[{"_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",6118770,"mediaKeyId","2717495-732a0a7bdc927d5d88549b6100506abb","parentId",2717495,"title","Idaho Senate updates permitting rules for cyanide leaching ore processing; bill passes after debate over rulemaking","audioSeconds",732,"startMs",2181000,"endMs",2913000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2717495-732a0a7bdc927d5d88549b6100506abb&start=2181&end=2913","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2717495-732a0a7bdc927d5d88549b6100506abb/thumbnail_2181000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6118770/Idaho/Idaho-Senate-updates-permitting-rules-for-cyanide-leaching-ore-processing-bill-passes-after-debate-over-rulemaking","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6118770-b010ce3657af0e0913470fc0dd6dd814/orig.mp4?Expires=1775468352&Signature=ia4vKWGwfb-RSXRYf0xiRrYSidBFwZa~ZNbByjBZwZh1cn6IXuryX5l47XmMpQ9-gj5Cwvz8gOAO1jOCS~qxuNKfFZMlblSECKwr7JGqw1-k3NDyvwucnnACoUYPqTdbuYzpDYe6JKcvtKjd84Boma4iruWHu0Z8vaq8ESsGchkid-pCJ8Pmymhztq1LPnIVg9RaXT-JT7Vc2fHXWyzbopqypFPx8SiGV-xt~3vkwyjqzf2qhUFgR7jkVOp6LKXiWLbUED5lm1Qp4ZLKSNn7jM83FqlkGVbI1hM-GAf8MQLzNVy~tUnV6HVjKFcRhC175GqThzh3fJy~DLFOB88Tsw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Idaho State Legislature","date","2025-03-19T00:00:00Z","article","The Idaho Senate on March 19 passed Senate Bill 11 70, a rewrite of the state's permitting process for ore‑processing facilities that use cyanide leaching, after roughly an hour of debate over technical standards and whether agency rules should be moved into statute.

Senator Rob Hart, the bill sponsor and a member of the Finance Committee, told the Senate the measure updates an Idaho code section that has been on the books for 38 years and “clarify some parts of that code which have been vague and difficult to follow.” He described the bill as a more detailed, building‑code style permit framework and said it allows phased review, negotiable extensions of the existing 180‑day review clock, and defined public‑comment points during review.

The bill requires that certain application documents be signed by an Idaho‑registered professional engineer while specifying which documents need that stamp, Hart said, and it authorizes the Department of Environmental Quality to hire third‑party consultants for technical review.

“Basically, what 11‑70 is, it's a detailed building code for how you go about permitting one of these facilities,” Hart said on the floor, adding that he declared a Rule 39(h) conflict because he is a licensed professional engineer.

Opponents argued the bill removes important flexibility in the administrative rulemaking process. Senator Taylor said a late change in the measure (section 3, page 10) moves rules into statute and that not all stakeholders were included in that decision; she said she preferred further stakeholder negotiation and indicated she would vote against the bill.

Senator Melissa Wintrow also objected to moving rules into statute, saying that the negotiated rulemaking and public comment process is important and that putting those provisions into statute reduces that opportunity. Other senators urged support, noting the bill aims to avoid duplicative agency reviews, permit phased review, and clarify submittal expectations so projects and regulators have a clearer timeline.

Senator C. Guthrie and others said the bill removes redundancies—so, for example, one component of an application would be reviewed by a single state agency rather than triggering multiple reviews—and allows DEQ to open up public comment periods at appropriate stages. Hart and backers said the measure was developed from practitioner experience and agency interaction with industry.

The Senate recorded 30 yes, 4 no and 1 absent/excused on the final roll call; the bill passed and will be transmitted to the House for further action.

Why it matters: The bill reshapes the permitting and public‑participation process for facilities that use cyanide to extract precious metals. Supporters say clarifications will speed permit reviews and avoid duplicate agency work; critics say shifting rule details into statute undercuts negotiated rulemaking and could limit public input.

