2/17/21 Legislative Watch

Updates on Issues Discussed In the Last Legislative Watch

• COVID-19 Vaccination Efforts: Vaccine Administration Transparency Data is now available state-wide. Learn more about the vaccine and your workplace here.
  
  
• 2020 Census: The results of the census will be delayed through April 2021, pushing redistricting efforts to July 2021. Read more about the impact of these delays here. 

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Federal Updates: COVID Relief Update

The House Small Business Committee approved a $50 billion package of relief on Feb. 10 by a party-line vote. The legislation would allow nonprofits with more than 500 total employees and that operate at more than one location to secure PPP forgivable loans so long as no one location employs more than 500 employees. It would also repeal the nonprofit affiliation rule included in the CARES Act to block loans to Planned Parenthood. The bill will be part of the larger $1.9 trillion COVID relief legislation that the House is scheduled to vote on during the week of February 22. See the news release, legislative text, and section-by-section summary.

There is still time to urge for greater Nonprofit relief support. Call on Congress and the Administration to agree to the following by signing on to the National Council of Nonprofits Letter here. The letter asks for the following:

• Provide nonprofit-specific grants, forgivable loans, and refundable tax credits for all nonprofits
• Strengthen charitable giving incentives
• Provide 100% unemployment benefit reimbursement to nonprofits that self-insure these benefits
• Provide substantial financial aid to state and local governments to, among other things, prevent governments from imposing new costs and burdens on their nonprofit partners

Review the letter

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Happening Now in Idah

Below is relevant proposed legislation currently under consideration by the Idaho Legislature. 

Senate Bills:

• S1110: Amends existing law to revise signature requirements for ballot initiative or referendum petitions. 
  • In 2019, the Legislature passed SB 1159, seeking to increase hurdles for citizen-led initiatives and received widespread bipartisan condemnation (Read more). 
  • The current proposed bill (S1110) is seeking to further increase these hurdles. 
  • Resources: Boise Public Radio, Idaho Press

House Bills:

• H0103: Amends existing law to permit remote participation (through platforms permitted by the Board of Directors) in meetings and formal voting for nonprofit organizations.
• H0177: Adds to existing law to provide than 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.
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Building Idaho's Future: Governor's Proposal for Idaho's One-Time Surplus
Governor Brad Little is proposing one of the largest tax cuts in Idaho history - $450 million in tax relief – along with major investments in transportation, education, broadband and other areas. This proposal aims to:

• Help develop a diverse workforce
• Further our state economic rebound
• Create a long-lasting benefit for all Idahoans

An Op-Ed released by Governor Little promises to increase support for small businesses through investments to boost business prosperity.

Building idaho's future overview

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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.

more information

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