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Local Government Committee (LGC) Report Report DATE: 04-30-2023 LGC Reports are a compilation of notes taken at LG meetings, and information shared with the committee from organizations and community members. Reports do not reflect the official positions of the Bonneville County Republican Party. We encourage the reader to research information and consider all sides of any issue. The intent of the LGC is to inform citizens of Bonneville County and encourage them to become involved in all levels of their community and local government. BONNEVILLE’S BEST Bonneville’s Best is a chance to recognize the good things happening in our community. Do you know a person or business that is making a positive difference? Please send your short story (one or two small paragraphs) to BonnevilleGOP.info@gmail.com. We'd like to recognize our own Cheryl Papke, Chair of the Local Government Committee, who faithfully gathers local government information, attending many of the meetings herself at times, and gets that information to the BCRCC. Without her we could not keep our county so well-informed. This is an important service for all Bonneville county residents! CITY IDAHO FALLS DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT CLASS 04/14/23 Non-profit 501C6 so is eligible for grants. The downtown historic foundation is under this department. The area is Broadway to C street. Business improvement district- separate taxing district owned by Idaho Falls. The businesses must petition the city to stay in the district. The businesses are taxed $150-850/ year depending on assessment. Total of $90K total tax per year collected. Board of directors has 14 seats which consists of property owners, merchants, business owners and a staff of 4 employees one of which is designated for parking monitoring. Currently there are 2300 residents living in this designated area. More housing is wanted, but parking is an issue. Secure funds from HUD Weekly and monthly newsletter available. Businesses can a apply for a sign, facade or awning grant. For projects, also able to get funds from the Redevelopment Agency. $342K was used for the Corner project which put in new planter boxes and curbing. Used recyclable materials and made the planter better for water conservation. Beautification with hanging baskets is done yearly. These may be sponsored for $85 and will have a sign saying who donated the basket. These are up June 1st to October. 95 are available. New street lights were put up. Went from cobra to candlestick design which was better for the residents. Safety lights are planned for the more dangerous and darken areas of downtown due to there being some issues. There is also public art which are murals on the side of buildings. There is currently one with pets that is available for $250 each. Can have your pet painted on the building. $25 will go to the animal shelter, $25 to IFDC and the rest to the artist. Also art benches to sit on. Funding came from local businesses and individuals. Traffic cabinets are also decorated with art work to make them more attractive. Many activities year round in the downtown area. Go to the website for up to date listings. At Christmas there are complimentary trolley rides. Parking is an issue in this area. They are looking into story parking. There is a map on the website of parking areas. From free 2 hours, pay parking and one parking garage on Broadway. Hoping to incorporate GIFT as a shuttle Hoping to expand the area to Pancheri. 50% +1 needed of the area merchants, etc to start a district. IMPORTANT DATES- PLEASE ATTEND Parks and Rec Meeting May 1.... 12:00 PM...Maeck Education Center @ the Zoo Work Session... May 8... 3 PM.... 680 Park Avenue Bonneville County Prosecuting Attorney (Randy Neal) together with local law enforcement and the US Federal Prosecuting Attorney for Idaho , Josh Hurwit May 9...6:30 PM... Thunder Ridge. May 16 VOTE (see sample ballots under Schools) ***Library Board*** May 17...4 Pm (yes there are pornographic books in our library). If you attend any of these meetings please wear blue. That is our signature color so they know they are being watched and monitored. Planning Commission May 2.. 7 PM .... 680 Park Avenue City wide clean up begins May 4 During the Clean and Green event, unwanted items, will be collected between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. at the following locations: o May 4-6, Parks and Recreation maintenance building on Old Butte Road near Clarence Drive o May 11-13, Russ Freeman Park at the recycling bins near Fremont Avenue and Micro Street o May 18-20, Mel Erickson Sunnyside Park o May 25-27, intersection of Bennett Avenue and Waid Street Thursday April 13, 2023 agenda. There are 2 public hearings scheduled: 1. CDBG Grant (Community Development Block Grant) City of Idaho Falls has been awarded $433,830 from this grant. This is a HUD grant that requires a citizen participation plan that will run from 4-13 to 5-13 and will be discussed and determined in the work meeting on Monday, May 22. 2. Fees for municipal services, sanitation, dump, transit etc... SCHOOLS Voting on bonds and levies on May 16 PLANNING & ZONING IDAHO FALLS PLANNING COMMISSION APRIL 4, 2023 Public Hearing: Annexation/Initial Zoning: Mixed use HC, Highly Commercial; LC, Limited Commercial; and R3A, Residential for property of 166 acres North of E 49th N, east of N 5th E, south of E 65th N and west of US Hwy 20. When a property is annexed, it must be zoned at the same time. This property is located where the possible ITD connector will occur. There was much debate on the annexation due to the fact that the connector location has not been finalized. The debate was if it made sense and was of value to the city to annex before knowing this information. It was approved except for one nay from Commissioner Dale Storer who felt that it was too early to make a decision on this property due to the ITD connector. Final plat: approved: this will be entry level detached housing located on 37.372 acres in the southwest of intersection at 5th west and 65th south. 109 lots. The canal may come through the property. Final plat: approved: 4 buildable lots R2 zoned on property located at north of Lomax St, east of N Wabash Ave, south of Cleveland St, west of N Fanning Ave. Final plat: approved: 50.971 acres, LC zoned, 3 lots in phases to be developed, property located north of the Sidehill Canal, east of Pioneer Rd, south of Event Center Dr, west of Snake River Pkwy. It was asked by the commissioners how busy the planning board was, and they responded that things have being slowing down.

