCRAIM NATING AGAINST UNVACCINATED PLEASE.

BUSINESSES WOULD ALSO BE PREVENTED FROM ASKING EMPLOYEES ABOUT THEIR VACCINATION STATUS.

>> THE BILL ENSURE THE INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS OF EMPLOYEES TO NOT BE DISCRIMINATED AGAINST IN THE WORKFORCE BECAUSE OF THEIR VACCINATION STATUS IN REGARDS TO COVID-19 OR ANY OTHER EMERGENCY USE AUTHORIZATION VACCINE.

>> MY DAUGHTER IS IMMUNOCOMPROMISED.

MY SON-IN-LAW, HER SOW IS -- HUSBAND IS IN A MOTORIZED WHEELCHAIR, IMMUNOCOMPROMISED.

NOW WITH THIS BILL, IF THEY WANT TO HIRE SOMEBODY TO COME INTO THEIR HOUSE AND THEY SAY, YOU KNOW WHAT, WE WOULD LIKE YOU TO BE VACCINATED, WHETHER YOU AGREE AT WORK OR DOESN'T AGREE, THAT'S THEIR PERSONAL RIGHT TO ASK.

BUT NOW WHAT YOU'RE SAYING IS, NOW YOU ARE GOING TO MAKE MY DAUGHTER A CRIMINAL AND PUNISH HER WITH A THOUSAND DOLLAR FINE.

>> WE HAVE CHURCHES IN THE STATE OF IDAHO, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, WHO SEND MISSIONARIES OVERSEAS WITH A REQUIREMENT TO BE VACCINATED.

WE HAVE A GLOBAL AGRICULTURAL COMMUNITY, A GLOBAL BUSINESS COMMUNITY HERE IN IDAHO THAT DOES BUSINESS ON A WORLDWIDE BASIS, WHO REQUIRE MANY OF THEIR EMPLOYEES TO BE VACCINATED TO TRAVEL.

ARE WE GOING TO TELL THEM THEY CAN NO LONGER DO THAT?

THAT'S A COMMERCE ISSUE.

THAT'S A BUSINESS ISSUE FROM MY PERSPECTIVE.

>> JUST BECAUSE I OWN A BUSINESS, IT DOES NOT MEAN THAT I OWN MY EMPLOYEES.

I DO NOT OWN MY EMPLOYEES.

IT IS A PRIVILEGE TO HAVE THOSE EMPLOYEES WORK FOR ME, NOR DO I OWN THEIR MEDICAL DECISIONS.

THAT'S A DECISION THAT IS BETWEEN THAT EMPLOYEE AND THEIR DOCTOR.

>> THE BILL IS A REVIVED VERSION OF A PROPOSAL FROM SHEPARD DURING THE RECONVENED LEGISLATIVE SESSION LAST NOVEMBER.

IT HAPPENED IN A 38-29 VOTE AND MOVES ON TO THE SENATE.

>>> ON THURSDAY THE HOUSE TOOK UP HOUSE BILL 658, WHICH WOULD ALLOW THE STATE TO GRANT ANONYMITITY TO SUPPLIERS WHO PROVIDE THE IDAHO DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTION WITH CHEMICALS USED BY EXECUTIONS IN LETHAL INJECTION T. SUPPLIER'S NAME WOULD NOT BE SUBJECT TO PUBLIC REPORTED FOR COURTROOM DISCOVERY.

>> THERE IS A PROBLEM, HOWEVER, AND THAT IS THAT WHERE COURTS WON'T OVERTURN THE DEATH PENALTY AND LEGISLATURES WILL NOT REPEAL IT -- LEGISLATORS WILL NOT REPEAL IT, A NEW STRATEGY HAS EMERGED IN FIGHTING THE DEATH PENALTY.

AND THAT IS TO NAME AND SHAME THE PROVIDERS AND THE PARTICIPANTS IN THAT PROCESS.

AS A FUNCTIONAL MATTER, A "NO" VOTE ON THIS ENDS THE DEATH PENALTY IN IDAHO.

