4/28/21 Legislative Watch

Updates on Issues Discussed In the Last Legislative Watch

PPP Funds running low
Although the Paycheck Protection Program deadline was extended through May 31st, 2021, loan funding is expected to run out in the first week of May. Those who have not yet applied should do so urgently.

More Information on the Paycheck Protection Program

---

Federal Updates

COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL)
The SBA has launched a new round of Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) assistance to provide $5 billion in additional assistance to 1 million small businesses and nonprofit organizations that were impacted by the pandemic. Additionally, applicants that were declined for the Targeted Economic Injury Disaster Loan can now submit a request for reevaluation by emailing TargetedAdvanceReevaluation@sba.gov with the subject line "Reevaluation Request for [insert your 10-digit application number"]. 

Learn more


Shuttered Venue Operators Grant Program
Following technology issues that occured with the initial program opening, the SVOG portal has been reopened. You can find a checklist for application materials here

Apply for SVOG

WORK NOW Act
If enacted, the Work Opportunities and Resources to Keep Nonprofit Organizations Well Act  (S. 740 and H.R. 1987) would provide grants to help nonprofit organizations retain their employees, scale their service delivery, and increase jobs for unemployed people within their communities by injecting $50 billion into frontline nonprofits to be allocated through state, Tribal, and local governments.

Voice your support for this initiative:  Contact your Representatives and Senators and urge them to cosponsor the WORK NOW Act (S. 740 and H.R. 1987).

---

Happening Now in Idaho

Of the legislation on our radar this session, the following have become law:

• H0103: Amends existing law to permit remote participation (through platforms permitted by the Board of Directors) in meetings and formal voting for nonprofit organizations.
  • How this affects nonprofit organizations: Allows your board of directors to permit remote participation in formal processes as is needed or seen fit.
• S1110: Amends existing law to revise signature requirements for ballot initiative or referendum petitions. 
  • How this affects nonprofit organizations: Voter-led initiatives will now require signatures from each of the 35 legislative districts of Idaho.

Below is relevant proposed legislation still under consideration by the Idaho Legislature:
Senate Bills:

• S1028: Gradually increases hourly minimum wage from $7.50 to $15.00 between 2021 and 2023. Tipped employee hourly wages will increase from from $3.35 to $7.50 in the same time frame. Additionally, counties may establish individual minimum wage laws higher than the state minimum.
• S1030: Amends existing law to provide that freedom from discrimination due to sexual orientation or gender identity is a civil right.  

House Bills:

• H0041: Prohibits additional filing or reporting requirements not outlined in Idaho Code as applies to private foundations and charitable trusts.
• H0177: Adds to existing law to provide that an employer may not penalize an employee for using earned or accrued sick leave.

For a full list of proposed bills passing through the legislature right now, click here. For a full list of all enacted legislation, click here.

---

Stay Connected with the Idaho Legislature: Idaho In Session

Idaho Public Television offers Idaho In Session, a free streaming service that allows organizations to track hearings and legislation that impacts them and their constituents, and can be found here.

More Information

---

The Idaho Nonprofit Center would like to thank the National Council of Nonprofits for Content Themes. ​