Local Government Committee Report Local Government Committee (LGC) Report Report DATE: 4-26-2023 LGC Reports are a compilation of notes taken at LG meetings, and information shared with the committee from organizations and community members. Reports do not reflect the official positions of the Bonneville County Republican Party. We encourage the reader to research information and consider all sides of any issue. The intent of the LGC is to inform citizens of Bonneville County and encourage them to become involved in all levels of their community and local government. BONNEVILLE’S BEST Bonneville’s Best is a chance to recognize the good things happening in our community. Do you know a person or business that is making a positive difference? Please send your short story (one or two small paragraphs) to BonnevilleGOP.info@gmail.com. A huge thank you goes out to Lisa Keller for volunteering to chair our annual Lincoln Day Gala. We would also like to recognize, and thank, the many volunteers who spent many hours making the event possible, and the many businesses that donated items and sponsored tables. We couldn’t do it without you! UPCOMING DATES AND MEETINGS Water facility Plan..Public Meeting... April 26... 5:30 PM... 680 Park Ave · City Council Thursday, April 27..... 7:30 PM..... 680 Park Avenue · Agenda 82 pages long....public hearing for Pioneer Road Annexation and Rezone · Agenda can be found at City of Idaho Falls Agenda Center · Board of Adjustment Meeting...April 27...12:15 Pm..... 680 Park Avenue · Planning Commission May 2.. 7 PM .... 680 Park Avenue · City wide clean up begins May 4 · During the Clean and Green event, unwanted items, will be collected between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. at the following locations: o May 4-6, Parks and Recreation maintenance building on Old Butte Road near Clarence Drive o May 11-13, Russ Freeman Park at the recycling bins near Fremont Avenue and Micro Street o May 18-20, Mel Erickson Sunnyside Park o May 25-27, intersection of Bennett Avenue and Waid Street · Parks and Rec Meeting May 1.... 12:00 PM...Maeck Education Center @ the Zoo · Work Session... May 8... 3 PM.... 680 Park Avenue · Bonneville County Prosecuting Attorney (Randy Neal) together with local law enforcement and The US Federal Prosecuting Attorney for Idaho , Josh Hurwit May 9...6:30 PM... Thunder Ridge. · Library Board May 17...4 Pm CITY Dawna Howard, contributor City Council Notes April, 13,2023 (In order on agenda) 1. Police Department creating an ordinance for unregulated commercial sales of dogs and cats. 2. Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) issued by HUD. There are several agencies within the area that benefit from these grants. Some were present during the public hearing to appeal to the council for their needs and purposes for the grants, which will be decided and granted on May 25, 2023. The federal grant runs in 5 yr cycles, this is year three of the current 5 yr cycle. Monetary amount of the grant $433,830, Grandparents raising grandkids, ID Legal Aid BHC of EI, Club, INC, Promise Ridge Domestic Violence Shelter, Public Works (for curb, gutter and park enhancements), YMCA Sr. Center, Development Workshop-IF Downtown Development 3. Lengthy discussion regarding Impact Fees. Title 1 Chapter3 and Title 10 Chapter 8 (appx 8:20 PM) a. Brandt Monette of EIHBA spoke on behalf of several builders who are appealing for the removal of impact fees based on the following: i. Drive growth out of Idaho Falls ii. Damage public relationships with builders (illegal tax) iii. Class action lawsuit filed by the organization if not repealed. 4. Randy Fife, City Attorney conducted the public hearing for the raising of fees and services provided from the City of Idaho Falls. Parks and Rec, sanitation and GIFT. They claim the increase is due from the rising cost from the County. GIFT wants to authorize after hours charges and fees for accommodating large crowds who wish to travel together (within the city limits of IF only)! 5. Ryan Tew, HR resource discussed the pay raises of the Mayor and the City Council to $100,000 yr and $15,000 yr with 2.2% raises for the next 6 years. a. To commence in January 2024 after the elections. b. There will be 3 seats up for reelection in November 2023. c. Title 1 Chapter 5 and 6 Dawna’s personal assessment 1. When Impact Fees were first discussed in 2022 the same objections were made by MANY contractors and the public; that were brought up at this meeting by Mr. Monette. I also presented the same arguments in my 3 minute open meeting in June 2022. Doing research it was shown that cities that implemented impact fees were eventually sued over them and lost. It hampers growth, ruins public relationships and runs all new construction outside of city limits. There is growth in Bonneville County. People moving here DO NOT want to live in apartments or town homes they want custom homes built. That growth is occurring in Osgood, Ammon and Jefferson County. 