Idaho Legislature

Idaho Matters takes a look at the news that made headlines this week, including some insight into where Idaho's lethal injection process stands, an update on the Lava Ridge Wind Project and how lawmakers are preparing for the 2024 legislative session.

The role women play in politics is important, but in Idaho men outnumber women in the Legislature more than two to one. Idaho Matters takes a look at these numbers, why representation is important and what can be done to make changes.

As the Western Governors’ Association’s annual meeting closed Wednesday, governors asked young adults to share their thoughts about policy and politics.

Earlier this week, Idaho Gov. Brad Little signed into law what’s been dubbed the Clean Slate Act. The bipartisan legislation allows people with “minor non-violent, non-sexual offenses” to ask to shield their criminal record from public view if they meet certain conditions.

CAFOs are not eligible for one of the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality’s main water quality improvement grants, so agriculture industry groups lobbied the legislature for a separate program.

Supporters of the bill point to the increase in opioid overdoses in Idaho as a reason mandatory minimums should be implemented, while opponents say minimum sentences haven't been proven to reduce drug use or prevent more overdose deaths.

While cases have grown more than tenfold, the office has only grown from 12.5 staff when it was established, to 21 at the start of this year. Two new deputy attorneys general will boost that to 23.

Idaho Matters takes a look at the news that made headlines this week, including a proposed bill that could eliminate marriage licenses, a modification to the Idaho legislatures ban on testimony from minors and why there is a push for more career technical education funding.

The debate over school choice is heating up in Idaho.

Last year the economy saw a steep decline in consumer sentiment, an increase in inflation and added pressure to the cost of living crisis. This year economists, like Robert Spendlove, are visiting with Idaho lawmakers to discuss these trends and provide insight into how they may change or stay the same in the coming months.