Legislative Watch - 3/28/16

In This Issue

1. Re-cap
2. Taxes
3. Education
4. What's Next?
5. Bills
6. Fun Factoid
7. Sine Die

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Session Re-Cap

The 2016 Legislative concluded Friday, March 25, 2016. During the 11th hour the legislators and lobbyists alike hustled to get things finalized. A late hour bill (HB 644) introduced to provide health care for those caught in the Medicaid gap was ultimately killed by the House along party lines Friday morning.

Throughout the session there were bills that passed, and several that didn't, that were heavily debated at the Idaho Nonprofit Center. As the team discussed the bills, we could identify nonprofit members that may be for or against particular bills. It presents a good reminder that the role of the Center is to remain objective and provide information, taking a position only when a particular action impacts the nonprofit sector.

​Whether you were for or against a particular bill this session, you are encouraged to keep track of who supported your position and who did not and Vote Your Mission in November 2016. If you were happy/unhappy with a vote or an action, show your support in your vote. Whether it was health care, concealed carry, minimum wage, education, or something else, take action in November and vote! Your voice and your vote matter - be counted.

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Education

​H0628 - This bill would create a Rural Education Support Center pilot program in North Idaho.

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Taxes, Taxes, Taxes

H0632 - Education was a main focus this session. Along with a new osteopathic medical schools and increased funding for programs like WWAMI, legislation also allows for an income tax credit for charitable donations made to medical residency programs in Idaho.

​H0633 - This bill combines two bills reviewed this session. The bill aims to reduce individual and corporate income tax rate by 0.1%, as well as update the definition of nexus to include retailers with a presence in Idaho to collect and submit a sales tax.

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What's Next?

Multitudes of bills are approaching the Governor's desk for action. Below is a complete list of legislation. The Governor has several options for action, such as, waiting five days after bills are received to sign into law; allow the bill to become law without signing within those five days; or sign or veto the bill ten days after the legislature "sine die".

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Bills That Became Law

H0357- Creates an income tax credit for charitable contributions to the STEM Action Center.

S1210- Professional Technical Education officially changed the name to Career Technical Education.

H0459- Creates funds for a community college in eastern Idaho, voters within the community will decide if they want a community college in eastern Idaho.

H0463- Minimum wage state preemption. Became law without the Governors signature.

H0526- Literacy intervention program expands literacy proficiency for children kindergarten through third grade.

​H0481- Patients who are terminally ill may now try investigational drugs that passed level one safety tests by the FDA.

S1279- The STEM Education Fund.

​H0379- Creates the computer science initiative for the STEM Action Center this year.

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Fun Factoid

Sine Die "(SY-nee DY-ee, SIN-ay DEE-ay) is Latin for without a day... "meeting adjourned". Sine Die is most commonly used to signify the conclusion of the legislative session.

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Until Next Time...

​It has been a pleasure reporting on what is happening at the Capitol. We hope this information has served you well in how you continue your good faith efforts in nonprofit work. Nonprofit advocacy is a critically important tool that can be utilized by each and every one. Until next time, the Idaho Nonprofit Center, sine die.

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The Idaho Nonprofit Center encourages and supports nonprofit engagement in the public policy process at local, state and national levels.

​The Nonprofit Center takes positions only on legislative issues that impact the nonprofit sector as a whole.