2. The council and the mayor did respond to the comments made by Mr. Monette with statements that this was not a public hearing to eliminate fees it is strictly for making the ordinance more user friendly, clarity issues, it is not outside the statutes of original ordinance, it helps stabilize budget for growth, spread the cost of growth to new move in’s, there was NOT enough yet to make a difference. Is that because no one is building in the City of Idaho Falls due to cost? Are impact fees really necessary? My boss is a contractor and has stopped working with the City of Idaho Falls due to cost of licensing, permits, impact fees and 150% bond. He builds mostly in Osgood, a few in Ammon and quite a few in Bingham County. I do not believe that impact fees are hampering the contractors in making money they are just making their money outside of the City of Idaho Falls limits. IN MY OPNION (after much study and research) impact fees are hampering the growth for the City of Idaho Falls and all the high density housing is not necessary as most new move in’s are moving outside of the city limits. 3. I have requested the ordinances for the new pay schedules as it has been brought to my attention that they CAN NOT enact future pay raises. I also have requested SEVERAL times the monthly line item expense reports by department. I am focusing on the police department because according to them they are underfunded and I would like to see if it is from unnecessary spending or lower budgeting. 4. I encourage any patriot who is concerned about the future of Idaho Falls to run for council office. We need to make a difference for our city with our dedication and passion for expense control, accountability, transparency, public relations with the community, ease of communication with the citizens, and getting out from under Federal Grants and become self sustaining with our own revenues and resources. 5. REQUEST FOR ASSISTANCE: If any of you are interested in looking at the budgets and comparing them year to year so we can locate discrepancies, find where spending habits have changed, it will enable me to focus on the correct areas and request the correct documents so I don’t have to be generic in my requests to the city. IDAHO FALLS DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT CLASS 04/14/23 1. Non-profit 501C6 so is eligible for grants. The downtown historic foundation is under this department. The area is Broadway to C street. 2. Business improvement district- separate taxing district owned by Idaho Falls. The businesses must petition the city to stay in the district. The businesses are taxed $150-850/ year depending on assessment. Total of $90K total tax per year collected. 3. Board of directors has 14 seats which consists of property owners, merchants, business owners and a staff of 4 employees one of which is designated for parking monitoring. 4. Currently there are 2300 residents living in this designated area. More housing is wanted, but parking is an issue. 5. Secure funds from HUD 6. Weekly and monthly newsletter available. 7. Businesses can apply for a sign, facade or awning grant. 8. For projects, also able to get funds from the Redevelopment Agency. 9. $342K was used for the Corner project which put in new planter boxes and curbing. Used recyclable materials and made the planter better for water conservation. Beautification with hanging baskets is done yearly. These may be sponsored for $85 and will have a sign saying who donated the basket. These are up June 1 st to October. 95 are available. New street lights were put up. Went from cobra to candlestick design which was better for the residents. 10. Safety lights are planned for the more dangerous and darkened areas of downtown due to there being some issues. 11. There is also public art which are murals on the side of buildings. There is currently one with pets that is available for $250 each. Can have your pet painted on the building. $25 will go to the animal shelter, $25 to IFDC and the rest to the artist. 12. Also art benches to sit on. Funding came from local businesses and individuals. 13. Traffic cabinets are also decorated with artwork to make them more attractive. 14. Many activities year-round in the downtown area. Go to the website for up-to-date listings. 15. At Christmas there are complimentary trolley rides. 16. Parking is an issue in this area. They are looking into story parking. There is a map on the website of parking areas. From free, 2 hours, pay parking and one parking garage on Broadway. 17. Hoping to incorporate GIFT as a shuttle 18. Hoping to expand the area to Pancheri. 19. 