Legislative Watch 2/3/21

2/1/2021

Updates on Issues Discussed In the Last Legislative Watch:

Executive Order Combating Race and Sex Stereotyping: This order was reversed by President Biden, ridding the restrictions and limitations for diversity training previously in place.
2020 Census: President Biden reversed former President Trump’s policy of excluding unauthorized immigrants from the count. Representation determined by the Census will now include all persons in each state. Results from the 2020 Census are still yet to be released, and are expected no sooner than the first week of March. An accurate census count is essential to ensuring proper government representation and funding for our local communities and organizations.

COVID-19 Vaccination Efforts: In addition to the increase of available Idaho National Guard personnel to assist in vaccine distribution efforts and grants for healthcare providers announced on January 19, 2021, Governor Brad Little has signed a new executive order to promote transparency in vaccine administration. In the January 28 press release, Governor Little stated that local public health districts and healthcare providers will be required to regularly report the number of allocated vaccine doses, number of shots given, and number of doses in inventory. Additionally, the new COVID-19 vaccination information web page has been launched.
The Future of Emergency Powers: On January 22, Governor Brad Little condemned the Legislature’s attempts to end the state of emergency, calling the state of emergency “one of our strongest tools to end this pandemic”. HCR002, ending the restrictions on gatherings of 10 or more people, has since been adopted by the House. Other bills and concurrent resolutions are still being discussed.

Federal Updates: Nonprofits Speak Up for COVID Relief

The $1.9 trillion stimulus package bill (the American Rescue Plan) is thin on provisions for nonprofits. Help focus the attention of lawmakers on the needs of charitable nonprofits by signing your organization onto a new nonprofit letter calling for a package of solutions tailored to the needs and realities of nonprofits serving the public good. Specifically, the letter calls for nonprofit-specific grants and forgivable loans for nonprofits of all sizes, an increase and extension of charitable giving incentives, full coverage of unemployment costs of reimbursing (self-insured) employers, and financial aid to state and local governments. Read the letter to the federal leaders and go here to sign on now! We encourage you to sign by this Friday, February 5th.

Happening Now in Idaho

Below is relevant proposed legislation currently 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: Adds a new section to current code to prohibit additional requirements than provided in Idaho Code for private foundations and charitable trusts.

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, can be found here.

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