ONLY A FIRING SQUAD AND LETHAL INJECTION ARE IN OUR CONSTITUTION AS APPROPRIATE MEANS OF EXECUTION.

FIRING SQUAD IN THEORY COULD BE BROUGHT BACK, BUT OUR CURRENT PROTOCOLS ARE THE RESULT OF YEARS AND YEARS OF LITIGATION ON BOTH STATE AND FEDERAL QUESTIONS, AND WE ARE IN A PLACE WHERE OUR PROCEDURES ARE ABSOLUTELY DEFENSIBLE.

>> CORPORATIONS HAVE A RIGHT NOT TO INVOLVE THEMSELVES IN THESE PROCESSES AND NOW THEY WILL HAVE NO IDEA IF THEY ARE ACTUALLY SUPPLYING THESE DRUGS TO THE SUPPLIERS OR NOT.

SO WITH THAT, I'D ASK FOR YOUR RED LIGHT.

THE GOVERNMENT SHOULDN'T HAVE THE RIGHT TO KILL PEOPLE USING SECRET MEANS, METHODS, AND PRACTICES.

>> THE BILL PASSED IN A 38-30 VOTE AND HEADS TO THE SENATE.

VISIT THE "IDAHO REPORTS" BLOG FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE BILL AND EXECUTIONS IN IDAHO FROM OUR PRO DIEWRS RUTH BROWN.

>>> JOINING ME TO DISCUSS THIS WEEK'S LEGISLATIVE ARE BETSY RUSSELL OF THE IDAHO PRESS, JAMES CAWSON FROM BOISE STATE PUBLIC RADIO, AND BILL SPENCE OF LEWISTON TRIB BUTTON.

>> BILL, YOU BROKE BIG NEWS ON A TAX BILL.

WALK US THROUGH THAT.

>> SO THE LEGISLATURE HAS BEEN LOOKING AT PROPERTY TAXES FOR A COUPLE YEARS NOW.

AND KIND OF THE -- WHERE THEY'RE AT, THE BASIC ISSUE, IS THAT PROPERTY TAXES ARE DRIVEN BY LOCAL BUDGETS.

THE ONLY WAY YOU SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCE LOCAL PROPERTY TAXES IS BY IT'S CUT -- EITHER CUTTING LOVE BUDGETS OR PROPERTY TAX FROM A DIFFERENT REVENUE SOURCE.

SO THE PROPOSAL IN THE LEGISLATURE RIGHT NOW IS TO RAISE THE SALES TAX, THE STATE SALES TAX, BY AROUND 2%, FROM 6% TO ABOUT 8%.

USE THAT REVENUE THEN TO ELIMINATE MOST LOCAL PROPERTY TAXES ON PRIMARY RESIDENTS.

-- RESIDENCES.

THE ONLY PROPERTY TAX THAT WOULD REMAIN ON A PRIMARY RESIDENCE IS VOTER-APPROVED BONDS OR VOTER-APPROVED SUPPLEMENTAL SCHOOL LEVEES.

THE BILL HAS NOT BEEN INTRODUCED YET.

THEY'RE TWEAKING IT.

BUT MY QUESTIONS IS -- GUESS IS IT WILL BE INTRODUCED SOME TIME NEXT WEEK.

SO A PORTION OF THE REVENUE IS ALSO USED TO INCREASE THE GROCERY TAX CREDIT TO OFFSET THE IMPACT OF THE HIGHER SALES TAX ON FOOD PRICES.

>> IT WOULD EXCHANGE A HIGHER SALES TACK -- >> CORRECT.

>> YOU SAID THEY WOULD RAISE THE GROCERY TAX CREDIT AS WELL.

THERE'S A BILL THAT'S PASSED I BELIEVE THE SENATE TO RAISE THAT CREDIT BY $20.

>> THEY'RE LOOKING AT A $60 INCREASE IN THIS BILL.

SO IT WOULD QUO -- FOR PEOPLE UNDER 65, IT WOULD GO FROM 100 -- $100 A YEAR TO $160 A YEAR.