50% +1 needed of the area merchants, etc., to start a district. AREAS TO PAY ATTENTION TO - Dawna Howard, contributor · 13.4% of Idaho Falls residents live in poverty (2020 Census Bureau) · Growth of the CITY of Idaho Falls (not the county) 8.7% in 10 years (Census Bureau) · City of Idaho Falls has the 2nd highest tax levy in Idaho (Pocatello passed us in 2022) (state tax commission public record request) · Idaho Falls has the most city employees (excluding the departments that make them unique) and the highest paid employees · Approved raises for Mayor and Council for the next 6 years Mayor income will be over $100,000 beginning in January 2024. Considering switching to City administrator instead of Mayor. (Printed ordinance and council attendance) · City Administrator is appointed through city council WITHOUT citizen input and gets paid twice the amount of the mayor. · Overtaxed infrastructure; paying an outside vendor $500,000/year to clear out the sewer sludge that the city cannot maintain, broken water lines and low water pressure · Class Action Suit announced by East Idaho Home Builders Ass (EIHBA) over impact fees. · Prices of building permits, impact fees and 150% bond make it impossible for local builders to build in the City of Idaho Falls, impeding growth and keeping current businesses struggling OR moving to another city to do business (Ammon). · Much single home growth in Bonneville County, Osgood area, but not in Idaho Falls Proper · Upzoning- happening in Boise. All mayors attend the same “training” every year. · Smart cities, smart meters, everything MUST be walkable. · High density housing & population growth. All new building must include walking paths and biking paths. · COP instead of Bonds because they do NOT have to be voted on and MANY departments in Idaho Falls are not bondable (transportation for one…GIFT is being ran on a Federal Grant) so it is temporary and not sustainable by the city AFTER the grant is over. · Yearly Membership to ICLEI- Local Governments for sustainability (low-emission, nature based, equitable, resilient and circular development)

Opinion piece contributor, Carolyn Harrison IDAHO FALLS PUBLIC LIBRARY’S POSITION ON SEXUALLY-EXPLICIT BOOKS “You can’t protect the kids from everything.” “Most of these books have been in the public libraries for years.” “From a freedom point of view, this is NOT freedom.” “Our solution would have to be to eliminate high-school kids from a good portion of the Library.” “This is the same as minors watching the castration of pigs/cattle, World War I/ World War II photos, as well as the Renaissance paintings.” “Parents just don’t parent anymore; parents should do their jobs.” “We will have to train people coming into the Library about the First Amendment.” These were the “insights” from the Idaho Falls Public Library’s Board of Trustees during their March 27th Board meeting, when the topics of sexually explicit books at the Library, as well as legislative actions to prohibit this material from minors, were discussed. The first item of business was when I presented a letter to the Board members, as well as a copy of the Idaho Family Policy Center’s “Pornography in Public Schools and Libraries: A Statewide Problem” manuscript, written by Blaine Conzatti, President of Idaho Family Policy Center. At issue in my letter was the fact that in the aforementioned publication, the Idaho Family Policy Center Team scoured dozens of school and public-library catalogues throughout the State, looking for five (5) commonly available titles that fall under the umbrella of “obscene” for children and teenagers: “Gender Queer”; “Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic”; “All Boys Aren’t Blue”; “It’s Perfectly Normal: Changing Bodies, Growing Up, Sex, and Sexual Health”, and “Dreaming in Cuban”. In this study, the Idaho Family Policy Center Team found the Idaho Falls Public Library has all five books on its shelves; could there possibly be more? The aforesaid letter was provided to the Board as an opportunity to give their input before Letters to the Editors were sent. The Board told me they would assign someone to answer my questions; as of this date, no one from the Library has responded to my requests for joint discussions. In answer to some of the first-paragraph statements, as it relates to First- Amendment and “freedom” issues, federal courts have ruled that children do not have First-Amendment rights to access or receive material that is harmful to them. Additionally, the implication, above, is that these books are integrated into the Library’s second-and-third-floor book selections and not cordoned off into a dedicated area, which is not accessible by minors. The result: if not overseen by an adult, there is the very real “opportunity” for our children to openly partake of this obscene material, at will. This is not the visual castration of animals; this is not a graphic view of what was, ultimately, the freedoms bestowed upon us by war-time conflicts; this is not a classical/cultural 14th-to-17th-century European artistic enlightening learning experience. This is the raw and explicit display of sexual organs and/or activity, intended to stimulate erotic, rather than aesthetic, feelings—and it should be stopped!

