The Idaho Statesman provides an updated tracker for high-profile bills in the 2024 legislative session. Key legislative topics include education, health care, taxes, crime, government, LGBTQ+ rights, and elections. Notable bills cover issues such as library materials, concealed guns in schools, maternal mortality reporting, mask mandates, Medicaid expansion, and the death penalty for certain crimes. The tracker details the progress of each bill through the legislative process, including committee referrals and public hearings.

The Idaho Statesman provides ongoing updates on high-profile legislative bills during the 2024 session. Key bills include House Bill 384 on 'harmful' library materials, Senate Bill 1221 on library book challenges, House Joint Resolution 1 on the Blaine Amendment, and House Bill 415 on concealed guns in schools. Health-related bills include House Bill 399 on maternal mortality and House Bill 396 on mask mandates. Tax-related bills include House Bill 401 on homestead exemptions. Crime-related bills include House Bill 405 on the death penalty for lewd conduct with minors. Government-related bills include Senate Bill 1240 on private militias. LGBTQ+ rights and election-related bills are also tracked. The article provides a comprehensive overview of the legislative process and the status of various bills.

The Boise School District is implementing its extreme cold procedures as temperatures in the Treasure Valley drop to single digits and are expected to reach close to zero degrees. While the district historically does not close schools due to extreme cold, it allows parents to decide if their children should stay home. Indoor recess and activities are mandated when temperatures fall below 20 degrees Fahrenheit. The district emphasizes the safety of students and staff as its top priority.

The Central District Health (CDH) board in Boise has hired consultants to investigate workplace culture following an Idaho Statesman report alleging retaliation and discrimination within the organization. The board approved a $20,000 contract with Calyx-Weaver and Associates to review HR policies. The Statesman article highlighted claims from 17 employees about a culture of retaliation, with some facing repercussions for raising concerns about discrimination. CDH Director Russ Duke and board chair Elt Hasbrouck emphasized the need for an unbiased review and policy improvements. Former employee Gina Pannell, who filed a discrimination complaint, welcomed the board's actions. The consultants' findings will be presented at a February board meeting.

Boise School District will adhere to its extreme cold procedures to ensure student safety as temperatures in the Treasure Valley drop to single digits. While the district typically does not close schools due to cold weather, parents can keep their children at home if they feel it is unsafe. The district will close schools for dangerous conditions like heavy snowfall or icy streets and keep students indoors for activities when temperatures fall below 20 degrees Fahrenheit.

Idaho's legislative session continues with a focus on an anti-sanctuary cities bill introduced by Sen. Dan Foreman, which aims to prevent local governments from limiting cooperation with immigration law enforcement. Senate Minority Leader Melissa Wintrow questioned the necessity of the bill. Additionally, Rep. Bruce Skaug modified his rule to allow people under 18 to testify in his committee with guardian permission, following criticism. The article also outlines upcoming legislative discussions, including budget talks and proposed changes to student ID card validity at polls.

Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador will resign from the Central District Health board, leaving an open seat for Ada County. Labrador, a controversial figure due to his opposition to mask mandates and CDC guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic, cited his election as attorney general as a reason for stepping down. His departure leaves the Ada County commission, dominated by Republicans, to appoint a new member. The board, which oversees public health policies in four Southwest Idaho counties, faced significant protests during the pandemic. Labrador's appointment was seen as a move to reduce tensions over public health measures.

Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador will resign from the Central District Health board, leaving an open seat for Ada County. Labrador, a former Republican congressman, was a controversial figure on the board due to his opposition to mask mandates and public health guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic. His resignation is effective after the board meeting on Friday. The Ada County commission, dominated by Republicans, will appoint his replacement. Labrador's appointment had helped reduce tensions over public health measures, and his departure raises questions about future board dynamics.

Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador has resigned from his seat on the Central District Health board, which oversees public health policies in four Southwest Idaho counties. His resignation will be effective after the board meeting on Friday. Labrador, who opposed mask mandates and criticized CDC guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic, was elected attorney general in November, making it difficult to commit time to the health board. Ada County commissioners will appoint his replacement, aiming for a candidate who understands the role and mission of the health district. Labrador's term would have expired in 2025.

Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador will resign from the Central District Health board, leaving an open seat for Ada County. Labrador, a controversial figure due to his opposition to COVID-19 measures, cited his election as attorney general as a reason for stepping down. His departure leaves a vacancy to be filled by the Republican-dominated Ada County commission. The article includes perspectives from various officials on Labrador's tenure and the potential conflict of interest with his attorney general role.

The article discusses the implications of proposed school voucher legislation on rural Idaho, highlighting the lack of private school options in rural areas and the potential financial impact on rural taxpayers. It also covers the signing of a bill by Governor Brad Little allowing the use of firing squads for executions when lethal injection drugs are unavailable. The article includes updates on various legislative activities and committee meetings.

The Idaho Legislature is not expected to adjourn this week as budget work, including Medicaid, remains incomplete. Senate President Pro Tem Chuck Winder mentioned a possible five-day recess to address potential vetoes. The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare has petitioned to halt an investigation by Attorney General Raúl Labrador into child care grants. The House passed a higher education budget amid debates over social justice policies at Boise State University. Governor Brad Little faces a decision on a bill mandating firing squads for executions, with arguments against it based on cost and ethical concerns.

Idaho's police training academy faces a funding shortfall, leading to the cancellation of three classes this year and potential future cancellations if additional funding is not approved. Brad Johnson, administrator of the Division of Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST), has requested $1.1 million from the Legislature to cover the shortfall and ensure classes continue. The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee approved half of the requested amount for the current fiscal year, but the remaining half was not included in next year's budget.

Former Idaho Gov. Phil Batt, who passed away on his 96th birthday, is remembered for his significant contributions, including a 1995 deal to curb nuclear waste dumping, a 1996 bill protecting farmworkers, and the establishment of the Idaho Human Rights Commission. His legacy is marked by his decency and commitment to civil rights. Current legislative updates include a bill making it a felony to help minors obtain abortions without parental consent, and another allowing execution by firing squad due to difficulties in obtaining lethal injection drugs. The Idaho Supreme Court upheld the state's near-total abortion ban, reflecting ongoing political and legal debates in the state.

Idaho's legislative session continues with a new bill aimed at preventing sanctuary cities for immigrants by ensuring local governments cooperate with immigration law enforcement. Senator Dan Foreman introduced the bill, which has been met with skepticism by Senate Minority Leader Melissa Wintrow. Additionally, Representative Bruce Skaug reversed a decision to bar individuals under 18 from testifying in his committee, now requiring guardian permission instead. Upcoming discussions include budget considerations for the Judicial Council and Division of Veteran Services, and legislation on voter ID requirements and the Blaine Amendment.

Idaho's 20-year Attorney General Lawrence Wasden was defeated by former congressman Raúl Labrador, who won with 51.6% of the votes. Labrador has been critical of the state's COVID-19 response and aims to bring change to the Attorney General's office. In the Secretary of State race, Phil McGrane narrowly won the Republican nomination, emphasizing election integrity and conservative values. McGrane will face Democratic candidate Shawn Keenan in the November general election. The article highlights the political dynamics and endorsements within the Idaho Republican primary elections.

The article provides a comprehensive tracker of high-profile bills in the Idaho Legislature, detailing their current status and legislative progress. Key topics include tax cuts, LGBTQ rights, election issues, education, coronavirus measures, abortion, housing, marijuana, government operations, contraception, state of emergency, and environmental policies. The tracker is designed to keep readers updated on the legislative process and the status of various bills as they move through the House and Senate.