AT THAT LEVEL IT OFFSETS THE 6% -- EXCUSE ME, IT OFFSETS THE NEW SALES TAX $2,000.

IT'S GOING TO BE A FASCINATING DEBATE, BECAUSE NOBODY LIKES THE IDEA OF RAISING THE SALES TAX, BUT THIS IS -- I COVERED THE LEGISLATURE 14 YEARS.

THIS IS THE MOST SIGNIFICANT BILL TO DECREASE RESIDENT SHALL PROPERTY TAX RATE -- RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY TAX RATE THAT IS I'VE SEEN.

SENATOR RICE INDICATED THAT IT WOULD PROBABLY CUT PROPERTY TAX OSPRIMARY RESIDENCES BY AN AVERAGE OF TWO-THIRDS.

>> IN SOME WAYS IT'S REMINISCENT OF THE 2006 TAX SHIFT UNDER THEN-GOVERNOR RISCH WHEN THEY RAISED THE SALES TAX FROM 5% TO 6% AND TOOK THE MAINTENANCE AND OPERATION FUNDING FOR SCHOOLS OFF OF THE LOCAL PROPERTY TAX.

THE PROBLEM THAT TIME WAS IT JUST CAME BACK BASICALLY IN THE FORM OF SUPPLEMENTAL LEVIES THAT WEREN'T SUPPLEMENTAL AND WE'RE PAYING PROPERTY TAXES TO FUND OPERATIONS OF SCHOOLS.

I BELIEVE YOUR REPORTING SHOWS THERE ARE SAFEGUARDS?

>> THEY'RE VERY ARARE OF THE SUBSEQUENT -- AWARE OF THE SUBSEQUENT INCREASE OF PROPERTY TAX AFTER THE 2006 BILL.

SO I THINK THEY'VE GOT SOME PROVISIONS TO TRY TO ADDRESS THAT AND KEEP IT OFF OF RESIDENCES.

THEY ALSO HAVE A PORTION SOME OF THE MONEY FROM THE INCREASE IN SALES TAX, WOULD GO INTO A STABILIZATION FUND, BASICALLY A RAINY DAY ACCOUNT, THAT THE LOCAL GOVERNMENTS COULD TAP IN THE EVENT THAT THE ECONOMY GOES SOUTH.

>> AND THAT WOULD BE BECAUSE THE SALES TAX IS A VERY VOLATILE TAX.

IT IS GOES UP AND DOWN.

>> THAT'S EXACTLY THE ISSUE.

IS THAT PROPERTY TAX IS KIND OF INDEPENDENT OF THE ECONOMY, WHICH FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENTS IS A GOOD THING.

IT'S A STABLE SOURCE OF REVENUE FOR THEM.

FOR PROPERTY OWNERS, IT'S BAD THING, BECAUSE IF THEY LOSES THEIR JOB, THEY STILL -- LOSE THEIR JOB, THANK YOU STILL SO A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF PROPERTY TAX.

SALES TAX IS VERY SUBJECT TO ECONOMIC SWINGS.

SO THIS STABILIZATION FUND WOULD TRY TO ADDRESS THAT.

AND MY UNDERSTANDING IS IT WOULD BE INDEPENDENT.

IT WOULD NOT BE SUBJECT TO LEGISLATIVE APPROPRIATION.

IT WOULD BE -- THERE WOULD BE A MECHANISM THAT SPECIFICALLY SAYS, HERE'S WHEN THAT MONEY KICKS IN.

>> AND THERE ARE OTHER BIG TAX DEBATES HAPPENING THIS WEEK.

I BELIEVE EVERY SINGLE DAY THIS WEEK IN THE HOUSE WE'VE SEEN LAWMAKERS ATTEMPT TO PULL A GROCERY STACKS REPEAL BILL OUT -- TAX REPEAL BILL OUT OF COMMITTEE.

BETSY, CAN YOU BREAK DOWN THAT CONVERSATION?