Local Government Committee (LGC) Report Report DATE: 1-12-2023 LGC Reports are a compilation of notes taken at LG meetings, and information shared with the committee from organizations and community members. Reports do not reflect the official positions of the Bonneville County Republican Party. We encourage the reader to research information and consider all sides of any issue. The intent of the LGC is to inform citizens of Bonneville County and encourage them to become involved in all levels of their community and local government. BONNEVILLE’S BEST Bonneville’s Best is a chance to recognize the good things happening in our community. Do you know a person or business that is making a positive difference? Please send your short story (one or two small paragraphs) to BonnevilleGOP.info@gmail.com. We'd like to recognize our state Republican Party Chair, Dorothy Moon, for the excellent job she is doing in communicating with the party on key issues. She is moving the party forward in positive ways and creating great tools for individual counties to help promote the Platform. We greatly appreciate her efforts! CITY COUNCIL Contributor, Dawna Howard https://www.idahofallsidaho.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04132023-1533 Thursday April 13, 2023 agenda. There are 2 public hearings scheduled: 1. CDBG Grant (Community Development Block Grant) City of Idaho Falls has been awarded $433,830 from this grant. This is a HUD grant that requires a citizen participation plan that will run from 4-13 to 5-13 and will be discussed and determined in the work meeting on Monday, May 22. 2. Fees for municipal services, sanitation, dump, transit etc... Impact fees were addressed at Monday's work session. They will be ratified in Thursday's meetings. There is a schedule of those fees attached to the agenda. he agenda itself is rather short but public hearings can oftentimes be lengthy. PLANNING & ZONING IDAHO FALLS PLANNING COMMISSION APRIL 4, 2023 Contributor, Cheryl Papke 1. Public Hearing: Annexation/Initial Zoning: Mixed use HC, Highly Commercial; LC, Limited Commercial; and R3A, Residential for property of 166 acres North of E 49th N, east of N 5th E, south of E 65th N and west of US Hwy 20. When a property is annexed, it must be zoned at the same time. This property is located where the possible ITD connector will occur. There was much debate on the annexation due to the fact that the connector location has not been finalized. The debate was if it made sense and was of value to the city to annex before knowing this information. It was approved except for one nay from Commissioner Dale Storer who felt that it was too early to make a decision on this property due to the ITD connector. 2. Final plat: approved: this will be entry level detached housing located on 37.372 acres in the southwest of intersection at 5th west and 65th south. 109 lots. The canal may come through the property. 3. Final plat: approved: 4 buildable lots R2 zoned on property located at north of Lomax St, east of N Wabash Ave, south of Cleveland St, west of N Fanning Ave. 4. Final plat: approved: 50.971 acres, LC zoned, 3 lots in phases to be developed, property located north of the Sidehill Canal, east of Pioneer Rd, south of Event Center Dr, west of Snake River Pkwy. It was asked by the commissioners how busy the planning board was, and they responded that things have being slowing down.

