[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6336213,"mediaKeyId","2287179-5b5e8b75336fb2ca2f2fbd49651b7360","parentId",2287179,"title","Committee holds House Bill 102 on dissolving recreation districts; seeks more study","audioSeconds",329,"startMs",444000,"endMs",773000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2287179-5b5e8b75336fb2ca2f2fbd49651b7360&start=444&end=773","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2287179-5b5e8b75336fb2ca2f2fbd49651b7360/thumbnail_444000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6336213/Idaho/Committee-holds-House-Bill-102-on-dissolving-recreation-districts-seeks-more-study","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6336213-cedde2ad4131841c27fe82985edfa309/orig.mp4?Expires=1775815649&Signature=W060aoVhalteVDXLcU27rKl8mf76CfJiF4mxzB1PiqCS9A9g65MEVWMNU1aZbV~u6mLRxTDc4tK0mgfoXC~9j3zZ72SAbyQTIhARA6m-yD4XsBN7r~q4DuLqNwazc40dENummfAVNPQ5pBUfxIXBqlaoCFcoUUZQ3vdkqwrlHFP1HUni9X~0nJ74penURxO1sAIQxZlGgahMn8Ca3UBtj0ODa5VGwTCR54xXkoyPEaBC03e5AlS1Hxp-wAn86P1bLFVazQJnJFnRNgAI9JHxEMkW0ctHcOJmaAf2S5Q8Tu8GmM-orNyUSRyaozp21KYKwvrzGidLRDoSgwWvRpBbPA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Idaho State Legislature","date","2025-02-12T00:00:00Z","article","The Senate State Affairs Committee voted to hold House Bill 102, which would create an alternative pathway to dissolve recreation districts, at the discretion of the chair to allow additional study.

Rep. Jeff Ehlers presented the bill on behalf of Representative Baylor. He said the West Ada Recreation District in Meridian provided parks and a pool and later turned assets over to the city, yet a statutory process to dissolve the district still requires petition signatures totaling 20% of voters in the district. Ehlers said that in the Meridian area, the 20% threshold now equates to roughly 19,000 signatures, a far larger burden than originally intended. The bill would create an alternate first step: instead of collecting 20% petition signatures, a district board's majority vote could initiate the dissolution process and then the question would still go to a public vote.

Sen. Denhartauge asked whether other recreation districts across Idaho face similar issues; Rep. Ehlers said there are 32 other recreation districts and that some counties experiencing rapid growth may find the alternate pathway useful. After committee discussion and caucus input, Sen. Athens moved to hold the bill at the discretion of the chair to allow further study; the motion carried.

Votes at a glance

- Motion: Hold House Bill 102 at the discretion of the chair for further study. Mover: Senator Athens. Second: Senator Harris. Outcome: Approved (motion carries).

Context: The proposal creates an alternative step for dissolution of recreation districts: either the existing 20% petition or a majority vote by the district's board to initiate the process; any dissolution would still be subject to voter approval.

What's next: The bill will be held for additional study and the sponsor will be notified when the committee is ready to reconsider it.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Senate State Affairs February 12, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Senate State Affairs voted to hold House Bill 102 at the discretion of the chair to allow more study after questions about how a statute requiring 20% petition signatures to dissolve recreation districts affects rapidly growing areas such as Meridian.","taxTitle","State Affairs, SENATE, Committees, Legislative, Idaho","taxId",57316,"location","Idaho","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6336216,"Committee approves printing of RS 32240C1 to remove deposit cap and require collateralization for excess state deposits in credit unions",141,285000,426000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2287179-5b5e8b75336fb2ca2f2fbd49651b7360&start=285&end=426","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2287179-5b5e8b75336fb2ca2f2fbd49651b7360/thumbnail_285000.jpg","/articles/6336216/Idaho/Committee-approves-printing-of-RS-32240C1-to-remove-deposit-cap-and-require-collateralization-for-excess-state-deposits-in-credit-unions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6336216-d0e27029f2a849644d373c2aefaeff41/orig.mp4?Expires=1775815649&Signature=BesbBPdMgNUHQnv5oYn2EWThhEWqDg5dat1bFk-BrV2GZ-bzJlz6lZ0imFjp9hexlT-jYaJIFUoNAUoSlmI~HFeglwQ2yTGK1M3ner-2kfC2sO8t6eQZuusIYrXnkDlPFmX-6yYevpLa0FLKE-Gg6lfjnDSf8kBChU0LuH-LQDtt571bDwWyMw~OL62FM8vCJdpLV-dCYYasMQapZ974M3oF6UuamKdi-1GVR16UGtHA0TfWmOyKIttOvHnhLJQ8lc7KinzK51j5fvOJk9o~1s3nv~4S1pIpuaXBaifCnVhxdIRpZyB7U3Sp9FIQU2DC8Wc0VVVYRyoiSUyMlPcQzw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Senate State Affairs Committee approved printing RS 32240C1, which would make two changes to the Idaho Credit Union Act: remove the cap that restricts state deposits in credit unions to the then-current federally insured amount, and require collateralization for any deposits above the federally insured level.