What’s next: Because the bill passed the Senate, it moves to the House for consideration. If enacted as written, the Department of Environmental Quality would implement the new review structure and defined public‑comment points described in the bill.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Legislative Session Day 73 March 19, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Idaho Senate on March 19 passed Senate Bill 11 70, a rewrite of the state's permitting process for ore‑processing facilities that use cyanide leaching, after debate over technical standards and whether provisions should be moved from rules into statute.","taxTitle","2025 Senate Legislative Sessions, 2025 Legislative Sessions, Idaho","taxId",77672,"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},6118755,"Votes at a glance: March 19 Idaho Senate — budget transfers, agency appropriations, confirmations and housekeeping bills",1014,949000,1963000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2717495-732a0a7bdc927d5d88549b6100506abb&start=949&end=1963","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2717495-732a0a7bdc927d5d88549b6100506abb/thumbnail_949000.jpg","/articles/6118755/Idaho/Votes-at-a-glance-March-19-Idaho-Senate-budget-transfers-agency-appropriations-confirmations-and-housekeeping-bills","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6118755-7f6cdef86d8644bf0012aa3d2e04d3c0/orig.mp4?Expires=1775468352&Signature=TvfHbC2KiUoKvrKNJ8nCLQRldA6~Vc9y8CQHn67DwjEaQZBSw4sEcTTB7W2OIB~jxII4pF66ByaxdWor2n59TJGpt8-UnaCnOcoid-CKNscCzWgfHx3F9YHTZE-eDTo6m1pyqTJWDdn13NtngnwE0~pIg7hYykHCg~as1K~HIVhb8DPUE1zskHhlbIKmNLaMSzMQXcb21uBftFaj76uEr9B370wKNDCj5oBGaKbnUa~0NbdKm-vQZYVonvNu6SxYtpEiZ757pRsIBb2e6MndxivB9YYXEYNm8iDOgorYKDwUEfSXMrwZZYDht0YCw-1Ds72pjB~whRgp3Irep-H9Cw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Idaho Senate on March 19 took final action on multiple bills and confirmed several gubernatorial appointments. Debate ranged from multi‑page technical bills to short budget transfers; most measures passed on final reading.

Key votes and outcomes (Senate action on final reading unless noted):

- Senate Bill 11‑72 (Finance): Approved — transfers $140,900 within Department of Commerce programs for a net zero budget impact; passed on final consideration and will be transmitted to the House. (Sponsor: Senator Hart; roll call: title approved after pass.)

- Senate Bill 11‑73 (Finance; Department of Juvenile Corrections appropriation): Approved — authorizes modest enhancements (total $1,057,600, ongoing portion $1,057,600 one‑time referenced) for radio upgrades, residential substance abuse treatment and IT replacements; passed 33 ayes, 1 nay, 1 absent/excused and will be transmitted to the House. (Sponsor: Senator Wintrow.)

- Senate Bill 11‑74 (Finance; Industrial Commission appropriation): Approved — additional appropriation drawn from dedicated funds, described as a 3.3% increase over base but a 9.1% reduction versus an earlier year; passed the Senate (tally reported on floor: 27 ayes, 7 nays, 1 absent/excused). (Sponsor: Senator Cook.)

- Senate Bill 11‑67 (Judiciary and Rules; weather modification districts): Approved — repeals an obsolete taxing district for \"weather modification\" that had not been used in decades; passed unanimously (34‑0 with 1 absent and excused reported). (Sponsor: Senator Nichols.)

- Senate Bill 11‑70 (State Affairs; ore processing by cyanidation): Approved — detailed permitting code for cyanide leaching facilities; passed (vote tally recorded as 30 ayes, 4 nays, 1 absent excused). (Sponsor: Senator Hart.) See separate article for fuller coverage of debate.

- House Bill 3‑54 (Property taxes; market value and appeals): Approved — final passage reported 34 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent/excused; returns to the House. (Sponsor: Senator Burnt.)

- House Bill 2‑86 (Board of Pharmacy composition; add certified pharmacy technician member): Approved — passed on final reading and returns to the House. (Sponsor: Senator Blaylock.)

- House Bill 2‑89 (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists scope): Approved — passed 33‑0 with 2 absent; clarifies CRNAs' scope and liability distinctions. (Sponsor: Senator Bierke.)

- House Bill 3‑12 (Daycare licensing rules moved to statute): Approved — passed; moves 19 sections from rule to statute, as framed by sponsor. (Sponsor: Senator Lenny.)

- House Bill 3‑36 (Child support rules moved to statute): Approved — completed earlier rule‑to‑statute movement; passed 29‑4 with 2 absent. (Sponsor: Senator Shippey.)

- House Bill 2‑15 (Report streamlining; LSO online repository): Approved — passed; moves many agency reports to online access. (Sponsor: Senator Lenny.)

- House Bill 2‑22 (State websites to post rules/policies): Approved — passed; requires agencies with an online presence to post administrative rules and policies. (Sponsor: Senator Lenny.)

- House Bill 1‑13 (Codifier and technical corrections): Approved — annual code cleanup passed. (Sponsor: Senator Lenny.)