Post Register article submitted by ANDREW RUSSELL Republican columnist, BCRCC It’s no secret that conservative Republicans feel that their points of view are marginalized by the media today — and, heck, it’s no wonder too. The editors of this very newspaper published an editorial a few weeks back unabashedly bashing the Republican Party and our annual fundraiser event. Are we really supposed to believe their paper is unbiased? Individual bias and organizational bias are universal, and we shouldn’t shy away from them. Everyone, without exception, has varying levels of bias, and that’s a good thing — it reflects diversity of experiences and convictions. The problem is when individuals and organizations deny their bias and try to gaslight us into believing they are objective. It’s a form of lying, and it causes friction and contention. If you believe something, own it. I hope that my own bias is clear — I’m an outspoken conservative Republican. Personally, I am thrilled about the local Republican Party’s upcoming Lincoln Day Gala on April 15. The prospect of meeting and hearing in-person from two people who have been the target of biased media — Kyle Rittenhouse and Dr. James Lindsay — resonates with me. Perhaps it is because I have seen the media lie so much to me about the things that are important to me. How does the media lie? By framing publications as “unbiased” and “objective” while leaving out certain key details and focusing instead on other details of stories without essential context. For example, in the recent editorial published by the Post Register editorial board, comprised of the paper’s top editors, they mocked the official Republican Party, our Lincoln Day Gala fundraiser and our past and present speakers. They accused Candace Owens of promoting Russian propaganda for tweets she made, but they left out what she had tweeted — that it is appalling to discriminate against Russians, that “those calling for Russian students opera singers, etc to be banned are the kind of scum who would have demanded the Japanese internment.” In that same article, editors of the Post Register attack James O’Keefe, calling him “a political activist and provocateur who founded the far-right activist group Project Veritas which uses deceptive editing techniques to attack mainstream media organizations.” All this just a couple weeks after O’Keefe’s organization exposed Pfizer for exploring directed evolution science to create mutations of the COVID-19 virus in order to develop and sell vaccines for them, according to the high-ranking Pfizer employee’s own admission on hidden camera. The editors conveniently left this recent news out of their editorial — it must not have fit the way they wanted to portray O’Keefe. The upcoming Lincoln Day Gala will be an incredible event. Kyle Rittenhouse will come to personally share about the left’s ongoing effort to ruin his life in a variety of ways, including slander in the media and lawsuits in the courts. James Lindsay will come to share about the left’s ongoing effort to push left-wing narratives in the name of “education” and “science.” The gala will be bursting at the seams with patriotism and love for our Constitution. If you want to learn more about it, go to the party’s website, www.BonnevilleGOP.com. The mainstream media and local Democratic Party have chosen to publicly attack the Republican Party, our Lincoln Day Gala, and our speakers. Here’s the question you have to ask yourself: Why? Andrew Russell is the youth committee person for the Bonneville County Republican Party.

Doyle Beck, LD 32 Chair, contributor The Legislature is close to winding down but there are three more bills still being considered that deserve your attention, as they remain in the process. House Bill 71 would prevent minors from being subjected to gender "transition" procedures, including surgeries and hormone therapies. House Bill 314 would stop public libraries from subjecting students to obscene materials. Both these bills are still being considered by the Senate. Senate Bill 1176, which has passed the House and is on its way to the governor, would continue social justice activities and diversity, equity, and inclusion hiring at our public colleges and universities. If you want to have a say on that one before the governor signs it, go here. To get more information, and to be more involved, visit our Bill Tracker page where you can search bills by number, testify remotely, and contact your legislators.

Doyle Beck, LD 32, contributor The 2023 session of the Idaho Legislature is winding down, but there is still a lot of very important legislation still pending. Here is an update to give you a sense at what's left and what's at stake: House Bill 71 passed the Senate Judiciary Committee but it is being sent to the Senate floor for amendment. This is the legislation that would prohibit sex change procedures for minors. It's expected that opponents of the bill will try to allow exemptions to the law, e.g., letting children use puberty blockers but still banning surgeries. If you want to let lawmakers know this legislation should pass as is, now is a good time to let them know. While a proposal for a universal education savings account for Idaho school students failed, a smaller proposal, participation limited to 2,000 students, passed the Senate and is waiting to be heard in the House. It's Senate Bill 1161. The Idaho Freedom Foundation gave the proposal light support in its Education Index, but the Idaho Education Association opposed it as it has all school choice proposals. Senate Bill 1186 is a renewed attempt to move Idaho's presidential primary back to May, which of course will