>> I THINK THOSE DEBATES HAD BEEN GETTING LESS AND LESS BIG AS WE'VE SEEN.

BASICALLY THE SAME THING KEEPS BEING PROPOSED.

A PARLIAMENTARY MANEUVER TO PULL A BILL PERSONAL BILL WITHOUT A HEARING, STRAIGHT TO THE FLOOR I.

THE FIRST FEW TIMES THIS WAS PROPOSED THIS, WERE DEBATES OVER IT.

THEY'VE GOT THE HANG OF IT, WHERE THE DEBATE -- A NOND-BACKSABLE MOTION TO CUT OFF DEBATE.

SO THEY'VE GONE THROUGH AND REPEATED THOSE STEPS OVER AND OVER REPEATEDLY TO THE POINT THAT TODAY I BELIEVE IT WAS THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE SAID WE'RE SEEING A PATTERN HERE.

I GUESS THIS WILL GO LIKE YESTERDAY.

AND IS THIS YOUR ENOUGH IT DID.

AND I BELIEVE IT WAS 55 VOTES IN FAVOR OUT OF THE 70 TO CUT OFF DEBATE, WELL OVER THE TWO-THIRD REQUIRED TO DO THAT.

SO THIS IS A TACTIC THAT EARLIER WAS SUCCESSFUL AT SLOWING DOWN PROGRESS IN THE HOUSE ON ANYTHING.

BUT NOT SUCCESSFUL IN ACTUALLY ACCOMPLISHING IN BRINGING THE BILLS OUT.

>> WHEN THIS STARTED ABOUT THREE WEEKS AGO OR SO, THAT YOU DID HAVE SEVERAL DEMOCRATS AND MORE REPUBLICANS SIDING WITH, YOU KNOW, THE VOTE TO -- >> [INAUDIBLE] >> TO TRY TO BRING THE GROCERY STACKS REPEAL UP FOR A VOTE AND THEN SEVERAL OF THEM NOW HAVE KIND OF MOVED OVER TO THE, WELL, YOU KNOW, THIS ISN'T GOING ANYWHERE.

AND THE VOTES TOO SHUT DOWN THAT DEBATE HAVE JUST KEPT GOING UP SINCE IT STARTED.

>> BASICALLY, I THINK THE ANNOYANCE FACTOR FOR THEIR COLLEAGUES ON -- ON THE PART OF THOSE WHO ARE CONTINUING TO MAKE THESE MOTIONS KEEPS GOING UP.

>> BUT I ALSO THINK IT'S GOING TO BE INTERESTING WHAT HAPPENS WITH THAT VOTE IF NEW PROPERTY TAX BILL STALLS.

AND IT BECOMES CLEAR THAT QUESTION MAY NOT HAVE ANY -- THAT WE MAY NOT HAVE ANY ADDITIONAL TAX RELIEF, IF WE CAN'T DO IT ON PROPERTY TAX, THEN I'M CURIOUS WHETHER PEOPLE -- WHETHER MORE PEOPLE ARE GOING TO BE WILLING TO CALL THE GROCERY STACKS CREDIT OUT OF COMMITTEE.

-- TAX CREDIT OUT OF COMMITTEE.

>> WE DID HAVE A REPRESENTATIVE EARLIER THIS YEAR SAY SAY IF THE INCOME TAX AND GROCERY TAX, SHE WOULD EAT HER HAT.

>> SHE HAS INTRODUCED A PERSONAL BILL TO REPEAL THE GROCERY TAX.

AND THEY TRIED TO CALL THAT BILL OUT OF COMMITTEE AND THAT DOESN'T GO -- DIDN'T GO ON EITHER.

>> ONE OF THE BILLS MOVING AROUND, JAMES, YOU COVERED A MILITIA BILL THAT HAS BEEN GETTING A LOT OF ATTENTION.

CAN YOU BREAK THAT DOWN FOR US?

>> SURE.