- House Bill 3‑58 (Comptroller reporting of agreements): Approved — moved controller policy into statute for transparency. (Sponsor: Senator Lenny.)

- House Bill 3‑77 (Recall elections housekeeping): Approved — brought recall code into conformity with districting for city council elections. (Sponsor: Senator Shippey.)

- House Bill 3‑86 (County legal description corrections): Approved — cleanups of metes and bounds language; passed. (Sponsor: Senator O'Conowitz.)

- House Bill 2‑75 (School internet filtering consolidation): Approved — consolidates three code sections into one for local school filtering policies; passed 33‑1 with 1 absent. (Sponsor: Senator Lantz.)

Other actions:

- The Senate confirmed numerous gubernatorial appointments by committee report: Joshua Whitworth (Office of State Board of Education executive director); Matthew Thomas (offender management board); Karen Sharpenack (State Soil & Water Conservation Commission); John Ford Elassser (Lake Pend Oreille Basin Commission); Kevin Settles (Idaho Commission on Human Rights); Jim Woodward (Endowment Fund Investment Board); Courtney Liddiard (Parks & Recreation Board); Nancy Merrill (Idaho Personnel Commission); Paul Amador (Public Charter School Commission); Anna Janie Dressen (Commission of Pardons and Parole); William Craig Corbett (Idaho Lottery Commission). Committee reports were adopted on the floor and paperwork filed for gubernatorial notification.

Why it matters: The March 19 session processed a mix of budget transfers, agency appropriations, rule‑to‑statute housekeeping, and confirmations. Several items involve funding or program changes that will affect agencies and local governments; others are technical or administrative but change where policy resides (statute vs. rule).

Provenance: Floor readings, sponsor explanations and roll‑call results are recorded in the Senate journal for March 19, 2025 (transcript excerpts cited below).","On March 19 the Idaho Senate approved a slate of bills and gubernatorial appointments including appropriations transfers, agency budgets and multiple housekeeping and rules‑to‑statute moves. Below: outcomes and key details from the floor session.",{"_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},6118760,"Senate advances $50 million revolving fund for school facilities aimed at smaller and rural districts",541,7190000,7731000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2717495-732a0a7bdc927d5d88549b6100506abb&start=7190&end=7731","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2717495-732a0a7bdc927d5d88549b6100506abb/thumbnail_7190000.jpg","/articles/6118760/Idaho/Senate-advances-50-million-revolving-fund-for-school-facilities-aimed-at-smaller-and-rural-districts","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6118760-9f65da5b91e7b0a4112f7bff326cd118/orig.mp4?Expires=1775468352&Signature=XgJN5spNulJ~5ifVRsaVxUUsr-2MlqGAHlt9sUSToz4NaooEZKqyCjHdpZVIAD3~r9TfiRovzXOxpi3FWsJUlVZs8kRG1X5d63CGtqwHl03-jiO9OPord0KIhSam0WDKfSJnbMHgESOjMFfhwC5BM~2npvWZZuXNm6jt3HKNmaNrV4JEACmqAn6JgpHIQPcHkYobecLy~Nj6ahYiOc59V9GNIOa86nLgL3YmNiKB4JVe8mpxjcdrSQnm~70~e5o7TP10ggQ5rVbuGA9a8ywXvlrg-n11Mil6J7jqo5NvZMj4JgmEymu12r~8yTaY93xKXYX5kJEWqh-v6eWvzLeIMg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Idaho Senate on March 19 approved House Bill 3 38, which creates a $50 million revolving fund to help K‑12 school districts, particularly smaller and rural districts, finance facility projects and pay cost overruns.

Senator Julie Anthony, the floor sponsor, said the bill repurposes an existing $25 million Public School Facilities Cooperative Fund that has not been spent in about 20 years and combines it with another $25 million to form a revolving pool. Under the program described on the Senate floor, eligible districts may receive allotments of up to $5 million; repayments would be made from the districts' share of what is called \"2‑92\" money (state distributions) over a 20‑year term. Senator Anthony said if a district cannot pay after 20 years, the remaining debt would be forgiven and the fund would revolve to assist other districts.

Senator Anthony and other supporters stressed the measure is aimed at districts that struggle with economy of scale and have been unable to pass bonds or to complete projects because of cost overruns. Senator Lenny called the bill “a great example of how we've tried to be very innovative and utilize existing funds” to help small districts.

Senators emphasized the bill does not relieve districts of existing bond obligations; as Senator Anthony said, districts must first pay their own debt and levies before accessing revolving funds.