The Idaho Capitol had a quiet day with workplace and active-shooter trainings, but legislative activity is set to increase with the introduction of an income tax proposal by Rep. Steven Harris. Governor Brad Little supports tax cuts for high earners and corporations, arguing it helps families amid inflation. The article contrasts Idaho's approach with Washington's tax system, which lacks income tax but has high regressive taxes. Idaho Republicans previously passed a bill favoring the wealthy, and Democrats criticize this pattern. Upcoming legislative committee agendas and the governor's budget proposals, including hiring more social workers and funding for wildfire fighting, are also mentioned.

Mikayla Ririe, mother of 4-year-old Walter who has Angelman syndrome and epilepsy, has been banned from St. Luke's Children's Hospital in Idaho due to alleged poor behavior and missed appointments. This has left her struggling to find local specialized care for Walter, as St. Luke's is the only hospital with pediatric neurologists in the Treasure Valley. Idaho faces a shortage of pediatricians and specialists, and Ririe has had to resort to Telehealth services from Seattle Children's Hospital, which is 500 miles away. The situation has caused her significant stress, especially as she anticipates Walter's next seizure without a local specialist. Ririe has filed a complaint with the Board of Medicine against Dr. Lindsey Foy for inadequate care and legal violations.

The Idaho Legislature is reconvening to address a series of bills related to COVID-19 vaccine mandates, in response to President Biden's federal vaccine requirements. The session will also address an ethics recommendation to censure Rep. Priscilla Giddings for her actions related to a sexual assault case. The House Speaker and Senate President Pro Tem have expressed their positions, while the Idaho Association of Commerce and Industry criticized the legislative actions. Senate Democrats have questioned the necessity and cost of the session.

Former Republican congressman Raúl Labrador has announced his candidacy for Idaho attorney general, emphasizing his commitment to defending liberties and holding the Biden administration accountable, particularly regarding COVID-19 vaccine mandates. Labrador, who has a history in Idaho politics and has been a vocal conservative on public health restrictions, joins a competitive field of Republican candidates for the 2022 GOP primary. The article also mentions other candidates and the current attorney general's undecided status on reelection.

Idaho Representative Priscilla Giddings was censured and removed from the House Commerce and Human Resources Committee following a 49-19 vote by the Idaho House. The action was taken due to her sharing an article that identified a 19-year-old legislative intern who accused former Rep. Aaron von Ehlinger of rape. The Ethics and House Policy Committee had unanimously recommended censure after an ethics complaint alleged Giddings defamed the accuser and misrepresented her actions while under oath. The censure aims to uphold a standard of conduct and protect the privacy and dignity of individuals bringing forward sexual assault allegations.

Idaho has seen a recent decline in COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and test positivity rates, but the state is still not ready to deactivate its crisis standards of care. Hospitals are struggling with a backlog of delayed surgeries and procedures, and staffing remains a critical issue. Health officials, including Dave Jeppesen and Dr. Steve Nemerson, emphasize the need for continued support and caution against exiting crisis standards too quickly. The statewide positivity rate has fallen but remains above the target, and public health officials urge continued efforts to get vaccinated and support healthcare workers.

Idaho has experienced a decrease in COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and test positivity rates, but the state is not yet ready to deactivate crisis standards of care due to ongoing high patient volumes. Hospitals like St. Luke’s and Saint Alphonsus are working through backlogs of delayed surgeries and procedures. Staffing remains a critical factor, with FEMA and state-sent additional staff currently supporting the strained healthcare system. Officials are cautiously optimistic about exiting crisis standards, with a decision process involving input from hospitals and a committee recommendation. Public health officials continue to urge vaccinations and chronic condition management to prevent hospitalizations.

Idaho Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin questions her pay as acting governor and accuses Gov. Brad Little of violating state law by leaving Idaho without a governor. McGeachin has previously signed executive orders during Little's absences, which he later rescinded. Tensions between the two officials continue, with Little stating McGeachin will no longer act on his behalf when he is out of state. The Idaho Attorney General's Office supports Little's stance, suggesting his remote capability to perform duties negates the need for McGeachin to step in.