Zach Forrester, representing Idaho credit unions, told the committee that the existing cap dates to 1986 and currently limits state deposits to amounts equal to federal insurance coverage (for banks and similar depositories, currently $250,000). \"We're removing that cap and we're also putting in a requirement that everything above and beyond those uninsured deposits have to be collateralized,\" Forrester said, describing a negotiated collateral arrangement between credit unions and the state treasurer to protect taxpayer dollars.

Senators asked whether the change removes the cap entirely or sets a new one; Forrester answered that it removes the cap while requiring collateral for uninsured balances. The committee voted to print the RS and refer it to the Commerce Committee. Motion to introduce and send RS 32240C1 to print was made by Senator Harris and seconded; the motion carried.

Votes at a glance

- Motion: Introduce RS 32240C1 and send it to print with referral to the Commerce Committee. Mover: Senator Harris. Second: Senator Berndt. Outcome: Approved (motion carries).

What's next: RS 32240C1 will be printed and referred to the Senate Commerce Committee for further consideration and potential bill drafting.","Senate State Affairs voted to print RS 32240C1 and refer it to the Senate Commerce Committee. The RS would remove a longstanding cap that limited state deposits in credit unions to the federally insured amount and would require collateralization for any uninsured deposits.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6336221,"Committee backs concurrent resolution affirming Idaho can pursue state charges despite federal pardons",803,790000,1593000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2287179-5b5e8b75336fb2ca2f2fbd49651b7360&start=790&end=1593","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2287179-5b5e8b75336fb2ca2f2fbd49651b7360/thumbnail_790000.jpg","/articles/6336221/Idaho/Committee-backs-concurrent-resolution-affirming-Idaho-can-pursue-state-charges-despite-federal-pardons","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6336221-51cbf8841583bea2ed910376b9dad28f/orig.mp4?Expires=1775815649&Signature=QHzSaVRuonVRsRg8l7tyUNn3PXYSOPRnJzG9JYjsQV-hDUNz9Z1MQ9G-m9r8Fr4oYsFcNPqfdmg8Q7TO4ctV5bLajrZd3ee33YJzCVQRZ3V0NF8OsYIVt-tKvgR87np3718k-nyHATk9y0m3K-CkzZzgisSwdb5j6ys-zT2sKamzQiDEEURTz3vaA1o4-QNsonXweGT0J1-ZoznbVwu63bqq4KHwvIjXbHaCexzqmWstx21kETqL1WmD~toTFH7CMtIJ3u9hRrW5cb~S7cguc2TGI-HJoHqHp4AlbO2fvCmFodLpGHHtRkeGhw1ibT3wN2C~23PjML2YRhIbMTZ~kA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Senate State Affairs Committee voted to send House Concurrent Resolution 5 (HCR 5) to the Senate floor with a recommendation that it pass. The resolution affirms that a federal pardon does not foreclose state prosecution for violations of state law.

Sponsor Sen. Ben Toews said the resolution \"makes it clear that Idaho maintains our State sovereignty and will uphold the rule of law regardless of former President Biden's pardons at the Federal level.\" He and other backers described the measure as a statement of the legislature's opinion and a reassurance to Idahoans who are concerned federal action could block state prosecution.

Opponents cautioned against inflaming public perceptions and argued the resolution implicitly targets specific federal actors. Sen. Rekke said the committee should \"tell the truth to those who have misperceptions\" and argued that suggesting a particular federal official \"committed crimes\" was inappropriate if not supported by evidence. Sen. Rekke said the pandemic response was a difficult time and credited public-health officials' efforts.

Supporters, including Sen. Anthony in floor debate remarks, said the resolution reflected continuing frustration over pandemic-era policies and federal decision-making. The committee approved the motion to send the resolution to the floor; the transcript records one recorded no vote by Senator Ruckley.

Votes at a glance

- Motion: Send House Concurrent Resolution 5 to the floor with a recommendation that it pass. Mover: Senator Anthan. Second: Senator Denhartauge. Outcome: Approved (motion carries). Noted recorded no vote: Senator Ruckley.

Context: Committee discussion linked the resolution to public concerns about federal pardons and pandemic-era policy. The resolution does not itself initiate prosecution; it states the legislature's opinion that federal pardons do not eliminate state prosecutorial authority.