The Senate approved the bill on final reading and will return it to the House. Supporters said the fund will let money that has sat idle for decades be used now to address pressing facility needs.

Why it matters: The measure targets facility deficits in smaller and rural districts that lack the tax base or enrollment to achieve economy of scale when financing capital projects. It creates state‑level revolving assistance tied to existing state school funding distributions.","House Bill 3‑38 would combine a long‑unused $25 million fund with an additional $25 million to create a $50 million revolving program offering up to $5 million per district to address facility shortfalls; the Senate passed the bill March 19.",{"_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},6118765,"Senate approves campus free‑speech bill after lengthy debate over private lawsuits and institutional authority",2233,5515000,7748000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2717495-732a0a7bdc927d5d88549b6100506abb&start=5515&end=7748","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2717495-732a0a7bdc927d5d88549b6100506abb/thumbnail_5515000.jpg","/articles/6118765/Idaho/Senate-approves-campus-freespeech-bill-after-lengthy-debate-over-private-lawsuits-and-institutional-authority","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6118765-e68c3d03e005f0c9c95a086cfc4effcc/orig.mp4?Expires=1775468352&Signature=HBlPe2Z5DfqJeM4gnW~WI5Dn1zuNEJlrNJR0Um1RSdr8LDLkRE62XihBPvHKdu~TBKCgM4NOEd1VGoldqbC5BfiS3zFJNle7Yg0DKPo9Cl5hxGp5sMSdyHqtx7zoCy1aBI5kqqF2PZoT5utTVB2rVkElwTKOc-HY7KE9jXKcuG7M-pO8kzaGc40O9ICrDH3EfjbAwNcNbjuTcX3uLlAZ~T4ww7PFZlL-1tfhm2zigbCctQa-yVH3tt7yAS7SOa0CjxpHKDri22AqM1aG88pbOPGqwEMraD1D5cYbD-rvfl7r6hZb0ICBBT7~kQo7Q0aW8giS1ZrCN1PMWHv-~Hq1Fg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Idaho Senate on March 19 passed House Bill 2 40, legislation that sets statutory protections for expressive activity on public college and university campuses and prohibits certain campus speech restrictions, after a prolonged floor debate about a private cause of action and state oversight of institutional policy.

Senator Chris Cook, the floor sponsor, said the bill codifies established U.S. Supreme Court principles recognizing public institutions as a “marketplace of ideas,” and will eliminate “speech zones” and blanket disciplinary responses to lawful expression on public campuses. Cook said the bill requires institutions to educate students about free‑speech rights, train administrators and campus police about their duties, and report free‑speech incidents to the Legislature during the appropriation process.

Opponents on the floor cautioned the measure went too far in limiting institutions’ discretion and raised concern about the bill's private cause of action. Senator Ruddke called it “a great big sledgehammer” aimed at colleges and said the private‑suit provision remains a worry. Senator Melissa Wintrow said moving rule content into statute removes negotiated rulemaking processes and said she was voting against rules‑to‑statute measures this session for that reason.

Supporters said the bill aligns Idaho with about 20 other states and that those states have seen minimal litigation under similar laws. Senator Taiz argued that the measure can reduce litigation costs by handling matters in state rather than federal court, and Senator Nichols said the bill addressed problems already seen in Idaho where campuses used speech zones.

The measure passed the Senate on a roll call following closing remarks from supporters. The bill moves to the House for further action.

Why it matters: The statute alters the balance between institutional policy and legislative control on public higher‑education campuses, restricting some campus disciplinary actions and creating statutory remedies for affected parties. Supporters say it safeguards student expression; critics say it weakens local governance and might increase litigation.

What the bill does: Among other provisions recited on the floor, the bill removes limitations on where students may speak or distribute literature in publicly accessible outdoor areas of campuses, prohibits discrimination against student groups based on beliefs for recognition, requires training and reporting, and provides a private right of action for some alleged free‑speech violations.","House Bill 2‑40, establishing protections for expressive activities at public colleges and universities, passed the Idaho Senate March 19 after extended floor debate over a private cause of action and the balance between statutory controls and campus governance.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Idaho Senate updates permitting rules for cyanide leaching ore processing; bill passes after debate over rulemaking

Votes at a glance: March 19 Idaho Senate — budget transfers, agency appropriations, confirmations and housekeeping bills

Senate advances $50 million revolving fund for school facilities aimed at smaller and rural districts

Senate approves campus free‑speech bill after lengthy debate over private lawsuits and institutional authority