Legislative Watch - 3/3/21

Updates on Issues Discussed In the Last Legislative Watch

• 2020 Census: Release of data needed for redistricting purposes has been again delayed until September 30, 2021. Data will be released to all states simultaneously, rather than on a rolling basis. This data is used to draw legislative maps and set boundaries for voting purposes, as well as to determine representation. A delay in this data could cause difficulty for upcoming elections. 

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Federal Updates

Emergency Unemployment Relief for Nonprofits Act Introduced

• Declines in nonprofit employment since January could take a full two years to recover from. Introduced by Representatives Suzan DelBene (D-WA) and Sean Casten (D-IL), the Emergency Unemployment Relief for Nonprofits Act (HR 919) would increase the federal coverage of the unemployment costs of reimbursing employers by 25% between April 1 and October 3, 2021. Increased relief to struggling nonprofits will ensure nonprofits can continue serving their missions and aiding their communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. 
• Suzan DelBene’s Press Release

PPP Program Changes:

• Small Employer Priority Period: The SBA is now offering PPP loans to businesses with 29 or less employees and sole proprietors. This offering will only be available until Tuesday, March 9, 2021. Learn more
  
  
• Second Draw 25% Revenue Decline Requirement: Many nonprofits are finding that they do not qualify for PPP Second Draw loans under the requirements that nonprofits must demonstrate a 25% decline in gross revenue in any quarter of 2020 compared to the same quarter in 2019, despite immense expenses of increased demand for services. 
  
  
• The National Council of Nonprofits suggests contacting Senators and Representatives to suggest repealing the 25% decline requirement or reducing the requirement percentage. 

Executive Order on the Establishment of the White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships

• On February 14, President Biden signed an executive order reestablishing the White House Office of Faith-Based Neighborhood Partnerships. The main goals of the office are COVID relief, combating systemic racism, increasing opportunity and mobility for historically disadvantaged communities, and advancing international development and global humanitarian work. These partnerships will potentially include nonprofits and other community leaders.

American Rescue Plan Passed by the House of Representatives

• On Saturday February 27th President Biden’s $1.9 trillion set of proposals to address the health and economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic. The bill has now been passed to the Senate, where it will need a simple majority vote to pass. 
• American Rescue Plan and Nonprofits

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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.  
  
  
• 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:

• H0041: Prohibits additional filing or reporting requirements not outlined in Idaho Code as applies to private foundations and charitable trusts.
  
  
• 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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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. ​