SO BASICALLY THIS STATUTE HAS BEEN ON THE BOOKS FOR -- I MEAN, ALMOST A HUNDRED YEARS, SINCE 1927.

AND ESSENTIALLY IT WOULD MAKE IT SO GROUPS OF ARMED PEOPLE CANNOT FORM A PRIVATE MILITIA TOGETHER OTHER THAN THE IDAHO NATIONAL GUARD.

AND ARMED PEOPLE CANNOT QUOTE, PARADE AROUND ANY CITY OR TOWN, YOU KNOW, JUST POINT-BLANK.

ESSENTIALLY, A LOT OF STATES AROUND THE COUNTRY HAVE SIMILAR LAWS TO THIS.

BACK WHEN, AS REPRESENTATIVE JOHN GANNON KED ON THE FLOOR -- SAID ON THIS FLOOR, THIS WAS 1927, ALMOST IN THE DEPRESSION.

LOTS OF UNION VIOLENCE, LOTS OF ISSUES WITH THOSE SORTS OF LABOR UPRISINGS AROUND THE COUNTRY.

THIS WAS PART AT -- AT LEAST THE NATIONAL GUARD SAID, THEY BROUGHT THE BILL, THAT IT WAS PART OF A RED TAPE PRODUCTION ACT -- >> GENERALLY CUTTING GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS ACROSS THE BOARD IF THEY'RE NOT NEEDED.

>> EXACTLY.

THEY BROUGHT THIS BILL UP.

THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE SIGNED OFF, SAID YEP, LET'S GO FOR IT.

BUT YOU HAVE A PRETTY PROMINENT GROUP CALLED THE INSTITUTE FOR CONSTITUTIONAL ADVOCACY AND PROTECTION OUT OF GEORGETOWN, WHICH IS LED BY A PRETTY -- I WOULD SAY HIGH-PROFILE FORMER FEDERAL PROSECUTOR WHO HAS SUED MILITIAS IN THE PAST IN CIVIL COURT USING THESE TYPES OF LAWS.

BASICALLY SAYING THIS ISN'T UNCONSTITUTIONAL.

WE SUCCESSFULLY SUED THIS PENNSYLVANIA MILITIA FOR THE 2017 ROLE IN THE UNITE THE RIGHT RALLY IN CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA.

THEY ALSO HAVE OTHER PENDING LAWSUITS AROUND THE COUNTRY.

>> WHAT ABOUT MILITIAS HERE IN IDAHO, LIKE THE 3%ERS AND OTHER GROUPS.

>> WE'VE SEEN SUBSTANTIAL GROWTH IN MILITIAS OVER THE PAST SEVERAL YEARS.

YOU HAVE ELECTED OFFICIALS WHO SAY I AM A MEMBER IN MY LEGISLATIVE BIO, SPECIFICALLY CHAD CHRISTIANSON, WHICH IT'S NOT IN THERE THIS YEAR.

IT WAS IN THERE 2 YEARS AGO AS A MEMBER OF THE OATH KEEPER.

BUT YOU KNOW, SO WE'VE SEEN SORT OF PUSHBACK AGAINST THIS STATUTE.

BASICALLY THEY SAY THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE AND THE IDAHO NATIONAL GUARD SAY IT'S NOT GOING TO CHANGE ANYTHING SUBSTANTIAL, BUT IT WOULD TAKE OUT A CIVIL ACTION THAT SOMEONE COULD BRING AGAINST THESE MILITIAS.

HOWEVER, IN THE CONSTITUTION AND OTHER PARTS OF STATE CODE, PRIVATE MILITIAS ARE OUTLAWED AND THEY'RE ILLEGAL.

WE DIDN'T HEAR ON THE HOUSE FLOOR AS WE DID IN THE COMMITTEE HEARING.

DURING THE COMMITTEE HEARING, THERE WERE PEOPLE WHO TALKED ABOUT THINGS THAT HAVE HAPPENED IN IDAHO IN THE LAST TWO YEARS, PARTICULARLY IN THE NORTH, WHERE GROUPS OF ARMED PEOPLE HAVE PARADED UP AND DOWN THE MAIN STREETS OF THEIR TOWN.