put the state at a disadvantage when it comes to our influence on the presidential nomination process. The Bonneville County Central Committee has urged Bonneville legislators to oppose this bill, as it contradicts the Republican Party Rules. There is also a bill pending, Senate Bill 1185which would require candidates to file for office by the end of January. This is concerning because candidates for the Legislature would have to file before the Legislature has even voted on anything. How would you know if your legislator is doing a good job or not? You might not expect this kind of a bill to be making its way through the Idaho Legislature but House Bill 313 would require schools to put feminine hygiene products in Idaho's public schools. The bill passed the House Education Committee and is about to be considered in the House. The Idaho Freedom Foundation's analysis is here. A group called the Idaho Period Project is behind the measure. On the other hand, House Bill 314, a revised attempt to keep Idaho's public libraries from stocking obscene materials, is making its way to the House floor. Here's IFF's analysis. Finally, Senate Joint Memorial 101 would have no force of law but it is controversial for how it asks Congress and the White House to fix America's broken immigration system. In doing so, the memorial says people who are here illegally should be allowed to stay. Critics call this amnesty, while supporters of the bill deny this. The Idaho Association of Commerce and Industry specifically issued a statement thanking legislators for passing the memorial, which will not be considered in the House

Jilene Burger, LD 33 Chair, contributor Growing Government Rigby Rep. Rod Furniss and Lewiston Rep. Lori McCann partnered together to push House Bill 313, which would require the state to fund tampon distribution machines in every female restroom at all public schools in Idaho. This means state-funded tampon machines in every public school female bathroom statewide. Isn’t this something that the private sector should take care of? Medical Education Funding On Thursday, Mar 16, the Idaho House debated Senate Bill 1147, a budget bill that appropriates $27,215,100 and 44.65 full-time positions to Health Education Programs for fiscal year 2024. Health Education Programs include medical training through the WWAMI program, a multi-state collaborative with the University of Washington Medical School. There is concern that state funds being spent on the WWAMI program would constitute a violation of Idaho’s No Public Funds for Abortion Act. School Choice A school choice bill that allows money to follow students to the school of their choice has passed a legislative chamber. Senate Bill 1161 would expand the Empowering Parents grant program to add a tuition grant component, giving up to 2,000 students $6,000 per year that they could use to offset the cost of tuition at a nonpublic school or to hire a certified teacher. The vote was close: 19-15-1. It goes to the House Education Committee. Indecent Material in Schools House Bill 314 came out with a Do Pass recommendation. Filed for second reading.

Doyle Beck, Legislative District 32 Chair, contributor The legislative session is winding down, as evidenced by the fact that fewer committees are meeting and most of the debate is on the floor of the House and Senate. I'll draw your attention to some bills that are of interest. Senate Bill 1147. This bill would appropriate Idaho taxpayer money to medical training programs in Utah and Washington. Unfortunately, those programs also train medical students on abortions, transgender procedures for minors, and social justice. The Senate voted for this bill despite those concerns, and the proposal is en route to the House for consideration. House Bill 71, which would prohibit transgender procedures on minors is expected to be heard on Friday in the Senate Judiciary and Rules Committee. Senate Bill 1100 would require school districts to segregate restrooms between sexes so that boys aren't using girls' restrooms and vice versa. The Idaho Freedom Foundation supports the bill and the Idaho Association of Commerce and Industry opposes it. This probably sounds like something that would be introduced in Oregon or Washington, but a bill introduced in the Senate would make it illegal for a person to vape or smoke in a car with a minor present.

Doyle Beck, LD 32 Chairman, contributor Tomorrow, March 7, House Bill 24, which would create a new program to give $8,500 to high school graduates training in so-called "in-demand careers," will be considered by the Senate Commerce Committee. If you'd like to testify on the bill, click here. The bill is supported by the Idaho Association of Commerce and Industry and Idaho Business for Education. The Idaho Freedom Foundation and Frank Vandersloot are the most significant opposition. We are still awaiting a hearing on House Bill 71, which would prohibit gender "reassignment" procedures on minors. Contact the chairman of the Senate Judiciary and Rules Committee, Todd Lakey, to let him know your opinion on this legislation. The Legislature is also expected to discuss a proposal to repeal Medicaid expansion, but so far no hearing has been scheduled. The bill is supported by the Idaho Freedom Foundation but opposed by IACI. Another bill would expand Medicaid to include postpartum women. That bill also has yet to have a hearing. A bill to end the March presidential primary is awaiting consideration in the Senate. In addition to removing the March election, there is concern that the bill doesn't expressly reinstate the use of the May primary for the consideration of presidential candidates.