What's next: HCR 5 will proceed to the Senate floor for further action.","Senate State Affairs voted to send House Concurrent Resolution 5 to the Senate floor with a recommendation that it pass. The resolution declares Idaho's right to pursue state-level prosecution regardless of federal pardons and was framed in debate as a response to public concerns over a federal pardon tied to COVID-era figures.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6336226,"Senate State Affairs sends bill to bar state and local mask mandates to Senate floor",2863,1600000,4463000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2287179-5b5e8b75336fb2ca2f2fbd49651b7360&start=1600&end=4463","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2287179-5b5e8b75336fb2ca2f2fbd49651b7360/thumbnail_1600000.jpg","/articles/6336226/Idaho/Senate-State-Affairs-sends-bill-to-bar-state-and-local-mask-mandates-to-Senate-floor","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6336226-0b5fe0921000262aa325a95fb2600c0d/orig.mp4?Expires=1775815649&Signature=KKauwPQ-jFqELAgkU9UT4K1kqSenAE6T7PsF3uT5ZNaHLx-Q6QMD3aNW~w2qhvPuKJV3glglLAbnQ5oyekK6jshH8gM82GZqVSpsRYb~-AcBWwvPQVwPpf8PDGmS1A6X4PoqSp~5kmbtnY92eKvcJKuosqTJ3g58KXyoa5rf0ZtsRSFyyYyknYXxyTP0dbGaarXVtzNKWk3NnZf5bKLt7BdXzdQUSf8P3LYI-XfhpyDgYP5TL~~ChSk9dh9BAPLCCvfWVz~P9HkG83UB0q6ttQ0BeBtPwf0wyEUpzeXk6JqnHhWJPQtrsXt~bDNvh7KtqHLJRZQh3s-8R-VxLBBDdA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Senate State Affairs Committee voted to send House Bill 32 to the Senate floor with a recommendation that it \"do pass,\" after extended testimony and debate over local authority and public-health policy.

Proponents, led by Sen. Brian Lenny, said the bill draws a line between advisory guidance and compulsory mask mandates and protects personal choice. \"This does not prevent anyone who wants to wear a mask from wearing a mask,\" Lenny said. \"Anyone can wear a mask 365 days a year.\" The measure includes exemptions for vocational settings where use of a protective face mask is a mandatory component of job duties, which Lenny and others said would permit masks in surgical and hazardous-material contexts.

Opponents, including the Association of Idaho Cities, and some county and city officials, urged preservation of local authority to respond to emergencies and to tailor reviews to local conditions. Kelly Packer, executive director of the Association of Idaho Cities, said the bill \"has everything to do with local authority to be able to manage in all circumstances and especially emergency circumstances.\" Several senators echoed concerns about ambiguity in the bill's definitions of \"health care facility\" and how public health districts would be treated.

The committee heard several hours of public testimony from residents and organized groups. Supporters included Leslie Manoukian of Ketchum, who testified that she believes mask mandates were unsupported by science, and Thad Butterworth, chairman of the Ada County Republican Party. Opponents included Garden City Mayor John Evans, who said absolute statewide prohibitions worry him because future threats or new protective technologies might warrant local action.

During debate, senators raised two recurring issues: whether the bill would unduly restrict local governments that might need to act in an emergency and whether the bill's exemptions for vocational settings and health care are sufficiently clear. Sen. Toews, who moved the motion to send the bill to the floor, said the bill was needed to prevent future government overreach, particularly with regard to children in schools. Sen. Ratty and others said they would vote against the motion to protect local authority.

Despite the objections, the motion to send House Bill 32 to the Senate floor with a due-pass recommendation carried. The committee recorded that Senators Recti and Guthrie would be recorded as voting no. The bill will now go to the full Senate for further consideration.

Votes at a glance

- Motion: Send House Bill 32 to the floor with a recommendation that it do pass. Mover: Senator Toews. Second: Senator Dan Hartog. Outcome: Approved (motion carries). Noted recorded no votes: Senator Recti, Senator Guthrie.

Context: House Bill 32 applies to recommendations and required orders issued by state agencies and political subdivisions. The bill explicitly states it does not prevent private entities or individuals from wearing masks, and it exempts vocational roles that require masks as part of job safety.

What's next: The bill will be scheduled for floor debate and a vote by the full Idaho Senate.","The Senate State Affairs Committee voted to send House Bill 32 to the Senate floor with a recommendation of \"do pass.\" The bill would prohibit state agencies and political subdivisions from imposing mandatory mask orders, while carving out narrow exemptions for vocational settings where masks are an integral safety requirement.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Committee holds House Bill 102 on dissolving recreation districts; seeks more study

Committee approves printing of RS 32240C1 to remove deposit cap and require collateralization for excess state deposits in credit unions

Committee backs concurrent resolution affirming Idaho can pursue state charges despite federal pardons

Senate State Affairs sends bill to bar state and local mask mandates to Senate floor