SOMETIMES OUT OF A MISTAKEN IDEA THAT THEY'RE PROTECTING PEOPLE AGAINST SOMETHING THAT WASN'T GONNA HAPPEN LIKE A BIG ANTIFA EVENT.

>> THE ANTIFA BUS.

>> WE HAVE HAD THREE TAKEOVERS OF CITIES IN NORTH IDAHO BY PRIVATE ARMED GROUPS WITH LOCAL AUTHORITIES NOT DOING ANYTHING TO STOP IT.

AND A WHOLE LOT OF PEOPLE WHO ACCORDING TO THE TESTIMONY WERE INTIMIDATED ABOUT GOING DOWNTOWN, GOING TO THEIR LOCAL RESTAURANT, PEOPLE CARRYING LONG GUNS AROUND AND SETTING THEM ON THE BAR TOP AT THE LOCAL RESTAURANT AND YOU KNOW, IS THIS HOW THINGS ARE SUPPOSED TO WORK IN IDAHO?

IS THIS WHAT OUR LAWS PERMIT.

AND IT CERTAINLY RAISES A QUESTION ABOUT WHAT ELSE WE DO HAVE ON THE BOOKS AND WHAT IS LEGAL AND WHAT STINT LEGAL.

AND THAT'S ALL BEEN BROUGHT UP BY THIS BILL.

I THINK PERHAPS THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE WAS NOT PREPARED FOR THE QUESTIONS THAT IT RAISED IN LIGHT OF THOSE EVENTS RIGHT HERE IN OUR STATE IN THE LAST TWO YEARS.

>> ACROSS THE ROTUNDA, THERE WERE A COUPLE OF LOAN REPAYMENT PROGRAMS BEING CONSIDERED, ONE MORE RURAL NURSES AND RURAL TEACHERS.

THEY HAD VERY DIFFERENT OUTCOMES.

>> THEY DID.

SO THE RURAL NURSES INCENTIVE PROGRAM, THIS IS A TIME WHEN WE'RE HEARING ABOUT A CRISIS IN NURSING, WAS KILLED.

AND THE SENATOR SAID THE PRICE TAG WAS TOO HIGH.

$25,000 A YEAR, FOR THREE YEARS.

THAT'S TOO MUCH MONEY.

WELL, DIFFERENT FATE FOR THE RURAL EDUCATOR INCENTIVE PROGRAM.

IT'S A LOAN REPAYMENT PROGRAM BUT IT'S A LOT LESS MONEY AND A LOT MORE PEOPLE.

IT WOULD PROVIDE $15 IN THE FIRST YEAR.

-- $1500.

SECOND YEAR, 2500.

AND THAT'S THE END AND THE 30EU7B9 IS TO KEEP THE TEACHERS TEACHING IN THOSE UNDERSERVED, DISADVANTAGED, AND RURALS SCHOOLS.

AND THIS ONE PASSED.

IT PASSED 25-7.

AND THERE HAS BEEN WORK ON SOME KIND OF INCENTIVE PROGRAM FOR RURAL TEACHERS IN IDAHO FOR YEARS IN THE LEGISLATURE.

I THINK THIS IS THE FARTHEST I'VE SEEN IT GET AND I THINK IT'S GOT SOME MOMENTUM.

IT HAS BIPARTISAN SUPPORT, BIPARTISAN SPONSORS.

AND AMONG THOSE DEBATING IN FAVOR OF THE BILL TODAY, IT'S SPONSORED BY A DEMOCRAT FROM BOISE.

BUT IN FAVOR WAS SENATOR STEVEN THAGN-X, THE REPUBLICAN FROM EMYET.

>> AND WE HAVE -- EMIL.

>> WE HAVE ELECTION BILLS GOING AROUND WITH REPPER QUTIONS FOR THE SPRING -- REPERCUSSIONS FOR THE SPRING VOTE.