Local Government Committee (LGC) Report Report DATE: 2-28-2023 LGC Reports are a compilation of notes taken at LG meetings, and information shared with the committee from organizations and community members. Reports do not reflect the official positions of the Bonneville County Republican Party. We encourage the reader to research information and consider all sides of any issue. The intent of the LGC is to inform citizens of Bonneville County and encourage them to become involved in all levels of their community and local government. Kathy Kula, LGC Co-Chair, contributor PLANNING & ZONING City: Notes from Planning and Zoning Meeting Feb 7, 2023 1. Public hearing- Passed- Annexation of Approximately 3 acres in the Northwest Corner of Pioneer Rd and Pioneer Dr with the initial zone of HC, Highway Commercial. 2. Public hearing- Passed- Planned Unit Development for Anderson Townhomes. 4 bldgs of 4 units each on 1 acre parcel. There are 2 extra parking spaces allotted over the minimum of 1 parking space per bedroom. There will be parking on Anderson for there was concern about parking for residents. An area of concern was that the swings as the amenity are to be located in the drainage pond area. Drains have been added to the area so that water should drain from the area within 2 days. There was a neighborhood meeting regarding this development and only 1 neighbor showed up. Added fencing is being added for privacy which was their only concern. 3. Final plat for Stone Creek Estates Division No.4 extension- reapproved. This just needed to be reapproved due to the time lapse in building since the last approval. 4. Anderson Bush Urban Renewal Project- this was approved with 2 “nay” votes. Scott voted nay for he was concerned about how isolated the area is and walking accessibility to commercial and also the possible conflict with the I15/US 20 connector is approved in that area. The other nay, sorry did not get the name of this commissioner, was due to a decision that he felt there was possibly a better use of the property. 5. PUD Amenities Discussion- this directly related to the swing set situation in the above PUD of Anderson Townhomes. The city planners have become concerned that the developers have been simply checking the boxes for amenities in their PUD developments. Essentially not always quality in their fulfilling of this requirement. Additional verbiage and clarification of the definitions for amenities were discussed. 6. I15/US 20 connector update- At this point, the recommended preferred alternative is H2. There is still review being done by the federal dept. The other option is not being as considered due to its impact on the neighborhoods. The ramps would be 3 stories high at this location, not H2, which would enter into air space which would include FAA review. Also, maintenance of snow and semi truck travel would be more of an issue here . The H2 option has a large circle ramp design which will keep the elevation low and be able to maintain freeway speeds and be easier for future needs. There is a concern since no final decision could be possibly for 2 years that if a development comes to the planners for approval and is in this possible area, it will still need to be approved if it meets standards. *Note: Keep an eye on upcoming legislation. There are 3 bills being heard on city annexation and Planning & Zoning. S 1040, S 1062, S 1073.

Doyle Beck, LD 32, contributor Senate Bill 1038, creating a universal school choice program for Idaho students, failed to pass the Senate on Monday. It is expected that additional school choice legislation will be introduced in the House, so the battle on this issue may not yet be over. In other developments, legislation to make sure Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) investing doesn't take hold in the state is on the way to the House floor for consideration. House Bills 189, 190, and 191 would prevent ESG in several instances. The Idaho Freedom Foundation has rated all the bills favorably. The Idaho Association of Commerce and Industry spoke in opposition to the legislation calling it "dangerous and unworkable." Also of note: the Senate will vote soon on Senate Bill 1078, which would give the secretary of state the new responsibility of creating a voter guide. Here's what the IFF has to say about it. The House is expected to vote soon on a bill to create a new crime of "critical infrastructure trespass." IFF has misgivings about the legislation, which is House Bill 167. IACI supports the legislation. Finally, a House vote could come soon on House Bill 111, which would give students the day off on election day out of concerns regarding school safety. Here is IFF's take on it. Nick Contos, Chairman BCRCC, contributor Senate Bill 1062 This is legislation presented by Julianne Young, State GOP Liaison, which limits the city's ability to annex. This new bill would require permission from EVERY landowner and the county planning and zoning. Testimonies are being taken on Thursday. To learn how to testify remotely, or find information on current bills, visit https://www.bonnevillegop.com/bill-tracker Jayne Wolf, LGC Co-Chair, contributor HB 167, the bill that will create a massive amount of “gun-free” zones in Idaho, will be heard on the House floor. The bill creates “gun-free” zones by giving “No Guns” signs the force of law in Idaho where they currently do not have the force of law. The bill appears to violate Idaho’s firearm preemption law by letting “government buildings” post “No Firearms Allowed” signs. Under Firearm Preemption, cities and counties are not allowed to regulate the carrying of firearms. This creates a clear problem with our current law if HB 167 is passed. Kathy Kula, LGC Co-Chair, contributor Update on the H58 bill. Vote consolidation. It it going to the 14th order where things can be added or taken away as written. It will then go to the setup floor. Wendy Horman who originally sponsored the bill for the March and August dates to be added is now in support of this bill to take them away.