>> WE HAVE A COUPLE THAT PASSED THE HOUSE EARLIER THIS WEEK.

WE'RE TALKING ABOUT MAKING IT SO ANYONE WHO'S REGISTERED AS AN UNAFFILIATED VOTER, MEANING NOT A DEMOCRAT, NOT AN INDEPENDENT OR REPUBLICAN OR LIBERTARIAN OR CONSTITUTIONALIST.

>> AND WE DON'T HAVE AN INDEPENDENT PARTY IN IDAHO.

>> RIGHT.

SO ANY OF THOSE ACTUAL PARTIES, IF YOU'RE NOT AFFILIATED WITH ANY OF THEM, YOU RIGHT NOW AS THE LAW STANDS COULD REGISTER AS A REPUBLICAN OR WHICHEVER PARTY YOU CHOOSE AT THE POLLS ON ELECTION DAY.

BUT THIS BILL WOULD CHANGE IT SO YOU WOULD HAVE TO DO IT AT THE SAME TIME AS THE CUTOFF FOR EVERY OTHER PARTY, WHICH IS MARCH 11TH THIS YEAR.

SO IT'S COMING UP HERE IN A COUPLE WEEKS.

RIGHT AS THE FILING DEADLINE IS SAME-DAY FOR STATEWIDE AND LEGISLATIVE OFFICES.

>> AND SO THE ISSUE WITH THAT OF COURSE IS IF THE END OF THE FILING PERIOD FOR CANDIDATES IS THE SAME DAY THAT UNAFFILIATED VOTERS HAVE TO DECIDE WHETHER THEY WANT TO AFFILIATE WITH A PARTY, WHICH THEY WOULD HAVE TO DO IF THEY WANT TO VOTE ON MAY 17TH, THEY HAVE TO MAKE THAT CALL BEFORE KNOWING WHO WILL BE ON THE BALLOT.

SO WE HEARD A LOT IN THE HOUSE DEBATE, THAT BILL WILL BIPARTISAN OPTION POSITION FROM PEOPLE SAYING ITCH VOTERS WHO SUPPORT ME -- I HAVE VOTERS WHO SUPPORT ME WHO ARE CONSERVATIVES BUT WHO ARE UNAFFILIATED WHO THEY SAY THEY DON'T WAS TO A PARTY MEMBER, A BRAND ON THEIR BACK, THEY DON'T LIKE THE TWO PARTS -- PARTIES IN D.C., BUT IF YOU LOOK AT ELECTION OUTCOMES IN IDAHO, NEARLY A THIRD OF IDAHO'S CURRENT REGISTERED VOTERS ARE STRENGTHSTERRED -- REGISTERED AS UNAFFILIATED BUT THEY'RE VOTING REPUBLICAN.

SO IT'S POSSIBLE THAT THOSE ARE REPUBLICANS WHO WILL BE TURNED AWAY FROM VOTING IN THE REPUBLICAN PRIMARY IF THIS BILL BECOMES LAW.

>> THERE'S ANOTHER ELECTION BILL THAT MADE IT THROUGH THE HOUSE RELATED TO BALLOT HARVESTING FROM REPRESENTATIVE MILE.

HOW DID THAT BILL?

>> THAT'S RIGHT.

HE'S COME BACK WITH THIS CONCEPT YET AGAIN.

HE SAYS BALLOT HARVESTING, WHICH IS APPARENTLY GATHERING UP BALLOTS FOR PARTISAN GAIN UNSCRUPULOUSLY, HAS NOT HAPPENED IN IDAHO.

HIS SOLUTION IS TO MAKE IT A CRIME TO DELIVER SOMEONE ELSE'S BALLOT.

WE SAW MAKING IT ONLY A GEM IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCE -- A GEM IN -- MISDEMEANOR IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES.

BUT IT'S A CRIME REGARDLESS.

IT WOULD BE A FELONY IF YOU HAVE MORE.

AND IT WILL BE A CRIME IF YOU'RE NOT A RELATIVE, A ROOMMATE OF THE VOTER, SO WHAT IT DOESN'T INCLUDE IS A CARE GAVE -- QUAR GAVE -- CAREGIVER FOR A DISABLED PERSON, A NURSE FOR SOMEONE IN HOS PIT.

THE -- HOS PIGS.

THE IDAHO ON DISABILITIES HAS INJECT -- OBJECTED TO THIS BILL, IT COULD IMPEDE THE RIGHT FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABLED -- DISABILITIES TO VOTE.

>> JIMMY, YOU'VE BEEN DOING SOME COVERAGE RELATING TO THE COVID-19 DECLARED STATE OF EMERGENCY THIS WEEK.

WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN HEARING FROM THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE?

>> WELL, THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE BASICALLY SAID, YOU KNOW, WE'RE CONSTANTLY ASSESSING THE NEEDS FOR IDAHO FROM THIS EMERGENCY DECLARATION WHICH BASICALLY FREES UP FEDERAL DOLLARS AND ALLOWS STATE AGENCIES TO HAVE POWERS THAT THEY DON'T USUALLY HAVE.

THIS HAS BEEN A RALLYING CRY FOR THE FAR RIGHT, BASICALLY SAYING WE DON'T WANT TO BE UNDER THIS EMERGENCY DECLARATION.

THE PANDEMIC EITHER DOESN'T EXIST OR IT'S NOT AS BIG OF A DEAL ANYMORE.

GOVERNOR KATE BROWN IN OREGON ON APRIL 1ST IS RESCINDING THAT STATE'S EMERGENCY DECLARATION.

I ASKED GOVERNOR.

'S -- GOVERNOR LITTLE'S OFFICE.

THEY DID NOT HAVE -- THEY HAVE NOT SET A DEADLINE TO RESIGNED THAT, BUT THAT EMERGENCY DECORATION HAS BEEN EX -- DECLARATION HAS BEEN EXTENDED CONSTANTLY EVERY 30 DAYS.

SO IN EARLY MARCH THAT'S THE NEXT TIME THEY CAN DO SO.

>> AND THAT 30-DAY RENEWABLE PROVISION I BELIEVE WAS INSTITUTED UNDER SOME OF THE EMERGENCY POWERS BILL, LAST YEAR, CORRECT ME IF I'M WRONG?

>> I THINK THAT'S ALWAYS BEEN THERE.

BUT THEY TIGHTENED A LOT OF THE RULES ENDER WHICH THE EXECUTIVE -- UNDER WHICH THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH CAN HAVE EMERGENCY POWERS.

>> THANK THE THREE OF YOU FOR JOINING ME TODAY.

THERE'S ALWAYS A LOT TO TALK ABOUT.

I APPRECIATE ALL OF YOUR TIME.

>> THANKS, LOGAN.

>> THANK YOU.

>> THANKS SO MUCH FOR WATCHING AND MAKE SURE TO CHECK OUT THIS "IDAHO REPORTS" POD KES, A META, THE PARENT COMPANY, RECENTLY ANNOUNCING ITS PLANS TO BUILD A -- BUILD A NEW DATA CENTER IN SOUTHWESTERN IDAHO.

MARGARET CARMEL JOINS ME TO BALK US THROUGH THE DETAILS OF THE DEAL AND ITS POSSIBLE IMPACTS TO THE STATE.

THANKS SO MUCH FOR WATCHING.

WE'LL SEE YOU NEXT WEEK.

♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ >>> PRESENTATION OF IDAHO REPORTS ON IDAHO PUBLIC TELEVISION IS MADE POSSIBLE THROUGH THE GENEROUS SUPPORT OF THE LAURA MOORE CUNNINGHAM FOUNDATION, COMMITTED TO FULFILLING THE MOORE AND BETTIS FAMILY LEGACY OF BUILDING THE GREAT STATE OF IDAHO, BY THE FRIENDS OF IDAHO PUBLIC TELEVISION, AND BY THE CORPORATION FOR PUBLIC BROADCASTING.